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  2. Sydney New Year's Eve With Kids: Fireworks & Family Events (2025 Update)

New Year's Eve in Sydney is pure magic, and when you're celebrating with kids, it takes on a whole new level of sparkle. From the iconic 9 pm fireworks that let little ones join in the countdown to family-friendly viewing spots and kids' New Year's Eve events, Sydney knows how to roll out the red carpet for families on the biggest night of the year.

If you're looking for the best NYE fireworks spots in Sydney for families, this guide will help you ring in the New Year with smiles, snacks, and plenty of wow moments for kids of all ages.

Sydney New Year's Eve With Kids: Fireworks & Family Events (2025 Update)

Sydney New Year's Eve with kids
Don't miss a magical Sydney New Year's Eve with kids in 2025.


2025 Sydney NYE Fireworks Overview for Families

Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks 2025 are shaping up to be another unforgettable night for families, with the much-loved 9 pm family fireworks officially confirmed. This earlier show is designed for kids and delivers all the sparkle, colour, and wow factor of the main event, without the late-night meltdowns. For families with older kids or teens who can make it to midnight, the iconic midnight fireworks still take centre stage, lighting up Sydney Harbour in spectacular style as the city welcomes the new year.

As always, crowds are part of venturing out to experience Sydney's New Year's Eve with kids, especially around popular harbour-side spots, so expect busy transport and full foreshore areas well before sunset. Many families prefer the 9 pm fireworks, which are more relaxed and easier to manage. For families with prams, it's best to head to open parks and wider areas, as tighter viewing points can become challenging later in the night. Arriving early and choosing less crowded locations will help make the evening smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

Where to Watch Sydney's New Year's Eve Fireworks With Kids

Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks for 2025 can once again be viewed from a mix of ticketed and non-ticketed vantage points across the city. Some high-demand locations are ticketed to help manage crowds and improve safety, while plenty of free public spots remain available for families, so you don't miss out on the magic. 

Note: All tickets must be purchased or booked in advance to secure a spot at your chosen vantage point. Tickets will go fast, so click the links below to book today.

FREE Non-ticketed Vantage Points for NYE 2025

Sydney New Year's Eve with kids
Campbells Cove at The Rocks.


If you're planning on heading to the city to catch the fireworks this year, there will be plenty of vantage points to ring in 2026 - some ticketed and free, some ticketed and priced, and some non-ticketed. Here are all the free and non-ticketed spots that are great for families:

FREE Ticketed Vantage Points for NYE 2025

These spots are also free but require a ticket:

Ticketed Vantage Points for NYE 2025

Taronga Zoo New Year's Eve
The incredible vantage point at Taronga Zoo.


You'll need to pay for tickets for these coveted spots and hurry - tickets usually sell out way in advance.

New Year's Eve Events With Kids

Sydney New Year's Eve events with kids
Celebrate Sydney life with the ultimate party poppers.

 

Celebrate the end of 2025 in style with a fun program of kids' New Year's Eve events taking place throughout Sydney and beyond.

Illuminate NYE at Fairfield Showground

Sydney New Year's Eve events with kids
Illuminate NYE at Fairfield Showground


Grab your picnic blankets and settle under the stars for an evening of fun and excitement at Illuminate NYE. 

Take advantage of free amusement rides, food trucks, and roving entertainers bringing the festive vibes to life. There'll be loads of family-friendly activities, including face-painting, music, balloons, and carnival games. Show off your local knowledge in the Kahoot trivia challenge, with prizes from Aquatopia Water Park up for grabs!

Where:   Fairfield Showground
When:    31 December 2025 from 5-10 pm
Cost:      FREE

NYE at Koshigaya Park

Sydney New Year's Eve events with kids
NYE at Koshigaya Park


Koshigaya Park will be buzzing with family-friendly entertainment to bid farewell to 2025.

One of Campbelltown's biggest parties is back in 2025, so bring your picnic blanket and get ready for wall-to-wall entertainment. Carnival rides, fireworks, free face-painting, live performances, food trucks, showbags, photo booths, and more are on the agenda to ensure families ring in 2026 with happy hearts and full bellies. 

Where:   Koshigaya Park
When:    31 December 2025 from 7 pm to midnight
Cost:      FREE

New Year's Eve at Parramatta Park

New Year's Eve at Parramatta Park
New Year's Eve at Parramatta Park


Say farewell to 2025 with a bang at New Year's Eve at Parramatta Park.

