From daytime happenings to family-friendly evening events, there are many options in Northeast Ohio to celebrate New Year’s Eve as a family. Check out the list below to start making plans for your family’s festive, kid-friendly celebration. (All events take place Dec. 31 at the time designated.)
Noon Year’s Eve at Café O’Play
Enjoy story time, a Noon Year’s Eve countdown and balloon drop followed by the sound of “fireworks,” lunch, and a craft. Pre-registration is required. Cost is $15 per child/adult pair and $5 for each additional adult (includes a lunch buffet). 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 911 Graham Road, Ste. 27, Stow, 330-928-7517, cafeoplay.com
New Year’s Eve at Noon at The Children’s Museum of Cleveland
Join to help usher out the old Children’s Museum of Cleveland in kid-friendly style at the final New Year’s at Noon celebration in the current facility. Don noisemakers and party hats and win prizes throughout the DJ-led dance party. New Year’s activities included with paid admission or membership. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 10730 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-791-7114, clevelandchildrensmuseum.org
Noon Year’s Eve party at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Watch a special Noon Year’s Eve Wild Animal Show, make a New Year’s ReZOOlution and create an eco-friendly craft. Other activities include music, dancing an ice-carving demonstration and a traditional ball drop at noon. Activities included with Zoo admission. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, 216-661-6500, clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo
First Night Akron
This evening event features live entertainment, children’s make and take crafts, balloon twisting, face painting, a live-action Star Wars show, Rexie the T-rex, Magical Theatre Co., laser light show and fireworks, and more. Admission buttons are $10 per person and free for children under age 10. 6 p.m.-midnight. Locations throughout downtown Akron, firstnightakron.org.
New Year’s Eve Family Celebration at Pump It Up of Hartville
Enjoy a countdown, balloon drop, New Year’s Eve toast with sparkling cider, noisemakers and bouncing. Cost is $10 per person. Registration required. Noon-2 p.m. 1135 W. Maple St., Hartville, 330-877-7867, pumpitupparty.com/hartville-oh
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern
On New Year’s Eve, kids under 10 eat free at any Rusty Bucket location and can enjoy a special “Kid Cocktail” during their dinner. Families and guests will receive fun hats to wear during the celebration, too. Each location is open during regular business hours. myrustybucket.com
Summit Metro Parks New Year’s Celebration
Following a morning of crafts, activities and refreshments, ring in the New Year at noon. Families also can take a hike and then warm up by the campfire. Free. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Road, Akron, 330-865-8065, summitmetroparks.org
