Now’s the Best Time to Sign Up for “Noon Year’s Eve” and Other Local NYE Events for Kids

The countdown is on for 2023! Celebrate at these kids’ New Year’s festivities with bubbles, music, bounce houses, and countless other ways to enjoy some family-friendly fun. Many of these events ask for advance registration, so we recommend making your plans early, before registration fills up. We’ll be updating this list as it gets closer to the new year, so check back for more events.

This article is sponsored by DuPage Children’s Museum. You are going to love Bubble Bash! Don’t wait to get tickets though; this one sells out.

Bubble Bash: A Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve

Bubble Bash at DuPage Children’s Museum
Saturday, December 31, 2022 | 9:00am – 1:00pm

Spend time together creating lasting memories, enjoying special activities, grooving to good music, exploring the Museum’s hands-on exhibits, and counting down to Noon at DuPage Children’s Museum! This annual year-end celebration, now in its 20th year, has become a holiday tradition. Join them Saturday, December 31, 9am – 1pm. Learn more and get your tickets! dupagechildrens.org/bubble-bash

New Year’s Eve Events to Ring in 2023 with Kids

Teenie Weenie New Years Eve Ball (Carol Stream)
December 30, 2022 | 10:30am – 12:30pm
Kids 8 and under can party hearty with a DJ, bounce house and more, including a balloon drop at noon. Registration closes on December 22nd.

Noon Year’s Eve Party (IPPL, Darien)
December 30, 2022 | 11:30am – 12:15pm
Come celebrate at the Indian Prairie Public Library. For children of all ages with adult. Celebrate the new year with music, snacks, and games. Note: this event is for IPPL cardholders only.

New Year’s Beach Ball Drop Pool Party (Aurora)
December 30, 2022 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Make a splash at the Vaughn Athletic Center’s indoor pool to ring in the new year.

2022 New Year’s Eve at Wonder Works Children’s Museum (Oak Park)
December 31, 2022 | 9:00am, 10:30am or 12:00pm
Purchase tickets for Wonder Works NYE celebrations. Play, have fun with art projects, and enjoy the balloon drop.

Noon Year’s Eve (Bolingbrook)
December 31, 2022 | times TBA
Save the date for Promenade Bolingbrook’s family-friendly New Years Eve festivities.

Bubble Bash: A Kid-Friendly New Year’s Eve at the DuPage Children’s Musuem (Naperville)
December 31, 2022 | 9:00am – 1:00pm
Enjoy all that the museum has to offer in this annual Bubble Bash NYE party. Activities include bubble science displays, musical performances, making wearable art, and two countdowns. Tickets required.

Happy Noon Year (Montgomery)
December 31, 2022 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Run, jump, climb, and celebrate 2023 at Oswegoland Park District’s celebration.

Children’s New Year Celebration (Orland Park)
December 31, 2022 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Register in advance for skating, giveaways and more.

Noon Years Eve (Little Fox Clubhouse, Yorkville)
December 31, 2022 | 10:00am – 12:30pm
Join the festivities at Yorkville’s newest indoor play space. Purchase tickets in advance.

Noon Years Eve Bash (Elmhurst Fire Department Station #2)
December 31, 2022 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Dance, enjoy s’mores, and watch the disco ball drop countdown at noon.

NYE Pajama Party (Naperville Yard)
December 31, 2022 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Jump, climb, and play games at Naperville Yard’s PJ celebration. Advance registration closes December 28, 2022. Walk-ins welcome if space allows.

Family New Year’s Eve (Warrenville)
December 31, 2022 | 10:30am – 12:30pm
The whole family is invited to celebrate the New Year in style at this event, featuring party favors, snacks, music, and more.

Countdown to Noon Year! Noon Year’s Eve Party (Woodridge Public Library)
December 31, 2022 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
Make crafts and have a dance party until the balloon drop around noon.

Noon Years Eve (Lemont)
December 31, 2022 | 11:00am – 1:00pm
Ring in the new year a little early with Lemont Park District at their noon celebration. Registration required.

