Do512 Family - What to do in Austin with Kids

Do512 Family - What to do in Austin with Kids

How to Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Your Family

2026 is almost here. From early countdowns to kid-friendly parties, here’s our roundup of New Year’s Eve events the whole family can enjoy.

Family New Year’s Eve Parties in ATX

Photo Credit: City of Austin Facebook Page
— The City of Austin’s New Year’s Celebration 2026
Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 7 pm | Auditorium Shores Stage at Lady Bird Lake
Ring in 2026 at Austin’s New Year at Auditorium Shores, a free, family-friendly celebration with live music, food, and a can’t-miss finale. This year’s headliner is The Head and the Heart, joined by local favorites Chaparelle, Tameca Jones, and The Point, making it an easy win for music-loving parents. Families can spread out on the lawn, grab dinner from local food trucks, enjoy an early evening vibe, and stick around for the new drone show lighting up the skyline, followed by a fireworks display at midnight. With a central downtown location, no tickets required, and plenty to see and do for all ages, it’s one of the most stress-free ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve together in Austin.


— St. Elmo Brewing’s Daytime NYE Party 
Wednesday, Dec. 31 | noon – 6 pm | Both St. Elmo Locations
Ring in the New Year early with a kid-friendly NYE party at both St. Elmo Brewing Company locations. Families can enjoy DJs, festive drinks, food truck bites, and plenty of space for kids to play, capped off with a balloon drop, countdown, and free champagne toast for adults at 4 PM. It’s the perfect option for parents who want the New Year’s Eve excitement without a late night, since both taprooms wrap things up early. RSVP for FREE here

via Thinkery

Thinkery’s New Year’s Eve Celebration
 Tuesday, Dec. 31 | 1830 Simond Ave | Two times to choose from here
Get your tix for Thinkery’s New Year’s Eve Celebration!  With two party times to choose from (9 am – 11 am, and 1 pm – 3 pm), your family can celebrate during the day on NYE with a series of festive maker activities. Reserve your spot for $35 per person here.


Photo Credit: Pinballz Lake Creek Facebook Page

Noon Year’s Eve at Pinballz
Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 10am | All locations here
With three locations to choose from and a $15 entrance fee, Pinballz is offering Noon Year’s Eve parties beginning at 10 am on Dec. 31 at all of their Austin locations. They’re offering fun arts and crafts, a countdown to noon with sparkling cider, and a $10 play card for kids. There is also a VIP option. Purchase yours online here – it’s an extra $5 per ticket at the door! Editor’s note: Double-check that you’re purchasing for the location nearest you at the top left of the Pinballz site.


Photo Credit: High Five Anderson Lane Facebook Page

NYE Family Party Countdown at High 5 
Wednesday, Dec. 31 | Multiple locations here | Multiple times here 
Ring in 2026 with the family at High 5 in Lakeway, TX! Choose from four seatings: 4 pm, 6 pm, 9 pm, and 10:30 pm to enjoy bowling, food, drinks, and an official “Countdown to 2026!”  It’s one reservation price for the whole family ($117 plus fees for up to six people) here.


Other Family NYE Events

Family Resorts in ATX with Family Holiday Experiences

Photo Credit: Hyatt Lost Pines Facebook Page

— Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa
This Austin Hill Country Family resort is oh-so-festive for the holidays. A short drive from Austin, Hyatt Lost Pines offers horseback riding, a plethora of holiday events and activities, and Camp Hyatt to entertain the kids so parents can hit the gym or spa. We recommend an overnight stay for their family New Year’s Eve party and annual fireworks show.


Photo Credit: Lakeway Resort and Spa Facebook Page

— Lakeway Resort and Spa
Lakeway Resort and Spa knows how to cater to children and their families.  With festive activities like seasonal s’mores and kid-friendly dining, this gorgeous resort overlooks the Texas Hill Country and has much to explore.


Photo Credit: Horseshoe Bay Resort Facebook Page

— Horseshoe Bay Resort
This charming Hill Country resort caters to families with many activities, dining, and shows.  Your kids can feed the tortoises, see an exotic bird show, and revel in the season’s festivities.


Photo Credit: Omni Barton Creek Facebook Page

— Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa
Just a short drive from downtown Austin, Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa offers tons of holiday cheer, experiences, and activities.


Looking for More Ideas?  

Wishing you a beautiful start to your New Year.  

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