See ya, 2023! Make plans to celebrate 2024 with your kiddos without staying up way past anyone’s bedtime. It’s time to celebrate the coming of a sparkling New Year! Cheers! Because New Year’s Eve is on a Sunday this year, check out some Saturday festivities at the bottom of this post, too.
Thank you to Lawrence Hall of Science for sponsoring our guide to family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebrations with kids in the East Bay.
Super Fun Celebrations for Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve
Ring in the New Year without staying up all night! If you’re ready to leave the house for a fabulous Noon Year’s Eve, these places are ready for you.
The Lawrence (Berkeley)
The Lawrence Hall of Science 2023 Grande Finale is a joyful event that’s full of holiday cheer. This annual family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration is back big time! You bring the holiday cheer, and they’ll bring the magic of confetti cannons, with several launches throughout the day. Register ahead of time to reserve your spot at your chosen confetti launch. Confetti launches every 45 minutes starting at 10:45; reserve a slot when purchasing tickets.
When: Sunday, December 31, 10 am – 5 pm
Cost: Included with general admission ($20 per person; children 2 and under are free)
Where: Lawrence Hall of Science, One Centennial Drive, Berkeley
Website >
Kids Play Zone (Oakland)
Celebrate the New Year at KPZ, a lovely indoor children’s play space with an extra special balloon drop and glow party. Enjoy a glow necklace, cider for the adults, apple juice for the kids, plus pizza for all to enjoy.
When: Sunday, December 31, 11 am – 1 pm
Cost: $20 per child (max 2 adults per child)
Where: Kids Play Zone, 900 Market Street, Suite M, Oakland
Website >
Piedmont Recreation Department (Piedmont)
Ring in 2024 at Piedmont’s Noon Year’s Eve celebration– a sweet way for your kiddos to celebrate the new year! Celebrate with music, crafts, a countdown at noon, a balloon drop, and a whole lot of fun!
When: Sunday, December 31, 11 am – 12:30 pm
Cost: $10 per child, children under 2 years are free (Parent attendance is required)
Where: Piedmont Veterans Memorial Building, 401 Highland Avenue, Piedmont
Register here >
Bay Area Discovery Museum (Sausalito)
BADM’s annual Noon Year’s Eve celebration is a favorite with Bay Area families. They offer a noon countdown and ball drop along with artistic activities and a DJ dance party.
When: Sunday, December 31, 10 am – 2 pm (museum closes early this day)
Cost: Regular price of admission ($15-$20)
Where: Bay Area Discovery Museum, 557 McReynolds Rd, Sausalito (35-ish minutes from Berkeley)
Website >
Swings & Wings (Alameda)
Join the New Year’s Eve party at Swings & Wings, a super fun indoor play place in Alameda. Have a fun evening of music, play, a photo booth, and yummy treats! For children 8 or younger, with an adult.
Cost: $23.75 per person advance reservation or $27.75 at the door; Children 6 months or younger are free.
When: Sunday, December 31, 5 pm – 7 pm
Where: Swings and Wings, 2307 Blanding Ave, Alameda
Website >
Asian Art Museum (San Francisco)
The Asian Art Museum continues its Annual Japanese New Year’s Bell-Ringing Ceremony. Celebrate the start of the New Year by taking a swing at a 2,100-pound, 16th-century Japanese temple bell, fold paper cranes, and more at this cultural celebration. The Bell Ringing Ceremony is first come, first served. Be sure to reserve separate tickets to ring the bell at the main entrance once on-site.
When: Sunday, December 31, 10 am – 2 pm
Cost: Included with general admission ($14-$20; children 12 and under are free)
Where: Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco, one block from Civic Center BART
Website >
Circus Bella Kaleidoscope (San Francisco)
Ring in the New Year at one of three performances of this festive one-ring circus including a Noon Years Eve show for families. A diverse cast of 12 perform thrilling feats of balance and strength, demonstrations of grace and poise, outrageous humor and slapstick antics set to original music performed live.
When: 90-minute show Sunday, December 31 at noon, 7:30 pm, or 10:30 pm
Cost: $75 each, 2 and under are free
Where: Big Top Circus Tent at Main and Howard, San Francisco
Tickets on Eventbrite >
Sunol Regional Wilderness (Sunol)
Register for an end-of-year hike in the wilderness. Discover what animals and plants do to prepare for cold months, and walk the wintry trails. 3-mile round trip. Moderate with about 500ft elevation gain. Suggested for ages 8+; parent participation is required. Bring water and sunscreen, plus wear layers.
When: Sunday, December 31, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Cost: Free but register in advance; $5 Parking fees may apply
Where: Sunol Regional Wilderness, 1895 Geary Rd, Sunol
Website >
Hiller Aviation Museum (San Carlos)
Kids and parents, come celebrate the New Year with music, activities, puppets, and a countdown to THREE GIANT balloon drops at noon! Tickets will not be sold at the door, so you must reserve them online (they always sell out, so get your tickets early!).
When: Sunday, December 31, 10 am – 1 pm
Cost: Members are half-price; kids under four are FREE; ages 5-17 are $14; adults are $21.
Where: Hiller Aviation Museum is in San Carlos Airport, 601 Skyway Road, San Carlos (45-ish minutes from Berkeley)
Website >
Chabot Space & Science Center (Oakland)
Celebrate strokes of midnight around the world throughout the day. Kids will count down and celebrate with balloons dropping from above. This popular event regularly sells out, so be sure to get tickets early.
When: Sunday, December 31, 10 am – 4 pm.
Cost: Members: $10 per child | Non-members: $29 per child
Where: Chabot Space & Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd. Oakland
Buy Tickets >
Dec. 30: Even More Chill Family NYE Library Happenings
Who cares when it really strikes midnight when you’re three? With New Year’s Eve on a Sunday this year, some of our friendly library celebrations are either canceled or being held on Saturday, December 30. Make sure you check which ones are which before you bring your tiny party-goer. Berkeley and Oakland libraries seem to have canceled their usual parties.
Danville Public Library (Danville)
For a delightful (and free) way to celebrate the new year, check out a special Noon Year’s Eve Family Storytime at Danville Public Library. Children and caregivers can listen to festive stories and songs, plus celebratory bubble wrap stomp on the floor. Best for children 2-5 years old, but all are welcome.
When: Saturday, December 30, 11 am – 12:45 pm
Cost: Free
Where: Danville Public Library, 400 Front Street, Danville
Website >
Hercules Public Library (Hercules)
Join a Noon-Years Eve Dance Party in the library. Enjoy music, dancing, and stories. Stay till noon for a countdown and balloon drop! Best suited for children ages 2-5 with a caregiver, but all ages and abilities are welcome.
When: Saturday, December 30, 11:30 am-noon
Cost: Free
Where: Hercules Public Library, 109 Civic Drive, Hercules
Website >
Moraga Public Library (Moraga)
This Noon Year’s Eve party has disco lights, a countdown, and party favors for all ages.
When: Saturday, December 30, 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Cost: Free
Where: Moraga Public Library, 1500 St. Mary’s Road, Moraga
Website >
Pinole Public Library (Pinole)
Join a Noon-Years Eve Dance Party in the library. Enjoy music, dancing, and stories. Children ages 1-9 are welcome.
When: Saturday, December 30, 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Cost: Free
Where: Pinole Public Library, 2935 Pinole Valley Road, Pinole
Website >
Big Thanks to Lawrence Hall of Science for sponsoring our guide to family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebrations with kids in the East Bay, because parents and little kids can’t always stay up until midnight!
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