We found five kid-friendly New Year’s Eve events in and around Chicago with 2026 dates: five Noon Year’s Eve countdowns, two of them free. Two more venues hold one every year but haven’t announced 2026 yet; we show last year’s date and the source. They’re spread over five areas, from East Side to North Riverside.
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A real countdown, balloon drop and all, at a time that works for toddlers. These are typical times; each card has the venue’s exact ones.
Countdown at noon
Confirmed for 2026, with times, prices and ticket details from each venue’s own page.
Chicago Public Library, Vodak-East Side Branch · 3710 E 106th St, Chicago, IL 60617
With littles: A Southeast Side option with games and crafts for an hour, then a balloon drop right at noon. It's billed for kids and families, with preschoolers on the audience list, and no registration is mentioned.
Evanston Public Library – Main Library · 1703 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
With littles: A storytime countdown to noon for ages 2 and up.
Deerfield Park District – Sachs Recreation Center · 455 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, IL 60015
With littles: A family morning of music and festive activities with a countdown to noon.
Skokie Park District – Skatium Ice Arena · 9340 Weber Park Place, Skokie, IL 60077
With littles: A public skate that ends with a balloon drop at noon.
North Riverside Village Commons · 2401 S. Des Plaines Ave., North Riverside, IL 60546
With littles: Crafts, early childhood open play, games and toys in the gym, then a confetti countdown at noon.
Not announced yet
These venues held a kid-friendly countdown last year. We show last year’s details and the source until the new dates post.
Kohl Children’s Museum · 2100 Patriot Blvd, Glenview, IL 60026
With littles: 2026 details aren’t posted yet.
DuPage Children’s Museum · 301 N. Washington St, Naperville, IL 60540
With littles: 2026 details aren’t posted yet.
Before you go
TicketsIf it’s ticketed, book earlyNoon countdowns can fill up, so book once tickets open.
TimingArrive 30 minutes earlyCoats off, snack in, spot found before the countdown starts.
NoiseBring ear muffs for babiesBubble-wrap stomps and cheering get loud right at noon.Keep planning
November: things to do in ChicagoEvery dated listing for the month, by weekDecember: things to do in ChicagoEvery dated listing for the month, by week
Free things to do in ChicagoFree days, free events and places that never chargeFree museum days in ChicagoFree days, Museums on Us and EBT discounts, with who gets in
Indoor play in ChicagoIndoor playgrounds, toddler times, museums and classes, with prices
Library storytimes in ChicagoBaby, toddler and preschool storytimes by day and branch
Ice skating in ChicagoHoliday and indoor rinks, skate aids and prices
Thanksgiving weekend in ChicagoParades, turkey trots and what’s open on Thursday
Christmas parades in ChicagoParades and tree lightings with dates and start timesChristmas trains in ChicagoPolar Express, Santa and lights trains with datesThe Nutcracker in ChicagoBallet and touring shows, sensory-friendly flagged
Christmas markets in ChicagoChristkindlmarkts and winter wonderlands with hours
Christmas break in ChicagoWhat’s open on Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1This week in ChicagoDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every Thursday
Good questions
Noon Year's Eve Party at Vodak-East Side Library at Chicago Public Library, Vodak-East Side Branch: Thu, Dec 31, 2026, 11 a.m.–noon (Free). Noon Year’s Eve Storytime at Evanston Public Library at Evanston Public Library – Main Library: Thu, Dec 31, 2026, 11:30am–12:15pm (Free). Noon Year’s Eve at Sachs Recreation Center at Deerfield Park District – Sachs Recreation Center: Thu, Dec 31, 2026, 11am–noon (Under 3 free). Noon Year's Eve Skate at the Skatium at Skokie Park District – Skatium Ice Arena: Thu, Dec 31, 2026, 10:45am–noon ($7 admission, $4 skate rental).
New Year’s Eve Bash at Kohl Children’s Museum (last year: Dec. 31, 2025: a morning session 8:30–11am and an afternoon session 12:30–3pm, $39.); Bubble Bash at DuPage Children’s Museum (last year: Dec. 31, 2025, 9am–1pm; it was the 24th year.). We list these because the venue holds one every year; check the official page before you plan around it.
Yes: Noon Year's Eve Party at Vodak-East Side Library and Noon Year’s Eve Storytime at Evanston Public Library.
A New Year’s countdown for little kids held at noon on Dec. 31 instead of midnight, usually with a balloon drop, bubble-wrap stomp, crafts and music. It’s over before nap, so nobody has to stay up late.
Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 30, 2026, and we recheck them every Thursday in December. How we choose and check.
One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Chicago that weekend, through the holidays.
