Family-friendly New Year's Eve in Madison: Your 2025 Guide

Madison families don't have to choose between celebrating the new year and getting kids to bed at a reasonable hour. The city's best NYE events for families happen before 8 PM, with multiple "Noon Year's Eve" countdowns, early balloon drops, and kid-focused celebrations scattered across town on December 31, 2025. From toddler dance parties with actual aerialist performers to bowling bashes with pizza included, Madison offers something for every family—whether your kids are in diapers or double digits.

The standout event this year remains the Madison Children's Museum's legendary "Human Ball Drop" featuring an aerialist descending from the ceiling during countdown, while KEVA Sports Center delivers six hours of non-stop entertainment with jugglers, martial arts demonstrations, and giant inflatables. Families seeking a true overnight celebration can head to the Madison Concourse Hotel's all-inclusive package or make the 50-mile trek to Wisconsin Dells' water park resorts.

Related: New Year’s in Door County

Morning magic for babies and toddlers

The earliest celebration in Madison starts before most kids finish breakfast. Madison Children's Museum hosts its beloved Baby New Year Party from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, designed specifically for the diaper-and-sippy-cup crowd. Children ages 0-3 (plus siblings) enjoy a toddler dance mix led by Rachelle Fochs of Isthmus Dance Collective, with three mini-countdowns at 9:30, 10:00, and 10:30 AM. The 10:00 AM countdown coincides with midnight in Perth, Australia, giving parents a fun geography lesson alongside the celebration.

• Location: 100 N. Hamilton Street, Madison, WI 53703

• Cost: Free with museum admission ($12 online, $14 at door; children under 1 free)

• Phone: (608) 256-6445

• Website: madisonchildrensmuseum.org

• Parking: Capitol Square North Garage (218 W. Mifflin St.) or ULI Dayton/Pinckney Ramp

For families facing financial hardship, the museum offers "Access Admission" at just $1-2 per person—simply ask at the front desk.

Late morning countdown with a Bluey twist

Over on Madison's east side, Wisco Kidz Place offers a Bluey New Year Event from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM—perfect timing for families with preschoolers who worship the beloved Australian cartoon dog. The indoor play center features climbing structures, bounce areas, and interactive games in a clean, family-focused environment that caters specifically to ages 1-11.

• Location: 2402 East Springs Drive, Suite 200, Madison, WI 53704

• Cost: Check website (regular play typically $8-15)

• Phone: (608) 292-2917

• Website: wiscokidzplace.com

Walk-ins are welcomed, but space may fill quickly given the popular theme.

Noon Year's Eve bowling delivers pizza and countdowns

Bowl-A-Vard on Madison's east side has perfected the noon celebration formula with their Noon Year's Eve package. Families get 2.5 hours of bowling for up to six people, including shoe rentals, a 16" one-topping pizza, a pitcher of soda, sparkling cider for the mock countdown, music, and party favors. The bowling alley's family-friendly atmosphere makes it ideal for mixed-age groups where grandparents and toddlers celebrate side by side.

• Location: 2121 East Springs Drive, Madison, WI 53704

• Date/Time: December 31, 2025 (specific noon time TBD)

• Phone: (608) 315-8302

• Website: bowlavard.com

• Reservations: Required via Eventbrite; no refunds

Bowl-A-Vard also offers an NYE Bowling Bash session from 6:00-8:30 PM for families who prefer an evening celebration with similar packages.

The afternoon's main event brings Madison's only Human Ball Drop

The Madison Children's Museum Wonderground Dance Party from 1:30 to 3:30 PM represents Madison's signature family NYE experience. Billed as "the most bedtime-friendly New Year's Eve party in Madison," this outdoor celebration in the Wonderground features a family-friendly DJ, party favors, festive beverages, and three countdowns at 2:30, 3:00, and 3:30 PM.

The highlight is Madison's only "Human Ball Drop"—aerial performer Stephanie Richards of Madison Circus Space performs a dramatic cloth descent during the countdown, creating a magical moment that kids remember for years. The outdoor venue means families should bundle up for Wisconsin winter weather, but the memorable experience is worth the extra layers.

• Location: The Wonderground at Madison Children's Museum, 100 N. Hamilton Street

• Cost: Free with museum admission ($12-14 depending on purchase method)

• Ages: All ages welcome

• Additional activities: Glow Zone blacklight activities (10:00-11:30 AM) and NYE button-making workshops included with admission

Entertainment at Madison's largest family event

For families wanting maximum activities and longest value, KEVA Sports Center's "My Family's New Year's Eve" delivers an impressive six-hour celebration from 2:00 to 8:00 PM. The 100,000-square-foot facility in Middleton transforms into a family entertainment destination with live performances running throughout the evening.

The entertainment schedule keeps kids engaged all afternoon: children's music artist David Landau performs at 4, 5, 6, and 7 PM, while juggler and unicyclist TJ Howell takes the stage at 4:30 and 5:30 PM. Central Midwest Ballet Academy presents dance performances, and Infinity Martial Arts demonstrations at 5 and 6 PM add some action for sports-minded kids.

