Ringing in the new year with kids doesn’t have to mean staying up until midnight.
“Noon Year’s Eve” and early countdowns
Many museums, libraries, community centres and attractions host daytime countdowns for kids, with balloon drops at noon or early evening. Check museum holiday programs and your local library.
Skating
Rinks often host New Year’s Eve skates. See outdoor skating.
The City’s celebration
The City’s free waterfront celebration starts later in the evening and gets crowded. Families with older kids may enjoy it; see New Year’s Eve in Toronto.
Early fireworks near Toronto
Some GTA towns host earlier fireworks or family events. See New Year’s Eve near Toronto.
A family New Year’s Eve plan
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Skate or toboggan to burn off energy |
| Late morning | A “Noon Year’s Eve” countdown at a museum, library or community centre |
| Afternoon | Quiet time, a movie or crafts at home |
| 5 p.m. | An early family dinner |
| 7 p.m. | Count down with the U.K. (7 p.m. Toronto time) or Atlantic Canada (11 p.m.) |
| 8 p.m. | Bedtime for little ones; older kids can stay up for the fireworks on TV or on the waterfront |
Family-friendly countdown ideas at home
- Balloon drop: fill a garbage bag or sheet with balloons and release them at your countdown.
- Noisemakers: pots, pans and wooden spoons are a hit with toddlers.
- Hourly surprises: wrap small activities or treats to open each hour leading up to the countdown.
- Resolution jars: everyone writes a hope for the new year to read next December.
- Indoor picnic: a blanket in the living room with finger foods and sparkling juice.
- Family photo: take one every New Year’s Eve in the same spot.
Taking older kids to the waterfront
If your kids are old enough to stay up, the City’s waterfront celebration can be a memorable outing. To make it easier:
- Arrive early and pick a spot near the edge of the crowd, not in the middle.
- Agree on a meeting place in case anyone gets separated, and write your phone number on younger kids’ arms.
- Dress everyone in warm layers and bring snacks and hand warmers.
- Leave a few minutes before or after the rush to avoid crowded transit. TTC on New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Day with kids
Start the year with a family skate, a winter walk or a cozy pyjama brunch. Most stores are closed, but many attractions open with holiday hours. See New Year’s Day in Toronto.
Family New Year’s Eve: FAQ
Is the Toronto New Year’s Eve celebration family-friendly? It’s an all-ages event, but it’s crowded and late. Many families prefer an early countdown instead.
Are there early fireworks for kids? Some GTA towns hold earlier fireworks. See New Year’s Eve near Toronto.
At home
- Count down with another time zone: midnight in Atlantic Canada is 11 p.m. in Toronto, and in the U.K. it’s 7 p.m. Toronto time.
- Make a time capsule or a “year in review” jar.
- Have a family movie marathon with snacks.
