This Guide has been sponsored by Broadway in Chicago
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DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL is the record-setting Broadway holiday sensation which features the hit songs “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” from the original animated special. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the Holiday loving Whos. Magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville and helps remind us of the true meaning of the holiday season. Don’t miss what The New York Times calls “AN EXTRAORDINARY PERFORMANCE! 100 times better than any bedtime story.”
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 19.95 each / Kids Under 12 Tickets 14.95 each / Kids Under 2 FREE
Moretti's
Dec. 31, 3:30pm, 6:00pm, or 8:30pm
Irving Park
Family NYE Party
Food, drinks, dance party, activities, and a balloon drop.
ERIS Brewery and Cider House
Dec. 31, 3:30pm-5:30pm
Lakeview
NYE Day All Ages Event! Let It Snow, Man
All ages are invited to the BYOB studio for Mimosa Brunch. They supply the OJ, you supply the Bubbly! Ticket price includes all paint supplies, instruction, aprons and a 16x20 take-home canvas! $40-$48.
Bottle and Bottega
1:00pm-3:30pm
Lincoln Park
New Years Eve Afternoon Family Fun Event
Bring in the Family to Celebrate the New Year at WhirlyBall! Unlimited games and Lunch included! $20 per child/$30 per adult includes: Lunch Buffet, Endless WhirlyBall, Bowling, LaserTag, and Pop-Up Games. Buffet includes Cheese, Sausage, and Pepperoni Pizza, Pretzel Bites, Mini Quesadillas, Mac and Cheese Bites, and Freshly Baked Cookies. Fountain drinks included. Cash bar available for alcoholic beverages. Note: In order to play WhirlyBall you must be 54" or taller. LaserTag is for those 42" or taller.
WhirleyBall Chicago
Dec. 31, 12pm-2pm or 2:30pm-4:30pm
Near North
Noon Years Eve Celebration
Ring in the NOON year at Bubbles! Jam out to a concert, create your own NYE crown, and countdown to the new year with a Bubble-filled finale!
Bubbles Academy
Dec. 30, 11:00am-12:15pm
Ravenswood
European Midnight
European Midnight - for kids and adults who don't want to stay up late! Two ball drops at 5pm and 6pm (midnight in Europe!) $5 general admission gets you plenty of crafts and activities for 0-8 year olds. Example Activities: Coloring page table, Two craft tables (collage, painting, etc.), Playdough w/ playdough toys, Versatile toys (Legos, magnatiles, etc.), Two Self-Guided picture scavenger hunts, 2 Ring/Ball toss games, Toy Cars with parking garage.
The Raven Room
Dec. 31, 3pm-7pm
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, 12pm-8pm
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 a 30-minute interactive class with Lil’ Kickers and Skills Institute, inflatables, 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:
Des Plaines
Family New Year's Eve Party
There will be games, snacks, inflatables, and a professional DJ! Adult (18 and older) admission is FREE when you’re accompanied by a child!
Prairie Lakes Community Center
Dec. 31, 2:00pm-4:30pm
Lincolnwood
DIY Noisemakers
Get ready to ring in the New Year by crafting Noise Makers out of paper plates, kernels, and craft sticks.
Lincolnwood Library
Dec. 29, 2pm-3pm
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 19.95 each / Kids Under 12 Tickets 14.95 each / Kids Under 2 FREE
Moretti's
Dec. 31, 1:30pm or 4:00pm
Noon Year's Eve Party
Enjoy a 30-minute interactive class with Lil’ Kickers and Skills Institute, inflatables, arts and crafts and more! Stick around for the balloon drop at noon with a kid-friendly countdown!
Lil' Kickers
Dec. 31, 9am-12pm
Mundelein
Paw Patrol Noon Year's Eve Party
This event is the talk of the town for family fun! Celebrate with Paw Patrol on New Year's Eve from 11am - 2 pm. Thousands of balloons drop at NOON! Bring your cameras to capture the festivities and the Paw Patrol Puppies! Admission is only $15 per person. Anyone over the age of 2 entering the building is required to purchase admission. Skate rental is $4 at the skate counter. Limited skate helpers are available for $5 rental.
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
Bonne Anne
We are going to Rock in 2024 early with a Pajama Party, Family Friendly Event! Special New Year’s Family Festivities from 4 - 7 pm with Balloon Drop at 6:30 pm! Round out 2023 with special kid and adult food items! S’mores on the Patio! Dancing in the Taproom! Family Board Games! Kid Activities and More! 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
Dec. 31, 4pm-7pm
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
Celebrate New Year’s Eve Traditions from around the world. Did you know in Denmark it is custom to break plates to celebrate or in Ireland the tradition is to throw bread at the walls? In some counties they do not even recognize Dec 31st as New Year’s Eve! Receive your passport and travel around the world to partake in different celebration traditions which include crafts, games, and tasting different foods. A list of the food we will be emailed prior to the program.
Maine Park Leisure Center
Dec. 28, 10:00am-11:30am
Rosemont
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 19.95 each / Kids Under 12 Tickets 14.95 each / Kids Under 2 FREE
Moretti's
Dec. 31, 2pm
Skokie
Itty Bitty New Year
Ring in 2024 at this annual family event with DJ, games, crafts, entertainment and balloon drop at noon. Exploritorium admission is included. Children $18/$20 and $5 for each adult.
Oakton Community Center
Dec. 31, 10am-12pm
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Other Fun Ways to Make the Day Special:
Blue Man Group's New Year's Eve Performances
Blue Man Group will host four festive New Year’s Eve performances. Families with young children can take advantage of Blue Man Group’s early performances at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. These shows feature early “midnight” countdowns after the show complete with party hats, noisemakers and a special performance of “Auld Lang Syne” by the Blue Men. Other festivities include pre-show face painting where children will be transformed into members of Blue Man Group’s band.
Briar Street Theatre
Dec. 31
DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL
The record-setting Broadway holiday sensation which features the hit songs “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” from the original animated special.
Cadillac Palace
Dec. 19 - Dec. 31
Jurassic Quest
See for yourself why Jurassic Quest is the world’s biggest and most popular dinosaur event and walk among the dinosaurs! Loved by millions, Jurassic Quest can’t-miss-moments include:
- Walk among animatronic dinosaurs created with paleontologists to be true-to-detail (and size – watch the teeth)!
- Ride aboard some of the largest touring dinosaurs in North America.
- Become a Junior Dino Trainer at the Raptor Training Experience.
- Navigate “The Quest”, an interactive adventure leading guests through the show. Ready, Set, Quest!
- Live your best dinosaur life with activities like fossil digs, inflatables, a “Triceratots” soft play area & MORE!
- Meet the babies – hatched only at Jurassic Quest – Cammie the Camarasaurus, Tyson the T-Rex and Trixie the Triceratops. And you may even catch a star dino trainer: Safari Sarah, Dino Dustin, Prehistoric Nick or Park Ranger Marty!
- Dig for fossils, and check out real T-Rex teeth, a triceratops horn and life-size dino skull at the Fossil Experience.
Donald E. Stevens Convention Center
Dec. 28 - Jan. 1
Magic Show
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.
Trickery Chicago
Dec. 31, 4pm, 6pm, or 8pm
Scott’s Magic Show-In-A-Box
A one-of-a-kind virtual family experience. After you book your private family show, a mysterious box arrives at your door. Don’t open it until showtime, when the surprises in the box and the live, interactive 90-minute Zoom performance combine to make the magic happen in your family’s hands.
Virtual
