Enjoy New Year's Eve with the Whole Family

Once upon a time, New Year’s Eve was associated with elegant soirees and high-end champagne, but more and more, this grownup holiday is becoming a family-friendly affair.

According to a recent article in the Star Tribune, “Fewer parents are leaving their children with a sitter while they go out to welcome in the New Year.”

Instead, parents and children are celebrating together at one of the many kid-friendly New Year’s Eve events in the Twin Cities metro area. 

Several of these events are in close proximity to Inver Grove Heights. In Eagan, Lebanon Hills Regional Park is hosting a from 5-8 p.m. that will include hiking, live animals, storytelling, a magician and a complimentary s’more’s buffet. The Wood Lake Nature Center in Richfield is holding a candlelit walk with games and crafts from 6-9 p.m. And the Bielenberg Sports Center offers an obstacle course, mini golf and ice-skating from 6-9 p.m. in Woodbury.

For parents hoping to avoid the crowds and hassle of a large event, craft projects, such as party hats, crowns and banners, add a festive spirit to a night in. kaboose.com features instructions for how to make a resolution magnet, which will help little ones remember their resolutions all year long.

Parents can also make “champagne” with their children by combining their child’s favorite fruit juice with sparking water or 7-Up. Baking is another fun New Year’s Eve option. Children can pipe “2012” onto circular sugar cookies, or decorate them like the famous ball that drops each year.

Game nights or movie nights will help pass the time until midnight and make for a memorable evening.

This New Year’s Eve, enjoy a family affair, whether you head out of town for a kid-friendly event or stay in and celebrate.