While most kids are too young to stay awake until midnight, there are plenty of ways to ring in the new year with music, dancing, and even fireworks — and still get the kids to bed at a reasonable hour.
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Here’s a look at fun, family friendly ways to usher in the New Year with some starting even before nap time.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History Noon Year’s Eve
Dance among the dinosaur bones as the museum hosts an end-of-the-year bash for the early-to-bed set. At high noon, a balloon drop sends those latex balls floating down into Fernbank’s Great Hall. A kid-friendly DJ spins an array of toe-tapping tunes for both tots and their parents to enjoy. Museum admission includes the party, so when you’re not rocking into 2016, you can explore the exhibits.
9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $18; $17 seniors; $16 children ages 3-12; free ages 2 and younger. Fernbank Museum of Natural History, 767 Clifton Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-929-6400, www.fernbankmuseum.org.
Legoland Discovery Center Noon Year’s Eve
If the kiddies can’t hang until the midnight hour, celebrate early at the popular play place where building bricks rule. A balloon drop falls at noon as the clock counts down on screens scattered throughout the center. Kids can hop on its two rides, check out a Lego 4-D movie, participate in a group Lego build and more.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 31. $14.95 plus tax online. Legoland Discovery Center Atlanta, Phipps Plaza, 3500 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-848-9252,www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/atlanta.
Kids Early New Year’s Celebration at Stone Mountain.
During Stone Mountain Christmas on Dec. 31., Stone Mountain Park will operate the Christmas event as usual (2 – 9 p.m.) but then ring in the New Year at 9 p.m. with additional fireworks, snowfall and early countdown. Immediately after the Snow Angel Snowfall and Fireworks Finale, special New Year’s Eve activities will begin at 8:40 p.m. with costumed characters, music and dance-a-longs. At 8:59 p.m. the early countdown will begin and when the clock strikes 9 p.m. snow and fireworks will usher in the New Year.
Entrance to Stone Mountain Christmas is included in the Adventure Pass. Vehicle entry to Stone Mountain Park is $15 for a one-day permit or $40 for an annual permit. To access the early New Year's Eve event, guests will need a Stone Mountain Christmas ticket, which start at $25.95. Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain, Ga. 30083, phone: 800-401-2407 or visit www.stonemountainpark.com
Children’s Museum of Atlanta New Year’s Bubble Bash
Children's Museum of Atlanta is counting down to the "noon year" for 2017 the Bubble Bash. Families can join the Museum's very own Princess and Prince as they ring in the "noon year" at noon, followed by a celebratory dance party with bubble wrap "fire crackers." Tickets are $8 in advanced for members; $18 for non-members. Week of event prices are $13 for members; $23 for non-members. To purchase tickets, visit www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org/ or call 404-527-3693.
Note: This event runs from 10 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.The museum will be closed to the general public on Dec. 31.
Jon Waterhouse contributed to this article.
