We found five kid-friendly New Year’s Eve events in and around Los Angeles with 2026 dates: five Noon Year’s Eve countdowns, four of them free. They’re spread over five areas, from Sylmar to Seal Beach. A noon countdown means a balloon drop or bubble-wrap stomp at midday, home in time for nap.
New here?
A real countdown, balloon drop and all, at a time that works for toddlers. These are typical times; each card has the venue’s exact ones.
Countdown at noon
Confirmed for 2026, with times, prices and ticket details from each venue’s own page.
Discovery Cube Los Angeles · 11800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar, CA 91342
With littles: Apple cider toasts, live music and two balloon drops, so nappers can catch the 3pm one. Ticket details are still to come.
LA County Library – Manhattan Beach Library · Manhattan Beach
With littles: Ages 2–12 with a grown-up: New Year’s traditions, festive crafts, a dance party and a countdown to noon.
LA County Library – Willowbrook Library · Willowbrook
With littles: Ages 3–12 with a grown-up: New Year traditions from around the world, festive crafts and a countdown at noon.
LA County Library – Carson Library · Carson
With littles: Ages 4–10 with a grown-up: activities and crafts, then a countdown to noon.
OC Public Libraries, Seal Beach – Mary Wilson branch · Seal Beach
With littles: Crafts, music, dancing, a photo wall and snacks, then a countdown and a big balloon drop at noon.
Before you go
TicketsIf it’s ticketed, book earlyNoon countdowns can fill up, so book once tickets open.
TimingArrive 30 minutes earlyCoats off, snack in, spot found before the countdown starts.
NoiseBring ear muffs for babiesBubble-wrap stomps and cheering get loud right at noon.Keep planning
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Library storytimes in LABaby, toddler and preschool storytimes by day and branch
Ice skating in LAHoliday and indoor rinks, skate aids and prices
Thanksgiving weekend in LAParades, turkey trots and what’s open on Thursday
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Christmas break in LAWhat’s open on Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1This week in LADated outings for ages 0–6, checked every Thursday
Good questions
Noon Year’s Eve at Discovery Cube Los Angeles at Discovery Cube Los Angeles: Thu, Dec 31, 2026, 9am–6pm; balloon drops at noon and 3pm (Separate ticket). Noon Year’s Eve Party at Manhattan Beach Library at LA County Library – Manhattan Beach Library: Thu, Dec 31, 2026, 11am–noon (Free). Noon Year Party at Willowbrook Library at LA County Library – Willowbrook Library: Thu, Dec 31, 2026, 11:30am–12:30pm (Free). Happy Noon Year! at Carson Library at LA County Library – Carson Library: Thu, Dec 31, 2026, 11am–noon (Free).
Yes: Noon Year’s Eve Party at Manhattan Beach Library, Noon Year Party at Willowbrook Library, Happy Noon Year! at Carson Library and Noon Year's Eve at Seal Beach Library.
A New Year’s countdown for little kids held at noon on Dec. 31 instead of midnight, usually with a balloon drop, bubble-wrap stomp, crafts and music. It’s over before nap, so nobody has to stay up late.
Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 29, 2026, and we recheck them every Thursday in December. How we choose and check.
One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in LA that weekend, through the holidays.
