This guide has been generously sponsored by Imagine Performing Arts
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Looking for kid-friendly New Year's Eve events around Chicago? We've got your list of family-friendly events on December 31st, and even some Eve of the Eve to get the party started even sooner!
Please check back often as we are adding more kid-friendly New Year's events frequently.
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Family Events in Chicago:
Edison Park
Kid's New Year's Eve Party
Explosive Kid's Video Countdown / Balloon Drop /Party Favors / Party DJ & Dancing. Family Dinner Includes: Pizza, Pasta, Salad, Ice Cream and Soft Drinks. Adults 24.95 each / Kids Under 12 Tickets 19.95 each / Kids Under 2 FREE
Moretti's
Dec. 31, 2pm, 5pm, or 8pm
Lincoln Square
Noon Year's Eve: Italian Family Feast
Why wait until midnight to celebrate? Bring the kids and join The Chopping Block for a hands-on Noon Year’s Eve Italian cooking party! Together, you’ll roll out pasta dough, stir up flavorful sauces, and finish with a festive Italian dessert. Get ready for an Italian adventure the whole family can enjoy.
The Chopping Block
Dec. 31, 10:00am-12:30pm
Ravenswood
Irish New Year
Ring in the New Year at 6pm with Ireland at Begyle's annual Irish New Year Celebration! Enjoy a few pints and board games with the family and get to bed at a reasonable hour. Fun decorations and exciting happenings throughout the day, including; happy hour, delicious tacos from El Zorro, and bingo!
Begyle's
Dec. 31, 11am-9pm
Noon Year's Eve
Ring in the New Year early with a joyful, family-friendly celebration inside one of Chicago’s most beautiful historic venues.
Join us at Artifact Events for a joyful daytime countdown packed with music, dancing, activities, and festive moments perfect for kids and grown-ups alike. Celebrate ringing in 2026 in a bright, energetic atmosphere — without the late-night bedtime battles.
This event is designed for families looking to make New Year’s memories together. Dance, laugh, snap photos, and enjoy the excitement as we countdown to noon with a sparkling toast and a balloon drop!
Artifact Events
Dec. 31, 11am-2pm
River North
Kids NYE Party at JoJo's shakeBAR Chicago
This Family-Friendly Event Includes Group Dining With A Delicious Entree, And A Biggie Shake Or Biggie Hot Chocolate Per Person. Join The 12 PM Countdown Complete With Party Favors, Plus A Complimentary Toast For Kids And Adults (Alcoholic Or Non-Alcoholic).
JoJo's shakeBAR Chicago
Dec. 31, 11am-1pm
Roscoe Village
New Year's Eve Balloon Drop Party
Party pass includes access to all attractions (subject to age and height restrictions, excluding arcades), live DJ with 1000 Watts Sports, dance party, games, prizes, party favors, balloon drop, sparkling juice toast and more!
ClimbZone
Dec. 31, 4:30pm-7:30pm
Noon Year's Eve Party
Enjoy interactive classes with Lil’ Kickers and Skills Institute, inflatables, dancing, arts and crafts and more! Stick around for the balloon drop at noon with a kid-friendly countdown!
Lil' Kickers
Dec. 31, 9am-12pm
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Family Events Around Chicagoland:
Evanston
Noon Year's Eve
Dive into the new year with an exciting and fun celebration at Goldfish Swim School Evanston! We're hosting a FREE New Year's Eve event for all! Activities Include: Open Family Swim, Countdown and Balloon Drop, Snacks and Refreshments.
Goldfish Swim School
Dec. 31, 12:00pm-1:30pm
Morton Grove
Kid's New Year's Eve Party
Explosive Kid's Video Countdown / Balloon Drop /Party Favors / Party DJ & Dancing. Family Dinner Includes: Pizza, Pasta, Salad, Ice Cream and Soft Drinks. Adults 24.95 each / Kids Under 12 Tickets 19.95 each / Kids Under 2 FREE
Moretti's
Dec. 31, 1pm or 4pm
Noon Year's Eve Party
Enjoy a 30-minute interactive class with Lil’ Kickers and Skills Institute, inflatables, dancing, arts and crafts and more! Stick around for the balloon drop at noon with a kid-friendly countdown!
Lil' Kickers
Dec. 31, 9am-12pm
Mount Prospect
New Year's Eve Eve
The Mount Prospect Downtown Merchants Assoc is excited to present New Year’s Eve-Eve, a kid-friendly family celebration to ring in 2026
Station 34
Dec. 30, 11am and 1pm
Mundelein
Noon Year's Eve Party Minion & Stitch
This event is the talk of the town for family fun! Celebrate with a Minion & Stitch on New Year's Eve from 11am - 2 pm. Thousands of balloons drop at NOON! Bring your cameras to capture the festivities and the characters! Admission is only $15 per person.
Just for Fun Roller Rink
Dec. 31, 11am-2pm
New Years Eve Family Skate Party
Strap on your skates and get ready to roll into the New Year with your loved ones. This in-person event is perfect for families looking to celebrate together in a lively and energetic atmosphere. The Family Skate Party will feature the hottest beats, dazzling lights, and plenty of laughter. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a beginner, there's something for everyone. Glide across the rink, show off your moves, and make unforgettable memories with your family.
Just for Fun Roller Rink
Dec. 31, 3pm-6pm
Niles
New Year's Eve Une Annee Family Pajama Party
We are going to Rock in 2026 early with a Pajama Party, Family Friendly Event! Special New Year’s Family Festivities from 4-8:30pm with Balloon Drop at 6:30 pm! Round out 2025 with special kid and adult food items! Free to Attend! Minimum $20 per person food and drink purchase requested! Reserve your spot today! Wear your Family Friendly Pajamas! (not required but we know you got new one’s for the holidays!)
Une Annee Brewery & Kitchen
Dec. 31, 4:00pm-8:30pm
New Year's Eve Skate
Celebrate the New Year early. Fun music, hats, noise makers, and games for the kids. Countdown to 'midnight'. No pre-registration required. Line will open at 11:30 am.
IceLand Ice Arena
Dec. 31, 12pm-2pm
Park Ridge
New Year's Eve Around the World
Experience the excitement of New Year's Eve around the world with your family, without leaving Park Ridge or staying up late! Explore cultural traditions, make crafts, and enjoy snacks and drinks inspired by global flavors. Games, music, and entertainment takes place throughout the event. The celebration ends with noise makers, hats, beads, and a traditional New Year’s Eve balloon drop.
Maine Park Leisure Center
Dec. 30, 10:30am-12:00pm
Rosemont
New Year's Eve at Dave & Busters
Immerse yourself in an arcade-meets-night-out atmosphere where games, food and drinks collide. Enjoy award-winning food and specialty cocktails to start the night right. Countdown Celebration brings a family-friendly New Year’s countdown with party favors and cheers. Unlimited Fun lets you enjoy hundreds of arcade games, simulators and prize-winning challenges all night.
Dave & Busters
Dec. 31, 11am and 4pm
Skokie
Itty Bitty New Year
Ring in 2026 at this annual family event with DJ, games, crafts, entertainment and balloon drop at noon. Exploritorium admission is included. Children $20 and $5 for each adult.
Oakton Community Center
Dec. 31, 10am-12pm
Noon Year's Eve Skate 2025-26
Skating starts at 10:45am and culminates with a balloon drop at noon.
Skatium Ice Arena
Dec. 31, 10:40am-12:00pm
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