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, 2025, 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 2025 and start of 2026.
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, ending with a countdown and firework show at midnight. You can find the schedule on their website, but you can see performances from The Point, Tameca Jones, Chaparelle, The Head and the Heart!
New Year’s Eve Balloon Drop at Pins & Wheels at Playland
Here are some balloon drops happening in the afternoon/evening! Pins & Wheels at Playland will have balloon drops at 2 pm and 5 pm.
General skate is open from noon to 8 pm, plus a DJ and party favors. Entry is $14 in advance or $16 at the door ($5 for spectators).
Fireworks Show at Roughhouse Brewing
This kid-friendly fireworks show happens just after sundown at 6 pm at this San Marcos brewery. It’s a free show, open to the public, but please RSVP. Bring a chair/blanket and arrive early to grab a bite and get cozy!
The show usually lasts 10-15 minutes, so please arrive early (at LEAST one hour prior). Expect LARGE crowds! The field and outdoor area does get dark and hard to see little ones running around, so please stay close and supervise children, and bring lighted necklaces or headgear!
St. Elmo NYE
Both locations of St. Elmo Brewing are holding New Year’s Eve parties from noon to 6 pm! There will be DJs, face painting, and a free champagne toast and balloon drop at 4 pm.
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.
Snooze Year’s Eve at Austin’s
Head to Austin’s arcade and amusement park for a day of fun before a 7 pm balloon drop and sparkling cider toast! Open 10 am to 10 pm on NYE, with specials like $10 one-topping pizzas, half off billiards, darts, Putt Vegas and video games. Plus hourly raffles from noon to 7 pm.
Fireworks at Doc’s Drive-In
After every movie playing on New Year’s Eve at Doc’s Drive-In in Buda, there will be a free fireworks show! An easy way to celebrate with kids and see a movie at the same time.
London New Year’s Eve at Vista Brewing
Celebrate New Year’s on London time — at 6 pm Texas time! This early, family-friendly celebration includes a free 6 pm toast with beer, bubbly or NA drinks for the kids, party goodies, British-inspired specials, fire pits and smores.
Family New Year’s Eve at Suds Monkey
Kick off the New Year early with an afternoon packed with family-friendly excitement starting at 3 pm. Live music with DJ Cheesy Potato, activities for all ages, bubble wrap stomp at 4 pm, and balloon drop at 5 pm!
Tot-Friendly NYE Party at Tot Box Play Cafe
Enjoy family-friendly New Year’s fun with music, a bubble party, countdowns and balloon drops during every play session, plus a special appearance by the Tot Box Teddy mascot.
$25 per child. Sessions at 9 am, 11:15 am, 2 pm, and 4:15 pm.
Kids Music Jamboree and Ball Drop at Bambino
Bambino, the family-friendly pizza spot with a fenced-in play area, is opening at 4 pm on NYE with a ball drop at 5!
New Year’s Eve at Lago Vista Brewing Co.
Lago Vista Brewing is open from 2-8 pm on New Year’s Eve. Watch the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl and then celebrate with a balloon drop at 5 pm.
Noon Year’s Eve Events
Noon Year’s Eve Celebration at Windsor Park Branch Library
Ring in the New Year early with a splash at an Under the Sea-themed Noon Year’s Eve party. There will be snacks, crafts, live music by Strawbitty Yops, and a countdown to a balloon drop at noon. Windsor Park Branch of the library (5833 Westminster Dr.). 11 am to 1:30 pm.
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. 10:30 am to 12 pm.
Noon Year’s Celebration at Little Walnut Creek Branch
Enjoy a special storytime, crafts, dance party, and countdown to noon complete with ball drop and sparkling juice at the Little Walnut Creek Branch (835 W. Rundberg Ln.). 11 am to noon.
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.
Pikopye’s Town Noon Year’s Eve Balloon Drop With Bluey
Spend 10 am to noon playing at this adorable indoor play town — one of our favorites! There will be free play, cookies, a balloon drop at 11 and a dance party with Bluey, as well as a toast with sparkling wine (non-alcoholic option).
Tickets are $39 for one child and one adult, $35 for siblings.
Pinballz Noon Year’s Eve
From 10 am to 1 pm on New Year’s Eve, celebrate with a family-friendly party at Pinballz Arcade (all locations). $15 ticket gets you a $10 game card, arts and crafts, a countdown to noon and a balloon drop! Only kids need tickets, not adults.
Noon Year’s Eve at The Hive
Head to The Hive on Manchaca for their 4th Annual Noon Year’s Eve party for kids and families! There will be crafts, dancing, and a countdown to a toast at 12 pm with kid-friendly sparkling juice and big-kid-friendly sparkling champagne.
Tickets include 1 kids sparkling cider and 1 adult bubbly.
One adult, one child: $10
2 adults, 2 children: $20
Each additional adult: $5
Each additional child: $3
Looking for other ideas for what to do in December? Start here. Or check out these free holiday events.