Ready to welcome 2026 with your kids? The Boise area has some exciting and family-friendly New Year’s Eve events that are worth considering. Whether you’re looking for something mid-day or when the clock strikes midnight, you’ll find something fun and festive to kick off the new year.
Check out this roundup of the best local celebrations. All events are listed on our jam-packed, FREE, events calendar: boisewithkids.com/events
1. Noon Year’s Eve Party at Boise Public Library Branches
Why wait until midnight? Celebrate early at the Boise Public Library! Families can enjoy a countdown to noon with crafts, activities, and a kid-approved dance party.
📍 Locations: All Boise Public Library branches except downtown
🕐 Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
🎉 Details: Perfect for little ones, this party ensures everyone can join in the New Year fun (and still make bedtime). Find info here.
2. Once Upon a Noon Year at Caldwell Library
Get dressed in your most glamorous get up to ring in the New Year with snacks, games, crafts, a photo booth, and of course a countdown to noon! Fun for the whole family, reasonable bedtime included.
📍 Location: Caldwell Public Library
🕐 Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
🎉 Details: A fun and stylish way to celebrate with the whole family while keeping bedtime intact. Find info here.
3. Noon New Year’s Celebration at Garden City Library
Ring in the New Year early at the Garden City Library with a festive party designed just for kids. Enjoy crafts, snacks, and a special kid-friendly toast as you count down to noon.
📍 Location: Garden City Public Library
🕐 Time: 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
🎉 Details: A relaxed and fun way for little ones to celebrate the start of 2026. Find info here.
4. Kids’ Class: NYE Wish Bottles & Hats at Eagle Library
Help your kids get creative as they design their own New Year’s wish bottles and party hats at the Eagle Library!
📍 Location: Eagle City Hall Community Hall
🕐 Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
🎉 Details: A hands-on activity that lets kids craft their wishes for the new year. Find info here.
5. Countdown to Noon at the Children’s Museum of Idaho
Celebrate the final day of 2025 with crafts, games, and a festive balloon drop at noon! Kids will love the noise-makers and treats at this ticketed event.
📍 Location: Children’s Museum of Idaho, Meridian
🕐 Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
🎉 Details: $10 per person ($5 for members). Find info here.
6. Noon Years Eve Party at Magpie Play Cafe
Join us for a NOON YEAR’S EVE PARTY for kids 7 and under! There will be activities & crafts, sweet treat + water/juice toast, dance party, and a noon countdown + ball drop.
📍 Location: Magpie Play Cafe
🕐 Time: 10 AM – 12:30 PM
🎉 Details: Tickets required. Find info here.
7. Noon Year’s Eve Party at Wahooz!
4-Hour Ultimate Unlimited or All Day Indoor Incredible for $34.99, including
unlimited attractions, plus bowling and a $10 game band with a countdown and balloon drop at noon and party favors.
📍 Location: Wahooz!
🕐 Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
🎉 Details: $34.99/person – https://www.wahoozfunzone.com/bowl/discounts-and-events/
8. Kuna New Year Gem Drop
Kick off 2026 with the annual Gem Drop in Kuna! This event is featuring a sparkling gem drop at midnight, complete with music, lights, fireworks and a family-friendly atmosphere. Make sure you stop by the City of Kuna Tent for some fun New Year’s Eve noisemakers for the kids. (Available until supplies last).
📍 Location: Bernie Fisher Park
🕐 Time: 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM
🎉 Details: A unique and exciting way to count down to 2026. Be aware of strobe lighting if anyone in your group is sensitive to bright lights. Find info here.
9. 12th Annual Idaho® Potato Drop in Downtown Boise
Boise’s signature New Year’s Eve event! The Idaho® Potato Drop is a free, family-friendly celebration at the Idaho State Capitol, featuring the world-famous #GlowTato, live music, food trucks, vendors, and an epic pyrotechnic show.
📍 Location: Cecil D. Andrus Park, Downtown Boise
🕐 Time: Starting at 6:00 PM
🎉 Details: Watch the iconic potato rise and drop, enjoy live entertainment, and don’t miss the Rail Jam Ski and Snowboard Exhibition hosted by Tamarack Resort. Find info here.
10. Parent’s Night Out or Overnighter at Wings Center
Your NYE date night or all nighter will be even more magical knowing that your kids will be having the time of their lives at our huge facility. We’ll fuel the fun with pizza and drinks. When the clock strikes midnight, we’ll count down together as the Wings Ball drops. Complete with celebration hats, noise makers, and tons of energy! After the excitement, kids can cozy up for a giant wall-sized movie as they settle in for the night. In the morning, we’ll wrap up the adventure with yummy breakfast items before pickup.
📍 Location: Wings Center
🕐 Time: Starting at 6:00 PM and pickup depending on age and if you’re leaving them overnight
🎉 Details: Bring socks, snack, water bottle sleeping bag/blanket/pillow/sleepwear and no cell phones or electronic devices. Find info here.
From early balloon drops to iconic Idaho traditions, the Boise area has something for everyone to enjoy this New Year’s Eve. Which event will your family choose? Have a Happy New Year! 🥳