Beyond the stage performances, families enjoy giant inflatables, a 360 photo booth, balloon artists, airbrushed tattoos, and cookie decorating (while supplies last). The full restaurant menu means parents can order food, drinks, and even adult beverages without leaving the venue.

• Location: 8312 Forsythia Street, Middleton, WI 53562

• Cost: $21/person advance, $24/person at door; ages 2 and under free

• Ages: All ages; ideal for children 18 months to 14 years

• Phone: (608) 662-7529

• Website: kevasports.com

• Parking: Free on-site

At roughly $3.50 per hour of entertainment, KEVA offers exceptional value for active families.

Bowling packages bundle pizza, arcade credits, and celebration

Spare Time Madison near West Towne Mall runs multiple NYE bowling sessions perfect for families who want structured celebration time. Each two-hour session includes bowling and shoe rental for up to six guests, a 16" pizza, soft drink pitcher, and a $10 Game Zone play card per guest—meaning a family of four receives $40 in arcade credits alone.

Session times and pricing:

• 3:00-5:00 PM: $139.99/lane

• 5:30-7:30 PM: $139.99/lane

• 8:00-10:00 PM: $139.99/lane

• 10:30 PM-1:00 AM: $159.99/lane (21+ only)

Beyond bowling, the venue features a massive arcade, laser tag arena, and two escape rooms—giving families plenty to do before or after their lane time.

• Location: 7415 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53717

• Website: sparetimeentertainment.com/madison/new-years-eve

• Reservations: Highly recommended; book online

For a family of six, the $139.99 package breaks down to about $23 per person including bowling, food, and arcade credits—solid value for a two-hour celebration.

Ice skating with Lake Mendota views

The Edgewater Hotel's outdoor ice rink offers a quintessentially Wisconsin NYE experience, with skating overlooking frozen Lake Mendota and the State Capitol dome. Open from 3:00 to 9:00 PM on December 31, the rink at The Icehouse provides a magical setting for families who want fresh air and exercise before heading home.

• Location: The Icehouse at The Edgewater, 1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison, WI 53703

• Hours: 3:00-9:00 PM on NYE

• Cost: Adults $7, students $6, children 5-12 $4, seniors 65+ $4, children 4 and under free; skate rental $3

• Phone: (608) 535-8232

• Website: icehousemadison.com

The SLicehouse Pizza Company on-site means families can warm up with food and hot drinks between skating sessions. Weather note: The rink may close if temperatures exceed 35°F or drop below 0°F with dangerous wind chill—call (608) 535-8257 to confirm conditions before heading out.

A peaceful nature walk welcomes 2026

For families seeking something quieter than balloon drops and DJ beats, the UW-Madison Arboretum's New Year's Eve Night Walk offers a contemplative alternative. The free naturalist-led walk runs from 6:30 to 8:00 PM along approximately one mile of trails, with hot chocolate provided to warm participants.

This ranks among the Arboretum's highest-attended annual events, so registration is essential—and closes December 27. The experience introduces families to nocturnal winter ecology while providing a peaceful way to reflect on the year ending and welcome the one ahead.

• Location: Visitor Center, 1207 Seminole Highway, Madison, WI 53711

• Cost: Free

• Registration: Required via Eventbrite by December 27

• Phone: (608) 263-7888

• Website: arboretum.wisc.edu

Weather cancellation policy: Walks may be canceled for temperatures below 10°F, dangerous wind chill, or icy/snowy conditions. Dress warmly with sturdy closed-toe shoes.

Gaming families can marathon into midnight

Isthmian Gaming in Fitchburg offers something completely different: a 32-hour NYE gaming celebration running from 4:00 PM on December 31 through midnight on January 1. For $40 per person, families with older kids or teenagers gain access to PCs, consoles, and virtual reality games for as long as they want to stay.

• Location: 2500 Rimrock Road, Fitchburg, WI

• Cost: $40/person

• Website: isthmiangaming.com

This unique option works particularly well for families with gaming-obsessed tweens and teens who'd rather ring in the new year with controllers in hand.

The only nearby fireworks light up at 8 PM

Madison doesn't host a major downtown New Year's Eve fireworks display—the city saves its pyrotechnics for the Fourth of July. However, Cascade Mountain in Portage (about 40 miles north) offers family-friendly fireworks at 8:00 PM as part of extended NYE operations running 9:00 AM to midnight.

Skiing and snowboarding families can hit the slopes all day, watch the fireworks show at 8:00 PM, then continue riding under the lights until the new year arrives. Even non-skiers can enjoy the base area festivities and fireworks display.

• Location: Portage, WI (approximately 40 miles from Madison)

• Fireworks: 8:00 PM

• Website: cascademountain.com

Hotels turn NYE into an overnight adventure

The Madison Concourse Hotel offers Madison's most comprehensive NYE package experience, transforming the downtown hotel into a multi-party celebration zone. The Grand Package includes overnight accommodations, a cocktail reception, four-course prix fixe dinner, live comedy from Eric O'Shea, and admission to three distinct parties: disco with VO5, a DJ dance party, and country music with Frank Martin Busch.

