Get out there and play
You’ve narrowed down your potential resolutions and the ball drops tomorrow night to mark the New Year. We’ve found a few last-minute ideas to help your family ring in 2009. The best part, no reservations are required. Happy New Year!
In the city, head down to My Corner Playroom, 2121 N. Clybourn Ave., for its New Year’s Eve Celebration from 3-6 p.m. The event includes dancing, party favors, a countdown and balloon drop. Members and parents are free, the first child is , each additional child is . For more information, call (773) 388-2121 or visit mycornerplayroom.com.
Ring in the New Year somewhere around the world at the top of every hour at the Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, during Countdown to Fun from 12:30-4:30 p.m. The event includes crafts, games and art. Music is provided by Kantorei, the singing boys of Rockford. Party hats, noise makers and confetti are provided by the Rockford Art Museum. Admission is , kids 2-17, free members and kids under 2. For more information, call (815) 963-6769 or visit discoverycentermuseum.org.
Go wild as you go west to the Brookfield Zoo, First Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield, for its Zoo Year’s Eve Celebration from 6-8 p.m. As an add-on to the Holiday Magic event, music, games and prizes from Radio Disney lead up to the 8 p.m. countdown. Admission is , kids 3-11. For a schedule of events, visit the Web site. For more information, call (708) 688-8000 or visit brookfieldzoo.org.
In the south, skate your way into the New Year at the New Year’s Eve Kids’ Countdown and Family Skate from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The event occurs at the Ice Arena at Centennial Park, 93rd Street and Nashville Avenue, Oak Lawn. Wear provided party hats and shake your noise makers for the noon balloon drop. Admission is per skater, for non-skaters (no party favors). Skate rental is . For more information, call (708) 857-5173 or visit olparks.com.
Ring in 2009 the Hoosier way at the 5th Annual Grande Finale in downtown Crown Point. From 6-9 p.m. families will meet magicians, face painters, a balloon lady and dance with famous kids’ characters. Jazz music for adults and other surprises have been planned. The evening ends with a fireworks display at 9 p.m. Tickets are at the door or when purchased in advance. Buy advance tickets at various locations, including the Civic Center, 101 N. East St., Crown Point, by 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. For more information, call (219) 662-3290 or visit crownpoint.in.gov.
Photo provided by the Brookfield Zoo.
Get out there and play some more
The holidays are almost over, but there’s still time for one more party at the Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago. Enjoy a“Flight of the Dodo” performance and lunch at The Lifeline Holiday Party, from noon-3 p.m. Saturday.“Flight of the Dodo” is Lifeline’s new show about a little penguin that’s tired of being pooped on by the geese that can fly and its adventure to stop them.
Tickets include a special drama class for parents and kids, crafts, lunch and the performance. Reservations are recommended, but not required. For an additional , come early and see“Snowflake Tim’s Big Holiday Adventure” at 11 a.m. Tickets are , kids. For more information, call (773) 761-4477 or visit lifelinetheatre.com.
Piece of the prize
This week, one lucky Chicago Parent reader will win a Nickelodeon Slime prize pack. The prize pack includes a Slime ball, two Slime canisters, one Slime bucket and a Super Slimer signed by the music group, Menudo. To win, visit our discussion board.
