Looking for something fun to do with your kids for New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day? These events happen during the day so your kids can celebrate the New Year without having to stay up until midnight!
Noon Year’s Eve Skate
Where: Carlson Ice Arena
4150 N. Perryville Rd., Loves Park, IL
When: Saturday, December 31 from 10 am – 2 pm
Cost: $10 per person (includes admission to Sapora Playworld and skate rental)
Details: Have a ball at the Noon Year’s Celebration at Carlson Ice Arena and Sapora Playworld. There will be a balloon drop at 12 pm, music from a DJ, party favors, and meal deals.
Tickets: Buy at the door
Countdown to Fun
Where: Discovery Center Museum
711 N. Main St., Rockford, IL
When: Saturday, December 31 from 12 pm – 4 pm
Cost: $10 per person over one year old
Details: Play in the museum and enjoy a Times Square-style ball drop at 12, 1, 2, 3, and 4 pm. There will also be crafts, activities, and the new sock skating rink.
Tickets: Pay at the door
Cosmic Bowling
Where: Cherry Bowl
7171 Cherryvale N. Blvd., Rockford, IL
When: Saturday, December 31 from 11 am – 12 am
Cost: $12 per person / $52 per lane
Details: Up to six bowlers can enjoy playing unlimited bowling with shoe rental, laser lights, music, prizes and more.
Tickets: Sign up here
Cosmic Bowling
Where: Forest Hills Lanes
7742 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL
When: Saturday, December 31 from 12 pm – 12 am
Cost: $15 per person / $65 per lane
Details: Up to six bowlers can enjoy playing unlimited bowling with shoe rental, laser lights, music, prizes and more.
Tickets: Sign up here
Family Glow Party
Where: Harlem Community Center
900 Roosevelt Rd., Machesney Park, IL
When: Saturday, December 31 from 1 pm – 5 pm
Cost: $5 per person
Details: Enjoy a NYE celebration with photo booths, dancing, crafts, games, and a balloon drop at 4 pm.
Tickets: Register online at harlemcommunitycenter.org or call 815-633-5817
Cosmic New Years Eve Bowling Party
Where: Don Carter Lanes
4007 E. State St., Rockford, IL
When: Saturday, December 31 from 12 pm – 2:30 pm
Cost: $119 per lane
Details: Ring in the new year with unlimited bowling for up to six people, shoe rental, unlimited pizza and soda, and party favors.
Tickets: Sign up here.
Rockford IceHogs vs. Chicago Wolves
Where: BMO Center
300 Elm St., Rockford, IL
When: Saturday, December 31 from 4 pm – 6 pm
Cost: $23 for two tickets
Details: Watch the IceHogs take on a rival. There will be fireworks after the game.
Tickets: Get tickets here.
2023 Glowdown and Balloon Drop
Where: Coral Cove Family Fun Center
586 Progressive Ln., South Beloit, IL
When: Saturday, December 31 from 9 pm – 9:30 pm
Cost: Free
Details: Kids can grab two balloons each for a chance to win prizes valued between $5 and $150.
First Day Hike
Where: Severson Dells Nature Center
8786 Montague Rd., Rockford, IL
When: Sunday, January 1 from 10 am – 11:30 am
Cost: $3 per member / $5 per non-member
Details: Take a hike in the snow and enjoy a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Tickets: Register here
Want to see some Christmas lights on NYE?
It’s the last day you can drive through the Festival of Lights in Sinnissippi Park in Rockford. The lights will be on from 5 pm – 12 am.
The Nicholas Conservatory lights in Rockford will be on from dusk until dawn. The park closes at 10 pm.
Get more information about the light shows in the area here:
