Ring in the New Year with Family-Friendly Celebrations

Ringing in the New Year with kids is a lot of fun — plus you don’t have to stay up until midnight. Check out these family-friendly celebrations, and have a happy new year!

Ice Skate at Mountain View Ice Arena’s New Year’s Eve Party
This family-friendly public skate is an awesome way to celebrate the beginning of 2023.
Location: 14313 Southeast Mill Plain Boulevard, Vancouver
When: December 31, 7:15 pm-9:30 pm
Cost: Typically $20

All Ages NYE Skate Party at Oaks Park
Don’t miss Oaks Park’s annual all-ages NYE skate party! Features a live DJ, skate games and specials, countdown to midnight, and more.
Location: Oaks Park, 7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland
When: December 31, 7 pm-1 am.
Cost: $22 per skater. Includes conventional skates. Minors must be chaperoned by an adult 21+.

First Day Hike and Free Parking at Parks Across Oregon and Washington
Head outdoors on New Year’s Day for these annual First Day Hikes. Some hikes will be guided by a park ranger or volunteer who will share stories about the park’s history, geology, wildlife and plants. All hikes are free; day-use parking fees will be waived at all participating parks January 1 only. Hikes are happening in Oregon and Washington.
Location: Various parks throughout Oregon and Washington
When: January 1
Cost: Free. Find a site and register online.

MJCC New Year’s Eve Party
Don’t miss this annual event, complete with bouncy house, face painting, games, music and a beach ball drop at noon!
Location: Mittleman Jewish Community Center
When: December 30, 11:00 am-12:30 pm
Cost: No cost listed on their website, contact MJCC for more details

Noon Year’s Eve at Hands On Children’s Museum
Bring the whole family and celebrate the New Year all day at the Noon Year’s Eve Shine Bright in the New Year celebration. Party like you are in Times Square with a family countdown, ball drop, dance party, and parade every hour.
Location: Hands On Children’s Museum, 414 Jefferson Street NE, Olympia, WA
When: December 31, 10 am-4 pm
Cost: $14.95-16.95, babies 0-17 months are free

Noon Year’s Eve Party at Gilbert House Children’s Museum
Ring in the “Noon” Year with your little ones, at an hour they can celebrate! Enjoy a kid-friendly party at Gilbert House Children’s Museum with fun crafts, a hot chocolate bar and a balloon drop at 12 pm!
Location: Gilbert House Children’s Museum, 116 Marion St NE, Salem, OR
When: December 31, 10 am-1 pm
Cost: Museum admission. Members $5, Nonmembers $15. Children under one are free

Noon Year’s Eve Party at My Gym Sherwood
Celebrate the “noon” year with sparkling cider, games, and a balloon drop! This is a parent-participation event; don’t forget your socks!
Location: My Gym Sherwood, 16080 SW Tualatin-Sherwood Rd., Sherwood, OR
When: December 31, 11:00 am-12:30 pm
Cost: $20

ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo
It wouldn’t be the holidays in Portland without a visit to the Oregon Zoo’s annual winter festival, ZooLights. As you walk or drive around the zoo, you’ll see a dazzling display of a more than 1.5 million lights, and experience your zoo in a whole new way. 
Location: Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd., Portland
When: Nightly through January 5, 5 pm-9 pm. No ZooLights December 25. All tickets are timed-entry and must be purchased in advance online.
Cost: $21-29 per person or $65 per car.

See the Lights on Peacock Lane (Last Night)
See the lights on Peacock Lane and you’ll find nothing but good, old-fashioned holiday spirit. Each house in this quaint Southeast neighborhood has been decorating for Christmas for decades.
Location: Peacock Lane, SE Belmont St. & SE Peacock Ln., Portland
When: Nightly through Tuesday, December 31.
Cost: Free

Take Fun Photos at Leka Playland
Leka Playland will have a fun photo opportunity with silly props set up December 31, with sweets and treats on the house.
Location: 7405 SW Tigard Tech Center Dr. Suite 120, Tigard
When: December 31, 9:00 am-6:00 pm
Cost: Included with admission

Get a Free Ride
Trimet is offering free rides on the MAX, buses, and Portland Streetcar after 8p on New Year’s Eve.

Looking for more options? Check out our Kids Calendar for more New Year’s fun. And we are adding to this post as we find new events, so check back often for the latest!