Ring in 2012 with Your Kids

Ringing in the New Year is much different with kids in tow. You'll find yourself sipping sparkling grape juice and a confetti drop at noon instead of midnight. So why not dress up a little earlier and head out to these exciting events to ring in 2012?

Legoland Discovery Center is hosting multiple balloon drop countdowns, confetti, commemorative new year photos and party music. Your kids will enjoy the rides, movie theater and, naturally, building with Legos. Our family enjoys the indoor climbing area and building mini race cars and testing them out on the speed ramps. Festivities take place on both December 31 and January 1 at 12pm and 3pm. The cost is $19 for adults and $15 per child. www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com

On Saturday, December 31, The Kohls Children’s Museum will be celebrating New Years Eve from 9-11:30am and 12:30-3pm. Mindy Hester & The Time Outs will perform and they will once again be making party hats, and celebrating with a countdown to “midnight” and confetti drop. Tickets are $12 for members and $15 for non-members. www.Kohlchildrensmuseum.org

For those who like to play games together, Dave & Buster's in Chicago’s Gold Coast is celebrating with a family New Years event on Saturday, December 31. The cost is $29.99 per person and includes a buffet dinner and dessert table, unlimited soft drinks, a magic show, balloon and caricature artists and a video ball drop. This celebration is from 5-8pm. www.db-chicago.com

No matter if you opt to stay home and celebrate watching New Years Celebrations around the world on TV, or trying out a family-themed party, be sure to share a hug and a kiss when the clock strikes noon (and midnight for parents). Enjoy. Happy 2012!

Tagged as: new year 2012, new years eve, family and children

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Christine Garcia is founder and president of Plan It PR, a public relations and marketing firm. She dishes tips and survival stories in “Play Dates and Power Lunches.” Ms. Garcia started working public relations after a long career in broadcast journalism, which included work as a television anchor, reporter and producer.