5, 4, 3, 2, 1 . . . Happy New Year! Ringing in the new year doesn’t have to be at midnight. We love to include our children in reminiscing about the past year’s blessings and ringing in the new year, without staying up past their bedtime! You can celebrate with a “noon year’s eve”, have an early countdown at bedtime, or celebrate to another country’s New Year’s Eve celebration. There are a plethora of ways to celebrate at museums, theaters, zoo lights, bowling alleys, and family fests. Many of these events require advance registration, so please check ahead to make sure you’re ready to party!
This article is sponsored by DuPage Children’s Museum.
Bubble Bash: A Kid-Friendly New Year’s Eve (Naperville)
December 31, 2019 | 9:00 am – Noon
Ring in the New Year with a countdown to Noon celebration! Families can spend time together creating lasting memories, taking part in special activities, grooving to live music, exploring the Museum’s hands-on exhibits, and counting down to Noon!
The award-winning children’s music duo, Wendy & DB, will have families singing, dancing, and jumping along with their original songs and upbeat lyrics. In addition to their live performance, a DJ from Bach to Rock will keep the energy high with family-friendly music throughout the event. Some of the special activities include Confetti POP, Shake Your Music Maker, Pump Up Your Party Wear, Face Painting, a photo booth, and more. At noon, choose from three different countdowns: confetti, bubbles, or sensory friendly.
This annual year-end celebration, now in its 18th year, has become a holiday tradition for families. A portion of the proceeds helps fund Museum exhibits and programs. Purchase your tickets today!
New Year’s Eve Events to Ring in 2020 with Kids
December 27
Little Tykes Time New Year’s Celebration at Flying High Gym (Countryside)
Friday, December 27, 2019 | 10:00 am – 11:30 am or 1:30 pm – 3:00pm
Kids in kindergarten and under can come play at the gym and enjoy a balloon drop and countdown. $8/child; book online.
December 28 and 29
Itty Bitty New Years (Lisle)
Saturday, December 28, 2019 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ring in the new year with dancing, crafts and a countdown to noon complete with a balloon drop. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Pre-registration is required. Ages 2-6, with an adult $12–$18.
Children’s New Year’s Celebrations (Orland Park)
Saturday, December 28, 2019 | 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Festivities include a DJ, dancing, activities, food and fun. No New Year’s celebration would be complete without party favors and the BIG countdown! Be sure to bring your cameras and capture all the fun and memories. Please note that children (ages 2-11 years) must be accompanied by an adult; both children and adults must purchase a ticket. $15–$20.
Chicagoland Family Fun Fest at Pheasant Run (St. Charles)
December 28 – 29, 2019 | 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Huge inflatables, kiddie Rides, indoor zip line, obstacle courses, playland, balloon twisters, face painters, costume characters, balloon drop at 7:00 pm on New Year’s Eve, games, prizes, giveaways and much more! They offer family packages with rooms included. Daily general admission cost is $15 and unlimited ride wristband cost is $25. Kids under 2 are free.
December 30
Teenie Weenie New Year’s Eve Ball (Carol Stream)
Monday, December 30, 2019 | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Kids 8 and under count down to 12 p.m.! Activities include a live DJ, bounce house, games, crafts and a balloon drop. Light refreshments. Fee is per child; adults are free and are required to stay at the event. Price increases December 26.
New Year’s Eve at Noon at North Riverside Parks & Recreation
Monday, December 30, 2019 | 11:15 am – 12:30 pm
Kids will play games and do activities before a countdown heralds in 12:00 pm with noisemakers, confetti, treats, and more. Ages 4–9, register in advance.
Noon Year’s Eve Party (Darien)
Monday, December 30, 2019 | 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Come celebrate at the Indian Prairie Public Library. For children of all ages with adult. Celebrate the new year with music, snacks, and games. Free
Noon Year’s Eve (Berwyn)
Monday, December 30, 2019 | 11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Mini New Year’s Eve celebration complete with a countdown, balloon drop, and plenty of fun! Registration required. Ages 2–6.
December 31
Bubble Bash: A Kid-Friendly New Year’s Eve (Naperville)
December 31, 2019 | 9:00 am – Noon
Ring in the New Year with a countdown to Noon celebration! Families can spend time together creating lasting memories, taking part in special activities, grooving to live music, exploring the Museum’s hands-on exhibits, and counting down to Noon!
The award-winning children’s music duo, Wendy & DB, will have families singing, dancing, and jumping along with their original songs and upbeat lyrics. In addition to their live performance, a DJ from Bach to Rock will keep the energy high with family-friendly music throughout the event. Some of the special activities include Confetti POP, Shake Your Music Maker, Pump Up Your Party Wear, Face Painting, a photo booth, and more. At noon, choose from three different countdowns: confetti, bubbles, or sensory friendly.
This annual year-end celebration, now in its 18th year, has become a holiday tradition for families. A portion of the proceeds helps fund Museum exhibits and programs. Purchase your tickets today!
Kohl Children’s Museum (Glenview)
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 | 8:30 am and 12:30pm
Concert, DJ, dancing, juggler, and a confetti drop at the Kohl Children’s Museum. Registration required; this is a fee ticketed event, even for members.
New Years Pajama Party at the Westmont Yard (Westmont)
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 | 9:00 am – 1:00pm
Enjoy bouncy houses, the playroom, giveaways, crafts, and other fun activities. Regular price tickets $12; half off if purchased before 12/17.
