Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Des Moines

Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Des Moines

Ring in the new year with your kids in Des Moines! Many of these events do not require that they stay up until midnight. Whether you do or not is up to you.

Let’s celebrate the end of 2023! If you are looking for things to do close to home this New Year’s Eve, we’ve got a roundup of events perfect for your family. From sporting events to Noon Year’s Eve parties, we’ve got a full day of fun for you right here. Get your party hats on and get ready to celebrate 2024!

Be sure to explore our Winter Holiday Break Survival Guide for Des Moines Families designed to help keep the kids engaged and entertained throughout the extended holiday break. More family fun can be found in our events calendar and Holiday Fun Guide.

Here’s where you can ring in 2024 as a family in Des Moines:

It’s Not A New Year’s Eve Party!

Franklin Avenue Library • 5000 Franklin Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50310 • (515) 283-4152

While it may not be a New Year’s Eve Party, drop by the Franklin Avenue Library’s children’s area to engage in crafts and activities to prepare for that special night. All ages are welcome to join in the creative fun!

When: Friday, December 29, 2023, at 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Cost: FREE

Noon Year’s Eve Dance Party at Urbandale Public Library

Urbandale Public Library • 3520 86th Street • Urbandale, IA 50322 • (515) 278-3945

Not sure you’ll make it to midnight? Count down to the noon year with some Library fun! Dancing, balloons, bubbles, glow sticks and more will make this a-rockin’ good time for the whole family! Registration is appreciated but not required.

When: Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Cost: FREE

NYE Toddler Prom

East Library • 2559 Hubbell Avenue • Des Moines, IA, 50317 • (515) 283-4152

Dress up in your finest attire and celebrate the New Year at the East Side Library with a Toddler Prom! Join them for a noon balloon drop, capture memories at their selfie station, and groove to some fantastic music! It’s a delightful way to ring in the New Year with your little ones.

When: Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 11:30 am to 12:30 pm

Cost: FREE

Iowa Wild Hockey Game

Wells Fargo Arena • 233 Center Street • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 564-8700

Join the Iowa Wild on the ice for a family friendly New Year’s Eve celebration game at Wells Fargo Arena. They will be taking on the Colorado Eagles. When the game ends, make sure you stay in your seats! There will be postgame fireworks show for all fans in attendance.

When: Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 6:00 pm.

Cost: Tickets start at $18. Ages 2 and older must have a ticket.

Noon Year’s Eve at the Science Center of Iowa

401 W Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 274-6868

Join SCI for a day filled with activities, immersive experiences, and an official countdown at noon featuring their renowned balloon drop to celebrate the arrival of the new year. Welcome 2024 at the family-friendly time of NOON! Due to limited availability, we recommend reserving your tickets in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on the festivities. It’s a fantastic way to ring in the new year with fun and excitement for the whole family!

When: Sunday, December 31, 2023, at 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Cost: $13 per person. Activities are included with general admission.

New Year’s Eve-Noon at the Des Moines Children’s Museum

Des Moines Children’s Museum • Valley West Mall • 1551 Valley W Drive, Suite 108 • West Des Moines, IA 50266 • (515) 218-8344

The Des Moines Children’s Museum will be hosting a kid friendly celebration at noon for New Year’s Eve. Create a noise maker, have a cotton candy treat, and take part in an apple juice toast as you countdown to noon. All regular exhibits will be open.

When: Sunday, December 31, 2023, at 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Cost: Ages 1-10 $10; FREE for infants, adults, and members.

Noon Year’s Eve

Holiday Hullabaloo • 10320 Hickman Road • Clive, IA 50325 • (515) 208-4330

Celebrate the arrival of the New Year at the Holiday Hullabaloo!  Move and groove on a lighted dance floor, revel in the excitement with noise makers, and experience the thrill of a confetti and balloon drop.  They will be serving kid-friendly New Year’s Eve drinks and treats, ensuring a delightful experience for attendees of all ages.