The celebration timeline runs from check-in at 3:00 PM through New Year's Day brunch, with a Charlie Painter Jazz Trio in the lobby, midnight champagne toast, and multiple dance venues for party-hopping. Family-friendly amenities include a sky-lit indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, and game room on the third floor.

Package options range from $75 to $769+ depending on room category and inclusions:

• Locals' Night Out: $150/person (dinner and parties, no overnight stay)

• VO5 Tickets Only: $75/person (party admission only)

• Night On The Town: Overnight + DJ party + champagne toast

• Celebration Package: Adds cocktails and brunch

• Grand Package: Full experience including dinner and all parties

• Location: 1 W. Dayton Street, Madison, WI 53703

• Phone: (800) 356-8293

• Website: concoursehotel.com/new-years-eve

Upscale dining and skating at The Edgewater

The Edgewater Hotel combines lakefront elegance with family-friendly activities. The Statehouse restaurant offers NYE dinner from 5:00 to 10:00 PM featuring seasonal specials—roasted elk loin ($67), golden-crusted halibut ($62), and champagne-poached pear tart ($12)—alongside the full regular menu.

Families can pair dinner with outdoor ice skating on the hotel's rink, creating a memorable evening without the late-night pressure. The multiple on-site dining options (The Boathouse, Augie's Tavern, The Market) mean families can choose their price point and formality level.

• Location: 1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison, WI 53703

• Reservations: OpenTable for Statehouse restaurant

• Phone: (608) 535-8200

• Website: theedgewater.com

Water park resorts

Families willing to drive about 50 miles to Wisconsin Dells can access two major water park resorts with dedicated NYE programming.

Great Wolf Lodge runs its Snowland celebration through January 6, featuring a free balloon drop party in the lobby every two hours from 8:00 PM to midnight—perfect for kids who want multiple countdown experiences. The 76,000-square-foot indoor water park maintains a toasty 84°F year-round, and resort activities include MagiQuest, arcade games, and character meet-and-greets.

• Location: 1400 Great Wolf Drive, Baraboo, WI 53913

• Room rates: Starting around $229-250/night

• Parking: $19/day

• Phone: (800) 559-9653

• Website: greatwolf.com/wisconsin-dells

Kalahari Resorts hosts an NYE Grand Buffet and Party from 5:00 to 9:00 PM in their convention center. The buffet features cognac and black peppercorn crusted dry-aged prime rib, stuffed pork crown sausage, and extensive dessert stations, with an allergy-free section available. The family-friendly party includes DJ entertainment, decorations, party favors, and a 9:00 PM countdown—and it's open to the public, not just hotel guests.

• Location: 1305 Kalahari Drive, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

• Buffet pricing: Adults $58.99-79.99, children 3-10 $18.99-29.99, ages 2 and under free

• Website: kalahariresorts.com

What's closed on New Year's Eve

A few Madison venues worth noting will NOT be open for NYE celebrations:

Henry Vilas Zoo closes at noon on December 31. The popular Zoo Lights event runs only through December 23, so it won't be available for NYE visits.

Chazen Museum of Art is closed December 24 through January 9 for its annual winter closure.

The YMCA of Dane County operates on reduced holiday hours (5:00 AM to 5:00 PM) but doesn't host specific NYE family events.

Practical tips for celebrating with kids

Book early. The most popular events—particularly KEVA Sports Center and bowling lanes at Spare Time and Bowl-A-Vard—fill up quickly. Don't wait until Christmas week to make reservations.

Layer strategically. Whether you're skating at The Edgewater, walking at the Arboretum, or dancing in the outdoor Wonderground, Wisconsin December weather demands preparation. Dress kids in moisture-wicking base layers, warm mid-layers, and weatherproof outer shells.

Plan for naps. If you're hoping kids make it to an evening event, schedule afternoon downtime. A 2:00 PM nap can make the difference between a cheerful 8:00 PM celebration and a meltdown.

Bring backup entertainment. Lines happen at popular events. Pack small activities, snacks, and fully charged tablets for waiting periods.

Consider multiple events. Madison's celebration geography allows creative scheduling. Morning at the Children's Museum, afternoon rest, evening skating at The Edgewater, and home by 9:00 PM creates a full NYE experience without late-night drama.

Conclusion

Madison's family NYE scene proves you don't need to stay up until midnight to ring in the new year meaningfully. The city's emphasis on daytime and early evening celebrations—from the 9:00 AM Baby New Year party through the 8:00 PM Arboretum walk—means families can participate in genuine countdown moments while still honoring bedtime routines.

The Human Ball Drop at Madison Children's Museum offers the most uniquely Madison experience, while KEVA Sports Center delivers the best value for extended entertainment. Families seeking overnight adventures will find the Madison Concourse Hotel's comprehensive packages or Wisconsin Dells' water park resorts worth the investment. Whatever your family chooses, December 31, 2025 in Madison offers plenty of ways to close out the year together—no midnight required.