The best family-friendly things to do in London on New Year's Eve

Get your little club rat's career off to an early start while enjoying a bit of a knees-up yourself at Raver Tots' New Year's Party. Held at the legendary Ministry of Sound, this family-friendly rave promises to be the ultimate indoor family dance party, complete with confetti, lasers and lighting, balloons, and more, all set to a thumping House, Garage and D'n'B soundtrack. The event is suitable for all ages, and it all wraps up by 6 pm at the latest.

Bach to Baby is an acclaimed series of live music events for children and their parents to enjoy together. In the run up to New Year's Eve and on the day itself, they're hosting a number of events at churches across London, where the whole family can listen and dance to classical music across the ages. All are welcome at these inclusive events, including newborns and toddlers.

Kids are often asleep by the time the New Year's Eve countdown starts, especially little ones, but this year, the Southbank Centre is letting them join in on the fun by fudging the numbers a bit. The family-friendly Kid's Countdown event starts in the morning and winds up by counting down to noon – or to New Year's Eve midnight in New Zealand, if you prefer. The event will be hosted by artist and musician collective Just Vibez.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is the premier family-friendly destination in London throughout the festive period, including 31 December. Staying open well into the evening as usual, the holiday-themed amusement park offers rides, games, food and drinks, gifts, and more. It winds down just a few days into the new year, so New Year's Eve is one of the last chances to visit if you haven't ticked it off your family bucket list yet.

"Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures” invites audiences on an exciting journey with Mickey Mouse and friends to favourite Disney destinations, from Mary Poppins' dazzling performance to Moana's ocean voyage and Simba's safari. The thrilling ice show promises magical moments, surprises, and endless fun for the whole family, ensuring a memorable last day of the year for all.

Things can get quite busy and stressful on 31 December, so getting the kids' stuff out of the way in advance can be a good idea, especially if you're planning on putting them to bed early on New Year's Eve proper. Long-running club night How Does It Feel To Be Loved? is hosting a Pretend New Year's Party at The Phoenix pub in Central London on 29 December, letting kids and parents alike dance to indie stalwarts such as Belle & Sebastian, Ramones, and Pixies.

Skylon, a contemporary European restaurant in the Southbank Centre, boasts prime views of the Thames and the city skyline through its floor-to-ceiling windows. It puts its location to good use on New Year's Eve, hosting an annual party with live music and front-row seats to the London Fireworks Display, both from the restaurant itself and the viewing area on the South Bank. Kids aged 10+ are welcome to attend the festivities, with a dedicated dinner menu just for them.

The Hackney branch of the Dabbers bingo halls regularly hosts a family-friendly bingo show, and this year that includes 31 December. Held in the early afternoon, the fun event will keep little ones entertained with animal riddles, kids vs parents challenges, mocktails, dancing, a slime station and more.

Supa Dupa Fly, a weekly event highlighting the best Hip-hop and RnB music from the 90s, is hosting a special edition of its family-friendly party at Pop Brixton on 31 December. Held during the daytime, the event keeps kids happy with fun activities such as face painting, street dance lessons, competitions, and more, while parents can bop along to nostalgic tunes from their own youth.

Another option for those looking to sort the kids' New Year's Eve out ahead of schedule, Big Fish Little Fish's Early NYE Family Raves promise heaps of fun. The events will feature an eclectic Dj set ranging from classic Acid House to Hip-hop, accompanied by confetti, bubbles, craft tables, a bar, and more. There will even be a “midnight” countdown and New Year's Eve celebration so the little ones won't feel left out of the festivities come Tuesday night.