Looking for kid-friendly New Year's Eve events around Chicago? We've got your list of Dec. 31 family-friendly events 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.
Last updated with new events: 12/8/2021
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Family-Friendly New Year's Eve Events Around Chicago:
Do you know of a family-friendly New Year's Eve or New Year's Day taking place in Chicago that isn't listed here? Email us at debraf@macaronikid.com and we will add it to our list!
Zoo Year’s Eve at the Brookfield Zoo
A live DJ sets the party tone in the Holly Jolly Theater, as do fun games, party favors, prizes, and an early countdown at 8 p.m.
December 10, 2021 5pm - 10pm
Noon Year’s Eve - Lincolnwood
This all ages event features games, noise makers, DJ music, dancing and more! Balloon drop at noon. Door admission $2/person
December 30, 2021 11am - 12pm
Pre-New Years Eve, Little Beans Cafe, Evanston
Ring in the new year early….kid style. Little Beans will have a fun NYE celebration with a DJ, pizza, punch, play, NYE swag, and a countdown to a balloon drop.
Tickets are needed for kids over 12 months. Adults are free.
One child - $30, Siblings- $20
December 30, 2021 5pm - 7pm
Noon Years Eve, Odyssey Fun World
A kids NYE party with breakfast that will allow them to ring in the new year with you at a decent hour. Including: fun music, dance contests, a balloon drop, confetti cannons, and a sparkling beverage toast at noon! $30/person for Adults and Children over 2. Includes: Unlimited attractions, arcade games, food, plus $10 in game points for ticket games!
December 31, 2021 9am - 1pm
Downtown Evanston Noon Year’s Eve Celebration
Bring your kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews to Fountain Square for a free, festive, Noon Year's Eve countdown! Come early to take photos at a fun photo booth, enjoy hot chocolate and other treats. Prior to the event, there will be opportunities to make noise makers at places throughout downtown Evanston.
December 31, 2021 11am - 1pm
Play2Day Noon Year's Eve Drop-off
Don't want to stay up until midnight on the 31st? Drop off your child to ring in the new year while you enjoy lunch and a cocktail at Blue Sushi!
Children must be 2.5-5 years. 50% sibling discount with code SIBLING. Upon sign-up, you will indicate how many in your party at Blue Sushi and a reservation will be made for you.
$69 Ticket includes:
2 hours of drop-off play
Take-home craft
Pizza lunch for children
Reservation at Blue Sushi plus free medium plate
December 31, 2021 11am - 1pm
Family - Kids New Years Countdown at Firewater Saloon, Edison Park
Go to the Firewater Saloon for a special 2022 New Year Countdown event filled with all the fun at midnight but during the day for kids.
There are 3 different time slots available starting at 10am. The event includes a buffet, including soft drinks, live entertainment, balloon drop, and party favors.
$12.99 per kid, $15.99 per adult, 5 & Under free
Reservations are required.
December 31, 2021 10am - 5:15pm
Noon Year's Eve Celebration at Bubbles Academy, 900 N. Michigan
Ring in the NOON year at Bubbles! Jam out to a concert with Miss Mel, create your own NYE crown, and countdown to the new year with a Bubble-filled finale!
Ages 0-5
- Masks required for everyone over the age of 2, regardless of vaccination status.
- Up to 2 adults may accompany each registered child.
December 31, 2021 11am - 12pm
Gallagher Way's Neon New Year's Eve
Bring your family and friends to Winterland at Gallagher Way to celebrate 2022 from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. on December 31st! Wear your best neon colors and pick up free glow sticks and New Year's Eve noise makers! All ice skaters will receive half-off skate rentals to hit The Rink. There will be a live DJ to get the party started, along with entertainers, take home crafts, and an early 2022 Countdown at 6 p.m.!
Children's Admission (12 years and under): FREE
Adult's Admission (13 years and older): $6
Skate Rental $6
Bag Check $2
Penguin Skate Aids $10
RSVP Here!
December 31, 2021 3pm - 6pm
Family NYE at Roots Pizza - Lincoln Square
Celebrate a family-friendly NYE at Roots Handmade Pizza! All are welcome for an early "countdown" starting at 3 PM and 5 PM. $30 Ticket includes ONE guaranteed table reservation for 1-4 guests, ONE order of our famous Mozzarella Sticks, Champagne toast (sparkling non-alcoholic for kids), and celebratory NYE party props.
December 31, 2021 3pm - 7pm
Kids New Year's Eve, Moretti's, Edison Park
Explosive Kid's Video Countdown, Balloon Drop, Confetti, Party Favors, Party DJ & Dancing
Kid's - $12.95
Adults - $19.95
Family Style Dinner - Pizza, Pasta, Salad & Ice Cream
December 31, 2021 (3) Seating Reservations at 3:30pm, 6pm, 8:30pm (check all Moretti's locations for other seating times)
Annual Family 2022 Countdown, Pilot Pete's, Schaumburg
Hourly countdown complete with a complimentary glass of champagne for guest 21+ and kiddy cocktails for kids.
