New Year’s Eve holds many fond memories for me as a kid. My Aunt Marilyn and Mom always made a point to get together and ring in the new year. I do not remember a year that my cousin, sisters, and I did not try earnestly to stay awake just to see that ball drop. New Year’s Eve always felt like an adult event that us kids were sneaking in on. We had sparkling juice that we got to sip from fancy glasses, special hors d’oeuvres, noise makers, beads, and all the newest year’s accessories. It may not have seemed like much, but it was special to us.
Each year we would countdown in the living room and scream, “Happy New Year!” as the ball came down, that is if we were able to make it to midnight! Most every year we did make it, but we were no doubt exhausted the next day. Looking back now that I have three kids of my own, they were saints to let us stay up all night.
NYE Family Events in Indy
Although I would not trade all of those memories for the world–what if I told you that you could ring in the new year with the whole family, well before midnight!? Indy has some of the best New Years Eve festivities that are sure to create equally fond memories and traditions with your kids for years to come.
Here are several New Years Eve countdowns you won’t want to miss!
Lawrence Library Storytime: Noon Years Eve!
Date: December 30th
Time: 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Address: Lawrence Branch Library, 7898 North Hauge Rd., Indianapolis
Join Lawrence Library Branch for some free fun family activities, games, and crafts throughout the library and a storytime! Plus, a special balloon drop at noon!
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis: Countdown to New Years!
Date: December 31
Time: 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Address: The Children’s Museum, 3000 North Meridian St., Indianapolis
The Children’s Museum is always a family favorite. Come countdown to noon on New Years Eve with music, confetti, and fun! Zak Morgan will be doing a concert and there will be fun family activities throughout the museum from 10-2 with countdowns at both 11:30-12:05 and 12:30-1:05. This event has no additional costs to members. Daily general admissions tickets are $26.50 for adults and $21.50 for youth 2-17 if you book now!
Lincoln Park: Noon Years Eve
Date: December 31
Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Address: Lincoln Park, 41 S. 2nd St., Zionsville
Fun activities located in the park that day and a countdown to noon! Plus, it is free and who doesn’t love free!
Indiana State Museum: A Family New Years Eve!
Date: December 31
Time: 6-8:30 p.m.
Address: Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
Explore all three levels of the museum, enjoy music, dance party, and more as you ring in the new year! End the night with a countdown balloon drop at 8:30 pm! It costs $18 per person. As a member you receive a 25% discount and it costs $8 for an all access pass. This event is free for anyone 3 and under.
Skateland: NYE Glow Skate
Date: December 31
Time: Sessions from 3:00-5:30 pm & 6:00-9:00 pm
Address: Skateland, 3902 N. Glen Arm Rd., Indianapolis
Come join in on this exciting New Years Eve Glow Skate Party. The cost is $20 per skater which includes pizza, drink, 5 credit game card, and skate rental. There will be balloon drops at the end of each session!
Shops at Perry Crossing: Noon Years Eve
Date: December 31
Time: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Address: The Shops at Perry Crossing, 2499 Perry Crossing Way, Plainfield
Although you have to go a little outside of the city to get to this one, I think they are making it well worth the trip! Another FREE EVENT: music, games, and fun for the whole family! Check out their cute website www.perry-crossing.com for more exciting events throughout the year.
The new year is just around the corner and it is time to start finding your family’s New Year’s Eve traditions right here in Indianapolis! Most importantly let’s ring in the new year with people we love the most, and include the whole family. Happy New Year, everyone!