Family New Year’s Eve Bash (Aurora)
December 31, 2022 | 11:00am – 1:00pm
Dance, jump, make crafts, and enjoy the balloon drop at noon.

Anita Dee New Year’s Eve Family-Friendly Afternoon Cruise (Chicago)
December 31, 2022 |  1:00pm departure
All-ages afternoon cruise with live DJs and skyline views, full bar. No food will be served. $20-35/ticket.

Ice Skating and Fireworks at Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District (Rosemont)
December 31, 2022 | 11:00am – 1:00am
The Ice Rink is open for ice skating. Bring your own skates and skate for free, or rent skates for $8. Fireworks display at midnight.

Noon Year’s Eve Party (Naperville Public Libraries)
December 31, 2022 | 11:30am – 12:30pm
Visit the library for storytime, crafts, and of course, a countdown.

Blue Man Group (Chicago)
December 31, 2022 | 1:00pm, 4:00pm, 7:00pm, and 10:00pm
Join Blue Man Group for special NYE performances. Check out our article about seeing Blue Man Group before you go.

New Year’s Eve Skate at Lombard Roller Rink
December 31, 2022 | 1:30pm – 4:30pm
This New Year’s Eve skate is open to all ages. $17 admission includes skating and rental, and a balloon drop filled with prizes.

New Year’s Eve at Fox Bowl (Wheaton)
December 31, 2022 | Lane times begin at 3:00pm, 6:00pm, 9:30pm
Family bowling packages $145-185 per lane with pizza, salad buffet, and unlimited soft drinks. All times have a countdown and toast!

Family-Friendly Cheers Heard Around the World (SafeHouse Chicago)
December 31, 2022 | 4:00pm – 9:00pm
Celebrate international countdowns as you dine at SafeHouse Chicago restaurant.

Safari Land Ultimate New Year’s Eve Adventure (Villa Park)
December 31, 2022 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
No reservations are needed. Free parking. Package 1- $30.00 Per Person Includes: Admission fee, buffet, raffle ticket, $10 game card and New Year’s Eve Party Favor Bag! or Package 2- $35.00 Per Person Includes: Everything in Package 1 plus unlimited rides.

New Year’s Eve Family Party at Enchanted Castle (Lombard)
December 31, 2022 | 6:00pm – 10:00pm
This indoor entertainment venue is offering four-hour parties with a New Year’s Eve feast buffet, $15 for gameplay, unlimited use of select rides and attractions, a toast and countdown, and more. $46.95 per guest; advance reservations required.

Ideas for Celebrating New Year’s at Home

Whether you want to be super safe or simply party in your pajamas, here are some ideas for celebrating at home this year.

• Take a “trip” to another country and celebrate their midnight! Adjust a clock to that time zone, and do some research about that country’s particular NYE tradition (if they have one). Bonus points if you have a native dish prepared!
• Look backward before you move forwards: celebrate special moments and memorable achievements from 2022. Think about what 2022 brought to your family’s life and look at throwback pictures. You could even make a time capsule for a year to come!
• A few years ago, we created activity bags with mini countdowns because we knew we wouldn’t make it to midnight. Fill them with silly string, bubbles, minute-to-win-it type games. The kids couldn’t contain their excitement to open each bag.

• Game night is always a winner. Last year, Jamie’s family did a New Year’s Board Game Tournament; everyone goes into the new year feeling like a champion. Decorate silly trophies or medals, award one another with prizes — or just pick each person’s favorite game and play it. Don’t forget to toast the winner with a favorite bubbly beverage!
• Elementary-aged kids and older might enjoy creating a “bucket list” of things to do in the new year. It’s always nice to have exciting ideas and activities to look forward to — especially when everyone gets to contribute.
• Get outside for some fresh air. Check out our favorite outdoor spaces (you may want to double-check holiday hours).
• Oakbrook Terrace is offering New Years Eve Rec-tivity boxes. Register by December 9 for a kit filled with all of your NYE fun.

Taking the holidays one day or week at a time? No need to stress — our west suburban kid-friendly events calendar is updated all the time and ready to help! Or, check out our 2022 Kidlist Winter Holiday Guide.