Houston is full of Halloween events this October. Scream on the Green photo courtesy of Discovery Green
Best Things to Do in Houston October 2025 with Kids, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
Scream on the Green is one of Houston's free Halloween events. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
Top Free Halloween Events in Houston 2025
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Halloween Fun and Activities Guide for Houston
Zoo Boo is one of our favorite Halloween events for younger kids. Photo courtesy of Houston Zoo
Best Halloween Events in Houston 2025 for Kids and Families: Haunted Houses, Trick-or-Treating, and More
See alligators in Beaumont, about 90 minutes from Houston. Photo courtesy of Gator Country Wildlife Adventure Park
Fall Day Trips From Houston for Families
Visit Froberg's Farm for fall festival fun, a pumpkin patch, and more. Photo courtesy the fall
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Houston Fall Day Trips Guide: Farms, Festivals, and Family Getaways 2025
There are plenty of choices for pumpkin patches near Houston. Photo courtesy of P6 Farms
Best Pumpkin Patches Near Houston for Fall Fun
Free alligator education at Brazos Bend State Park. Photo by Sarah Banks.
The 10 Best Free Hidden Gems for Kids in Houston
From pumpkins to corn mazes, there's loads of seasonal fun at local farms. Photo courtesy of P6 Farms
Fall Bucket List for Kids: 30 Top Things To Do in Houston This Fall 2025
Houston Fall festivals that are fun for the whole family. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
Ultimate Guide to Fall Festivals in 2025 for Houston Families
Visit the Hall of Paleontology at the Museum of Natural Science. Photo courtesy of Visit Sugar Land.
Why HMNS at Sugar Land Is a Must-Visit for Houston Families
Help your Scout rack up the badges at these programs in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva.
Best Places to Earn Scout Badges in Houston
Unique Birthday Party Venues in Houston for One-of-a-Kind Birthday Parties
Our favorite gymnastics gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva
Gymnastics Gyms in Houston: Places to Take Gymnastic Classes, Camps, or Open Gym
Palace Social has bowling and a restaurant in addition to arcade games. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
Where to Find the Coolest Arcades for Kids in Houston
The Mini classes at Goldfish Swim School are a great bonding experience for parent and child. Photo courtesy of the school
Best Mommy and Me Classes for Houston Babies and Parents 2025
Ready Go Amusement Arcade photo by author Elizabeth R.
Houston’s Best Claw Machine Arcades Where Kids (and Parents) Can Actually Win
A crafting party at one of these venues or at home is the perfect celebration for a creative kid. Photo courtesy of Color Me Mine
Best Crafting Parties for Teens in Houston
See aquatic life without a fee at Sea Center Texas. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Keep Cool in Houston: Top Beaches, Swimming Lakes, Splash Pads, and AC Spots
Our top picks for your Houston bar/bat mitzvah. Photo by Juliano ASTC, courtesy of Pexels.
Fun Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Venues in Houston
These Houston ice cream shops have the best treats for kids. Photo by Kelly Patino, courtesy of Mommy Poppins.
Best Ice Cream Spots In Houston For Kids
Pick your own flowers at one of these Houston farms. Photo courtesy Summer Skye Gardens
Sunflowers, Tulips, and More Pick-Your-Own Flower Farms Near Houston
Go for a nature walk in on of Houston's huge parks. Photo by Anthony Rathbun, courtesy of the Houston Arboretum.
Houston Budget-Friendly Weekend Itinerary for Families
Discovery Green hosts free events like Arte en el Parque, where kids learn Spanish while making art. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
100 Free Things To Do in Houston with Kids
Levy Park in Houston has one of our favorite playgrounds. Photo courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture
Best Playgrounds in Houston: Destination Playgrounds Worth the Drive
NASA's Space Center is one of Houston's best science museums for kids. Photo by Pierce Ingram, courtesy of Travel Texas
Explore the Best Science Museums in Houston for Kids: Educational Fun for All Ages
Firetruck Park in West University. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
Neighborhood Guide: Things To Do in West University and Rice Village with Kids
See animals up close at some of these farms near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
Best Farms in Houston with Family Entertainment
Children's Museum Houston is free every Thursday evening. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum Houston
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Houston
Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
Best Budget-Friendly (Cheap) Birthday Party Places for Houston Kids
City Park Skate Park near Houston. Photo courtesy of the Sugarland Texas Govt.
Kid-Friendly Skate Parks in Houston
Pleasure Pier in Galveston is a top attraction near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Attractions and Things To Do in Houston that are Kid-friendly
John P. McGovern's state-of-the art playground is perfect for both younger and older children. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green.
20 Things To Do in Downtown Houston With Kids
Stop at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo for some cool photos on your roadtrip to the Texas Panhandle.
Best Texas Road Trips for Families
Baywatch Dolphin Tours are a fun, kid-friendly tour near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Houston
Make dining out with kids more fun at one of Houston's themed restaurants. Photo courtesy of Rock N Roll Sushi
Themed Restaurants in Houston for a Fun Night Out With Kids
Houston's Walking Stick Brewing Company has plenty of outdoor space. Photo courtesy of the Walking Stick Brewing Company
Family-Friendly Houston Breweries Where Kids Can Play, Too
Urban Air has quite a few trampoline parks near Houston. Photo courtesy of Urban Air Adventure Park
Fun Trampoline Parks Near Houston for Kids to Jump in the AC
Batting cage photo courtesy of the Bellaire Bats
Indoor Batting Cages Near Houston Where Kids Can Practice Their Swings
Photo courtesy of Big Air in North Houston
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Plan a magical quinceañera with these dress shops and venues. Photo courtesy of Canva
Quinceañeras in Houston: The Best Dress Shops and Venues for Your Teen Birthday
Houston has many kid-friendly museums, and not all are children's museums. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
Best Museums in Houston for Kids and Families
In winter, visit Luminations at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Photo by Ann Alva Weiding Photography, at bigredmuse.com.
Austin with Kids: 35 Best Things To Do in Austin, Texas
New to fishing? Try a Galveston fishing boat tour.
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Galveston For Your Family Trip
The outdoor pool at the Moody Gardens Hotel, photo courtesy of Visit Galveston.
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Galveston, TX
One of our favorite petting zoos near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
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Make it an unforgettable family getaway from Houston by hiking Enchanted Rock. Photo courtesy Passport to Texas.
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Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn Waterparks
20 Top Things To Do in Galveston with Kids
Photo by author Rebecca Matheson Ortiz for Mommy Poppins.
Tips and Secrets to the Houston Zoo with Kids
MKT has great family-friendly restaurants! Photo courtesy of @mendocinofarms and MKT
Best Things to Do in The Houston Heights with Kids
There's no shortage of fun baby activities in Houston.
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Houston's bucket list for kid activities
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Your little learner will love the variety of toddler classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Fun Preschool and Toddler Classes in Houston for Little Learners
Treat your kid to one of these Houston spas with services for children. Photo courtesy of Float Baby
Kid-Friendly Salons and Spas Near Houston
Climb with your kids at one of these indoor rock climbing gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Texas Rock Gym
Best Indoor Rock Climbing Gyms in Houston for Kids
Bowling is a fun indoor activity to add to your list this summer. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
Kid-Friendly Bowling Alleys in Houston
Fishing at Sea Center in Freeport, TX. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Freeport with Kids: Best Things To Do in Freeport, Texas
Photo courtesy of Osprey Cruises
30 Things To Do Near South Padre Island, TX with Kids
Round up the girls and head out for a kid-free night in Houston. Photo courtesy of Thirsty Bee Meadery
Mom's Night Out in Houston: 5 Fun Itineraries for a Kid-Free Evening
Kids love the carousel on Kemah's boardwalk.
Top Things to Do at Kemah Boardwalk with Kids
San Antonio has a lot of budget-friendly things to do with kids. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Botanical Garden
Fun Budget Weekend Getaways for Houston Families
Birdwatching at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, photo courtesy of Houston Audubon
Best Things to Do in Memorial, West Houston with Kids
Photo courtesy of Cypress Academy
Ninja Warrior Gyms, Obstacle Courses, and Parkour in Houston for Kids
Montessori preschools focus on hands-on learning. Photo courtesy of The Woodlands Montessori School
13 Top-Notch Montessori Preschools in Houston
Hero Headquarters is a birthday party entertainment company in Houston. Photo courtesy of Hero Headquarters
15 Fun Houston Birthday Party Entertainers Who Will Come to Your House
Check out one of these breakfasts in Houston for a casual meal when the kids get up early. Photo courtesy of Snooze
Best Breakfasts in Houston for Kids and Families
Free activities like feeding the ducks at Mary Jo Peckham Park are simple and still great fun for kids. Photo courtesy of Canva
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For the best baby clothes, try these Houston baby boutiques. Photo courtesy of Threadfare Children's Boutique
The Coolest Baby Clothes in Houston: Best Boutiques & Stores
The Houston Zoo is a great stop for kids, and near other things to do in Houston, too. Photo by Jessica A., courtesy of the zoo
3 Days in Houston with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Families enjoying a night out. Photo courtesy of Paradigm Brewing in Tomball
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Try fishing for the first time in Lake Livingston. Photo courtesy of Lake Livingston State Park, Facebook
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Texas Ren Fest is back for the fall! Photo courtesy of the Festival
Texas Renaissance Festival, Barktoberfest, and More Things to Do in Houston This Weekend with Kids

18 New Year's Eve Fireworks, Balloon Drops, and Other Philly Celebrations for Kids

Countdown2Noon, Please Touch Museum’s signature New Year’s Eve event for kids, is back — with even more confetti! Photo courtesy of the museum
Countdown2Noon, Please Touch Museum’s signature New Year’s Eve event for kids, is back — with even more confetti! Photo courtesy of the museum
12/22/24 - By Nicole O'Donnell

It's almost New Year's Eve in Philly and we've got all the festive things to do with kids to make it a memorable start to the new year.

Ring in 2025 with your kiddos before bedtime! There are plenty of family-friendly New Year's Eve festivities around Philly, from fireworks and balloon drops to community celebrations at playspaces and parks. Get ready for lots of laughter and fun as you wave good-bye to 2024 together. 

Looking for ways to keep busy leading up to the big ball drop? Check out or list of 35+ Things To Do over Winter Break and browse our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events to make sure you've hit all the holiday highlights this season.

Several options on our New Year's activities list provide prime seating for the Rivers Casino New Year's Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront. Some events are ticketed, so make plans before they sell out!

 

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Ring in 2024 in style with Parties on Ice at the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Photo courtesy Delaware River Waterfront
Ring in 2024 in style with Parties on Ice at the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Photo courtesy Delaware River Waterfront

Things to Do on New Year's Eve in Philadelphia

New Year’s Eve Kids Countdown with PopUpPlay featuring Firework

Penn's Landing
Enjoy activities with PopUpPlay, including make-and-take crafts and games (while supplies last), a New Year’s countdown, gymnastics courses from National Kids Gym, puppet making, and the Digger and David Puppet Theater (a roaming puppeteer), scooter races and catapults, a scavenger hunt, a dance party with live video feed on the Pier’s jumbo screens, black light room, and special balloon drop to countdown to the New Year. Plus, enjoy a front-row seat to the New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront at 6 pm. READ MORE

Kids' New Year's Eve Countdown in Franklin Square

Center City
Count down to 2025 in Franklin Square. The event begins with crafts from 5-6pm and concludes with the Square Drop from atop SquareBurger at 6pm. READ MORE

Countdown2Noon

Fairmount Park
Ring in 2025 on the dance floor at the Please Touch Museum, where a kid-friendly New Year's Eve celebration includes performances, activities, and a countdown to a 12pm ball drop in Hamilton Hall. READ MORE

Kith +Kin - New Years Concert With Music With Gina

Brewerytown
Get ready to ring in the new year with a festive concert filled with live music and dance party vibes at Kith + Kin! Join Gina and Mr. John's Music for an unforgettable celebration, where singing and dancing will surely make 2025 one amazing start. READ MORE

Rutabaga New Year's Eve Bash

East Falls
Storyteller Thembi Palmer shares her new book, plus enjoy festive playtime, snacks, drinks for grown-ups, and a walk to Ainslie street for a 6pm ball drop. READ MORE

Countdown to Noon at Nest

Center City
Countdown to Noon at NEST Center City is back. Ring in the new year with a balloon drop, special guests, snacks, and more in the Playspace! There's even a champagne toast for the grown-ups. READ MORE

Countdown to Noon at PlayArts

FIshtown
Countdown to Noon is sure to be PlayArt’s biggest event of the year! Celebrate the New Year without sabotaging nap time. Decmeber 31st from 10am to 12pm come and countdown to noon in the PlayArts playspace. READ MORE

New Year’s Eve Party on Ice

Philadelphia
Ring in 2025 in style with Parties on Ice at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, featuring two great parties that include amazing views of the New Year's Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront. READ MORE
A 400 pound PEEPS chick descends for a countdown to the new year at Bethlehem's PEEPSFEST. Photo courtesy of ArtsQuest/Just Born PEEPSFEST
A 400 pound PEEPS chick descends for a countdown to the new year at Bethlehem's PEEPSFEST. Photo courtesy of ArtsQuest/Just Born PEEPSFEST

Things to Do on New Year's Eve in the Suburbs

New Year's Eve Family Jam

Ardmore, PA
Kids can get ready to dance and sing as Alex & The Kaleidoscope takes the stage at The Ardmore Music Hall. The event activities include a countdown to noon, festive arts and crafts, and family dance party. READ MORE

Sesame Place New Year's Eve Fireworks

Langhorne, PA
Celebrate the new year with fireworks set to Sesame Street music. Elmo, Abby Cadabby, The Count and the rest of the gang are ready to join in the fun. This impressive display occurs after the Neighborhood Street Party Christmas Parade. READ MORE

Jazzberry Jammin' New Years Event

Easton, PA
The Crayola Factory celebrates 2025 with its Jazzberry Jammin' New Year's Eve celebration. Families enjoy a silent disco, mid-day countdowns, character appearances, and colorful activities. READ MORE

PEEPSFEST

Bethlehem, PA
December 30 & 31
Bid farewell to 2025 with all things PEEP® at Peeps Fest. This family-friendly event is now entirely outdoors and features live music, crafts, scavenger hunts, and even a Leaning Tower of PEEPS®. The PEEPS® Chick Drop will take place each day at 5:30pm. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at Legoland Discovery Center

Plymouth Meeting, PA
You’re invited to ring in the New Year before the clock strikes midnight at a Noon Year’s Eve Celebration. Be sure to arrive before Noon to celebrate with a LEGO® Ball Drop in MINILAND Philadelphia! Grab a complimentary noise maker (*while supplies last*) and help us bring in the new year with a glass of sparkling apple cider. Then join our LEGO® character and playmakers for a dance party.   READ MORE
Battleship New Jersey offers incredible views of the Fireworks from across the bridge. Photo courtesy of R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
Battleship New Jersey offers incredible views of the Fireworks from across the bridge. Photo courtesy of R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

Things to Do on New Year's Eve in New Jersey and Delaware

New Year's Eve Fireworks from Battleship New Jersey

Camden, NJ
Watch New Year’s Eve Fireworks over the Delaware River from the historic deck of Battleship New Jersey. Enjoy music, face painting, food concessions, and bar service. READ MORE

New Years Eve at Millennium Skate World

Camden, NJ
Roll into 2025 with a family skate at Millennium Skate World. There are three chances to party, 11 am to 2 pm, 2:30 to 5:30 pm, and 6 to 9 pm. READ MORE

Zoo Year's Eve

Wilmington, DE
Celebrate the New Year a little early as the Brandywine Zoo counts down to noon! Games, crafts, and a sparkling cider toast await at this special celebration. Dress for the weather as the festivities are outdoors. READ MORE

First Night Morris County

Morristown, NJ
First Night Morris County, in its 32nd year, is the biggest and brightest New Year’s Eve celebration in New Jersey, providing a magnificent, family-friendly, substance- and alcohol-free celebration in the heart of Morristown. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Nicole O'Donnell
Nicole O'Donnell is a marketing and social media expert with over 20 years of media experience and a proud mom to twin girls. A fan of writing, yoga, and exploring Philly, Nicole loves sampling the city's best treats with her girls in tow.
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