Children and midnight don't mix, and, honestly, tired parents and late hours don't, either. If you're looking to skip the ball dropping at midnight, there are still options for celebrating the start of 2023 with your young family. Below are a few ideas.
Courtesy of Winterfest
The fireworks at Winterfest
Winterfest’s New Year’s Eve “Neon Nights” Celebration and Fireworks
You had us at princesses and superheroes. Both will feature prominently in Winterfest’s celebration ringing in the new year. Older kids will like the DJ and MegaLux Photo 360 experience, and everyone will appreciate the fireworks, which will shoot off at 8 p.m. The party starts at 4 p.m. and peters out at 8 p.m., perfect for tired parents to be in bed no later than 10. 500 Chestnut.
Blossom Play Cafe’s Noon Year’s Eve Party
This indoor play place for toddlers will host a party starting at 10 a.m. for tots and parents with pizza, sparkling juice, crafts, a dance party, a noon balloon drop, and, of course, lots of playtime. Family admission is $40. 2 Eagle Center, Suite 2, O'Fallon, Illinois.
St. Louis Ambush New Year’s Eve Kids Bash
It’s a New Year’s Eve party for tiny soccer fans. Watch the Ambush take on the Kansas City Comets at The Family Arena and then stay for a balloon drop on the field and party favors. 2002 Arena, St. Charles.
Courtesy of the Missouri History Museum
The Missouri History Museum’s Noon Year’s Eve
Missouri History Museum’s Noon Year’s Eve
On December 31, head to the History Museum for a celebration when the clock strikes noon. There will be crafts, games, a performance by local band Fire Dog, and a balloon drop. The party starts at 10 a.m. 5700 Lindell.
Yucandu’s New Year’s Eve Workshop
Children grades kindergarten through fifth can work on their arts and crafts at this New Year’s Eve camp, which starts at 10 a.m. At noon, they’ll get a kick out of stomping on bubble wrap. Admission is $45, and registration is required. Kids should bring a sack lunch. 20 Allen.
The Lodge Des Peres’ New Year’s Eve at Noon
Even nonresidents can get in on the fun at the pool at The Lodge. The big draw at this celebration, which runs 11 a.m.–2 p.m., is the beach ball drop at noon. All kids will get to take home a beach ball. Registration is required by December 27. 1050 Des Peres.
The Little Gym’s New Year’s Beach Bash
The theme is Hawaii for this morning camp experience. Kids ages 3–8 will learn to hula and play Hawaii-themed games like Running in the Sun and White Water Rafting. A session costs $30, and children are required to bring a nut-free snack. 18 Fenton Plaza.
City Museum's Family New Year's Eve Party
The whole fam can play Jenga and cornhole, sing some holiday karaoke, and pop the balloons from the 8:30 p.m. balloon drop. The party starts at 5 p.m. 750 N. 16th.
The Fountain on Locust's Flights of Fancy Party
Book the family-friendly 5 p.m. seating at this classic St. Louis restaurant and you and the kids can enjoy some sharable bites and a flight of mini ice cream treats. Parents can also sip a flight of retro cocktails or mocktails. When dinner is over, you'll get a box of chocolates and bottle of bubbles to ring in the new year from home. 3037 Locust.
