A Family Friendly 'Noon Year's Eve' Celebration

Not sure what to do with the kids on New Year's Eve? Why not end the year in "Times Square" style at the Long Island Children's Museum (LICM) at its annual Countdown to 12! celebration. Starting at noon Dec. 31, visitors will be treated to fun activities that celebrate the new year just like the "big kids."

Throughout the day families have a variety of activities to choose from including designing top hats and necklaces to wear with their New Year's outfits and creating resolution magnets that will remind them of their resolutions all year long to making their own noisemakers to help ring the New Year in with a bang!

Children will also learn more about a traditional Greek custom called Vasilopita, which involves placing a gold coin into a small cake and then make one of their own to enjoy!

Families can also enjoy a performance by National Circus Project at 1, 1:45 and 2:30 p.m. Tickets are free with museum admission but are first come, first serve. Be sure to stick around –at 3:30 p.m. the performers from National Circus Project will help the crowd prepare for the big ball drop at 4 p.m.

Countdown to 12! begins at noon and runs until 4:30 p.m.; a schedule that allows parents to spend the day with their children and still have time to take part in traditional New Year's parties once the kids are tucked into bed. All activities are free with the purchase of museum admission.

All activities will be held at the Long Island Children's Museum, 11 Davis Avenue, Garden City. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Museum admission: $10 for adults and children over 1 year old, under 1 year old free and $9 for seniors. Additional fees for theater and special programs may apply. For additional information, contact 516-224-5800 or visit www.licm.org.