Looking for a way to celebrate New Year’s Eve without keeping the kids up until midnight? Families across Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs, and Independence have several kid-friendly, early celebrations to choose from as we ring in 2026. From balloon drops and dance parties to library countdowns and play cafés, these local events are perfect for little ones who still want the excitement—just earlier.
Below is a roundup of family-friendly New Year’s Eve events worth adding to your calendar.
Mid-Continent Public Library – Various Branches
📍 Locations in Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs & Independence
🎉 Noon Year’s Eve Celebrations
📅 Events and times vary by branch.
Many Mid-Continent Public Library branches host “Noon Year’s Eve” events designed especially for young children. Expect crafts, stories, music, and an early countdown complete with balloons and confetti—no late bedtime required.
My Play Café – Lee’s Summit
📍 103 SW Market St, Lee’s Summit, MO
🎉 Noon Year’s Eve
📅 December 31st @ 10:30am–12:30pm
🎉 Noon Year's Day Play Party
📅 January 1st @ 10:30am–12:30pm
My Play Café is known for hosting ticketed daytime New Year’s Eve celebrations featuring open play, themed crafts, balloon drops, snacks, music, and a kid-friendly countdown. These events are ideal for toddlers and preschoolers and often sells out quickly.
🔗 https://www.myplaycafe.com/noon-years-eve
🔗 https://www.myplaycafe.com/noon-years-day
Summit Play Village – Lee’s Summit
📍 102 SW Market St, Lee’s Summit, MO
🎉 Noon Year’s Eve Balloon Drop
📅 December 31st @ 10:30am–12:30pm
Summit Play Village typically rings in the new year with open play, festive activities, and a balloon drop timed just for kids. This popular event is best for younger children and usually requires advance registration.
🔗 https://www.summitplayvillage.com
Blue Surf Bay – Blue Springs
📍 Blue Springs, MO
🎉 Noon Year’s Eve Pool Party
📅 December 31st @ 11:30am–1:45pm
Blue Surf Bay will be hosting their second annual Noon Year’s Eve Party, featuring a ball drop over both the lap pool and program pool, plus a fun photo booth for families to capture the moment. This unique celebration is a great option for kids who love to swim and want to ring in the new year with a splash.
🔗 https://www.bluespringsgov.com/
Kanga’s Indoor Playground – Independence
📍 19700 E Jackson Drive, Ste G, Independence, MO
🎉 Noon Year’s Eve Party and Play
📅 December 31st @ 9:00am–3:00pm
Ring in the New Year with a full day of indoor fun at Kanga’s Indoor Playground! Families can enjoy face painting, balloon art, music, games, activities, party favors, photo opportunities, and open play throughout the day. The celebration wraps up with a festive balloon drop at noon, making it perfect for younger kids who can’t stay up late.
🔗 https://kangasindoorplaycenterindependence.com
Green Street – Lee's Summit
📍 209 SE Green St., Lee’s Summit, MO
🎉 Kid's Noon Year Countdown
📅 December 31st @ 10:00am–12:00pm
Celebrate the New Year—kid style—at Green Street! This family-friendly event features crafts, music, a cozy reading corner, lawn games, and a countdown to Noon Year’s Eve. It’s a relaxed, creative way for kids to celebrate without the late bedtime.
🔗 https://cityofls.net/green-street
The Paperback Playhouse – Blue Springs
📍786 SW US-40, Blue Springs, MO
🎉 Noon Year’s Eve Open Play
📅 December 31st @ 12:00pm–2:00pm
Welcome the New Year with imaginative play at The Paperback Playhouse! Families can enjoy a special Noon Year’s Eve play session with open-ended fun in a cozy, kid-friendly space. A great option for little ones who love hands-on play and storytelling.
🔗 https://www.paperbackplayhouse.com/play
Before You Go
Event details, pricing, and availability may change, so be sure to check each business’s website or registration page before attending. Many of these events fill up quickly, especially play cafés and special programming like balloon or ball drops.
Celebrating early makes it easier for families to enjoy the fun and start the new year rested—cheers to 2026!
