2016 sure has been a roller coaster. Every year has it’s high and low points, but it seems like 2016 has had some unusually deep valleys for many people. It’s time to say goodbye to 2016 and hello to 2017 and hope for a better year for everyone. Celebrate with the kids at these family-friendly events in the Chicago area.
Pre-New Year’s Eve
Pre-New Year’s Eve Party, Little Beans Play Cafe, 1809 W. Webster, Chicago Sorry! Sold out!
- Friday, December 30 from 5:30 pm-7:30 pm
- $25 for 1 child, $15 for each sibling. Purchase tickets online.
- DJ, pizza, dancing, punch, & a countdown with balloon drop.
Noon Countdowns
Noon Year’s Eve Bash at Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd, Glenview
- Two sessions: 8:30 am-11:00 am & 12:30 pm-3:00 pm
- $22/person for members, $32/person for non-members. Children under 1 are free. Tickets can be purchased online.
- Wendy Morgan and DB performance, DJ, party hats & horns, dancing, kids party styling by KidSnips, family photos, and confetti drop at noon.
Bubble Bash 2016: Under the Sea, DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 North Washington Street, Naperville
- 9:00 am-Noon
- $20/member, $25/non-member. Online registration available.
- Sea-themed activities including a bioluminescent sea mural, cookie decorating, sand painting, and magnet fishing, plus a live performance by a steel drum band and countdown at noon.
Bricktacular Balloon Drops, Legoland Discovery Center, 601 Martingale Road, Schaumburg
- 9:00 am-7:00 pm
- Included in general admission: $19 at the door; $15.20 online.
- Games, dancing, music, and balloon drops at Noon, 3:00 pm, and 6:00 pm.
- 10:00 am-Noon
- For ages 1-6 years old
- $10 for residents, $15 for non-residents in advance; $15 for residents, $20 for non-residents the day of the event.
- Inflatables, riding toys, play areas, & balloon drop at noon.
- 10:00 am-2:00 pm
- $10/person; $5 for members. Children under 1 are free.
- Crafts, activities, and countdown with balloon drop at noon.
Happy Noon Year’s Eve Party, Park Center, 2400 Chestnut Avenue, Glenview
- 10:30 am-Noon
- $10 per child 3-9 years old; parents are free.
- Inflatables, craft area, face painting, play area, and balloon drop at Noon.
- 10:30 am-Noon
- General admission applies: $14/person. Members and children under 1 are free.
- Crafts, dancing, and countdown at noon.
Noon Year’s Eve Jump, 1095 Pingree Road, Crystal Lake Sorry! Sold out!
- 10:30 am-12:00 pm and 1:00 pm-2:30 pm
- $12/child
- Jumping, pizza (for child & non-paying adult), a balloon drop, and all day open jump admission
Family New Year’s Eve Party, Vaughn Athletic Center, 2121 W. Indian Trail, Aurora
- 11:00 am-1:00 pm
- $8/person (under 2 free) in advance by December 30 at Noon; $11/person day of event. (Day of event admission does not include snacks or party favors.)
- Inflatables, games, dance, and balloon drop at noon.
Wonder Works New Year’s Eve Party, Wonder Works, 6445 W. North Avenue, Oak Park
- Noon-5:00 pm.
- $9/person.
- Food, games, singing, crafts, dancing.
Evening Countdowns
Countdown to Fun at the Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main Street, Rockford
- 12:30 pm-4:30 pm
- General admission applies: $8/person.
- Crafts, art, confetti. Hourly countdowns to celebrate the New Year around the world.
Fireworks at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago
- Fireworks at midnight
- Free
- Winter WonderFest open until 10:00 pm. Admission fees apply.
- 12:30 pm-6:30 pm
- Free
- Scavenger hunts, deals, performers, and giveaways. Countdown will be at 6:00 pm at the Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower.
- 3:30 pm-6:00 pm
- $16/child, $8/adult
- Bouncing fun, rock wall, pizza & drink, indoor petting zoo, countdown with ball drop, hats & noisemakers.
Family New Year’s Eve Party, Glenview Ice Center, 1851 Landwehr Road, Glenview
- 5:00 pm-7:00 pm
- $8 per person
- Ice skating, balloon twister, and a kiddie toast at 7:00 pm.
Pinstripes’ New Year’s Eve Celebration, Pinstripes in Chicago, Northbrook, South Barrington, and Oak Brook
- Balloon drops at 8:00 pm and midnight
- No cover charge, but reservations recommended. Bowling, food, & bocce courts available for purchase.
- Live entertainment and complimentary party favors.
Zoo Year’s Eve at Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield
- Countdown at 8:00 pm.
- General admission and parking fees apply. $17.85/adult, $12.50/child 3-11, children under 3 free. $11/parking.
- Music, games, party favors, and a countdown at the Holly Jolly Theatre. Crafts and kid-friendly countdown (designed for kids 6 and under) at the Hamill Family Play Zoo.
