Family Celebrations: Ring in 2014 together

Family Celebrations

Ring in 2014 together

By Lauren Bell

Are you trying to find something to do this New Years Eve as an entire family? Look no further! Here are some great local events that take place  during the day so everyone can enjoy ringing in 2014 together.

Family New Year’s Eve Party is from 4 to 8 p.m. December 31 at Chicago Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest. A traditional Irish New Year’s celebration, the event features a buffet-style dinner, and a countdown at 5 p.m. to coincide with Ireland’s official midnight countdown. Tickets are $26 for adults, $10 for children 12 and younger and free for children 3 and younger. Reservations are required in advance by calling (708) 687-9323.

The New Year’s Skate Party is at the Oak Lawn Park District Ice Arena, 9320 S. Kenton Ave, in Oak Lawn is 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on December 31. Noisemakers and party hats will help cheer in 2014 with a grand countdown as balloons drop over the ice at noon. Arrive early to ensure admission. Admission is $8 and $3 for skate rental. For adults not skating the cost is $1. For more information, call (708) 857-5173 or visit www.olparks.com.

The New Year’s Eve Day Celebration is at the Park District Auditorium, 2010 Chestnut Road, Homewood, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. December 31. The event is planned so the entire family can be awake to usher in the New Year with horns, hats and balloons as the ball drops at the stroke of noon! The event is free and open to the public.  For more information, call (708) 206-3393 or visit www.village.homewood.il.us

After-Noon Year Celebration is from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. December 31 at the Channahon Park District’s Skateland Recreation Center, 25334 W. Eames St. All ages can enjoy a party that includes skating, games and a balloon drop (at 2:30 p.m.).  The event is $3 for residents and $4 for nonresidents registering ahead of time, and $5 for both residents and nonresidents at the door. For more information, contact the Channahon Park District at (815) 467-7275. 

ZooLights is at the Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, until 9 p.m. December 31. Families will receive hats and noisemakers. For more information, call (312) 742-2000 or visit www.lpzoo.com

Bubble Bash 2013 is from 9 a.m. to noon at DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 North Washington St., Naperville. Three floors of bubble fun will provide activity and discovery around every turn.  Guests will party in style, popping their way down a celebrity carpet of bubble wrap before posing for a special commemorative take-home photo. The countdown to ring in the New Year will be at noon. The cost is $20 for members before Dec. 7th, $25 after Dec. 7th. The cost is $25 for non-members before Dec. 7th, $30 after Dec. 7th. Cost is per person. For more information, visit www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org or call (630) 637-8000.

Zoo Years Eve is at the Brookfield Zoo, 8400 W 31st St, Brookfield, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. December 31. In the Holly Jolly Theater there will be live DJ music, games, party favors, prizes and an early countdown at 8:00 p.m. At the Hamill Family Play Zoo you can make your own noisemaker. The event is free with admission. For more information, call (708) 688-8400 or visit www.brookfieldzoo.org