New Years Pajama Party at the Naperville Yard (Naperville)
Tuesday, December 31, 2019| 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Looking for somewhere for your little ones to burn off some steam on New Year’s Eve? Naperville Yard has a five-level climbing structure and inflatables, plus special giveaways and more. Regular price tickets $12; half off if purchased before 12/17.
Countdown to Noon (Downers Grove)
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Celebrate with party favors, DJ Coach Josh, a photo booth, face painting, snacks, a balloon drop and more. Parents must stay and supervise their children. Children under two are welcome to attend free of charge. Price will increase to $20/R, $30/NR on December 27.
SciTech Museum (Aurora)
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Bring the family in for a fun celebration to end the year. Count down to noon and a 1000-balloon drop, enjoy a Live DJ and games, SciTech’s Bubble Blast, craft projects, and explore the museum.
Happy Noon Year (Montgomery)
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ring in the NOON year with this family friendly event where kids of all ages can enjoy New Year’s Eve! Play in the gym, make a party favor, or grab a snack before the countdown and balloon drop at noon. Each person attending must register.
Noon Year’s Eve (Bolingbrook)
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Pancake breakfast (for children only) and magic show. There will be a mocktail toast at noon with a balloon drop and dance party. $15 per child. No tickets required for adults. Tickets required; register here.
Noon New Year’s (Oak Brook)
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 | 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Come and welcome the new year in style with music, dancing, party hats, and an apple juice toast at noon. Registration required; tickets are $15-$19.
Ice Skating and Fireworks at Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District (Rosemont)
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 | 11:00am – 1:00am
The Chicago Wolves Ice Rink is open for ice skating. Bring your own skates and skate for free, or rent skates for $8. Fireworks display at midnight.
Wild New Year’s Eve Celebration (St. Charles)
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 | 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Meet the animals and share a toast at 12:00 pm. Adults are free! Kids tickets range $5-$8.
Noon Years Eve Party at the Downers Grove Library (Downers Grove)
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 | 11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Read a story, dance, and toast the new year at the library! Registration required.
New Year’s Eve at Noon Party at the Lincoln Park Cultural Center (Chicago)
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 | 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Family-friendly event with balloons, music, and crafts. Free!
New Year’s Eve Party at Wonder Works Museum (Oak Park)
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 | 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Kids will play special games, make crafts, play with noisemakers, put on parades parades, sing songs, eat food, and more. $5/members, $13/non-members.
New Year’s Eve Skate at Lombard Roller Rink
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 | 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
This New Year’s Eve skate is open to all ages. $15 admission includes four hours of skating, skate rental, a slice of cheese pizza, and a small drink.
Blue Man Group New Year’s Eve Performances
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 | 1:00pm, 4:00pm, 7:00pm, or 10:00pm
The two early shows feature early count-downs, party hats, and more. The evening performances include a champagne toast, with the last show ending in a midnight toast and countdown party. Tickets range from $49–$104.
Anita Dee New Year’s Eve Family-Friendly Afternoon Cruise (Chicago)
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 | 1:00pm departure
All-ages afternoon cruise with live DJs and skyline views, plus cocktails and a complimentary champagne for adults. $10-49/ticket.
Hofbrauhaus New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 | 2:00pm – 6:00pm
A “Munich-style” family celebration begins at 2, with a magician, parade, and toast. Complimentary champagne or sparkling juice.
Countdown at the Carillon (Naperville)
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 | 5:30 pm
Enjoy Carillon music for the children. Beginning at 5:30 pm, hot chocolate, bells and glow sticks will be available while supplies last. Countdown at 6:00 pm. Free Event
New Year’s Eve at Fox Bowl (Wheaton)
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 | Lane times 3:00 pm, 6:00 pm, 9:30 pm
Family bowling packages $105- 135 per lane with pizza, salad buffet, and unlimited soft drinks. All times have a countdown and toast!
New Year’s Eve Family Party at Enchanted Castle (Lombard)
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 | 3:00 pm or 8:00 pm seatings
This indoor entertainment venue is offering four-hour parties with a New Year’s Eve feast buffet, $10 for gameplay, unlimited rides and attractions, a toast and countdown, karaoke, and more. $32. 95/3 pm seating, $34.95/8 pm seating; call to reserve.
Zoo Year’s Eve at Brookfield Zoo
Monday, December 31, 2019 | Countdowns at 8:00 pm
Go to the Holly Jolly Theater for a live DJ starting at 6:00 pm, games, party favors, and prizes, or take kids 6 and under to the Hamill Family Play Zoo to make a noisemaker. Countdowns are at 8:00 pm. Free with membership/admission.
Safari Land Ultimate New Year’s Eve Party (Villa Park)
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 | 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
No reservations are needed. Free parking. Package 1- $15.00 Per Person Includes: Admission fee, buffet, raffle ticket and New Year’s Eve Party Favor Bag! or Package 2- $25.00 Per Person Includes: Everything in Package 1 plus unlimited rides* and a $5 adventure card.
Looking for more ideas to enjoy the holiday break with your family? Check out our guide to winter activities for kids!
Annie…thanks for the wonderful website. We all appreciate the hard work you do to help make our families memories too!
Great website. Super helpful
Thanks Holly! I’m glad you find the site helpful.
Thanks a lot for sharing all this information. I’m finding fun events for our little one from here. Happy New Year 😀.
You’re welcome! Happy New Year to you too. I’m glad you find the site so helpful. :)