So, New Year’s Eve as a parent of a little one can be a bit of a different proposition. The past few years, Matthew and I have stayed in and made a nice dinner at home for our New Year’s celebration and, frankly, I’ve been impressed we made it until midnight!
But there’s also lots of fun ways to get your kids involved in the New Year’s Eve celebrating.

Several local places offer kid-friendly New Year’s events, so here’s a round-up of some options for ringing in 2017 with your little one.
New Year’s Eve Eve Celebration
Where: Great Lakes Science Center
When: Friday, December 30
What: A balloon drop of 2017 balloons at 2:17pm, plus lots of other fun Winter Week activities, including Ice Fishing, Dancing in the Snow, Carpet Skating, and more
Where: Playground World
When: Friday, December 30 from 10-11am
What: Free play and a New Year’s celebration in a 14,000 square foot indoor play area
Where: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
When: Saturday, December 31 from 10am-1pm
What: A ball drop at noon, music, dancing, crafts, an ice carving demo, ‘ReZOOlutions’ and a special Professor Wylde’s Live Animal Show
Where: Cleveland Museum of Natural History
When: Saturday, December 31 starting at 10am
What: Make noisemakers and party hats, see a special New Year’s Planetarium show, watch a dinosaur egg drop at noon
Where: Downtown Akron
When: Saturday, December 31 from 6pm-midnight
What: Live music, food vendors, ice skating, fireworks to ring in 2017
Where: Romp n Stomp Inflatables and Fun Center
When: Saturday, December 31 from 10am-12pm, 1-3pm, or 5:30-8pm
What: Crafts, family pictures, sparkling grape juice and a ball drop, and lots of jumping play time
However you ring in 2017, I hope it’s happy, fun, safe, and festive!