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New Year's Eve Weekend in Chicago with Kids: Countdown to 2026

Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier includes NYE fireworks. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier includes NYE fireworks. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
12/30/25 - By Siobhan Adcock

Looking for the best things to do in Chicago this New Year's Eve weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

2025 went by fast, and we're excited to see what 2026 will bring. Kids can celebrate New Year's or Noon Year's this weekend in Chicago with a family-friendly countdown that accommodates different nap times at Wonder Works in Oak Park, appearances from Disney characters in Elmhurst, or a game of WhirlyBall in Lincoln Park or Naperville. Kwanzaa is in full swing, and families can celebrate at Malcolm X College.

Winter break stretches through the first week of the year, so if you need something to do, check out our list of winter break events. If winter weather cooperates in January, check out our lists of outdoor skating rinks and snow tubing hills.

Here are our top picks for events to attend with your kids this weekend.

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Join in on the New Year's Eve fun at Enchanted Castle. Photo courtesy of the venue.
Join in on the New Year's Eve fun at Enchanted Castle. Photo courtesy of the venue.

Things To Do New Year's Weekend in Chicago with Kids

Noon Year's Eve Palos Heights

Palos Heights
Wednesday, December 31
Little revelers who can't make it to midnight can watch the ball drop at noon at the Palos Heights Recreation Center. Festivities include crafts, games, a bounce house, and food. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve Party at Naperville Public Libraries

Naperville
Wednesday, December 31
Can't make it until midnight? Visit the Naper Boulevard Library, Nichols Library or 95th Street Library for Noon Year's crafts and surprises. The event will be limited to a different number of people at each library and tickets will be handed out at the library on the day of the event. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve Celebration at Bubbles Academy

Highland Park
Wednesday, December 31
Toddlers and preschoolers can ring in the new year early at Bubbles Academy. Make your own crown and party down at a bubble-filled finale at the Magnificent Mile, Bucktown or Highland Park locations. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at Wonder Works

Oak Park
Wednesday, December 31
Dress up in something sparkly and celebrate New Year's Eve at Wonder Works children's museum. The event features New Year's crafts, a balloon drop, encounters with costumed characters, and a fun photo booth. Wonder Works offers two countdown times at 10am, and 12pm to accommodate all of the nap times. READ MORE

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield
Daily through Sunday, January 4
Featuring more than a million LED lights, a 41-foot talking Christmas tree, and a 600-foot tunnel of lights with coordinating music, Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic highlights the holidays and loads of animals. READ MORE

WhirlyBall Family Fun New Year's Eve Party

Lincoln Park and Vernon Hills Wednesday, December 31
Have fun playing WhirlyBall and Laser Tag with your family leading up to the new year. A pizza lunch buffet and unlimited games provide fun for all ages. READ MORE

New Year's Eve Family Party at Enchanted Castle

Lombard
Wednesday, December 31
Ring in 2026 at Chicago’s greatest New Year’s Eve family party on Tuesday, December 31 from 6 to 10 pm. Enjoy a New Year’s buffet, including soft drinks and dessert, plus each paid guest receives $15 in game play, unlimited select video games, four hours of unlimited go-karts, laser tag, miniature golf, bumper cars, catapult thrill ride and Quest II Adventure Playland plus a balloon drop, party favors, New Year’s sparkling cider toast, and countdown celebration. Advance reservations are required. READ MORE

Navy Pier Winter Wonderfest

Downtown
Daily through January 4
Relive cherished memories and make magical new ones at Chicago’s favorite holiday experience. Step inside and kick off the season with rides, slides, and festive fun. From thrilling attractions like the Cliffhanger and Zero Gravity to family favorites like the kiddie train, bumper cars, and skating on The Verizon | Google Pixel Ice Rink-there’s something for everyone! READ MORE

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light

Hyde Park
Daily through January 5
The Museum of Science and Industry hosts its dazzling annual Christmas tree exhibit, where guests can enjoy decorated trees inspired by customs and cultures from countries all around the world. Among the trees are other displays celebrating Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, and more  READ MORE

