New Year’s Eve Daytime Countdown at Long Island Children’s Museum is Back!
Families come and Celebrate “O-FISH-ALLY-2026!” with 3 confetti-filled ball drops,
Times Square Style
Families across Long Island will be diving into 2026 at the Long Island Children’s Museum’s annual “Noon” Year’s Eve celebration, Countdown to 12! This year’s event, “O-FISH-ally 2026!”, will make a splash on Wednesday, December 31, from 11 am to 4 pm, with an ocean of activities inspired by the Museum’s newest permanent exhibit, Saltwater Stories.
Visitors will enjoy all the excitement of a Times Square-style New Year’s Eve—confetti, countdowns, and dancing—on a schedule designed for children… and parents who prefer a mid-day celebration!
- The party includes three confetti-filled ball drops (noon, 2 pm, and 4 pm)
- Live DJ entertainment
- Hands-on sea-themed crafts spread throughout the Museum’s galleries.
- Sock Skating and winter village
“Each year, Countdown to 12! gives families a chance to celebrate the start of a new year together,” said Ashley Niver, LICM Director of Education. “This year’s ocean-inspired theme lets us connect our guests to the wonder of Saltwater Stories—and to the Long Island communities who have always made the Museum part of their family traditions.”
Throughout the day, families will create festive keepsakes and party gear to ring in the new year, including:
- O-FISH-ally 2026 Top Hats – Party in Saltwater Stories style to welcome 2026!
- Jellyfish Puppets – Jiggle and wiggle into the new year with your very own floating friend.
- Catch of the Day Necklaces – Reel in the fun by designing your own “lucky catch” to wear.
- Octopus Noisemakers – Shake things up with an eight-armed celebration accessory!
Guests can grab a confetti favor upon entry—free of charge—to toss at the ball drop of their choice, then hit the Under the Sea Dance Party in the Museum’s Outer Lobby to show off their splashy dance moves.
“‘Countdown to 12!’ has become one of our most joyful days of the year,” Niver added. “We love watching families—many of whom have been coming for years—grow and celebrate together at LICM.”
All Countdown to 12! activities are included with Museum admission on Wednesday, December 31 ($20 for non-members, free for LICM members). To avoid disappointment, visitors are encouraged to purchase admission tickets in advance.
All activities will take place at the Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Avenue, Garden City, NY. For the safety of visitors, adults are not permitted in the Museum without children; visitors under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Museum admission: $18 for adults and children over 1 year old, $16 for seniors, FREE to museum members and children under 1 year old. For additional information, contact 516-224-5800.
Hours: (September-June) Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm Weekends
and most school holidays from 10 am to 5 pm
About the Long Island Children’s Museum (www.licm.org)
The mission of Long Island Children’s Museum (LICM) is to connect all our communities’ children, and those who care for them, to a life of wonder, imagination and exploration. At LICM, children discover their passions and their relationship to the world we share. The 40,000-square-foot museum serves over 300,000 children and adults annually. The private, not-for-profit institution chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, offers museum-based educational programs and cultural experiences, as well as an extensive community outreach program offered in schools, libraries and youth centers across Long Island. Recognized with several honors, including the National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), LICM is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the gold standard of museum excellence. It is currently the only accredited children’s museum in New York State and is one of only 16 accredited children’s museums nationwide. LICM has earned 4-stars on Charity Navigator and has Platinum Transparency on Candid.