Cost: Admission is free, but a wristband ($16 with ice skating, $12 without) is required for rides and activities; a Family Free Parking Pack ($57-$64) includes four premium 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., followed by fireworks at 8:15 p.m. at the Winter Wonderstage. Then, from 10-11:30 p.m., DJ Warp will remix your favorite tunes live at the Family Pavilion Stage, leading up to the big fireworks display at midnight.