Cost: Admission is free, but a wristband ($19 with ice skating, $16 without) is required for rides and activities; a Family Free Parking Pack ($54-$76, depending on regular/premium and application of discounts) includes four wristbands and, you guessed it, free parking

What to expect: A range of holiday-themed attractions at Navy Pier, from the Reindeer Express Train Ride to the Pepsi Create-a-Cookie Cottage to the Extreme Ice Trail Ropes Course. There will also be live performances on two stages (including a visit from Santa) and characters strolling around all day long.

Additional info: Looking for a family-friendly New Year's Eve activity? Navy Pier has you covered. For the youngest kids, there's an interactive concert at 6 p.m. (featuring the likes of The Chicago FootworKINGz dance crew and The Goblins), followed by fireworks at 8:15 p.m. at the Winter Wonderstage. Then, from 9-11:45 p.m., DJ Madrid will remix your favorite tunes live at the Family Pavilion Stage (for free) before the fireworks show at midnight.