It is exciting to say goodbye to the current year and ring in a new one, but when you have kids, staying up until midnight is not always an option. If you’re planning on getting the kids to bed long before midnight, but still want to have some family fun first, scroll down for a number of events that are offering fun, kid-friendly ways to celebrate early. Some of these are free events and no reservations are required, while others will require reservations and have an admission fee. There are some events happening on December 30 and some on December 31. As always, check the event website or facebook event for details on availability and cost. Here’s to ringing in 2023!
Free events
For Kids: New Year’s Open House Party at Sharon Woods Metro Park
Drop by between 10am-2pm and ring in the New Year with games, crafts and a countdown every hour!
December 30: 10am-2pm
Noon Year’s Eve at Delaware Library
Ring in 2023 with a celebration for the whole family that includes crafts, hands-on activities and a countdown to NOON!
December 30: 11:30am-12pm
Noon Year’s Eve at Tremont Road Library, Upper Arlington
Ring in the new year with stories, activities, a balloon drop, and dance party fun! Enjoy a storytime featuring visits from your favorite characters followed by crafts, games and tunes. Ages 0-8.
December 31: 11:30am-12:30pm
New Year’s Eve I-Spy at Sharon Woods Metro Park
Search the picnic area to find our missing clocks and earn a prize to help ring in the New Year.
December 31: 1pm-4pm
New Year’s Eve Photo Booth at Grandview Heights Public Library
Get ready to ring in the new year with some fun family photos! We will provide the festive costume pieces and glittery backdrop, and you’ll provide the smiles! For all ages.
December 31- 11am-4pm
Events with an admission fee and/or reservations required
Join as we count down to noon with a dance party, special activities and a celebratory countdown! Admission to COSI or COSI membership required for entrance.
December 31-10:30am-12:30pm.
Powell’s Best Noon Years Eve at KSM Sports and Fitness
Ring in 2023 with the kids at Noon! Includes party bag with noise maker, beads, and Happy New Year headband. Fun photo prop area, bounce house party favors for the kids, treats and sparkling juice and sing and dance with the Encanto Cast!
December 31-10:30am-12:30pm. Cost is $35 per child, and $17.50 for each additional child for families with more then 2 kids. 2 years and younger are free.
Zoo Year’s Eve at the Columbus Zoo
A special Noon Year’s Eve Countdown for kids!) Gather at the Lakeside Theater to enjoy character ambassador meet and greets, music, treats and more. The highlight of the event is a special New Year’s Eve countdown at noon. Special features: Character Ambassador Meet and Treats, music, special countdown at noon and more! Admission to the zoo, or zoo membership required.
December 31-11am-1pm
Rockin’ New Year’s Eve at We Rock the Spectrum Columbus
Goodbye 2022, hello 2023! Make a party hat, play some games and get ready to dance as we do a celebratory countdown with a one-of-a-kind bubble stomp. So everyone can celebrate, we’ll do it all again with a countdown to 1pm. Included in admission to Conservatory.
December 31: 11am-1pm