New Year's Eve with Kids

This will be our third year going to Marche on Randolph Street. Last year we made early reservations with a bunch of kids (most under 2), and they had party hats for them, a special kids menu, and they did a little count-down. The food was also great for the adults and we did get to feel like we were out at a special restaurant to celebrate. Not sure what they are doing this year, but we already have a huge crowd and are looking forward to it!

If you want to splurge I know all the waterpark/hotels have New Year's Eve bashes aimed at families with kids. Like the Wilderness, TimberRidge, and Grizzly Jack's in Utica.

Dave and Busters has a family party I believe between the hours of 4pm-8pm than an adult party later that night. Check on their website for particulars.

Check out our website, www.kidwinks.com. It was developed by myself and another mom, for moms. We have over 60 family friendly New Year's Eve celebrations listed. Just go to the home page and you'll see the link front and center for the New Year's Eve celebrations. There are some restaurants on there, as well as many other celebrations. If you become a member of kidwinks, which is free, you can then sort this list of 60 celebrations in order of distance from your house - a very convenient feature! Check out our Kids Eat Free calendar too - just go to the Restaurants section, and you can click on a day on the calendar to find out where kids eat free or cheaply that day. And of course, there's our Events Section where you can click on the calendar day to find out what's going on throughout the Chicago area for kids. You can also click through the Ongoing Activities section to get ideas for things to do -- it's all conveniently categorized so you can narrow your search by indoor vs. outdoor activities, etc.

Happy holidays!

Some park districts have child-centered celebrations. There might be one in your area, although they could be full by now. Good luck.

Gaetano's in Forest Park has a lunch or an early dinner that is kid friendly.

Lou Malnatis has a great new years celebration for kids. You need to make reservations ahead of time and I believe there are a few time slots at typical dinner hour. They do the whole count down and provide hats, noise makers and an apple cider toast to the new year. Good luck and enjoy!