Family and Kid Friendly Noon & New Year’s Eve Events Around Tampa Bay

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2025 Noon & New Year’s Eve Events

There are many places where you can spend New Year’s Eve with your family around the Tampa Bay Area! Some families like to stay home and watch the fireworks on T.V. While others like to welcome the New Year with local events.

Below you will find our top picks for NOON and New Year’s themed events at family-friendly attractions and locations.

 

 

1. Noon Year’s Eve Balloon Drop for Kids at Armature Works

Dec. 31st, 10 am – 2 pm, 1910 N Ola Avenue,
Tampa, FL 33602 United States

 

Join Armature Works for a special, early New Year’s Eve celebration for kids. The event kicks off at 10:00am on the Armature Works South + West Lawns and will feature an extravagant fireworks show at noon! Enjoy our largest petting zoo to date, Bailey’s Circuit Monster Truck, games, bounce houses, live music, and so much more.

Wednesday, December 31st from 10am-2pm

This event is free and open to the public with options to pay for bounce houses, etc.

Find out more »

2. Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Bash!

Dec. 31st, 4-7PM
B&B Theatres Wesley Chapel:  6333 Wesley Grove Blvd, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

Kick off New Year’s early with the whole family! Join us on Dec 31 from 4–7PM at B&B Theatres Wesley Chapel for a fun-packed NYE Bash featuring a live DJ, crafts, balloon animals, photo ops, games, giveaways, glow fun, mini countdowns, and more!

Perfect for kids and families who want to celebrate early in a safe, festive, magical environment. Free entry with optional VIP upgrades. Don’t miss this unforgettable way to welcome 2026 together!

 

3. Downtown Countdown at Glazer Children’s Museum

Dec. 31, 9:30 am– 3 pm

 

Ring in the New Year at the Glazer Children’s Museum with countdowns, Family Play Projects, and celebrations throughout the day on New Year’s Eve. Celebrate with countries around the world with balloon drops on the hour! You can celebrate as a family by day and still have time for evening festivities. Downtown Countdown is included with museum admission.

Please note: GCM closes at 3pm on New Year’s Eve.

Find out more

 

4. Noon Year’s Eve at ZooTampa at Lowry Park

10am-4pm

Ring in the New Year at ZooTampa at Lowry Park during our New Year Celebration in the Africa Circle. Enjoy a countdown every hour from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, featuring festive foods, live DJ, kid-friendly activities, and fun giveaways.

Find out more. 

 

 

5. Noon Year’s Celebration

DATES: Wednesday, December 31, 2025
TIME: 11am-1pm
LOCATION: Largo Community Center
COST: $14 per person

Ring in the Noon year with the Largo Community Center, featuring lively dancing, entertainment, an elegant meal and dessert. The celebration culminates in a champagne toast at 12 noon, marking the “midday” arrival of the New Year. This event is designed exclusively for adults; the event promises an exciting daytime festivity to welcome the upcoming year. Advanced tickets required. Call the Largo Community Center (727) 518-3131 for more information.

6. New Year’s at Noon at the Great Explorations Children’s Museum

Dec. 31, 10:30 am-2 pm

 

Get ready to sparkle, cheer, and celebrate as we count down to 2026 a little early at New Year’s at Noon at Great Ex on December 31 from 10:30 am to 2 pm! The fun is packed from start to finish. Kids can deck themselves out with party hats, make magical wish bottles, play tons of games, and groove their hearts out in our super fun disco glow room. Morris the Explorasaurus will be joining the party too, and he cannot wait to dance into the new year with everyone.

We will also be serving free Papa Johns pizza to all guests while supplies last, and the whole celebration builds up to our big confetti party right at noon.

Tickets are available for purchase below!

$12 for members and $18 for non-members. This special event cannot be combined with any discounts.

Find out more »

 

Noon Years Eve at Great Explorations Museum

 

7. Noon Years Eve Family Skate at Skateworld Tampa

December 31 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Bring the kids and ring in the new year EARLY at our Noon Years Eve Skate Party!

Complete with balloon drop at noon, party favors, games, dancing with characters and more!

Admission: $15 includes regular skate rental, slice of pizza, small soda, and party favors

Special Family 4 NYE Deal $50 for 4 admissions, 4 skate rentals, 1 whole pizza and pitcher of soda when you purchase in advance! Give us a call at 813-884-7688 to reserve your family to secure your spot in this awesome event!

