If staying up until midnight isn’t realistic with little ones, you’re in luck! Families across Lawrence, Ottawa, and surrounding communities can ring in the New Year with Noon Year’s Eve celebrations, outdoor adventures, and festive activities designed especially for kids. Here’s where to celebrate together as a family as we head into 2026.
🎈 Noon Year’s Eve Parties
Up & Away – Indoor Party & Play
📍 2525 Iowa St, Lawrence, KS 66046
🕚 Wednesday, Dec. 31 | Dance party at 11:30am, balloon drop at noon
Dance, jump, and celebrate with Up & Away’s annual Noon Year’s Eve Party! Kids can enjoy open play, music, and a festive balloon drop right at noon.
🎟 Regular admission required.
🔗 https://upandawayplay.com/
Hy-Vee Lawrence – Noon Year’s Eve Celebration
📍 3504 Clinton Pkwy, Lawrence, KS 66047
🕙 Dec. 31 | 10:00am–1:00pm
Ring in the New Year early with party hats, festive fun, and kid-friendly excitement—all without staying up late.
🔗 https://www.hy-vee.com/
Louisburg Library – Family Noon Year’s Eve Party
📍 215 S Broadway St, Louisburg, KS 66053
🕦 Dec. 31 | 11:30am–12:30pm
Celebrate at Fox Hall with games, crafts, a light lunch, a balloon drop, and a child-appropriate toast.
🔗 https://www.louisburglibrary.org/
MY Play Café – Noon Year’s Eve Party
📍 810 Creekside Drive, Gardner, KS
🕦 Dec. 31 | 11:00am–1:00pm
Ring in the new year early with a family-friendly Noon Year’s Eve party! Enjoy a festive craft, celebratory snacks, and a balloon drop countdown at noon—perfect for little partygoers.
🔗
linkin.bio/myplaycafegardner
🛼 New Year’s Eve Skating in Ottawa
Roller Skating Rink – Noon Year’s Eve Skate
📍 222 E 2nd St, Ottawa, KS 66067
🕙 Dec. 31 | 10:00am–1:00pm
A great daytime option for families with younger kids, featuring games, giveaways, and a noon balloon drop.
💲 $12 admission (+ $3 inline rental). Cash only.
🔗 https://www.ottawaks.gov/library (rink info varies—check locally)
Roller Skating Rink – Midnight Skate
📍 222 E 2nd St, Ottawa, KS 66067
🕖 Dec. 31 | 7:00pm–1:00am
For older kids and teens (8+ without an adult), enjoy skating, prizes, and a midnight balloon drop.
💲 $25 admission (+ $5 inline rental). Cash only.
📚 Library Fun for Little Ones
Ottawa Library – Open Play
📍 105 S Hickory St, Ottawa, KS 66067
🕙 Dec. 31 | 10:00am–11:00am
A free, drop-in open play time for kids birth–6 to explore, imagine, and socialize.
🔗 https://ottawalibrary.org/
🥾 First Day Hikes & Outdoor Adventures
Clinton State Park – First Day Hike
📍 Swim Beach Parking Lot, 798 N 1415 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66049
🕚 Jan. 1, 2026 | 11:00am
Kick off the New Year with a scenic 1.5-mile Prairie View Nature Trail hike—easy to moderate with stunning views.
🔗 https://ksoutdoors.com/
Om Grown Yoga & Wellness Collective – First Day Hike
📍 Big Bull Creek, Sunflower Rd north of 207th St
🕚 Jan. 1, 2026 | 11:00am–1:00pm
Start 2026 immersed in nature and community. Enjoy a group hike followed by hot chocolate and chai. Free to attend.
🔗 https://www.omgrownkc.com/
Saddle Ridge Back Country Horsemen – New Year’s Day Ride
📍 26800 W 253rd St, Paola, KS 66071
🕐 Jan. 1, 2026 | 1:00pm
Kick off the year on horseback with a guided one-hour ride, followed by hot chocolate.
🔗 https://bcha.org/
🎊 Celebrate the New Year—Your Way
Whether your family prefers a balloon drop at noon, skating fun, or starting the year outdoors, there are plenty of ways to make New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day special—without missing bedtime.
Be sure to double-check event details and ticket requirements before heading out, and here’s to a happy, healthy start to 2026 with your crew!
