Fun Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Kids in Houston

Happy New Year! Thinking back to my pre-kid New Year’s Eve celebrations, I remember sparkly outfits, champagne toasts, and dancing the night away. Fast forward to motherhood, and while my celebrations may look a little different now, they’re filled with just as much joy—if not more!

As a mom, my priorities and traditions have evolved, and New Year’s Eve has become a time to create magical memories with my family. From festive crafts to countdowns before bedtime, there are so many fun and easy ways to make the night special for all ages (yes, even before 9 p.m.).

Here are some of my favorite ideas to bring in the new year with sparkles, laughter, and plenty of family fun. ✨ Let’s make this New Year’s one to remember!

Kid-Friendly New Year’s Eve Events in Houston

If you’re looking for fun events to do around city with the kids, here are some ideas:

1. Sharkey’s New Years Eve Bash
   When: Dec. 31, 11:00 AM–1:30 PM ; 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
   Where: Downtown Aquarium, 1500 Binz St., Houston, TX
   What: Celebrate with a balloon drop, confetti, live DJ, buffet and fun activities without staying up late.
   Cost: Adults $32.95 Kids 10 & under: $24.99 and receive 50% off an All-Day Adventure Pass.
2. Noon Year’s Eve at CityCentre
   When: Dec. 31, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
   Where: City Centre, 800 Town & Country Blvd., Houston, TX
   What: Enjoy face painting, balloon art, and music, culminating in a bubble countdown.
   Cost: Free.
3. Kemah Boardwalk Bubble Countdown
   When: Dec. 31, 1:00 PM–9:30 PM
   Where: Kemah Boardwalk, 215 Kipp Ave., Kemah, TX
   What: Live music, family-friendly fun, Kids count down starts at 4:59 PM and a fireworks display at 9 PM.
   Cost: Free.
4. New Year’s Palooza at Moody Gardens (Galveston)
   When: Dec. 31–Jan. 1
   Where: Moody Gardens, Galveston, TX
   What: A family-focused overnight celebration with activities, entertainment, and fireworks.
   Cost: Varies by package.
5. New Years Eve Kids Party
   When: Dec. 31st 11:00 AM- 12:30 PM
   Where: Pinstripes 3300 Kirby Dr.
   What: A Noon Year’s Eve Kids Party featuring a balloon drop, party favors, mock tails &  Kids Meals included in admission.
   Cost: $10 per child

Celebrate at Home with the Kids

If you’re planning a cozy New Year’s Eve in Houston at home, here are some fun ideas:

1. Countdown Crafts Add a festive touch to your New Year’s Eve celebration with a DIY balloon drop that your kids will absolutely love! With just a few supplies you likely already have on hand, you can create a magical moment they’ll look forward to all night. Our family has done this for the past three years, and it’s always a highlight! When the clock strikes midnight—or whenever your “midnight” happens to be—pull the string and watch as colorful balloons cascade down, filling the room with joy and excitement.Here’s how to create your own budget friendly balloon drop:
   1. Sprinkle confetti into a bunch of balloons and blow them up. Last year we used 30 and they were all different sizes, some small and others larger.
   2. Grab an extra large trash bag and cut it in half.
   3. Create a hole in the trash bag small enough to attach balloon string through it.
   4. Tape the trash bag to the ceiling, leaving slack in the middle.
   5. Place balloons and extra confetti between the trash bag and the ceiling.
   6. When you’re ready to celebrate, pull the balloon string down to release the celebration.
2. Host a Family Pajama Karaoke Party Turn your cozy Christmas pajamas into the perfect outfit for a festive New Year’s Eve pajama party! Gather the family and create an evening full of fun with kid-approved music, playful hats, delicious mocktails, and an impromptu dance-off. For an extra special touch, add karaoke to the mix—it’s always a crowd-pleaser in our family’s yearly NYE celebrations. There’s nothing better than ringing in the new year with laughter, music, and your loved ones close by!
3. Create a Year in Review Slide Show Make New Year’s Eve extra special by reliving the highlights of the year with your family! Gather everyone around and take a trip down memory lane with your favorite moments, funniest stories, and sweetest achievements. Collect photos of those amazing times and reveal them one by one on New Year’s Eve—it’s like unwrapping a box of memories! Wrap it all up by sharing your hopes, dreams, and wishes for the new year to set the tone for what’s ahead. It’s a fun, heartwarming way to celebrate together!
4. Have a NYE Movie Night Ring in the new year with the perfect blend of popcorn, pajamas, and family fun! Transform your living room into a mini theater and let the kids pick their favorite flicks for an epic NYE movie marathon. Add a festive twist with twinkling fairy lights, cozy blankets, and special snacks like sparkling juice mocktails and star-shaped cookies.For a classic touch, relive your childhood by showing the following:
   “ Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year” (Disney+/ Amazon Prime)
   “Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne” (Apple TV)
   “High School Musical” (Hulu/ Disney+)
   “Ghostbusters II” (Amazon Prime)
5. Set up a Photo booth. Bring in the new year with fun, laughter, and a touch of magic by setting up a festive photo booth right in your living room!  Perfect for kiddos (and kids at heart), your DIY photo booth can feature glittery backdrops, silly props, and sparkly accessories to capture the joy of the evening. Think party hats, noisemakers, and 2024 glasses for the ultimate photo ops!

Whether you head out or stay in, these ideas for celebrating New Year’s Eve in Houston can help you ring in 2025 with your kids in a fun and memorable way!