45 “Noon Year’s Eve” and Other Local NYE Events for Kids

The countdown is on for 2026! Celebrate at these kids’ New Year’s festivities with bubbles, music, bounce houses, and countless other ways to enjoy some family-friendly fun to close out the winter holiday season. “Noon Year’s Eve” is a popular way to let kids count down to 12 o’clock without having to stay up way past their bedtime (and, perhaps, yours).

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. Check back for more events!

This article is sponsored by DuPage Children’s Museum in Naperville and Wonder Works Children’s Museum in Oak Park.

Noon Year’s Eve at Wonder Works

Noon Year’s Eve at Wonder Works
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 10:00am – 2:00pm

On December 31, 2025, dress your festive best and join us for the last PLAY date of 2025. Come count down to 2026 at Wonder Works!

Our family friendly New Year’s celebration will include a balloon drop, full access to the museum, a new year’s art project, encounters with costumed characters, 2026 swag to take home and a fun photo booth to capture the special day as a family, all long before bed time!

To provide family flexibility with nap times + visiting family + holidays, we will count down to the new year and the balloon drop twice at 11 am and at 1 pm.

Tickets are $15 for members and $30 for non-members. Discounted $6 tickets are also available for anyone eligible for Museums for All. Everyone attending Noon Year’s Eve will need a ticket, both adults and children.

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Noon Year’s Eve and Other NYE 2025 Events for Kids

NYE Celebrations in the Western Suburbs

NYE Celebrations in the Northwest Suburbs

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 2025. Think about what 2026 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. A few years ago, 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).

Taking the holidays one day or week at a time? No need to stress — our kid-friendly events calendar is updated all the time and ready to help! Or, check out our 2025 Holiday Guide.