The last day of the year is always the most exciting. From parties that get entire towns celebrating to unique family events like New Year’s Eve at the zoo, North Dakota has a variety of activities everyone in the family will enjoy. Kick off the new year with a bang with these 8 awesome family-friendly events in North Dakota!
The best way to celebrate New Year’s Eve is surrounded by friends, family, and zoo animals! Zoo Year’s Eve at Fargo’s Red River Zoo is held on New Year’s Eve in the afternoon. The celebration includes free admission for all, free carousel rides, encounters with the zoo animals, a countdown, and “zoo year’s resolutions.” This is a family friendly event that the kids will never forget!
Skate away the last day of the year at the New Year’s Eve Skating Party at Dickinson Parks & Recreation. The party is free for all, but skates are available for rent for $2. There will be free food, music, and door prizes. Head to the West River Ice Center in Dickinson in the afternoon on New Year’s Eve for an adrenaline pumping party that is fun for the whole family!
Not only do individual Bismarck venues have fun parties, but the entirety of downtown Bismarck turns into one big party for New Year’s Eve! From bar hopping to live local music to black-tie optional French dining for the older crowd and other family-oriented festivities, there is something for everyone at this downtown party! There are many downtown bars with New Year’s Eve specials, so make sure to hit more than one bar during the night. Some local boutiques are open until the evening to allow plenty of shopping opportunities. You’re not going to want to miss downtown Bismarck’s one-of-a-kind celebration.
If your New Year’s Eve night schedule is packed, spend your afternoon at the Magic City Discovery Center’s Noon Year’s Eve Party from noon to 2 p.m. At this fun family event, guests can participate in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) activities for all ages, capture New Year’s Eve memories in the photo booth, dance to lively music, and countdown to a huge balloon drop. Buy your tickets in advance as this popular party sells out fast! It is held at the Magic City Discovery Center, which is located inside the Dakota Territory Air Museum.
What better way to welcome in the new year than by ice skating? Celebrate the winter season and the ending of the year at the New Year’s Eve Ice Skating Party at the All Seasons Arena. This event is open to the public and is completely free. Don’t fret if you don’t have skates, as they can be rented for $2 per pair. This activity is fun for the whole family, as well as gives you a jump start on your new year’s fitness resolutions. See you on the ice!
If ice skating isn’t your cup of tea, try roller skating instead at the Fargo Skate City New Year’s Eve Party! Admission is only $10 and regular skate rental rates apply. The family-friendly party will include party favors, a balloon drop, countdown, prizes, and more. On Dec. 30, Skate City will host a Family New Year’s Party from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and admission is $7. Parents receive free admission when skating with their children.
From Dec. 1 through Dec. 31, Lindenwood Park will be lit up with holiday lights, sponsored by local businesses. Each year, there are dozens of displays 2016, for example, had over 65 displays. Admission is $6 per car or $5 with the donation of a canned good to be donated to local food pantries. For the past 19 years, the Holiday Lights in Lindenwood Park has been one of the best family New Year’s events in Fargo.
With live music, dancing, food, drinks, and games, the Mandan Eagle’s New Year’s Eve Party is sure to be one of the hottest events around. You’re not going to want to miss this Mandan party!