The countdown to 2018 has begun! Are you still scrounging around for some last minute plans for the family? Look no further! If you’re located near the Twin Cities area, we’ve compiled a list of Twin Cities New Years Eve events for families to ring in the new year. And don’t worry, even if you’re totally in parent mode and can’t hang until the midnight ball drop, some of these events only offer a party until bedtime!
New Year’s Eve Events for Families in The Twin Cities
Puttin’ on the Ritz
Minnesota Children’s Museum
10 West 7th Street
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102
Head out to the Minnesota Children’s Museum in Saint Paul to rock in the New Year! Party it up family style with the children’s band, Will Hale and the Tadpole Parade! This event is sure to provide a night full of fun with various activities such as holiday art making, cookie decorating, light refreshments and even a human ball drop by TC Trapeze at 8 pm. But be sure to scoop up your tickets now before they’re gone! More details on this awesome event, as well as ticket sales, can be found by clicking the above link or visiting the museum’s website directly.
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory Noon Year’s Eve Party
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
1225 Estabrook Drive
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55103
For those who would prefer being snug in their beds long before midnight, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory offers a brilliant option: a New Year’s Eve celebration during the day! Visit the visitor’s center between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm on New Year’s Eve if having a blast as a family is on your agenda. In addition to a ball drop like no other (as in hundreds of beach balls dropped from the ceiling), your family will surely enjoy some of these events: crafts, zookeeper talks, giveaways, contests, games, music, and dancing. Did we mention this is FREE? Check out the link above for more details!
Three Rivers Park District’s Sledding and S’mores
Richardson Nature Center
Bloomington, Minnesota 55438
I scream you scream, we all scream for….s’mores? Sure! Who doesn’t love a toasty warm campfire accompanied by that old favorite taste of crunchy graham cracker, gooey marshmallows, and oozing, melted chocolate? Take a drive out to Richardson Nature Center to cuddle up to the campfire, enjoy a sweet treat, and hit the hills with your sleds. This particular event is running from 12:30-4:00 pm on New Year’s Eve. Don’t hesitate to check out the park district’s homepage to find even more outdoor family fun to ring in 2018.
Dakota County Parks: Lebanon Hills New Year’s Eve in the Wild
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
860 Cliff Road
Eagan, Minnesota 55123
Another fantastic New Year’s Eve opportunity is available to outdoors lovers, provided by Dakota County Parks at the Lebanon Hills location in Eagan. From 5:00-9:00 pm, join other families to ring in 2018 at the park. A variety of activities are available for everyone in the family to enjoy, such as bonfires, live animals, sledding an illuminated hill, hiking by candlelight, snowshoeing, magic, music, a ball drop, and loads more! There is a reasonably small admission fee for this event. Information on this fee, as well as additional details, can be found on the park’s website by clicking the link above.
Mall of America’s New Year’s Eve: Moonlight Circus
Mall of America
Nickelodeon Universe Rotunda, Floor 1
60 East Broadway
Bloomington, Minnesota 55425
If you don’t mind heading out to the MOA for the evening, this event is sure to please everyone in the family! Enjoy a meet and greet with favorite Nickelodeon characters, giveaways, and live aerial entertainment. Guests can also enjoy an NYE countdown (or two) at 10:00 pm and midnight. Not to mention, you’ll be at the mall! Take advantage of all those after Christmas sales!
Home Sweet Home
Though all the events for families above are sure to deliver lots of smiles, not everyone loves to be out in the hustle and bustle. And let’s face it–this is Minnesota! It’s chilly out there! If you’re not feeling the crowds or party vibe, staying home to ring in the New Year is always an option. Here are a few ideas for a night in with your little loves:
- Build a blanket fort
- Watch movies in your comfy PJs
- Pop the top on sparkling juice for an NYE toast
- Make homemade pizza together
- Have a dance party in your jammies
- Bring out the noisemakers and confetti poppers
- Make s’mores in the fireplace or microwave
- Play board games
Whatever you decide to do, whether indoors or out, home or away, we want to wish you and your family a safe, fun, and very Happy New Year!
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