I’m gonna be real. I’ve never been a late night gal. Even in college when my friends wanted to go out after 10:30, I would sometimes start sobbing at the thought of keeping my eyes open at those hours. So having kids just felt like a free pass to finally be in bed well before midnight on New Year’s eve. Even for those of you who do your finest thinking after dark, though, you know that keeping kids up until the hour the carriage turns back into a pumpkin often results in anything but a happy new year. So this year, take advantage of the many offerings of our great city which allow you to celebrate 2018 as a family, many take place well before midnight.
Early New Year’s Eve Balloon Drop at Incrediplex
An 8pm balloon drop allows the whole family to ring in the new year together. Tickets give access to the entire facility (except the fitness center), including the bounce and climb area designed for kids 12 and under. You also receive a $3 Incrediplex game card and two Sports Carnival tickets. Face painting, balloon activities, and party favors all part of the festivities.
Cost: $12/person in advance, $14/person at the door, Children 5 & under FREE (doesn’t include game card or bounce and climb entrance)
Date/Time: December 31st, 5:30-8
Main Event New Year’s Eve to Remember
Everyone enjoys a prize-filled balloon drop at 4pm, complimentary Champagne toast at midnight (age 21 and up), Fun party favors and an interactive photo booth. Games are 1/2 price after 10pm. New Year’s Eve Play Your Heart Out package includes bowling, billiards, laser tag and more + food and beverage options, starting at $29.95 for kids and $39.99 for adults.
Family New Year’s Eve at the Indiana State Museum
The clocks are pushed forward in this family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration. Activities, jugglers, face painting, train rides, and an 8:00 balloon drop are a perfect end to the year.
Cost: $9 for members, $15 for non-members
Date/Time: December 31st, 6-9
Countdown to Noon at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Experience a countdown with your family at a reasonable hour. Activities to help ring in 2018, along with music from grammy-nominated Zak Morgan. Festive favors while supplies last.
Cost: Included with museum admission
Date/Time: December 31st, 10-3
Noon Year’s Eve at the Zion Nature Center
Celebrate at a kid-friendly “midnight.” Toast juice while you watch a noon balloon drop and make resolutions to be greener, all alongside nature center creatures!
Please register through email by Dec. 30 as space is limited at naturecenter@zionsville-in.gov
Cost: FREE
Date/Time: December 31st, 10-Noon
New Year’s Eve Family Skate at Skateland
Have fun with the latest music and a ball drop. Admission includes skate rental and unlimited pizza and drinks.
Cost: $12/person
Date/Time: December 31st, 6:30pm-9pm
Downtown Indy Inc.’s New Year’s Eve Celebration
The best party in the city! Plenty of entertainment, food, and drink, along with fireworks and an IndyCar drop at midnight. An evening for all ages.
Cost: FREE
Date/Time: December 31st-January 1st, 9pm-12:30am
