PHOTO BY ROBERTO GONZALEZ VIA ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER
Orlando families have several options for celebrating New Year’s Eve without staying up until midnight, with early countdowns and kid-friendly events happening throughout the day on Wednesday, December 31.
One of the most popular annual daytime options is Noon Year’s Eve at Orlando Science Center (Website), which is a New Year’s celebration designed for kids and families that obviously takes place earlier in the day. The Science Center will offer craft stations where guests can make paper crowns, sparklers, and noise makers, along with a community Wishing Tree activity and photo opportunity. Families can also attend a special “Best of 2025” live science show and a New Year’s-themed StoryTime. The event includes an early countdown to noon and is included with general admission.
For families who want a celebration later in the day, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (Website) is hosting a New Year’s Eve countdown event as part of its Frontyard Holiday Festival. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and features a DJ, activities for kids, and a community countdown at 9 p.m.
Other family-friendly New Year’s Eve options around the region include:
- Crayola Experience Orlando: Jazzberry Jammin’ New Year’s Eve: A daytime party with crafts, a DJ dance party, character appearances, and mid-day countdowns (so kids still get the countdown moment). Runs 12–4 p.m.
- LEGOLAND Florida: Kids’ New Year’s Eve: This is one of Florida’s biggest “early midnight” events for families. It includes entertainment and a kid-friendly countdown with fireworks (often around 8 p.m.) so families can celebrate without staying out late.
- ICON Park: New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop: ICON Park is doing a big outdoor celebration with DJs and a countdown, including their themed “beach ball drop.” It’s more general-audience than kid-specific, but it’s still a place families can go earlier in the evening and enjoy the atmosphere.
- Local library branches and community events: Some Orange County Library System branches and community groups host Noon Year’s Eve-style activities (crafts, dancing, stories). These vary by location, but they’re often free or low-cost and aimed at kids.
