Ring in 2023 with exciting Portland New Year’s Eve events and activities that have earned the kid-seal of approval
You and the kids might not make it to the strike of midnight, but thankfully that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on Portland New Year’s Eve events. In fact, there are still plenty of ways Portland families can ring in 2023 and still make it home before bedtime (plus a few that’ll keep you out a little past it). Whether your kids want to celebrate the Noon Year, get active with a retro activity, or simply want to take one last look at some of the season’s best attractions, we’ve got options for everyone. Cheers to a safe and healthy 2023!
Ring in the Noon Year at These Celebrations
1. Gilbert House Children’s Museum
Join the Gilbert House Children’s Museum in Salem for their annual Noon Year’s Eve celebration. Who needs to wait up until midnight when you and the kids can start partying at 10 a.m. with holiday crafts, a hot cocoa bar, and all the usual amenities the museum offers. As soon as the clock strikes noon prepare for a fantastic balloon ball drop that'll thrill the kids. Cost includes general museum admission.
Date & Time: Dec. 31, 2022; 10 a.m.
Cost: $5/person (members); $15/person (non-members)
116 Marion St. N.E.
Salem, OR
Online: acgilbert.org
2. Hands On Children's Museum
Bring the kids to Olympia for the Hands On Children's Museum's unforgettable Noon Years Eve Party. This year's theme is "Shine Bright in the New Year." Expect lots of sparkle, shine, glimmer, and glow activities that tie into the theme like Dr. Science experiments, bioluminescence, shooting star launching, glitzy crafts, and a photo booth. The Noon Year’s countdown includes a dance party, ball drop, and parade every hour throughout the day. Our tip? Make your online reservations in advance and save $2 on admission.
Good to Know: The museum will have a sensory-friendly room and art space set up from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. so kids of all abilities can join in the fun throughout the day.
Date & Time: Dec. 31, 2022; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: $17/person; Free, babies 17 mos. & under
414 Jefferson St. N.E.
Olympia, WA
Online: hocm.org
3. Erev New Year's Eve at Noon
Find all kinds of fun at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center the day before New Year's Eve. A bouncy house, face painting, games, and more will keep the kids busy before the clock strikes noon on the 30th. When it does, they'll be showered in beach balls, falling from the ceiling. RSVP is required for this event.
Date & Time: Dec. 30, 2022; 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Mittleman Jewish Community Center
6651 S.W. Capitol Hwy.
Portland
Online: oregonjcc.org
4. Noon Year's Eve
Tots will get a kick out of this celebration at My Gym in Sherwood. A balloon drop will be part of the programming fun, and so will sparkling cider. But what your kids will love the most is the chance to climb and play at this indoor gym before and after the celebration. The event runs for 90 minutes, starting at 11 a.m.
My Gym Sherwood
16080 S.W. Tualatin-Sherwood Rd.
Sherwood, OR
Online: mygym.com
Skate & Roll Your Way into the New Year
5. Oaks Park Roller Rink
Rink in the New Year at Oaks Park. Expect a DJ, skate specials, party favors, and so much more at this family-friendly event that runs well past your kiddo's bedtime. Skates are available to rent.
Date & Time: Dec. 31, 2022; 7 p.m.-1 a.m.
Cost: $22/person; $5/spectator
7805 S.E. Oaks Park Way
Portland
Online: oaksamusementpark.centeredgeonline.com
6. Lloyd Center Ice Rink
The Lloyd Center ice rink is open for public skate on New Year's Eve from 1 p.m.-7:30 p.m. It's a great place place to celebrate the day without having to stay out too late with the kids. Every two hours starting at 1 p.m. and ending at 5 p.m., snow falls on the ice next to the magnificent 70-foot Christmas tree, and bonus—New Year's eve is a Rock 'N Skate evening. From 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. a DJ will be spinning tunes and taking requests.
Date & Time: Dec. 31, 2022; 1-7:30 p.m.
Cost: $20/person; $4/kid, ages 2-3
953 Lloyd Center
Portland
Online: lloydice.com
7. Mountain View Ice Arena
Another ice skating option just north of the city, Mountain View Ice Arena in Vancouver will be hosting a New Year's Eve Skate. Best for families with big kids or little ones with plenty of energy, you'll have the chance to hit the ice for a few hours to celebrate the turning of the calenadar.
Date & Time: Dec. 31, 2022; 7:15-9:30 p.m.
Cost: $15/person
14313 Southeast Mill Plain Blvd.
Vancouver, WA
Online: mtviewice.com
8. King Pins
If you want to go big for the New Year, consider renting a New Year's Eve lane at King Pins. An early time slot will give you plenty of time to enjoy cosmic bowling with the kids while still making it home for the regular night time routine. Prizes, giveaways, and a big celebration are all part of this event your kids will remember.
Date & Time: Dec. 31, 2022; 5:30 p.m.-1 a.m.
Cost: $125/lane (for group of 6)
3550 S.E. 92nd Ave.
Portland
Online: mykingpins.com
More Kid-Friendly New Year’s Activities & Events
9. Storytime at Powell's
Bring the kids to hear The Magical Yeti by Angela Diterlizzi on New Year's Eve if you're looking for something fun to keep them entertained.
Date & Time: Dec. 31, 2022; 10:30 a.m.
1005 W. Burnside St.
Portland
Online: powells.com
10. Straight No Chaser 25th Anniversary Celebration
There's something irresistible about Straight No Chaser's a cappella tuneage. Maybe it's the songs they choose, or the humor they bring along with it. Either way, your kids will be tapping along with this vocal phenomenon.
Date & Time: Dec. 31, 2022; 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Tickets start at $25
Keller Auditorium
222 S.W. Clay St.
Portland
Online: portland5.com/keller-auditorium
Last Chance to See Lights at These Amazing Displays
11. Check Out Holiday Lights
If you didn't make it out to see all the amazing holiday light displays around the city, New Year's Eve is your last chance to catch many. It's the final night of the popular neighborhood Peacock Lane display and Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway. Plus, ZooLights only has a few more days to go before going dark for the season. Get out there and see the displays while you still can.
Related: Electric Avenues: Holiday Light Displays That Really Shine