There is an impressive line-up of entertainment and activities throughout the evening, including three stages of festive performances headlined by Emma Memma, Jessica Mauboy, and a dedicated family zone featuring Furnace and the Fundamentals! 

Plus, there'll be yummy food trucks, fun amusement rides, and family-friendly activities. Make sure you look to the sky at 9 pm for the stunning fireworks finale!

Where:    Parramatta Park, Pitt and Macquarie Streets Parramatta
When:     31 December 2025 from 5 pm to 9.30 pm
Cost:       FREE

Illuminate The Hills

Sydney New Year's Eve events with kids
Illuminate The Hills


If you're looking for an early event so little family members can get to bed on time, head to Illuminate The Hills to see magical twinkly lights.

Christmas merriment will be on the agenda with loads of Christmas installations lighting up the treasured Baulkham Hills Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Rose Garden from 7.30-10.30 pm until 2 January 2026. 

Where:   Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Rose Garden, 43 Roxborough Park Rd
When:    Nightly from 28 November 2025 to 2 January 2026 from 7.30 to 10.30 pm
Cost:      FREE

What's Open on NYE for Families

New Year's Eve in Sydney isn't just about fireworks! There are loads of spots open on NYE for families throughout the day and into the night. Outdoor spaces such as beaches and parks are great ideas for a relaxing family picnic under the stars. If you're keen to stay indoors, why not make NYE a movie night and head to the cinema? Most of your favourite cinemas are open on NYE with a great selection of family-friendly movies. For kid-friendly casual dining amongst the action, restaurants, cafes, and casual eateries around the harbourfront and Darling Harbour keep their doors open with special menus and early seating options.

Just remember that public transport often runs on a special timetable, and some roads and venues close early to set up for NYE events.

FAQs About Sydney New Year's Eve With Kids

Heading out to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks in Sydney with kids can be daunting. Give yourself extra peace of mind with our handy FAQs. 

1. What time are the Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks?

Sydney will once again host the earlier 9 pm fireworks, which are officially confirmed and designed with families and kids in mind. The iconic midnight fireworks follow later in the night, welcoming in the New Year with the city's biggest display over the harbour.

2. Are NYE fireworks suitable for kids?

Yes, especially the 9 pm fireworks, which are hugely popular with families. That said, fireworks can be loud, and crowds can be busy, so younger children may benefit from earmuffs, and calmer viewing spots are often a better choice than packed foreshore areas.

3. What time should families arrive for the NYE fireworks?

Families are encouraged to arrive well before sunset, especially for popular vantage points that fill early. Arriving earlier not only secures a better spot but also makes navigating crowds with kids far easier.

4. Do you need tickets for NYE vantage points?

In 2025, Sydney offers a mix of free and ticketed vantage points. Some high-demand locations require pre-booked tickets to manage crowd numbers, while many public areas remain free and open to everyone who arrives early enough.

5. Are NYE kids' events free in Sydney?

Yes! Several of our favourite New Year's Eve kids' events are back and 100% free.

6. What should families bring for NYE in Sydney?

Water, snacks, sunscreen, hats, and picnic gear will go a long way toward keeping kids happy and comfortable. A picnic rug, warm layers for later in the evening and entertainment for downtime can also be handy.

7. Are prams allowed at major vantage points?

Prams are allowed at many NYE viewing locations, particularly open parks and family-friendly zones. Space can become limited in high-traffic areas as the night goes on, so arriving early and choosing roomier locations makes things much easier.

8. What are the best kid-friendly vantage points for NYE in Sydney?

Family favourites tend to be spots with open space, good sightlines, and easier access, such as large harbour parks, designated family zones, and less-crowded foreshore areas. Darling Harbour, Barangaroo Reserve, Pirrama Park, and Royal Botanic Gardens offer a more relaxed atmosphere while still delivering plenty of fireworks magic.

More Family Fun

Keep the festive spirit going beyond New Year's Eve with loads more family-friendly celebrations across Sydney and beyond. Hit the road and visit one of the largest Christmas light displays in the Southern Hemisphere at Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular. Make the most of the last days of Christmas with these Christmas Events running until mid-January. Jump in the car and see loads of twinkly action at the Best Sydney Streets With Christmas Lights. 


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