New Year’s Eve typically makes you think of popping champagne and staying up late with friends, but when you add kids into the equation, it becomes a little harder to figure out how to celebrate!
Luckily, there are family-friendly events around Austin on Dec. 31, 2024, where kids can ring in the New Year too. And lots don’t involve staying up late at all — have you been to a Noon Year’s Eve before, which happens at 12 noon instead of 12 midnight? Here are some celebrations you can bring your kids to and celebrate the end of 2024 and start of 2025.
Check back as December goes on — I’ll add more events as venues announce details!
In This Post
Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Events
Austin’s New Year at Auditorium Shores
This annual free event is family-friendly if your kids can stay up until midnight (or you can leave before the new year of course!). It takes place from 7 pm to midnight at Auditorium Shores. Entertainment will be announced soon!
Noon Year’s Eve Events
Noon Year’s Eve at Terrazas Branch Library
The Terrazas Branch of the Austin Public Library (at 1105 E. Cesar Chavez St) will have crafts, dancing and snacks before a balloon drop at noon. Best for kids 8 and younger. 11 am to 12:30 pm.
Noon Year’s Eve Storytime Celebration at Yarborough Branch Library
Hear a story and make a wishing star, firework art and noisemaker at the Yarborough Branch of APL (2200 Hancock Dr.). At noon, there will be bubbles and a balloon drop! 10:30 am to noon.
Thinkery New Year’s Eve Celebration
Of course Thinkery would know how to celebrate NYE with kids! There are tons of fun activities to take part in, and a big balloon drop that kids will love — the floor will be covered in bubble wrap to make it extra fun! For really little ones, there is a baby balloon drop that is sensory-friendly with bubbles and floating scarves.
Other activities include crafting your own New Year 2025 accessories, making DIY confetti, and playing in the sparkle lab.
There are two time slots: 9-11 am or 1-3 pm. Tickets are $30 for members (on sale Dec. 9) and $35 for non-members (on sale Dec. 16).
Noon Year’s Eve at Laura’s Library
Celebrate the New Year with a concert by Mr. Will and a countdown to noon! Dancing and fun starting at 11 am.
Indigo Play Noon Year’s Eve
No reservations needed at this Noon Year’s Eve party (included with general admission). Enjoy games from 11 to noon, a balloon drop at noon, and then free pizza afterward! Kids will also love the sparkling juice, while grownups have a champagne toast.
And a few other places that haven’t announced their 2024 events yet, but have hosted kid-friendly celebrations in the past: Pinballz, The Hive, Camp Out, and Altitude! I’ll be keeping an eye out for more details.
Looking for other ideas for what to do in December? Start here. Or check out these free holiday events.