Countdown Cities:
Athens - 4pm
Paris - 5pm
London - 6pm
Vic, Iceland - 7pm
Sao Paulo - 8pm
Santiago - 9pm
Caracas - 10pm
December 31, 2021 Reservations 3:30pm - 10:00pm
Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Party at Summer House, Lincoln Park
Celebrate the last night of the year with the entire family at Summer House! Ring in the new year a little early with a family-friendly New Year’s Eve party that your kids will love. Passed bites including Grilled Cheese, Quesadillas, and more available for kids, with sparkling pink lemonade and grape juice to ring in the New Year! Additional food available for adults as well as beer, white, red, rosé, and sparkling wine. Ball drop at 5:30 PM.
December 31, 2021 4pm - 6pm
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Other Fun Ways to Make the Day Special:
See a Show
Chitown Movies, 2343 S. Throop St
Matilda 4:45 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
When Harry Met Sally 7:00 p.m.-8:40p.m.
Mean Girls 9:00 p.m.-10:40 p.m.
December 31, 2021
2021 It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago, Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N Lincoln Ave
American Blues Theater has been transporting Chicagoans back to the “Golden Age of Radio” to experience the story of George Bailey for over 20 years in their wildly popular interactive It's a Wonderful Life performance.
December 31, 2021 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The Trickery Chicago, 3453 N Halsted St
Chicago’s most entertaining magic show! Fun, intimate, sometimes outrageous, and always hilarious! Recommended for ages 12+. Venue is BYOB for guests 21+. Cups and bottle openers are available if needed.
December 31, 2021 7:00 p.m. & 9:00 p.m.
Blue Man Group at The Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N. Halsted St
This evening of fantastic live theater performances will be performed by one of the greatest performance arts companies ever! No matter where you are or what style of theater you like, you can be guaranteed that your night will be truly unforgettable.
December 31, 2021 4pm, 7pm, and 10pm
Scott’s Magic Show-In-A-Box
A one-of-a-kind virtual family experience. After you buy your ticket, a mysterious box arrives at your door. Don’t open it until showtime, when the surprises in the box and the live, interactive 75-minute Zoom performance combine to make the magic happen in your family’s hands.
December 31, 2021 2:00 p.m.
Go Skating
Gallagher Way
Guests may bring their own skates or rent on site at the skate shop located underneath the Gallagher Way gate inside the Wrigley Field concourse. Skate aids, to train and assist the littlest skaters, and bag check are available at the skate shop.
- Children's Admission (12 years and under): FREE
- Adult's Admission (13 years and older): $6
- Skate Rental $12
- Bag Check $2
- Penguin Skate Aids $10
- Groups of 15 or more receive 50% off skate rental!
December 31, 2021 11am - 9pm
Maggie Daley's Ice Rink
In partnership with Immersive Van Gogh Chicago, the Maggie Daley Ice Rink has transformed its quarter mile ribbon into fields of sunflowers and starry night brushstrokes. You will glide over Van Gogh images that have been laid under the ice. This installation at Maggie Daley Park is included in every ice-skating reservation, there is no additional fee. Session Capacity is limited. Reservations become available on Dec 6.
December 31, 2021 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park returns for its 20th anniversary season, open daily from November 19 through March 6 (weather permitting). Admission is free, but online reservation tickets will be required.
December 31, 2021 9:30am - 9pm
Parkway Bank Park - Chicago Wolves Ice Rink, Rosemont
Bring your own skates and skate for free or rent skates onsite for $8.
December 31, 2021 11 a.m. - 1 a.m.
Escape Reality
Redline VR
Redline VR offers a curated virtual reality arcade experience.
December 31, 2021 1pm - 6pm (after 6pm is 21+ only)
Lucky Strike
Lucky Strike at Wrigleyville is 30,000 square feet of ridiculous fun, featuring two video walls, 4k screens, over 100 arcade games (including the the first of its kind Daytona Championship USA Motion SDLX), and late night kitchen slingin’ bites and delicious cocktails. All while enjoying the spectacular views of Wrigley Field.
December 31, 2001 12pm - 9pm (after 9pm is 21+ only)
Fox in a Box
A fast paced escape room. Disinfected between every game. Fun overloaded. Wonderful Staff. Beautiful Lobby. Amazing Storylines and Unforgettable Memories.
December 31, 2021 8:15am - 9:55pm
Amazing Interactive Scavenger Hunt Adventure for Up to 5 People!
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HideSeek Pop-Up Experience
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Through January 30, 2022
