Three Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Events In Central Minnesota

With a pair of kids under ten years old, making it to midnight on New Year's Eve can be a tough ask. For the kids, that means pushing them waaay beyond their normal sleep schedule (and then trying to get them back on track when school resumes on Thursday) and for the parents... well, we are just tired all the time.

Luckily, there are several events in the area that promise the very desirable combination of New Year's Eve revelry with a reasonable bedtime.

In Sartell, the Country Lights Festival will host a fireworks display at 7 p.m. thanks to Ecumen Chateau Waters! Temperatures look to be reasonable, especially for December, with a forecast in the mid-20's.

There are also plenty of parking spots for those who want to watch the show from the warmth of a car (we saw them in the Anejo's parking lot last year).

In St. Cloud, Skatin' Place is holding two 'massive balloon drops,' one at 2 p.m. and another at 7 p.m.. There will also be a kiddie balloon drop before each 'massive' drop.

Over $1,000 in cash and prizes hidden inside the balloons with prizes ranging from $2 bills and huge wrapped presents. Every kiddie balloon will contain a prize.

Tickets are required for the event starting at $9.99.

Also in St. Cloud, AirMaxx Trampoline Park is hosting a New Year's Eve Glow Party from 5-8 p.m.. The event includes three hours of jumping and the Warrior Course, two slices of pizza and refreshments, a countdown at 7:30, glow bracelet and jump socks.

Tickets for the event are $24.99.