When: Sunday, December 31, 2023, at 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Cost: Age 0-3:$10.00; Age 4 +:$30.00

Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration in Des Moines! – dsm4kids.com

Count Down to 12:00 (Noon) Year’s Eve at Warrior Lanes

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: Sunday, December 31, 2023, at 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Cost: $74.95 per lane includes: 2 hours of glow bowling, shoe rental, one large pizza and pitcher of pop. Maximum of five bowlers per lane.

Noon Year’s Eve at Get Air

Get Air Sports • 3799 86th Street • Urbandale, IA 50322 • (515) 528-7549

There’s no need to stay up late – ring in the new year early at Get Air Trampoline Park! They’ll be celebrating 2024 with a countdown and balloon drop at noon! Everyone is welcome to attend! Tickets will be sold at the door. Parents must fill out a registration waiver form.

When: Sunday, December 31, 2023, at 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Cost: $21.99 per jumper for two hours

New Year’s Eve at Brenton Skating Plaza

Brenton Skating Plaza • 520 Robert D. Ray Drive • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 284-1000

Celebrate the New Year by gliding into it ice skating at Brenton Skating Plaza. Purchase your tickets on-site and embrace the joy of a winter wonderland on the ice. It’s a perfect way to welcome the New Year with family and friends. Lace up your skates for a memorable start to the year!

When: Sunday, December 31, 2023 at 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Cost: $10.00 for Adults; $6.00 for Children (age 6-12) and Seniors; Children 5 and under FREE.

Iowa Wolves Basketball Game

Wells Fargo Arena • 233 Center Street • Des Moines, IA 50309

Ring in the New Year cheering on your favorite hometown team.  The Iowa Wolves will host the College Park Skyhawks.  They will be celebrating New Year’s Eve with a winter hat giveaway.

When: Sunday, December 31, 2023, at 2:00 pm.

Cost: Tickets start at $21

New Year’s Eve at Skate South

Skate South • 10494 County Line Road • Des Moines, IA 50320 • (515) 285-6037

Get your kids excited about the New Year by going roller skating! Skate South will be hosting a New Year’s Eve skate, so you can spin around the rink to welcome the New Year!

When: Sunday, December 31, 2023, at 1:00 to 4:00 pm.

Cost: $10.98 admission + skate rental

Parents’ Night Out: New Year’s Eve at the MidAmerican Energy Co. RecPlex

MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex • 6500 Grand Avenue • West Des Moines, IA

Join West Des Moines Parks and Recreation for a very special version of Parents’ Night Out to close out 2023! These extended hours will allow parents to take a little more time to celebrate while their kids have the time of their lives! They will have an early balloon drop, fun NYE themed activities and crafts, glow in the dark dance party, open play time, snacks and of course a pizza party! Registration required.

When: Sunday, December 31, 2023, at 4:00 to 10:00 pm.

Cost: $35 per child

New Year’s Eve Pops: Cirque de la Symphonie

Des Moines Civic Center • 221 Walnut Street • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 280-4000

Ring in the new year with your Des Moines Symphony! Expect the unexpected when world-renowned Cirque performers take the stage with the Orchestra – from gravity-defying aerials and acrobatics to jaw-dropping contortion and quick-change – all choreographed to thrilling symphonic music. Ring in the new year with an electrifying evening of entertainment as these incredible artists swing from the rafters of the Civic Center!

When: Sunday, December 31, 2023, at 8:00 pm

Cost: Tickets start at $45.00 – $90

Comedy XPeriment

Stoner Studio Theater • 221 Walnut Street • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 246-2300

Ring in the New Year with a few laughs. Comedy XPeriment is Des Moines’ premier long-form improvisation team. Each show is unique to itself as the genesis for the show is based on suggestions from the audience. Even the performers themselves don’t know what could happen in a show. Recommended for kids ages 10+.

When: Sunday, December 31, 2023, at 10:00 pm

Cost: $25.00 per ticket

How do you plan on ringing in 2024 in Des Moines? Leave us a comment and let us know how you plan to celebrate with your family.