Looking for ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve with kids? Whether you want to head out to local events or stay cozy at home, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to make the night magical. From skating and movie experiences to crafts, countdowns, and interactive at-home celebrations, there’s something for every family. Many local events are popular and require advance ticket reservations, so planning ahead is key to securing your spot.
Even if you’re celebrating at home, you can create memorable traditions, festive drinks, and creative countdowns that make the night feel special for kids of all ages. No matter how you celebrate, New Year’s Eve is a perfect opportunity to spend quality time together, make memories, and ring in the new year with fun and excitement.
Local New Year’s Eve Events for Families |
Noon New Year’s Eve Party – We Rock the Spectrum, Woodbury
📅 Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 2101 Wooddale Dr. Suite E, Woodbury, MN 55125
Celebrate early at this festive Noon Year’s Eve Party designed for young children 👶. Enjoy open play 🏃♂️, hands-on sensory activities 🖐️, snacks 🍪, and a magical balloon drop 🎈 at noon.
💵 $20/child, $15/sibling, adults free
Noon Year’s Eve – Mana Brewing, Oakdale
📅 Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 7600 2nd St N, Oakdale, MN 55128
Join the 1st Annual New Year’s Eve Afternoon Countdown ⏱️ with face painting 🎨 and a midday balloon drop 🎈 at noon. Perfect for families with young kids!
💵 Free (infants do not require a ticket)
Mighty Duck Movie on Ice: New Year’s Eve – Cottage Grove Ice Arena
📅Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 11:30 AM
📍 8020 80th St. South, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Skate ⛸️ and watch Disney’s The Mighty Ducks 🎬 on a giant ice screen, visible from the stands. Bring your skates or rent a pair on-site. Free popcorn 🍿 included.
💵 $10 per skater (limited to 125 tickets)
New Year’s Eve Matinee – M Health Fairview Sports Center
📅 Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
📍 4125 Radio Drive, Woodbury, MN 55129
A kid-friendly party zone 🎉 with inflatables, obstacle courses, bingo with prizes 🎁, crafts, and music 🎶. Includes an early countdown ⏳ at 4:15 PM—perfect for younger children.
💵 $15/child pre-registration, $17/child at the door
Family New Year's Eve Bowling - Stillwater Bowl & Lounge
📅 Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
📍 5862 Omaha Ave N, Stillwater, MN 55082
Enjoy 1.5 hours of bowling with shoe rentals, pizza, soda, and party favors all included. Space is limited and pre-paid reservations are required. Call now to book your spot!
💵 $15/bowler
New Year’s Eve Glow Skate – St. Croix Valley Recreation Center
📅 Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 1675 Market Drive, Stillwater, MN 55082
Enjoy glow skating ⛸️✨ and music 🎵 on two rinks, moving from TCO North Rink to TCO South Rink. A fun way to skate into the New Year with the family!
💵 $8 per person, rentals $5 per pair
New Year’s Family Celebration – Health Fairview Sports Center
📅 Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 4125 Radio Drive, Woodbury, MN 55129
This annual family celebration 🎊 features inflatables, obstacle courses, bingo, ice skating, music 🎶, crafts 🎨, and a photo booth 📸, ending with a festive countdown ⏳ to 2026 🎆.
💵 $15/child pre-registration, $17/child at the door (tickets required for all ages 2+)
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At-Home New Year’s Eve Fun for Kids |
Staying in for New Year’s Eve can be just as exciting! With a little creativity, your home can become a festive, kid-friendly party zone.
🦄Unicorn Sparkling Drink
Turn snack time into a magical science experiment:
Add cotton candy to a glass.
Pour in Sprite and watch it fizz and change color.
Optional: sprinkle edible glitter for extra sparkle.
📸 Photo Booth Fun
Set up a mini photo booth with props like boas, silly glasses, hats, and homemade signs to capture fun family memories.
⏱️ Noon Year’s Eve Countdown
Host a midday countdown for younger kids who can’t stay up until midnight:
Use a clock, balloons, or a homemade sign.
Include music, clapping, and mini “cheers” with juice or sparkling drinks.
🎈 Balloon Drop / Countdown
DIY a balloon drop:
Fill balloons with confetti or small prizes.
Tape or net them to the ceiling and release at midnight or noon for a home “ball drop.”
Kids can also pop the balloons for extra excitement.
🎨 Crafty Fun
Get creative with party crafts:
DIY party hats with paper, stickers, and glitter.
Noisemakers/shakers with beans or rice.
Fireworks paintings using paint and straws or brushes.
🎁 DIY Countdown Bags
Fill bags with snacks, small toys, or notes, and open one each hour leading up to the countdown to build excitement.
🕰️ Time Capsule
Pack a shoebox with photos, drawings, mementos, and notes from the year. Open it next New Year’s Eve for a fun family tradition.
💃 At-Home Dance Party
Turn your living room into a mini dance floor:
Make a family-friendly playlist.
Dim the lights and use glow sticks or LED bracelets.
Include a mini countdown with confetti or balloons.
🎭Themed Mini Parties
Add extra fun with small themes:
Pajama Party: Cozy blankets and pillows.
Movie Marathon: Watch kid-friendly films with popcorn and themed drinks.
Snack & Craft Party: Combine crafting and cooking for a hands-on celebration.
✅ Tips for a Stress-Free Family New Year’s Eve
Plan ahead: Have activities ready to keep the night smooth.
Set up zones: Separate areas for crafts, snacks, and games.
Keep it flexible: Let kids pick their favorite activities.
Capture memories: Take photos or videos to remember the night.
With these local events and at-home ideas, families can create a fun, memorable, and kid-friendly New Year’s Eve. Whether you’re skating, crafting, or counting down at noon, there are plenty of ways to celebrate safely and joyfully as a family.
