Looking for family-friendly events to celebrate the New Year? Across Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC, there are plenty of exciting kid-focused New Year’s Eve events that let little ones celebrate safely and enjoyably. We’ve put together a list of some of the most exciting New Year’s Eve opportunities that will make the day special for every age, without having to miss the classic midnight countdown experience (or bed time!)
Rocknoceros New Year’s Eve Ball at Jammin Java
This longtime favorite invites families to celebrate the New Year with music by the children’s band Rocknoceros, including an apple juice toast, a ball drop and playful, kid-friendly songs.
- Date: 10 a.m. Dec. 31
- Location: Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, VA
- Cost: $15
Noon Yards Eve
Part of the Yards Park/Capitol Riverfront family events, Noon Yards Eve provides daytime festivities for kids featuring bounce houses, music, crafts and a balloon drop at noon. It’s a great option for families in DC.
- Date: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 31
- Location: Yards Park / Capitol Riverfront, 355 Water St. SE, Washington, DC
- Cost: Free, but some specific activities there might require low-cost tickets
New Year’s Eve Around The World
At the Children’s Science Center in Fairfax, Virginia, kids can celebrate the new year by doing various STEM crafts. Activities like engineering firework pinwheels, making glittery slime, and creating 2026 headbands are guaranteed to provide lots of fun. At the end of the celebration, there will be a “midnight” ball drop at 12 p.m. with sparkling cider.
- Date: 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 31
- Location: 11948L Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, VA
- Cost: $15 per person
Olde Year’s Day
Celebrate the end of the year in creative style at the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s annual Olde Year’s Day event! Expect a family-friendly afternoon of free, hands-on art activities, studio tours, live artist demonstrations, and musical performances. 2025 information has not yet been announced, so keep an eye out on the website for updates.
- Date: Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 31
- Location: 105 N Union St, Alexandria, VA
- Cost: Free
Pinstripes Noon Year’s Eve Party
Pinstripes offers a festive, family-friendly celebration where kids can enjoy bowling, games, and crafts while counting down to the New Year at noon. It’s a perfect way for children to join in the excitement of New Year’s, complete with sparkling juice to toast the occasion.
- Date: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 31
- Location: 1064 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC
- Cost: $25 per person
First Night Alexandria
The event features kid-friendly performances, arts, activities and a twilight fireworks show in the evening. Located downtown, the environment is lively and well structured for families.
- Date: 2 p.m. -12 a.m. Dec. 31
- Location: 221 King St., Alexandria, VA
- Cost: Pricing varies based on age and time pass
Family’s New Year’s Eve At Metrobar
Celebrate 2026 with the whole family at Metrobar! Enjoy music, games, and activities at this kid-friendly New Year’s Eve event. Tickets are required for entry. Check the Metrobar website for updated details for the 2025 season.
- Date: 4 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Dec. 31
- Location: 640 Rhode Island Avenue NE, Washington, DC
- Cost: $15 per family
Allison Chan is a Washington Parent intern and a rising senior at Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, Maryland. She is passionate about writing and community engagement.
Allison Chan is a Washington Parent intern and a rising senior at Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, Maryland. She is passionate about writing and community engagement.