Naperville Yard New Year's Eve Pajama Party

Naperville
Wednesday, December 31
Count down to the new year with games, inflatables, food, and a raffle at Naperville Yard. A juice box countdown will ring in the last noon of 2025. READ MORE

DuPage Children's Museum Bubble Bash

Naperville
Wednesday, December 31
Kids can ring in the new year with their choice of bubbles, confetti, a music launch, or a quiet countdown at the DuPage Children's Museum's annual year-end celebration. Kids can enjoy creating wearable art, DIY confetti poppers, or 2D or 3D bubble wands. They can also visit Sensoryland, take part in a fluorescent adventure, or visit the photo booth. READ MORE

Malcolm X: Kwanzaa 2025

Near West Side
Daily through January 1
Visit Malcolm X College to experience Kwanzaa. Celebrate seven days of culture, community, and creativity from December 26, 2025 – January 1, 2026. Daily events include a vendor's market, children's story time, and a drum call at noon. Experience powerful performances by Ayodele Drum & Dance and Najwa Dance Corps, plus much more! READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve 2025

Ravenswood
Wednesday, December 31
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. READ MORE

Hygge Hangout

Willow Springs
Sunday, January 4
Join a cozy, indoor community filled with activities, games and refreshments. Inspired by the Danish practice of Hygge. READ MORE

Family Winter Scavenger Hunt and Campfire

River Forest
Sunday, January 4
The Trailside Museum of Natural History invites families to take a self-guided scavenger hunt for signs of animal and plant life and enjoy warm refreshments to celebrate winter. READ MORE

Marshmallow Play 2026 New Years Party

Elmhurst
Wednesday, December 31
Celebrate the arrival of 2026 a little early with a magical Noon Year party featuring Mickey & Minnie! This special two-hour event is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who want all the fun of New Year’s Eve without staying up late. Kids will enjoy a festive balloon drop countdown at noon, dancing, photos at our themed backdrop, and a meet-and-greet with both characters. Each child also receives 2026 party favors, plus light snacks, juice boxes, and water are included. Bring your sparkles, your smiles, and get ready to welcome the new year with style! READ MORE

NYE Bowling Bash at Stardust!

Addison
Wednesday, December 31
Visit Stardust Bowl for a fun-filled evening of bowling and celebration at the NYE Bowling Bash! This exciting event is perfect for anyone looking to ring in the New Year with a bang. Grab your bowling shoes and get ready for a night of strikes, spares, and laughter. READ MORE

Archery for Families at St. James Farm

Warrenville
Sunday, January 4
Families can learn basic archery techniques and bow and arrow safety. Kids under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. READ MORE

Sing in the New Year Karaoke at Harold Washington Library

Downtown
Wednesday, December 31
Say goodbye to 2025 and sing in the New Year with your favorite tunes! We have the equipment; all we need is your voice. We'll be kicking off this event with a noon-for-midnight countdown. READ MORE

Winter Break Roller Skating at MLK Skating and Family Entertainment Center

South Side
Daily through January 4
Skate or bowl with special and character parties every day during winter break at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Family Entertainment Center. The Grinch, Santa, Minions, Olaf, K-Pop Demon Hunters, and more will be featured. READ MORE
Kids can explore the slime at the Sloomoo Institute in Chicago. Photo by Lauren LaRoche
Kids can explore the slime at the Sloomoo Institute in Chicago. Photo by Lauren LaRoche

More Fun Activities for Chicago Area Kids

Chicago New Year’s Eve Guide 2025 for Families: Kid-Friendly Events, Fireworks & More

Get kids in on the festive fun well before bedtime. READ MORE

Chicago's Top Things to Do Between Christmas and New Years with Kids

Winter break is here. We can help fill the days with fun, engaging activities. READ MORE

Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks for Chicago Kids and Families

Best Snow Tubing Near Chicago for Families in 2025

Hit these slopes near Chicago for family-friendly snow tubing this winter season. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Palos Heights Recreation Center
Enchanted Castle Family Entertainment Center
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
Trailside Museum of Natural History
St. James Farm Forest Preserve
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Family Entertainment Center