New Year's Activities for Kids Near Katy, Texas

Families with younger children often can't stay up to watch the ball drop on New Year's Eve. Fortunately, many municipalities host New Year's activities that are designed for families during family friendly hours. The city of Katy, Texas, might be a small city, but it is located in the Greater Houston area. Families will find plenty of things to do in Katy and the surrounding area on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

  1. New Year's Eve Celebrations

    • Katy offers a few options for families who would like to ring in the New Year but don't want to stay up until midnight. The Downtown Aquarium in Houston hosts an afternoon family friendly New Year's Eve celebration that includes a balloon drop. "Sharkey's New Year's Eve Party" includes a buffet-style dinner, contests, crafting activities, live music and more. Kids can also explore the aquarium itself, which features hundreds of fish and other sea creatures.

      The Children's Museum, also in Houston, hosts a ball drop at noon that includes a celebration with a New Orleans style brass band, DJ, parade and crafts. Kids can also explore the exhibits at the museum before they head home.

    Gaming Activities

    • Most kids love games and rides. You can show them a good time while also ringing in the New Year at Times Square Entertainment in Katy. Laser tag, an arcade, billiards and bowling are among the offerings here. You can enjoy some open game time or stay for the New Year's Eve celebration at 4 p.m., which includes unlimited pizza and soda, in addition to games.

      You and your kids can have a rocking good time on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day at Main Event Entertainment in Katy. The venue offers rock-climbing and karaoke, in addition to a ropes course, laser tag, arcade games, bowling and billiards.

    Ice Skating

    • Ice skating is a classic winter holiday activity, and there are still many opportunities to enjoy it at New Year's. The Ice Rink-Woodlands Town Center is open from November to January and offers open skate sessions for all ages. You can book a private party there or just go for the skating.

      Discovery Green in Houston also has a large ice skating rink, which includes a special section for toddlers to enjoy safe skating. When you're finished with skating, head over to the New Year's Eve Live celebration at Discovery Green, which is the official New Year's celebration for the city of Houston. Kids will love the glow parade, soul train, disco area, trampolines and more.

    Brunch and Shopping

    • After a day of partying to ring in the New Year, you might want to take it easy on New Year's Day. Most restaurants and shops will be closed, but there are a few exceptions. Candelari's Pizzeria on Fry Road in Katy serves a New Year's Day brunch, and from there you can go to the Katy Mills outlet mall for some shopping and play time.

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