Save This For Later
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Happy new year, Milwaukee! You may not be celebrating New Year’s Eve like you used to, but there are plenty of ways to ring in the new year with little kids.
If you’re hunting for fun, family-friendly ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve without keeping the kids up past bedtime, you’re in luck! Milwaukee has a lineup of fantastic “Noon Year’s Eve” events tailored just for families.
From dance parties to balloon drops, there’s something for every pint-sized party animal.
Let’s dive into some of the coolest New Year’s Eve celebrations designed especially for kids and families:
Confirmed for 2025-2026:
NOON Year’s Eve at The New Fashioned
Where: The New Fashioned (Bars & Rec)
When: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Cost: $10 per person
Families can welcome the new year early with a playful midday celebration at The New Fashioned. Kids can enjoy HyperBowling, deck curling, a craft station, family trivia, a bubble dance party, face painting, and a festive photo op. The event wraps with a countdown to noon, complete with a balloon drop and sparkling juice (and sparkling wine for adults). Drink specials, including Bloody Marys and mimosas, are also available. Free parking is offered in the Highland Parking Garage for anyone parked before noon.
Details & Registration: https://www.barsandrecreation.com/nye2026.html#TNF2026
New Year’s Eve at Noon
Where: 929 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI
When: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Event closes at 2 p.m.)
Soak up the fun at a Beach Ball Dance Bash with Kid Boogie Down, rock a fun face painting, and get crafty with confetti popper, wishing wand and party hat making just in time for the noon ball drop!
Tickets: Available at www.bbcmkids.org
Zoo Year’s Eve at Wild Lights
Milwaukee County Zoo
December 31st, 2025
Zoo Year’s Eve is your last chance to bask in the Zoo’s sparkling holiday light sculptures. This special occasion transforms the zoo into a luminous wonderland with a 1-mile path adorned with animal-themed light displays and hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights. It’s a family-friendly way to usher in 2026 with a hot cocoa in hand. For this event, midnight is 9 p.m.
Kid Boogie Down’s Noon Year Eve’s Dance Party
Where: The Bavarian Bierhaus
When: December 31, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Kick off the celebration with a high-energy dance party hosted by Kid Boogie Down. DJ Lukewarm will keep the fun going with a live music and video show featuring lights, lasers, bubbles, and more. The first 200 kids with paid admission will receive light-up gear (one per child while supplies last). Fresh spun all-natural cotton candy from Sugar Spun will be available for purchase, and special guests from Fairytale Birthday Company will be stopping by to add to the fun.
Noon Year’s Eve at AirCity 360
Ring in the New Year early with a high-energy Noon Year’s Eve celebration at AirCity 360 on December 31. Families can jump, climb, and play throughout the morning, then count down to noon with a balloon drop, noise makers, and a kid-friendly “toast.” Doors open at 10 a.m., with the main celebration happening just before noon — a fun option for kids who want all the excitement of New Year’s Eve without the late night.
New Year’s Eve Balloon Drop Party at The Little Village Play Café
Families can ring in the new year early at this playful New Year’s Eve celebration at Little Village Play Cafe in Wauwatosa. Kids can dance, play, and count down to the new year with a festive balloon drop – no late bedtime required. The evening also includes a make-your-own time capsule activity, hat making, sensory play, and open play time. Pajamas or sparkly outfits are both welcome, making this a relaxed and fun way to celebrate with kids of all ages.
New Year’s Eve on the Hoan Bridge
Families can help ring in the new year by watching the Hoan Bridge light up with special New Year’s Eve countdowns throughout the evening. This year’s expanded celebration features three separate countdown moments – an early option that’s especially family-friendly at 7:00 p.m., plus later countdowns at 11:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. for night owls. Each countdown includes a 10-second countdown and a celebratory lighting sequence across the bridge, offering multiple chances to pause, watch, and welcome the new year together. A live stream is also available for families who prefer to celebrate from home.
More Events (Not Confirmed for 2025)
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria Early Countdown Dinner
Brookfield Location
Kick off your New Year’s Eve celebrations early at Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria in Brookfield! Families can enjoy a festive atmosphere, fun activities, and a special kids’ “bubbly” countdown at 6:30 PM. The buffet opens at 5 PM, so come hungry! Advance reservations are required, so be sure to secure your spot. It’s a perfect way for families to ring in the new year together.
WhirlyBall New Year’s Eve Afternoon Family Fun Event
Location: WhirlyBall Brookfield, 185 S. Moorland Rd, Brookfield, WI
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a day of action-packed family fun at WhirlyBall Brookfield! Enjoy WhirlyBall, bowling, laser tag, and a delicious Pivot Room buffet featuring pizza, mac & cheese bites, fresh-baked cookies, and more. Two activity sessions are available: 12:00–2:00 PM and 3:00–5:00 PM.
Perfect for all ages, though some height restrictions apply (54” for WhirlyBall, 42” for laser tag). Tickets include unlimited activities, games, food, and fountain drinks. Cash bar available for adults.
Bring your family and make this New Year’s Eve unforgettable!
Details & Tickets: WhirlyBall Brookfield
Milwaukee Wave Game
New Year’s Eve Game (December 31, 3:05 PM): Celebrate early with the Milwaukee Wave, with a special postgame on-field countdown and celebration.
Cheer District Fireworks
- Where: Deer District Plaza, Milwaukee, WI
- When: December 31, 2024, 8:00 p.m.
- Details: Free fireworks display for the community. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets.
Christmas Carnival of Lights
- Where: Caledonia
- Bundle Includes:
- One car pass
- Ice skating for four (rentals not included)
- Drone show and silent disco headphones (6:00–8:00 p.m.)
New Year’s Eve Playtime at The Big Backyard
Ring in the New Year with family fun at The Big Backyard! This popular indoor playground in New Berlin (2857 S. 160th St.) is hosting an open play party from 1–4 p.m. on December 31. Kids can climb, slide, and explore while parents relax and join in the celebration. Admission is $12 per person – a great way to enjoy the afternoon before the big night!
Little Switzerland New Year’s Party
Looking for even more ways to kick off the New Year?
Don’t miss the New Year’s Day Kite Festival, a breathtaking Milwaukee tradition that’s fun for all ages. Watching colorful kites soar over Lake Michigan is the perfect way to start 2025 on a high note!
Plus, if you’re still planning activities to keep the kids entertained over winter break, check out our Ultimate Winter Break Guide for family-friendly ideas to make the most of the season.
Find more fun ideas on our Events Calendar >>
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
