Find a list of 2021/22 New Year’s Eve Events here.
Break out the noisemakers and ring in 2021 with the family. Just do it a few hours earlier, so the kids can take part, too. There are a few family-friendly New Year’s Eve events happening in Des Moines. We’ve rounded up the ones that allow everyone to have fun and, hopefully, avoid overtired little ones the next day.
Don’t forget to check out our list of 30 Fun Activities for Winter Break in Des Moines to keep the kids busy all week. More family fun can be found in our events calendar and Holiday Fun Guide.
Note: While we are trying to promote safe activities that occur outdoors or with social distancing guidelines in place, keep your family and others safe by wearing a mask and maintaining appropriate distance. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always verify dates, times, location, and other information.
Here’s where you can ring in 2021 as a family in Des Moines:
Noon Year’s Eve
Science Center of Iowa • 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Parkway • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 274-6868
Why should adults have all the fun ringing in the New Year at midnight? Bring the whole family to the Science Center of Iowa to celebrate the New Year 12 hours early!
When: Thursday, December 31, 2020 at 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.
Cost: Noon Year’s Eve activities are included with General Admission – $12.00 Adults, $8.00 Children and Seniors, Children Two and Under are FREE.
Count Down to 12:00 (Noon)
Warrior Lanes • 190 Laurel Street • Waukee, IA 50263 • (515) 987-4840
Bring the family to Warrior Lanes in Waukee for a safe, fun-filled New Year’s celebration. They will have fun party favors, decorations, a countdown to noon for kids and of course Glow bowling. This is an alcohol-free event.
When: Thursday, December 31, 2020 at 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Cost: $69.95 per lane includes: 2 hours of glow bowling, shoe rental, one large pizza and pitcher of pop. Maximum of six bowlers per lane.
Noon Year’s Eve Virtual Party
Clive Public Library • (515) 453-2221
Celebrate the New Year with a special Noon Year’s Eve Party via Zoom! You will ring in 2021 early with a variety of family-friendly activities such as crafts, dancing, and a balloon drop countdown at noon. You don’t want to miss the celebration! Registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
When: Thursday, December 31 at 11:30 am to 12:15 pm.
Cost: FREE
Noon Years Eve Virtual Family Dance Party
Urbandale Public Library • (515) 278-3945
Dress up in your craziest costume and join the Urbandale Public Library on Zoom as you boogie on down! You’ll be listening to party music and trying out popular dance crazes of years past. We’ll count down the seconds until noon, then celebrate the New Year together! Registration required.
When: Thursday, December 31 at 11:30 am to 12:15 pm.
Cost: FREE
New Year’s Eve at Brenton Skating Plaza
Brenton Skating Plaza • 520 Robert D. Ray Drive • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 284-1000 •
Ring in the New Year ice skating at Brenton Skating Plaza. The admission process is a bit different in 2020 from previous years, and tickets must be purchased in advance online. In addition to a ticket, each guest must reserve a date and time to limit the number of skaters on the ice at one time.
When: Thursday, December 31, 2020.
Cost: $10.00 for Adults; $6.50 for Children (age 6-12) and Seniors; Children 5 and under FREE.
A Virtual New Year’s Eve Celebration
Des Moines Symphony • (515) 280-4000
Each and every year, the Symphony’s New Year’s Eve Pops is the hottest ticket in town. This year, they’re going online with a star-studded fundraiser you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home – or anywhere in the world! Raise a virtual toast with hosts Kevin and Mollie Cooney and ring in 2021 with an evening of incredible performances and New Year’s Eve memories from guest artists across the world.
When: Thursday, December 31, 2020 7:00 to 8:00 pm
Cost: FREE; but consider a contribution to the Des Moines Symphony.
How do you plan on ringing in 2021 in Des Moines? Share in a comment below!
