New Year's Eve Events for Families and Children in the Twin Cities - Minneapolis and Suburbs

Looking for child-friendly New Year's Eve events in the Twin Cities? There are a lot of events to choose from including major events at the Science Museum, Como Zoo, Mall of America, and a Minnesota Wild game. If you choose to bypass those bigger events, there are still plenty of other activities to try. By the time New Year's Eve rolls around, the kids are already tired of playing with their new Christmas toys and what better way to release some energy than with an outdoor activity?

Minnesotan's are known for getting outside and playing in the snow, and there is plenty of snow here this year, with more in the forecast this week. If the five inches that are forecasted to fall on Christmas actually accumulate, this will be the snowiest winter in over six years. There is a blizzard warning for "up North" Minnesota.

SNOW TUBING at BUCK HILL
One outdoor event to consider for children six and up is Buck Hills' New Years Eve Bash from 10:00am - 11:30pm. There are events including a torch light parade at 11:45 pm and fireworks at midnight. You might consider just buying a special one-hour pass to the snow tubing area. Tubes are provided. The hill offers many tubing lanes and a safe ride. The one-hour pass costs $10 but I bet that one hour would go so fast the kids would be begging for another 2-hour pass. You can even take a shuttle from the Burnsville Holiday Inn but you must make a reservation by calling (952) 435-2100 and asking for the "Buck Hill deal".
buckhill.com/winter/new-years-eve-mn.shtml

ICE SKATING
Ice rinks are now open around the suburbs and it would be a great time to go ice skating. Bring some hot chocolate in a thermos or if you are spending the day, consider calling up the local pizza delivery place and have a pizza delivered right to the rink. It's a fun and inexpensive way to spend the day.

MINNESOTA LANDSCAPE ARBORETUM
Another idea is the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska. The Arboretum is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm on New Year's Eve. View outdoor winter displays and decorated trees. Take a walk or bring your cross country skis. You can warm up in the Arboretum's Main Building. Take a look in the gift shop for interesting gift items and gardening books. Check out the indoor greenhouse and get a dose of tropical warmth. arboretum.umn.edu.

BOWLING
Check out your local bowling alleys. The Brunswick Zone, 12200 Singletree Lane, in Eden Prairie is open from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on New Year's Eve. They can be reached at 952-941-0445.

INDOOR INLINE SKATING AT THE METRODOME
Take the Light Rail Transit from the Mall of America to downtown and get off right at the Metrodome, 900 S. Fifth Street in Minneapolis. You can go skating in indoor comfort from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on New Year's Eve. It costs $4.50-$6.50 and skate rental is available for $5.00.

MACY'S ANNUAL HOLIDAY DISPLAY
If you haven't been downtown in a while, consider checking out the Macy's Display (formerly Dayton's/Marshall Field's). On the 8the floor auditorium you can view a free Christmas display. This year The Nutcracker is featured. It is open on New Year's Eve during store hours. www.macys.com or 612-375-2200.

HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY
Hennepin County Libraries are open on New Years Eve until 5:00 pm. Set the kids up on computers or have them choose some good books or tapes.

Whatever you decide to do, enjoying some quality time with your children will provide some nice memories for them.

Happy New Year!