*all patrons ages 2-17 must pay admission to enter*

to guarantee admission purchase your tickets in advance Click Here

8. Dave & Busters Family New Years Eve

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 4:00pm
Location
Dave and Buster’s – Tampa/Brandon (map)
10209 Estuary Lakes Dr., Tampa FL 33619
Bring the Family & Ring in 2026 EARLY at D&B
Wednesday December 31
4:00pm
Dave and Buster’s – Tampa/Brandon  Tampa, FL

Find out more >>

 

9. UTC’s Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Party

December 31 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL 34243 United States

Got little ones who can’t make it to midnight? Ring in 2026 early at UTC’s New Year’s Eve on The Green on Dec. 31 from 7–9 pm. Enjoy an evening of family fun featuring spectacular entertainment like the Spheres Bubble Show with Blaise Ryndes, plus a DJ, food, face painting and a countdown to a 9 pm fireworks show.
This free event is happening on The Green at UTC, located near Rocco’s Tacos.

10. Annual Noon Year’s Eve Balloon Drop at We Rock the Spectrum Tampa!

2025 Updates coming soon!

1076 East Brandon Boulevard #102
Brandon,FL 33511 United States

Our Annual Noon Years Eve Balloon Drop is almost HERE!
We are EXCITED to countdown to NOON with you! Enjoy arts and crafts, open gym, snacks, event day specials, and our BALLOON DROP. Don’t miss out! All Ages are Welcome!

Find out more »

 

 

11. New Year’s at Noon! at We Rock the Spectrum – Clearwater

2025 Updates coming soon! 

Join us in celebration of the New Year! On December 31st from 11am-1pm, we will have playtime, glow room, face painting, arts & crafts, and games!

Find out more »

12. Quantum Countdown at MOSI

When: December 31, 2025 | 10:30 AM–3:30 PM
Cost: Included with admission (Free for MOSI Members)

Hit “start” on the New Year with a daytime celebration at MOSI that’s built just for families. Quantum Countdown invites kids and adults into a video game–inspired environment filled with science, creativity, and hands-on discovery. Expect interactive experiences that encourage building, problem-solving, and learning together.

The highlight? Two early New Year countdowns inside the Saunders Planetarium at 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, making it easy for families to celebrate without the late night. Most activities are included with admission, though a few special experiences may have an added fee. It’s a fun, low-stress way to welcome 2026 early.


13. Noon Year’s Eve Pirate Cruise on The Lost Pearl

When: December 31, 2025 | Departs at 11:00 AM
Cost: Kids (2–12) $35 | Infants $12 | Adults $40

Set sail into the New Year—pirate style. The Lost Pearl’s Noon Year’s Eve cruise is a high-energy, kid-friendly celebration designed for families who want all the excitement without a midnight bedtime. This themed cruise features music, pirate antics, and a lively countdown tailored for younger guests.

At noon, passengers ring in the New Year with a special countdown and cannonball drop, complete with a sparkling juice toast for kids and complimentary champagne for adults. It’s a memorable way to celebrate together while keeping the schedule family-friendly.

 

Local Community Evening New Year’s Eve Events 

1. NYE on the Pier

600 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Event Starts at 8pm until 12:30am

Ring in the new year on the St. Pete Pier with the area’s biggest fireworks show sponsored by the City of St. Petersburg.  Enjoy Live DJ’s on our main stage equipped with an LED wall and lights that will light up the night! 

​Also enjoy food vendors, games, and of course a full bar and champagne/bubbly bar for your midnight toasts! 

NEW THIS YEAR: Elevate your New Year’s Eve experience with a Reserved Area Ticket! Enjoy access to a fenced-in viewing zone featuring prime fireworks views, an exclusive bar, and dedicated portable restrooms. Each ticket also includes one complimentary bubbly toast (or a non-alcoholic beverage).

Find out more >>

 

2. Light up the Lagoon

31885 Overpass Rd, Wesley Chapel, FL 33545

2025 updates coming soon!

 

3. Light it Up! Clearwater

Dec. 31, Fireworks at Midnight

Welcome to Light It Up Clearwater! Come and join us on New Year’s Eve, relax with your toes in the sand, watch one of our world-famous sunsets, grab a bite to eat and then ring in the New Year with Fireworks at midnight!  All compliments of AMPLIFY Clearwater and its wonderful sponsors.  Named as a one of the Top Five kid-friendly places to ring in the New Year, by U.S. News Travel, it’s sure to be a celebration the whole family will enjoy!

