If you’re anything like me, staying up until midnight with kids on New Year’s Eve sounds… ambitious. Thankfully, Central PA has some really fun family-friendly ways to ring in the New Year without wrecking bedtime routines. From balloon drops to magic shows and hands-on play, these events let kids celebrate big while parents keep things manageable.
Here are some of the best New Year’s Eve (and “Noon Year’s Eve”) activities for kids in Central PA this year.
Keystone Kidspace: Noon Year’s Eve Party
📍 Harrisburg
🕙 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
💲 $15 per person | Ages 3 and under + members free
Keystone Kidspace is hosting a Noon Year’s Eve Party that’s perfect for little ones. The entire building is open for play, with special activities throughout the morning and a kid-style ball drop to celebrate ringing in the New Year early.
You don’t need to pre-register, but you can grab tickets ahead of time if you want to walk right in and start the fun. This is a great option if your kids love hands-on play and you want something relaxed and easy.
National Watch & Clock Museum: New Year’s at Noon
📍 Columbia, PA
New Year’s at Noon is back at the National Watch & Clock Museum with family games, music, activities, and their signature balloon drop. It’s a fun, festive way to celebrate without staying up late, and the museum setting makes it feel special without being overwhelming.
Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time or paid for at the door.
Suburban Bowlerama: New Year’s Eve Bowling Parties
📍 Central PA
If your kids love bowling, Suburban Bowlerama has multiple New Year’s Eve party options throughout the day:
- Early Bird Party: 1:00–3:00 PM
- Late Afternoon Party: 3:30–6:00 PM
- Fun Times Family Party: 6:30–9:00 PM
- Celebration Party: 9:30 PM–12:30 AM
This is a great option for older kids who can handle a later night, or families who want to celebrate in stages. Lane reservations are recommended, so be sure to book ahead.
West Shore Theatre: Magic & Comedy Show
📍 New Cumberland
West Shore Theatre is hosting a special New Year’s Eve morning event featuring The Artificial Wizards. Expect magic, comedy, and lots of laughs, all wrapped up with a countdown to noon instead of midnight so kids of all ages can join in the excitement.
This is a perfect choice if your kids love live shows and you want something memorable but low-stress.
Find tickets here: https://www.westshoretheatre.org/tickets/
The State Museum of Pennsylvania: Noon Year’s Eve
📍 Harrisburg
💲 $6 per person (ages 1+)
The State Museum’s Noon Year’s Eve celebration is a Central PA classic. Kids can enjoy crafts, trivia, dancing, and the famous firefly and streamer drop at noon.
A few important things to know:
- Curiosity Connection will offer limited 45-minute play sessions each hour on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Planetarium tickets are available for an additional $4 per person and must be purchased in advance or at least 10 minutes before showtime.
- The museum closes right after the firefly drop at noon, so plan accordingly.
More details and ticket info can be found at statemuseumpa.org.
Final Thoughts
New Year’s Eve with kids doesn’t have to mean exhaustion or chaos. These Central PA events make it easy to celebrate together, snap some cute photos, and still have everyone home and happy before bedtime.
If you’re heading to one of these events, soak it in. These are the little traditions that kids remember, and honestly, they’re pretty magical to look back on later. 💛
Kate McCord is a Central Pennsylvania photographer specializing in maternity, newborn, and family photography. She is also a mom of three who understands just how quickly childhood passes, which is why her work focuses on capturing genuine connection, emotion, and the everyday moments families want to remember forever.
If you’re ready to slow down and document this season with your family, I’d love to work with you. You can view upcoming sessions and join the waitlist here.
