Bubble Bash at the DuPage Children's Museum.
Photogtaph: Rick BeatoBubble Bash at the DuPage Children's Museum.
Photogtaph: Rick Beato

The best New Year's Eve parties and events for kids

Ring in 2017 with the little ones during the daytime at the best New Year's Eve parties and events for kids

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New Year’s Eve doesn’t quite feel the same now that you’ve got a flock of kids in tow. But, great news! You can have it all—both the family fun and your champagne-soaked adult fun—at these daytime kids events that leave plenty of time for your grown-up parties that night. Chicago’s best children’s museums and indoor playgrounds are throwing down for New Year’s Eve, with fun events that’ll tucker the little ones right out. 

RECOMMENDED: New Year's Eve events in Chicago

New Year's Eve parties for kids

  • Kids
New Year's Eve Bash at Kohl Children's Museum
New Year's Eve Bash at Kohl Children's Museum
Kohl Children's Museum transforms a wing of the museum into a kid-friendly New Year's Eve extravaganza each year. Complete with a DJ and dance party, party hats and horns, family photos, free hair styling from KidSnips and a gigantic, Times Square-style ball drop, you might have a hard time finding your little ones underneath all the confetti.
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  • Kids
  • Playgrounds
Pump It Up New Year's Eve Parties
Pump It Up New Year's Eve Parties
Bounce into 2017 at Pump It Up's New Year's Eve party series. Over December 30 and 31, the Chicago kid favorite will host year-end bounce sessions that include pizza, drinks, full range of both bouncing arenas, a countdown to a balloon drop and gifts at the end of the party.
  • Kids
  • Suburbs
  • price 2 of 4
New Year's at LEGOLAND Discovery Center
New Year's at LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Ring in the New Year Lego-style, with a kid-friendly celebration and balloon drops taking place at noon, 3 and 6pm. Guests can also enjoy the Lego exhibits, rides and 4D Lego cinema.

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  • Things to do
Before the adults celebrate the arrival of 2017 with a gigantic rising star, families can gather at Wrigley Square from 3–6pm for a free "Kids Countdown Spectacular," which draws inspiration from New Year's celebrations all around the world.
  • Things to do
New Year's Family Celebration at Lil Kickers
New Year's Family Celebration at Lil Kickers

If the hoopla of Dec 31 and Jan 1 is too much for your family, wait until January 3 to party it up with NPN (Neighborhood Parents Network) at its annual family celebration taking place at Lil Kickers – Bradley Place. Complete with soccer classes and games, snacks, face painting, and a baby zone. From 4:30pm-6pm on January 3.

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