A Kid-Friendly New Year's Eve in New York City!

With the holiday season fast-approaching, it's easy to forget that New Year's Eve and its following Day are right around the corner. With countless events going on around the globe, it's easy to lose yourself in anticipation of the dropping of the New Year's Ball in Times Square, New York. While teens and adults alike have a vast array of social gatherings to choose from, child-appropriate and safe events are in shorter supply in New York City. I've compiled a list of several kid-friendly events which parents will not find themselves suffering through.

Bronx Zoo Holiday Light Display
Bronx Zoo, Jungle World Road, NY
Great for spectators of all ages, the 11^th Annual Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights Display shines with over 500,000 lights of all kinds. Lit animal shapes decorate the entire grounds along with strung trees and glowing buildings. The entire exhibit is unlike any light show in the Northeast, and is one to be remembered. Topping off the display is a collection of wonderful holiday-themed foods and activities for the youngsters. The display is open from 5PM to 9PM every Friday through Sunday until 01/06/08.

PRICES: Adults- $14 Children- $10 Seniors- $12

Kidfresh Holiday Bash
1628 2nd Avenue, New York, NY10028
Perhaps the most kid-friendly establishment in the city, Kidfresh is one of the greatest places to go to grab some food-to-go for a child. However, in the holiday spirit, Kidfresh is hosting a New Year's Party for the children on December 31^st from 2PM to 4PM. The $25 at-the-door-admission fee may initially seem a bit pricy, but for a simple call in-advance, you may purchase admission for just $20. With admission comes fun (yes, fun) food, as well as some holiday-oriented music and activities. For more information about Kidfresh, visit their website at http://www.kidfresh.com/

PRICES: General Admission at door: $25 In-Advance: $20

Grand Central Terminal Light Show
E 42^nd Street, New York, NY
On your way around the city to one of the previously-mentioned New Year's events, stop by Grand Central Terminal for a wonderful light show every half hour of every day until the close of New Year's Day. The bright lasers illuminate the inside of the entire terminal as the show carries on overhead on the ceiling. As the show is completely free and undeniably enjoyable, it makes for a quick and easy pit stop to add to your New Year's tour of the city.

And last but not least...

Times Square, NY
With children to care for, and as an adult thriving to join in the giant party that the city becomes, you should take the kids for a stroll for Times Square some time before the New Year. The closer time crawls to New Year's Eve night, the more crowded the area will be. However, make a trip to Times Square a day or two before. Enjoy the monstrous Toys'R'Us, MTV Studios, or tour the Broadway theatres scattered through the area. You might even catch a glimpse of campers claiming positions near the Ball for the coming New Year.

Please make time to visit at least one of these memorable New Year's events! You won't regret it. Have a wonderful holiday season all!