We found three kid-friendly New Year’s Eve events in and around Sacramento with 2026 dates: three Noon Year’s Eve countdowns, two of them free. They’re in Downtown and Land Park. 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.
Crocker Art Museum · 216 O Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
With littles: Live performances, art making, sensory play and story times, then a countdown to noon.
Sacramento Zoo · Land Park Drive & 16th Ave., Sacramento, CA 95822
With littles: The zoo lists Noon Year’s Eve on Dec 31 but hasn’t posted times or prices yet.
Sacramento Public Library – Central Library (Kids’ Place, lower level) · 828 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
With littles: For babies, toddlers and preschoolers: celebration crafts, a sparkly storytime and a countdown to the new year.
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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Good questions
Noon Year’s Eve at the Crocker at Crocker Art Museum: Thu, Dec 31, 2026, 10:15am–2pm; countdown at noon (Free for everyone). Noon Year’s Eve at the Sacramento Zoo at Sacramento Zoo: Thu, Dec 31, 2026, Times not posted yet (Check the zoo’s ticket calendar). Noon Year’s Eve at Central Library at Sacramento Public Library – Central Library (Kids’ Place, lower level): Thu, Dec 31, 2026, 10:30am–noon (Free).
Yes: Noon Year’s Eve at the Crocker and Noon Year’s Eve at Central 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 Sacramento that weekend, through the holidays.
