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Are you eager to ring in the New Year with your loved ones, but worried about the inevitable meltdown that comes with keeping the kids up until midnight?
We understand the struggle all too well. Most little ones possess an uncanny ability to wake up at the crack of dawn, regardless of when they go to bed. And let’s be honest, with energetic children underfoot, even mom and dad find it challenging to keep their eyes open until the clock strikes twelve!
Let’s dive into some amazing ideas that guarantee a memorable New Year’s Eve (and Day) celebration, without the meltdowns or sleep-deprived parents. Get ready for festivities that everyone, big and small, can enjoy!
Related Article: 10 Ideas for New Year’s Eve Fun with Kids!
New Year’s Eve Kids Cruise
Where: BB Riverboats | 101 Riverboat Row Newport, KY 41071
When: December 31, 10:30am
Come aboard and ring in the new year….just not so late at night! Your cruise will be complete with all the party favors as well as a DJ and great activities for kids as well as a tasty lunch buffet. Some of your favorite characters from our Pirate, Princess, and Super Hero cruises will be onboard celebrating!
Noon Year’s Eve Party!
Where: Happy Hangout Westside | 2041 Anderson Ferry Road, Cincinnati, Ohio
When: December 31, 10am – 12pm
Join for an annual family-friendly Noon Year’s Eve party. In addition to open play, there will be a 2024 photo station, a special New Year’s craft, New Year’s swag, and our popular balloon drop right at 12:00 noon!
Happy Zoo Year
Where: Cincinnati Zoo | 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220
When: December 31, 8pm
Guests are invited to ring in the New Year at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. “Party Animals” of all ages are invited to celebrate the 15th annual Happy ZOO Year powered by Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Honda Dealers.
This New Years’ bash will take place at the Zoo on Sunday, December 31 with a kid-friendly, early countdown at 8pm featuring the Zoo’s 40-foot tall digital tree.
New Year’s Eve at Winterfest
Where: Kings Island Amusement Park | 6300 Kings Island Dr, Mason, OH 45034
When: December 31, 4pm – 1am
Head over to King’s Island’s Winterfest for a New Year’s Eve Countdown featuring a giant balloon drop and close out the year with music and fireworks at the stroke of midnight! The celebration for the entire family is until 1am, but the fun lasts for all ages and lengths!
New Year’s Eve Indoor Fireworks
Where: Heritage Bank Center | 100 Broadway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
When: December 31, 6pm
End your 2023 in a family-friendly setting with the Cyclones and a 6:00pm start time. Stick around for the show of the year when we shoot off fireworks…INSIDE!
New Year’s Eve Family Swim and Balloon Drop!
Where: Goldfish Swim School | West Chester, Anderson and Kenwood
When: December 31, 5pm
Join for an open Swim for the whole family to ring in the New Year! Families should plan to bring their own towels. Note that little ones who are not potty trained are required to wear a reusable swim diaper (will be available for sale).
New Year’s Eve Blast at Fountain Square
Where: Fountain Square Ice Rink | 520 Vine Street
When: December 31, 6pm – 12am | Kids Countdown at 7:10pm
The annual New Year’s Eve Blast celebration is back on Friday, December 31 (6-12:30 a.m.), so you can party on the plaza or celebrate on the ice. The UC Health Ice Rink, presented by Fifth Third Bank, at Fountain Square will be open and ready.
New Year’s Eve Balloon Drop & Party
Where: Erlanger Branch Library | 401 Kenton Lands, Erlanger, KY 41018
When: December 31, 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Ring in the new year a few hours early with KCPL. Dancing, crafts, sensory play, photo backdrop, and BALLOON DROP! Party & activities start at 2:30. Balloons drop at 3:00. Best for ages 2 and up but siblings are welcome.
New Year’s Day Skate
Where: RiverScape MetroPark
When: January 1, 11am – 5pm
Start the New Year with a healthy active lifestyle and be the first to skate in 2024! Weather Dependent.
New Year New You
Where: Sharon Woods | 11355 Swing Road, Cincinnati, OH 45241
When: January 1, 1pm
Start the New Year off on the right foot (or left foot)! Join us for a brisk nature hike up and down the gorge trail.