Happy 2026: Ring in the New Year with Your Family! Celebrate New Year's Eve with your whole family at these premier, family-friendly events across the Chicago area. We've curated a list of the top ten best kid-friendly activities for counting down to 2026. There are lots of ways to celebrate, with mid-day "Noon Year's" countdowns, New Year's themed crafts and projects, DJs and dancing, balloon drops, and much more. Explore our 10 top picks for Chicago family New Year's events below, and you can find even more ways to celebrate New Year's Eve with kids around Chicago in our Calendar of Events.

Bubble Bash
DuPage Children's Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with special activities, hands-on exhibits, and a confetti and bubble shower countdown at noon. The fun runs from 9am – 1pm and includes performances by ScribbleMonster. Tickets are required and start at $30 for members.
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Countdown to Fun
Discovery Center Museum, 711 North Main Street, Rockford
Welcome the New Year with a Times Square-style ball and confetti drop every hour from 10 am to 2 pm. This hourly celebration is included with your general museum admission or membership. All ages are welcome to participate in the fun.
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New Year’s Eve Bash
Kohl Children's Museum of Greater Chicago, 2100 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview
The museum transforms into a giant Times Square party featuring a massive confetti drop at "midnight" for each session. Choose from two sessions (morning or afternoon) to enjoy live music, juggling shows, and party hat making. Tickets for ages 1 and up start at $26 for members.
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Noon Year's Eve
Wonder Works Children's Museum, 6445 West North Avenue, Oak Park
Dress your festive best and enjoy a New Year's celebration with two balloon drops scheduled at 11 am and 1 pm. The event includes museum access, a New Year’s art project, and fun photo booth opportunities. Tickets are $15 for members and $30 for non-members.
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Noon Year's Eve Concert
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago
Celebrate without skipping nap time with a family-friendly concert featuring singing with Steve Hetzel and dancing along to Tunes With Tim. During intermission, guests can craft a frog face party blower to sound at noon. The ticket price includes all-day admission to the museum and its exhibits.
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Sing in the New Year Karaoke
Harold Washington Library Center, 400 South State St., Chicago
Say goodbye to 2025 by singing your favorite tunes at this free library event for families. The party will kick off with a noon-for-midnight countdown. This event is recommended for children ages 3 to 14.
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New Year's Eve Fireworks
Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
Welcome 2026 with a free, stunning, music-synchronized fireworks display over the lakefront as the clock strikes midnight. The award-winning show lasts 10 minutes, so arrive early to secure a prime viewing spot. This event is open to all ages.
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Noon Year's Eve Party
Austin-Irving Public Library, 3912 N. Menard Ave., Chicago
Ring in the new year early by counting down to 12 Noon at this free library celebration. Join in for games, activities, music, and snacks. This event is for children ages 3 and above and their families, with registration required.
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Noon Year's Eve Party
Near North Public Library, 310 W. Division St., Chicago
Celebrate the New Year a little early with a fun countdown to noon, followed by games and snacks. Families with kids ages 3 and up can make a craft and enjoy the free festivities. Registration is required.
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Noon Year's Eve Celebration with Miss Julie
Sulzer Regional Public Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Ring in the New Year with a special celebration featuring crafts, fun, and a performance by Miss Julie from Old Town School of Folk Music. This free event is open to children of all ages and their caregivers.
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