New York with kids

New Year's Eve in New York with Kids: Fireworks, Noon Countdowns and a Plan

New Year's Eve in New York is iconic, but the famous Times Square ball drop is a hard night with kids: hours in a pen in the cold, with no bathrooms. The good news: there are free fireworks in two big parks, and kid-sized countdowns at noon.

By Play Your Trip · Updated · 3 min read

A pixel-art Broadway night page from a New York adventure book

Here's a family plan for December 31, from a noon countdown to midnight fireworks (or an early night). Check each official website for this year's times and any RSVP.

December 31 in New York

A noon countdown, an easy afternoon, and fireworks if you can stay up.

  1. Morning

    A noon countdown

    Libraries, children's museums and family venues hold "Noon Year's Eve" parties with crafts and a countdown to 12pm, perfect for toddlers. Check listings in December.

  2. Lunch · Lunch

    Lunch and a rest

    Book lunch somewhere warm, then head back for a nap if you're aiming for midnight.

  3. Afternoon

    Skating or the holiday sights (opens Google Maps)

    The holiday markets, windows and rinks are still up. Bryant Park's rink has free admission (skate rental is paid).

  4. Evening · Dinner

    An early dinner

    Restaurants are busy and some have set menus: book ahead, or eat early.

  5. Midnight

    Fireworks at Grand Army Plaza (opens Google Maps)

    Prospect Park's free New Year's Eve fireworks, a 45-year tradition, with live music from about 10pm. Arrive early for a view; check whether an RSVP is requested.

    Official site

The midnight options

  • Prospect Park (Brooklyn): free fireworks at Grand Army Plaza with music before midnight. The most family-friendly choice.
  • Central Park: fireworks at the start of the NYRR Midnight Run near Bethesda Terrace and Tavern on the Green. You don't have to run to watch.
  • Times Square: the ball drop is free but very hard with kids. Viewing pens fill by the afternoon, there are no restrooms, and if you leave you can't get back in. Bags, umbrellas and chairs aren't allowed.
  • From your window: a hotel room with a view and the ball drop on TV is a perfectly good New York New Year's with young kids.

Tips for the night

  • Dress for the cold: it's often below freezing at midnight. Hats, gloves, boots and a warm drink.
  • Plan the way home: subways run all night but are crowded after midnight; agree on a meeting point in case you get separated.
  • New Year's Day: many places are closed or open late on January 1. A slow brunch and a walk in the park is the classic plan.

Make it a game

A Play Your Trip book turns your holiday trip into an adventure: every stop a quest with a coin to collect, every place one tap from the map, and a final score as the new year starts. Play the demo.

Questions

Where can families see New Year's Eve fireworks in NYC?

The free fireworks at Grand Army Plaza in Prospect Park (with music before midnight) and at the start of the Midnight Run in Central Park are the most family-friendly.

Is Times Square on New Year's Eve good for kids?

Rarely. You'd wait for hours in a pen in the cold, with no restrooms and no re-entry. Most families are happier in a park, at a noon countdown, or watching on TV.

What is a Noon Year's Eve?

A countdown to 12pm for young children, held at libraries, children's museums and family venues on December 31, with crafts, music and a balloon or ball drop.