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Chicago New Year's Eve parties for kids 2012
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Adults aren't the only ones who can celebrate the New Year. There are events all over Chicagoland on Dec. 31 - from afternoon events for younger kids to late- and over-nighters for tweens. Wherever you live, there's a party for your kids to ring in the new year!
Note: Some of these events sell out. Call before you go to make sure tickets are still available.
Family New Year’s Eve Party
Glenview Ice Center | GlenviewDecember 31, 5-7 p.m.
Skate in the New Year with music, fun and games, and a kid-friendly toast at "midnight" (7 p.m.). Visit glenviewicecenter.org for information.
Crown Point Annual Grand Finale
Crown Point Annual Grand Finale | Crown PointDecember 31, 3-6 p.m.
Kids' New Year's Party features prizes, candy and pizza. Call for more information.
New Year's Bubble Bash
DuPage Children's Museum | NapervilleDecember 31, 10:30 a.m. - noon
Ring in the new year at noon with lots and lots of bubbles, as well music by Jeanie B. and the Jelly Beans and entertainment by Geoff Akins, The Bubble Wonder Man.
Noon Year's Eve
Chicago Children's Museum | ChicagoDecember 31, 10 a.m.-noon
Includes party favors, confetti and a special kid-hosted
countdown. Plus, make a personalized hat or crown.
Family-Friendly Noon Year's Eve
SciTech Hands-On Museum | AuroraDecember 31, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Celebrate New Year's Eve as a family at a Countdown Party with cake, poppers and more. Mock countdown at noon.
New Year's Eve Family Lake Fireworks Cruise
Shoreline Sightseeing Fireworks Cruises | ChicagoDecember 31, 6:45-7:15 p.m.
Family cruise showcasing Chicago's colorful history and front row seats to the New Year's Eve Family Fireworks display.
New Year's Eve Party
Pump It Up Chicago | ChicagoDecember 31, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. or 2-5 p.m.
Early afternoon event features play time, pizza, sparkling beverages, gifts and a countdown with a balloon drop.
New Year's Eve Family Architecture Fireworks Cruise
Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture Cruises | ChicagoDecember 31, 6-7:15 p.m.
Combination Architecture/Fireworks Cruise through all three branches of the Chicago River ending with an up-close view of the New Year's Eve Family Fireworks display.
Wonder Works' New Years Eve
Wonder Works | Oak ParkDecember 31, Noon-5 p.m.
Wonder Works is counting down to the new year with a party for the whole family. Countdowns every hour, sparkling cider, guided crafts, face painting, music and singing all included for the price of general admission.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Legoland Discovery Center | SchaumburgDecember 31 - January 1
Kid-friendly countdown during the day on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. Enjoy multiple balloon drop countdowns, sparkling grape juice and party music. Other activities include build challenges, New Year photo opps and the Quest laser ride.
Itsy Bitsy New Year's Eve Countdown
Schaumburg Park District | SchaumburgDecember 31, 10 a.m.-noon
Celebrate the holiday with your young ones. The gym is filled with an inflatable for climbing, riding toys and areas to play a variety of activities. All activities will be unstructured and parents must supervise their children. Ring in the New Year at noon with a balloon drop.
Family New Year’s Eve Party
Elk Grove Park District | Elk Grove VillageDecember 31, 3-6 p.m.
Swimming, carousel rides, DJ and dancing, and ice cream sundaes.
Noon Year’s Eve
MB Financial Park at Rosemont | RosemontDecember 31, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Radio Disney broadcasts live from MB Financial Park and have a ball drop at noon.
Happy “Noon Year”
Glenview Park District Park Center | GlenviewDecember 31, 10 a.m.-noon
Make crafts, play games and bounce on inflatables. End the morning's festivities with a balloon drop in the main lobby at noon. Advance registration required.
Zoo Year's Eve Celebration
Brookfield Zoo | BrookfieldDecember 31, 6 p.m.
Celebration includes festive music, games, and prizes. An early countdown for families will take place at 8 p.m. For more information, call or visit the Web site.
Family Friendly New Year's Eve Celebration
Deep River Waterpark | MerrillvilleDecember 31, 5-10 p.m.
This event features on and off the ice family fun, with a countdown and sparkling juice toast at 8 p.m. Skating, a disc jockey, and kids' crafts are included.
Countdown to Fun!
Discovery Center Museum | RockfordDecember 31, 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Crafts, games, music and art. Ring in the New Year with music from Kantorei, the singing boys of Rockford, plus party hats, confetti, favors and more.
