Family-Friendly New Year's Eve Events in St. Louis

Are you looking for some family entertainment for New Year's Eve that doesn't include the Disney Channel countdown to 2008? Check out these events in the St. Louis area. I am certain you will find a fantastic idea to help your family bring in 2008 that is both memorable and fun.

First Night - St. Louis

First Night is an annual tradition in mid-town St. Louis. For the past 6 years, First Night organizers have brought together the community to experience a visual and performing arts festival that is family-friendly and diverse.

This year's theme is Rhythm of the Night and begins at 5:30pm with a musical procession along Grand Avenue between Lindell and Grandel Square. The remainder of the evening will include dancing, storytelling, face painting, musical acts, hypnotic demonstrations and many other family-oriented activities located at various venues in midtown. The night will wrap up with a New Year's Eve countdown and fireworks at midnight.

This is a free, non-alcoholic event that is fun for families with children of all ages. More information can be found, including a detailed list of events and theirlocations at www.firstnightstl.org.

Saint Louis Zoo New Year's Eve Overnight Celebration

This event is definitely kid-friendly and kids-only! The Saint Louis Zoo is hosting an overnight New Year's Eve celebration for kids ages 7 - 12. Beginning at 6:30pm on December 31^st, your kids can spend an evening with the animals. They will play games, take a moonlit walk on the zoo grounds and countdown to 2008 in the new Exploration Outpost. Breakfast will be served in the morning and your little party animals will be released back to you at 9:30am on January 1^st.

This is event is only available by reservation and it is open to a maximum of 60 children. Registration fees range from $55 - $60. For more information about this event, you can visit the zoo's website at http://www.stlzoo.org/.

YMCA's Trout Lodge

Looking for a family get-away for New Year's Eve? Try a stay at the YMCA's Trout Lodge. This lodge is located in Potosi, MO (about 1 ½ hours from the St. Louis Metro area). From December 28^th, 2007 to January 1^st, 2008, Trout Lodge will be hosting a New Year's Under the Big Top extravaganza. This is an event that is jam-packed with dozens of family friendly activities.

You and your family can go on a scavenger hunt, learn astronomy, practice your circus skills or visit the Big Top Carnival - the list of activities is endless. There are even activities just for the adults (wine tasting classes) and cool events for teens (moonlight zip line rides).

You can visit the lodge's website at http://www.ymcaoftheozarks.org/ to find out all the details about this event, including cost, lodge availability and all the classes and events being offered. This is an experience that will be sure to have your family remembering 2007.

Sources and Event Websites:

http://www.firstnightstl.org

http://www.stlzoo.org/

http://www.ymcaoftheozarks.org/