Get ready to say goodbye to 2012 and hello to 2013! It can be difficult to incorporate children into late-night festivities, yet there are many daytime, and a few early evening, events around town to help parents ring in the New Year family style.
From noontime countdowns at your local children’s museum to a New Year’s Eve fun run to the extravaganza at the Seattle Center, these ideas will help you make merry with your little ones.
SATURDAY, DEC. 29
Kindie New Year with the Not-Its!, Mount Baker Community Clubhouse
It’s a Kindie New Year with The Not-Its! Formal dress is encouraged. The ball drop happens at noon, plus a juice toast and live music to get your little ones dancing. The festivities happen from 11 a.m. to noon. A $15 family tickets admits up to four people. Mount Baker Community Clubhouse, 2811 Mt. Rainier Drive, Seattle. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/296845.
MONDAY, DEC. 31
New Year’s Eve Celebration at The Children’s Museum, Seattle
Count down to the New Year every hour between 10 a.m. and noon, toasting with fruit juice, plus learn about New Year’s traditions around the world. Following each countdown, a craft activity from the country being celebrated is available for kids. The following countries will be toasted: India (11 a.m.), Russia (noon), Madagascar (1 p.m.), Greece (2 p.m.), France (3 p.m.) and Morocco (4 p.m.). Events are included with the price of admission: $7.50 for adults and children, free for kids younger than 1. The Children’s Museum, 305 Harrison St., Seattle. www.thechildrensmuseum.org/nyecountdown.
New Year’s Eve at Noon at KidsQuest Children’s Museum
Ring in 2013 at the museum with a bubble wrap stomp, crafts and a countdown at noon. Event is included with the price of admission: $8.50 for kids and adults, free for children younger than 1. Factoria Mall, 4091 Factoria Blvd. S.E., Bellevue. www.kidsquestmuseum.org.
Noon Year’s Eve Party at Kids Discovery Museum
Bring your family to the museum for a countdown to noon and balloon drop. A craft project is available from 10 to 11:30 a.m.; festivities and treats begin at 11:30 a.m.; the event ends at 1 p.m. The party is included with the price of admission: $6 for adults and kids, free for children younger than 1. Kids Discovery Museum, 301 Ravine Lane N.E., Bainbridge Island. www.kidimu.org/2012/11/27/noon-years-eve-2.
Noon Year’s Eve Party at Hands On Children’s Museum
Ring in the New Year at the museum with science activities, games, face-painting, food and a noontime countdown. Advance registration is strongly recommended for this event. The cost is $15 per child ($12 for members), and accompanying adults are $4 each. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hands On Children’s Museum, 414 Jefferson St. N.E., Olympia. www.hocm.org/page.php?id=413.
New Year’s Eve Parties at Imagine Children’s Museum
Imagine Children’s Museum offers two parties for pint-sized revelers: one in the daytime, from noon to 4 p.m. and featuring an around-the-world celebration with cultural music and dance and crafts. The daytime event is included with admission ($9 for adults and kids, free for children 1 and younger). The nighttime party, from 6 to 9 p.m., features rockin’ family-friendly music, a magician and collage crafts led by an artist. There will also be a scavenger hunt, noisemakers and a grand finale ball drop at 9 p.m. Advance tickets are $15 per person and $20 at the door (members get a $5 discount per person). Imagine Children’s Museum, 1502 Wall St., Everett. www.imaginecm.org/eventscalendar.html.
Tacoma’s Last Mile on First Night
Ring in the New Year and get some exercise, too. On this one-mile fun run, wear decorated hats, shoes and costumes for extra fun. The event is recommended for children ages 4 and older and kicks off at 6 p.m. at Pantages Theatre, 901 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma ($5 per person). www.metroparkstacoma.org/last-mile.
New Year’s Eve Festivities at Seattle Center
If your kids are allowed to stay up until midnight, take in the city’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration at Seattle Center. Live music by The Rhythm Nation kicks off in the Center House at 8 p.m., and an amazing display of fireworks from the Space Needle will ring in the New Year at midnight. This event is free. Seattle Center Armory, 305 Harrison St., Seattle. www.seattlecenter.com/news/detail.aspx?id=1856.
