Life is not over on New Year's if you have kids! There are a plethora of local venues offering family friendly outings from the suburbs to downtown! Most are extremely reasonably priced too which means you can go out and have fun probably for less than you and your date would have paid! No excuse to stay home this year!
Bubble Bash 2010—Blast Off!
Hit the suds—the kid-friendly way of course—at this bubble-themed morning party. Mr. Singer and the Sharp Cookies perform and lead a noon countdown, and there’ll be refreshments and art activities, too. Buy tickets in advance online or over the phone. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N Washington St, Naperville (630-637-8000, dupagechildrensmuseum.org). 9am–noon. $20, kids $15.
Bri-Ko’s New Year’s Family Performance
This kid-friendly silent show that combines sketch, acting and clowning (think Blue Man Group without the blue) is having a special performance with a countdown and postshow party, complete with balloon animals, cookies and kiddie cocktails. Bottoms up! Stage 773, 1225 W Belmont Ave (773-327-5252, stage773.org). Noon. $23, kids $17.
ComedySportz Family Show
Chuckle in 2011 with the cleaned-up version of the comedy improv show. A cider toast and countdown follows each performance. Call for reservations. ComedySportz Theatre, 929 W Belmont Ave (773-549-8080). 5, 7pm. $22–$30.
Family New Year’s Eve Party
This annual skating party culminates with a 9pm kiddie toast. Glenview Ice Center, 1851 Landwehr Rd, Glenview (847-724-2800). 6–9pm. $7.50, skate rental $4.
Family New Year’s Eve Party
This party has an eternal summer vibe, so you can escape the cold and wind and dream a little. The natatorium’s swim party makes waves with ice cream, carousel rides, music and a 6pm balloon drop. Reservations required. Pavillion Aquatic Center, 1000 Wellington Ave, Elk Grove Village (847-593-6243, elkgroveparks.org). 3–6pm. $8, by Dec 30 $5.
New Year’s Eve Dance Party
Dance the hokey pokey, do the chicken dance and clap your hands at this midday party—where kids can make hats and noisemakers and shout with the gang at the noon countdown. Naper Boulevard Library, 2035 S Naper Blvd, Naperville (630-961-4100, naperville-lib.info). 11:15–noon. Free.
New Year’s Eve Family Bash
Navy Pier holds its all-out New Year’s bash with a live DJ spinning for the little guys. An early fireworks show takes place beforehand at 8:15pm (there’s another one at midnight). Pavilion Stage, Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave (312-595-7437, navypier.com). 9–11:45pm. Free.
New Year’s Eve at Moretti’s
Moretti’s pulls out the stops as usual for their soiree with a video countdown, balloon drop and party favors; call ahead for reservations. Moretti’s in Edison Park, 6727 N Olmstead Ave (773-631-1223, morettischicago.com/edisonpark.php). Seatings at 4:35, 6:35, 9:35pm. $6 New Year’s kids’ menu, adults can order from regular menu.
Noon Year’s Eve
LEGOLAND gets “late night” smack in the middle of the day with a noon balloon drop, scavenger hunt, mini-figure swaps and photo, food and drink specials. LEGOLAND Discovery Center, 601 N Martingale Rd, Schaumburg (847-592-9700). Doors open at 9am. $19, kids $15, tickets and discounts at legolanddiscoverycenter.com/chicago.
Scoozi New Year’s Eve Party
The pizzeria serves up its regular menu for adults, but kids eat free and get to make their own pizza—everyone wins! Scoozi, 410 W Huron St (312-943-5900). 4:30–6:30pm.
Wonder Works New Year’s Eve
Take a note from Ben Stiller’s book and spend a crazy night at the museum, with games, snacks, an early countdown and kiddie cocktails. Wonder Works Children’s Museum, 6445 W North Ave (708-383-4815, wonder-works.org). Noon–5pm. $5, members and kids under 1 free.
Zoo Year’s Eve
Attention, party animals: Show up for music from the Radio Disney Road Crew, games, DIY noisemakers and prizes at Brookfield Zoo’s annual bash, with parades at 6 and 7pm, countdown at 8pm and for the littler tots, earlier countdowns in the Hamill Family Play Zoo. Brookfield Zoo, 31st St and S 1st Ave, Brookfield (708-688-8000, czs.org). 6pm. With zoo admission $13.50, seniors and kids ages 3–11 $9.50, members free.