This year’s fireworks display will take place on the most northern part of Sand Key Park (but Sand Key Park will be closed to the public). Best viewing area is the southern part of Clearwater Beach but the fireworks will be visible along the beach.

lightitupclearwater.com

 

 

4. Fireworks at Armature Works

December 31st, 8:00pm – 2:00 am,1910 N Ola Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602

Ring in the New Year at Tampa’s biggest waterfront celebration featuring GRAMMY-nominated SOFI TUKKER, one of dance music’s most electrifying duos. Known for their high-energy live shows, global anthems, and signature blend of house, tribal rhythms, and lush vocals, SOFI TUKKER has lit up festivals like Coachella, Tomorrowland, EDC, and Lollapalooza—and now they’re bringing that unstoppable energy to Armature Works on NYE.

They’re joined by Austin Millz, the genre-defying producer celebrated for fusing hip-hop, soul, R&B, and electronic into a dynamic dance-floor sound. From performing for Beyoncé at Coachella’s Homecoming to headlining global stages, Austin Millz brings unmatched vibe and artistry.

Event Details:
🕗 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
🎟 GA | VIP | VIP Plus | VIP Tables
📱 VIP Tables: Text 813-786-1300
📸 See past NYE photos & videos: 2024 & 2025
Hosted by AW Live & Pied Piper Productions

Get ready for a night of massive energy, stunning waterfront views, and world-class music as Tampa counts down to 2026!

Find out more »

 

5. New Year’s Eve ReliaQuest Bowl Parade & Big Storm Pep Rally 

Dec. 31st, 5:30 p.m.

Tampa’s historic Ybor City Latin District is host of the popular ReliaQuest Bowl Parade. Fans will enjoy High School Marching Bands from across the country along with floats and the participating college bands and cheerleaders as they march down 7th avenue. Stay for the Pep Rally at the end of the parade route then stop by the many restaurants and night spots throughout Ybor and Downtown Tampa. The Parade steps off at 5:30 p.m.

Find out more >>

 

 

6. New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise

December 31, 2025 

Pirate Water Taxi, Tampa RiverWalk (near the Tampa Convention Center and Sail Pavilion)
Tampa,FL33602 United States
$59.95+

Ring in the New Year on the water with a view of Tampa’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks show! This 1-hour cruise includes champagne and prime viewing of Downtown Tampa’s fireworks. All ages welcome, but you must be 21+ with valid ID to drink. Book your tickets in advance to ensure availability!

Find out more »

 

 

Theme Park New Year’s Eve Events 

 

1. New Year’s Eve Celebration at Busch Gardens

Dec. 31st, Open until 1 a.m. on Jan 1st.
You can join Busch Gardens for an awesome New Year’s Eve celebration with thrill rides, live music throughout the park, and fireworks at Gwazi Field! Dive in the dark on Falcon’s Fury and join in on a park-wide countdown to the New Year on December 31. Included with paid admission. buschgardenstampa.com

Photo Credit: Busch Gardens

Find out more >>

 

 

2. Ring in the New Year at LEGOLAND Florida, Dec. 31st, 10 am-8pm

End the year with a bricktastic bang at Kids’ New Year’s Eve! “Midnight” comes early for families at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, celebrating the New Year together with brick-bursting fireworks and awesome entertainment, all without missing their bedtimes. Plus, Kids’ New Year’s Eve is included in General Park Admission, Vacation Packages, and select Annual Passes.

Celebrate with family and friends at Kids’ New Year’s Eve on December 31!

3. New Year’s Eve at SeaWorld Orlando, Dec. 31st (All Day)

Ring in the New Year at SeaWorld Orlando! Join us on December 31 for an unforgettable celebration that blends the magic of Christmas with the excitement of New Year’s Eve. Enjoy a full evening of holiday cheer, delicious dining, spectacular animal encounters, thrilling rides, and dazzling shows. The night culminates in a breathtaking fireworks display, viewable from multiple areas around the park.

Make your evening extra special by reserving VIP fireworks viewing from a private waterfront patio, complete with a champagne toast! Or, secure exclusive reserved seating for the enchanting Winter Wonderland on Ice show, featuring a stunning finale synchronized with the midnight fireworks display.

Celebrate the start of 2026, SeaWorld-style!

 

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