Looking for New Year's Eve celebrations in Chicago minus the late night? Most kids, and even some adults, can't make it until midnight for a typical New Year's Eve celebration. That's why plenty of Chicago area kids' venues have put together events to celebrate Noon Year's on the last midday of the year. 

Celebrate with bubbles at the always-popular DuPage Children's Museum, enjoy roller skating in Mundelein or on the South Side, or bowl or play bocce to end 2025 at Pinstripes locations in Oak Brook or Northbrook. 

What are the best things to do with kids on New Year's Eve in Chicago?

Now that you're a parent, staying up until midnight on New Year's Eve may no longer be in the cards for you. If you want to celebrate early, lots of Chicago venues have events in the late morning or early afternoon (usually called Noon Year's Eve), and others have dinner time celebrations in the late afternoon or early evening. Noon events tend to be geared toward preschoolers and early elementary kids, while evening events are usually for the 8-12 crowd. Pick what works best for your kids ages and temperments for a quality New Year's Eve party.

At-Home New Year’s Eve Ideas If You Don’t Want to Go Out

If you feel disinclined to go out on New Year's Eve because it may be crowded, expensive, or too loud or overstimulating for your kid, there are plenty of fun things to do at home! We have a great at-home New Year's guide with lots of fun activities to do with your kids without leaving the house or spending a lot of money. Whether it's a movie marathon or celebrating on London time, you'll find the perfect tradition for your family.