Family New Years

Kids ring in the New Year at last year’s Happy Noon Year event at the Children’s Museum Tucson, a daytime celebration that includes crafts and ends with a cascade of balloons.

New Year's Eve with kids may look different than the crazy parties of the past, but it can still be lots of fun.

With these awesome ideas, you'll ring in the new year right, without spending the first day of 2017 in a hungover daze.Β 

Happy Noon YearΒ 

Celebrate NYE with the kiddos at the Children's Museum Tucson, at 200 S. Sixth Ave., then you and your squad or SO can go out later.Β 

Museum discovery guides will be doing activities throughout the day and the Family Brain Boost activity will be an obstacle course.

And now for the best part: There will be a countdown and balloon drop at noon in the Investigation Station area. Hundreds of balloons will fall from the ceiling as the kids dance and play underneath them.Β 

Here's a rundown of the full schedule:

  • 10 a.m. Bottle noisemakers in the art studio
  • 10:30 a.m. DIY countdown clock in the art studio
  • 11 a.m. Firework rings in the art studio
  • 11:55 a.m.: Countdown starts in the Investigation Station
  • 11:58 a.m. Kids stand up
  • Noon: Balloon drop
  • 12:05 to 1 p.m.: Apple cider toast in the courtyard
  • 1 p.m. Brain Boost Obstacle Course in the courtyard
  • 2 p.m.: Karaoke in the courtyard/lobbyΒ 
  • 3 p.m.: Museum closes

Your kid can be in the middle of all those balloons at the Children's Museum Tucson's Happy Noon Year celebration.Β 

Noon Year's Eve Celebration

Ring in the new year without staying up late. The Oro Valley Public Library, which is located at 1305 W. Naranja Drive, is having a party with stories, crafts, snacks and more. The party goes from 11 a.m. to noon and it's free. Click here for more info.Β 

NYE at The Westin La Paloma

This isn’t exactly partying together, as much as it is partying at the same time at the same place.

La Paloma, which is located at 3800 E. Sunrise Drive, has a deal where parents can drop off their children at The Kid’s Club for a party, while the grown-ups party it up in Azul, the resort’s lounge. And you thought an actual New Year’s Eve party wasn’t possible with the kids in tow.

If you want you can head over to the the Kid's Club and join them for the countdown. The Kid's Club party is from 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.Β 

Azul Restaurant will offer a special NYE four course tasting menu from 5 to 10 p.m. It costs $98 per person and includes a sparkling wine toast.Β 

Festivities in Azul's lounge start at 6 p.m. with live music by saxaphonist Neamen Lyles. The George Howard Band takes the stage from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. with a mix of blues, rock, jazz, pop, R&B and Motown.Β 

Call 742-6000 to make reservations.Β 

Go bowling

Golden Pin Lanes, which is at 1010 W. Miracle Mile, is having a family party from noon to 3 p.m. There will be bowling, music videos and party favors. The price is $7 per person or $39 for a lane with up to six people. Price includes shoe rentals. For more info, call 520-888-4272.

The whole family will enjoy a bowling party on NYE.

The Labyrinth NYE Party and Masquerade Ball

You guys. If you have kids that are a little older, The Loft Cinema is showing Labyrinth on NYE. And, there's a costume contest, masquerade making craft table, pre-show Bowie music videos and fun goodies to use during the movie. There's also a toast at midnight. You could do a whole family themed costume. We bet you'll win. The cost is $10. Festivities start at 11 p.m. The Loft is located at 3233 E. Speedway. For more info, call 322-5638.Β 

Have a family party at home

Go all out. Invite your other parent friends and their kids. Wear sparkly clothes, get top hats, masks, streamers, noise makers and drink juice out of champagne flutes. Pro tip: You can get most of this at the dollar store.

Turn up the tunes and dance the night away. Then countdown to midnight and watch the ball drop on TV from your living room. Or better yet, create your own ball or balloon drop. Click here for some ideas on Pinterest.

Grab some masks and create your own festive party at home.Β 


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Angela Pittenger | This Is Tucson