December 30th—here's where I'm taking my kids this week

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Somewhere between ready for the kids to go back to school and soaking up one of my favorite weeks of the year. I love the days leading up to the new year, planning and getting organized for what’s ahead but I also can’t seem to get anything done. We left for Arizona to visit family for the week and it’s been niiice to have help. And to be honest, I’m not used to it.

I’ve been reflecting a lot on the year we had. 2025 was full of so much growth, I can’t wait to see what we do in 2026! Including some kid-friendly NYE ideas happening around the city below. Have fun, be safe, and Happy New Year!!

x Carissa

📍 Pasadena
Happy Noon Year at Kidspace
Wednesday 12/31 Kidspace Pasadena is hosting its Happy Noon Year celebration - a kid-friendly New Year’s Eve party. Families can make colorful party hats, join a confetti dance party, and count down to noon with a festive celebration just for kids. The fun goes all day and is included with general museum admission. (9am - 3pm)

📍 DTLA
Gloria Molina Grand Park’s NYELA
Wednesday 12/31 Head to Gloria Molina Grand Park for the largest free New Year’s Eve celebration on the West Coast. Families are invited to gather in DTLA for live performances, arts, and activities - including a special Community Block hosted by LA Commons, featuring monarch butterfly inspired art projects. Free and open to the public. (8pm - 11:30pm)

📍 Sylmar
Noon Years Eve at The Cube
Wednesday 12/31 Enjoy a daytime New Year’s celebration at Discovery Cube Los Angeles. Families can enjoy all day festivities - including apple cider toasts, a live DJ, access to favorite science exhibits, and balloon drops at noon and 3pm. Limited tickets available and this event usually sells out. (9am - 6pm)

📍 Manhattan Beach
New Year’s Eve Fire Works & Glow Party
Wednesday 12/31 This family-friendly event sounds fun, my kids always love a glow stick. The Glow Party in Manhattan Beach will have music, dancing, and a 10 minute fireworks show with glow sticks to end the night. This event is outdoors, free and open to all. (7pm - 12am)

📍Pasadena
FloatFest
Thursday 1/1 - Saturday 1/3 FloatFest returns to Pasadena on January 1st and goes through the weekend. This free community celebration lets families stroll through creative floats from the iconic Rose Parade. Enjoy live music, family activities, arts & crafts, and soak up all the creativity up close. (times vary each day)

*These aren’t ALL the family-friendly events happening this week in and around LA, just the best (IMO). We keep it short and curated—follow on IG + TT for more!

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See you next YEAR!