Want to celebrate the New Year with your family without staying up until midnight? We’ve got you covered. From science-themed countdowns and dazzling fireworks to animal encounters and ice skating parties, Philadelphia is packed with ways to ring in 2026 together—no late bedtime required. We’ve rounded up 15+ family-friendly New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day events happening across the city and surrounding areas, so you can make the most of winter break and start a new tradition.

Looking for more family-friendly NYE events in the Philadelphia region? Visit our sister sites:

New Year, New Memories with Family

Whether you want to go all out in celebration, or have a more relaxed New Year with your family, there is an option for everyone. Winter break goes by so fast, so make the most of December 31 and January 1 before the kids go back to school. From science-themed countdowns and exciting balloon drops, to dazzling fireworks, there’s something for everyone.

Looking for events on the Main Line and western suburbs? Check out our holiday guides for Main Line Parent and Bucks County Parent!

New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Sesame Place

December 31, 2025 at 6 pm
100 Sesame Road, Langhorne PA 19047

Join the Sesame Place cast of characters for a fireworks extravaganza. This event paints the sky red (and green and blue) as music fills the air for festive cheer.

Zoo Year’s Eve at Brandywine Zoo

December 31, 2025, 10 am–2 pm
1001 N. Park Drive, Wilmington, DE, 19802

What better way to celebrate the new year than with sparkling apple cider and animals? This early group countdown includes a ball drop outside, so dress warmly. Due to the popularity of this event, there will be two time slots: 10 am–11 am and 12 pm–1 pm.

Noon Year’s Eve Party 2025 at Smith Memorial Playground

December 31, 2025, from 10 am–12 pm
3500 Memorial Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19104

This free celebration has engaging games, creative activities, holiday snacks, giveaways, and more for families and kids. With music from DJ Darryl, this countdown to noon welcomes in the new year for everyone to enjoy.

Kids’ New Year’s Eve Countdown at Franklin Square

December 31, 2025 from 5 pm–8 pm
Franklin Square Park, 200 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia 19106

Enjoy crafts and family-friendly festivities at Franklin Square leading up to the annual Square Drop at 6 pm. While celebrating the upcoming year, families can enjoy Chilly Philly Mini Golf, holiday treats, and a light show.

Countdown to New Years at the Please Touch Museum

December 31, 2025, from 9 am–11:30 am or 1–3:30 pm
4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131

Celebrate the new year with your little ones without staying up late at The Please Touch Museum. Choose from two timed sessions (morning and afternoon), so you can plan your visit according to your own schedule. This kid-friendly event features music, dancing, and hands-on activities, leading up to the special ball drop with confetti. New this year, the museum is offering an optional VIP ticket, which features priority entry, a fun photo op, special swag, and an exclusive craft experience for members.

Betsy’s 274th Birthday!

December 31, 11 am–3 pm
Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia 19106

Celebrate 2026 and Betsy Ross’ birthday together with Betsy and Mary Crathorne, a chocolate maker who will demonstrate 18th century techniques and provide treats. Festivities are free with house tour admission and children 12 and under will receive a free audio tour with the purchase of a house tour.

Disney on Ice – Jump In!

December 31, 2025 and January 1, 2026 hours vary
Xfinity Mobile Arena, 3601 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia 19148

Who better to spend the last day of the year with than Mickey Mouse and his crew? Join your favorite Disney characters as they remix some of your favorite Disney tunes. From Timon and Pumba to Ariel and her underwater pals, you’ll be moving and grooving your way to a fun New Year with the Disney on Ice production, “Jump In.”

Noon Year’s Eve Kids Skate at Philly SkatePlex

December 31, 2025, from 12–3 pm
11586 Roosevelt Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19116

In the Northeast, you can head over to the Philly SkatePlex for a fun-filled afternoon New Year’s Eve celebration. Grab your skates and your family and enjoy some roller skating fun and music. The big countdown begins around 2 pm. Tickets can be purchased online and at the door.

Celebrate the New Year EARLY at Dave & Buster’s!

December 31, 2025, from 4–7 pm
325 N. Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia PA 19106

Join Dave & Buster’s for a New Year’s Celebration that will guarantee fun for the whole family. Admission includes unlimited video game play, a $20 Power Card, all-you-can-drink soft drinks, and a chef-curated banquet of Dave & Buster favorites. Enjoy Fireworks on the Waterfront, a special video countdown, and Ginger Ale Toast at 6 pm to ring in 2026!

New Year’s Eve Family Party with PopUpPlay at Cherry Street Pier

December 31, 2025, from 5 pm–7 pm
Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia PA 19106

Calling all Superheros! Cherry Street Pier will be holding their annual New Year’s Eve Kids Countdown, and this year, it’s Superhero themed. PopUpPlay will be on hand helping little ones create their own Superhero identity, cape and shield, build their own robot, and even put them through a Superhero training camp. Additional activities include a balloon drop, make-and-take crafts and games, and music.

Visit PA New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront 

December 31, 2025 at 6 pm and midnight
101 S. Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19106

It’s not New Years Eve without some fireworks, and you can catch one (or both) of the displays along the Delaware River waterfront. Each show will have music synchronized with the display. Find the best spots at Race Street Pier, Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, and the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing.

Speaking of the RiverRink, enjoy fun for the whole family with Parties on Ice, a ticketed event with both an ice skating and spectator option, where you can enjoy interactive live entertainment, delicious food, and a ride on the ferris wheel, all under the beautiful New Year’s Eve Fireworks.

Mummers Parade

January 1, 2026, from 9 am–5 pm
1400 John F Kennedy Boulevard

It wouldn’t be New Years in Philly without The Mummers Parade, one of Philadelphia’s favorite traditions. The iconic show of music, colors, and elaborate costumes is always a fun time for the entire family. The Mummers will strut from City Hall, south down Broad Street all day long, so you are sure to see a great show no matter what time you arrive. The parade is free to attend, but if you prefer bleacher seating, you can purchase tickets and pick them up at the Independence Visitor Center before the show. In addition to the outdoor parade, the Fancy Brigades will put on their family-friendly, grand finale shows at the Pennsylvania Convention Center at 11 am and 5 pm.

Ice Skating at the RiverRink and Dilworth Park

RiverRink: 101 S Christopher Columbus Boulevard
December 31, 2025, 10 am–2 pm; and January 1, 2026, 11 am–1 am

Dilworth Park: 1 S. 15th Street
December 31, 2025 and January 1, 2026, from 12 pm–9 pm

Visit one of Philly’s two outdoor ice rinks for active fun with the whole family. The Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink, located in Dilworth Park outside City Hall, offers 90-minute skating slots. The Blue Cross RiverRink, located on the Delaware River waterfront, has reservations available for New Year’s Day specials. After you’ve skated your heart out, both rinks have lounges where you can grab a bite to eat and some hot chocolate to warm up before your next activity.

Here’s to New Beginnings!

However you choose to celebrate, these events offer the perfect way to welcome 2026 with your family. From daytime countdowns to midnight fireworks, there’s something for every schedule and every age. Make the most of winter break, create lasting memories, and ring in the new year together. Happy New Year, Philly families!

Looking for more events? Check out our updated Event Calendar below:

Featured photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia.