Little ones don’t have to wait until midnight to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Across metro Detroit, museums, libraries and community spaces offer fun, family-friendly countdowns and hands-on activities perfect for all ages.
Many events feature crafts, STEM projects, dancing, balloon drops and sparkling juice to bring in the new year with excitement — without keeping the kids up late. Parents can also enjoy a relaxed, daytime or early-evening celebration that fits into busy holiday schedules.
We checked museum calendars, library programs and local event listings to round up the best places for families to welcome 2026 together. Here are the top picks for kid-approved New Year’s celebrations around metro Detroit.
Noon Year’s Eve Celebration
Little ones can kick off the new year with a cheerful daytime celebration at Fascination Factory in Birmingham. This family-friendly event includes a festive balloon drop, themed crafts, sparkling grape juice and plenty of open play in the indoor activity space. Designed for ages 0–7, the celebration offers a safe, energetic environment where young children and caregivers can enjoy the excitement of New Year’s Eve together.
- Address: Fascination Factory, 2295 E. Lincoln St., Suite 150, Birmingham
- Date: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dec. 31
- Phone: (248) 480-9800
Kids New Year’s Eve Dining Experience
Families can celebrate early at JoJo’s fun-filled New Year’s Eve dining party, featuring festive food, over-the-top shakes and a special noon countdown. The experience includes a choice of entrée, a signature Biggie Shake or Biggie Hot Chocolate, party favors and a sparkling toast for both kids and adults. Reservations required.
- Address: JoJo’s Shake Bar, 88 W. Columbia St., Detroit
- Date: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 31
- Phone: (313) 462-4315
NOON Year’s Eve Balloon Drop
Families can welcome the new year early at LEGOLAND Discovery Center’s colorful NOON Year’s Eve celebration. This kid-friendly event features a vibrant balloon drop at noon sharp, giving children all the excitement of a countdown without staying up late. Guests are encouraged to arrive by 11:45 a.m. to catch the drop and enjoy the attraction’s rides, building areas and hands-on LEGO fun. It’s a lively way for families with young builders to celebrate together.
- Address: LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan, 4240 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills
- Date: 12 p.m. Dec. 31
- Phone: (248) 409-6001
Kids NYE Bash
Families can celebrate early at Ike’s fun-filled New Year’s Eve bash, packed with activities designed just for kids. Little ones can enjoy a balloon drop, light-up balloon twisting, face painting, a Build-a-Buddy station, games and a festive mocktail bar. A pizza and breadstick buffet is included, making it an easy lunch-and-celebration combo for families. Tickets required.
- Address: Ike’s Restaurant, 38550 Van Dyke Ave., Sterling Heights
- Date: 12:30-2:30 p.m. Dec. 31
- Phone: (586) 979-4460
Family New Year’s Eve Party
Families can swim, play sports, enjoy inflatables and participate in games before celebrating with an early countdown. It’s an active event, great for kids who love to move.
- Address: Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois Road, Troy
- Date: 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 31
- Phone: (248) 524-3484
New Year’s Eve Enchanted Skate
Families can ring in the new year on the ice at this festive outdoor celebration in downtown Farmington. The Enchanted Skate features skating, games, a scavenger hunt and a family-friendly ball drop at 9 p.m. Guests who stay later can welcome 2026 with a second ball drop over the rink at midnight. With music, lights and a magical winter atmosphere, it’s a fun way for kids, teens and adults to celebrate together.
- Address: Riley Park Ice Rink, 33113 Grand River Ave., Farmington
- Date: 7:30-9:30 p.m., Dec. 31
- Phone: (248) 474-5500
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