No need to count yourself out of the New Year’s fun just because your kids conk out before midnight. These parties are designed for tiny revelers and their parents, with matinee hours you can work around that nap schedule—and early bed times.
Kids New Year’s Eve Party at Shipgarten
Kids can party Spiderman and Rumi (of KPop Demon Hunters fame) at this day-early celebration from noon to 6 p.m. on Dec. 30 at Shipgarten in Tysons. The fun includes a kiddo rave, face painting, free party favors, a petting zoo and two moon bounces, plus a 2 p.m. magic show, followed by a 3 p.m. balloon drop. The finale is a live performance and meet & greet with the stars of the show at 3:15 p.m. Tickets are $12.51. 7581 Colshire Drive, McLean
Noon Yards Eve
No chance your household will make it to midnight on Dec. 31? No problem. Young party animals can ring in the new year from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at this kid-friendly celebration at The Yards in D.C., which promises train rides, a magic show, bounce houses and glitter tattoos. Capture the last moments of 2025 in a photo booth as you groove to DJ-spun tunes. This waterfront event culminates in a countdown to noon and a balloon drop celebration. The event is free to attend, but registration is required. 355 Water St., SE, Washington, D.C.
The Rocknoceros New Year’s Eve Ball at Jammin’ Java
Want to take the kids clubbing? The kid-favorite musical group known for albums such as The Dark Side of the Moon Bounce and Colonel Purple Turtle will take the stage at 11 a.m. on Dec. 31 for a rollicking New Year celebration complete with an apple juice toast and ball drop. Tickets are $15. 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna
First Night Alexandria
This Alexandria festival has been a hit with families for 30 years. Tickets are $10, but children under age 2 are free. The fun starts at noon on Dec. 31 at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial with glitter tattoos, The Line Dance Divas and kid-focused comedians. At 4 p.m. catch Mike Rose Magic at The Little Theater. Come nightfall, organizers are offering two fireworks shows over the Potomac River: a family-friendly one at 7:30 p.m., and the traditional one at midnight. Check the schedule for events, times and locations. Various locations, Old Town Alexandria
City of Falls Church Watch Night
Returning for its 28th year and kicking off at 7 p.m., this free, family-friendly street party in The Little City includes a “Fun Alley” on the 100 block of West Broad Street filled with moon bounces, rock walls, karaoke and other activities for the younger set. Step indoors for kids concerts, candlelight tours of local churches and live music. Then say farewell to 2025 as you groove to the tunes of Mac and Cheez, Lil Maceo and No Better Off. Families with littles tend to cut out early, but if you can muster the energy, the countdown to the star drop happens just before the stroke of midnight. 100 Block of W. Broad St. (between Maple and Washington streets), Falls Church