Looking for some kid-friendly ways to ring in the new year? You’re in luck! Athens has several fun celebrations that let kids join the excitement without having to stay up 'til midnight (unless you want to!). Here's a quick look at some of the local balloon drops and other activities your kiddos can enjoy.
If you’re up for a mini adventure, I’ve also rounded up a few Georgia attractions just a short drive away that are hosting New Year’s fun throughout the day, from noon-time countdowns to evening celebrations.
Friendly reminder that you can refine your search in the Mac KID Athens' Events Calendar with emojis! Simply enter "🎉" into the search bar to find all of the Athens-local kid-friendly New Year's Eve events in one spot!
20th Annual "New Year's Eve at Noon" 5K at Sandy Creek Park
Dec. 31 | 12:15pm
"New Year's At Noon takes place on NEW YEAR'S EVE. The 5K will begin at 12-Noon sharp. Course will be on paved roads throughout the park and is USATF Certified GA19034DJ. This means you can use your time as a Peachtree Qualifier. After the race there will be plenty of refreshments. Whether you run or walk, come join us for a great time at Sandy Creek Park and celebrate the New Year."
Read additional details and get registered here.
New Year's Eve Bash at The Meadow Montessori Play Studio
Dec. 31 | 10:30am - 12pm
"Come ring in the New Year at The Meadow! Kids will enjoy a countdown to "Noon" Year, a dance party, snacks and treats, plus open play time in the studio.
Noon Year's Eve Party at Pinewoods Library
Dec. 31 | 10:30am - 5pm
"Join us for a family-friendly new year's eve celebration! Guests will enjoy arts and crafts, bubbles, music, plus snacks + light refreshments."
Free and open to all ages.
Dec. 31 | 11am - 12:30pm
"Let's ring in the Noon Year with stories, music, crafts, and a countdown to noon with a balloon drop!"
Free and open to all ages.
(Cancelled) Noon Year's Eve Party at The Bunny Hive Athens
Dec. 31 | 11:30am - 12:30am
"Join us at The Bunny Hive Athens as we celebrate the New Year a little early - with fun designed especially for little ones and their grown ups!" Event features crafts, open play, bubbles, and a countdown to noon balloon drop.
Purchase your tickets here.
Club 2026...7: A New Year's Eve Bash at Oglethorpe Library
Dec. 31 | 3:30pm - 4:30pm
"Join us for Club 2026-7 Bruh! If your kid has you ready to crash out over how many times you hear "six seeeeeven" a day then this is the event for you! We will end the year with a 6-7 themed dance party and maybe even leave the phrase on the dance floor.....a parent can dream."
Free and open to all ages.
Family New Year's Eve Party at Fox Den Third Space
Dec. 31 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm
"Ring in the New Year without the midnight bedtime meltdown. Join us for crafts, open play, and full access to the Den—then countdown together at 8:30pm with the whole family! Celebrate, make memories, and still get home in time to watch THE finale everyone’s been waiting for."
Register in the Fox Den Third Space App under “Camps and Events.
New Year's Eve Party at Fun Galaxy Athens
Dec. 31 | 7pm - 1am
"Don't be home alone. Ring it in with all your friends here at Fun Galaxy!" Party hate, noise makers, glow necklaces, and skate rentals all for $20.
New Year's Eve Bash & Balloon Drop with the Rock Lobsters at Akins Ford Arena
Dec. 31 | 7:05pm - 12:30am
"Celebrate New Year’s Eve the Rock Lobsters way — with big plays, big cheers, and a midnight countdown to remember. After the final horn, fans can stay for a special post-game party inside the arena, complete with a balloon drop and confetti celebration. Bring your friends and family to close out 2025 and ring in 2026 as part of Crustacean Nation.
Celebrations beyond Athens & Oconee |
Dec. 31 | 11am - 4pm
"Join us in the grand tent for hourly countdowns to the New Year starting at 12 pm! Perfect for little ones (and parents) who can’t stay up until midnight!". Guests will also enjoy live performances, bubble fun, airbrush tattoos, crafts, bounce houses, and a New Year's ResZOOlution table.
Noon Year's Eve at LEGO Discovery Center
Dec. 31 | 10am - 1pm
"Ring in the New Year before the clock strikes midnight at our annual Noon Year’s Eve Celebration. Be sure to arrive before noon to celebrate with a LEGO Ball Drop at 12pm! Grab a complimentary party favor (while supplies last) and help bring in the new year with a sparkling apple cider toast."
Dec. 31 | 10am - 5pm
"Enjoy FREE crafts with general admission all day, plus recurring parades throughout the museum at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm with your hat and noisemaker crafts!"
New Year's Bubble Bash at Children's Museum of Atlanta
Dec. 31 | Multiple 2-hour sessions!
"Join us for a special kid-friendly New Year's countdown! We'll laugh, dance, play games, and more. Enjoy music from our DJ, hands-on fun, and ring in the new year with our yearly bubble-wrap-popping tradition!"
View session times and purchase tickets here.
Kids' Early New Year's Eve Celebration at Stone Mountain Park
Dec. 31 | 12pm - 9pm
"Come early and experience park attractions and stay for the holiday magic with an evening full of festive music, millions of dazzling lights, spectacular shows, and visits from some of your favorite holiday characters! Then, countdown to the New Year early at 9 PM with music, dancing, a magical snowfall, and fireworks!"
Family-Friendly Early Countdown at The Battery Atlanta
Dec. 31 | 6pm - 8pm
"Join us in the Plaza for a fun early evening of entertainment and fun!"
- Family-friendly fun with an exciting performance by Uncle Jumbo at the Georgia Power Pavilion Stage.
- New Year’s Countdown at 8 p.m. with inflatable baseballs handed out throughout the night.
Read additional details and parking info here.
Looking for more things to do with kids in Athens & Oconee?
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