Kansas City Rings in the New Year with These Family Friendly Events

Kansas City offers several family friendly ways to welcome the New Year. Some of these opportunities are just for fun and some are also educational. They can all be enjoyed by the whole family. Try one or all of them; your family may discover a New Year's tradition.

Visit the Children's Museum of Kansas City on January 2nd to experience their Chinese New Year themed Discovery Days session. Children will learn about the Chinese New Year, the year of the rat, while completing traditional crafts and participating in a dragon parade. Each session lasts 30-60 minutes and is designed for children ages four and up.

Location: The Children's Museum of Kansas City
4601 State Avenue
Kansas City, KS 66102
Phone: (913) 287-8888
Cost: $1 with Museum Admission ($5 per person, 2 years and under free)
Website: http://www.kidmuzm.org

Wrap up the Holiday Season with a visit to the Toy & Miniature Museum of Kansas City. Take a look back at the traditions of Christmas past; the featured exhibit, "Spirit of the Holidays," highlights the work of Tasha Tudor, "best know for her whimsical illustrations that often depict youngsters engaged in fun, frolic and simple pleasures." The works are on loan form the Norman Rockwell Museum through March 2008.

Or, catch a last glimpse of Old St. Nick on Saturday, January 5th from 11:00am-12:00pm. Jim Two Crows Wallen plays the part of Father Christmas and brings "to life Christmases past." This event is free with museum admission.

Location: Toy & Miniature Museum of Kansas City
5235 Oak Street
Kansas City, MO 64112
Phone: (816) 333-9328
Hours: Wed-Sat 10:00am-4:00pm
Sunday 1:00pm-4:00pm
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Admission: Adults $6, Seniors & Students $5, Children (5-12 years) $4, Children 5 years
and under are free
Website: http://www.umkc.edu/tmm/

Take your New Year's celebration outside at the Crown Center Ice Terrace. Bring the kids down to the Crown for ice skating and treats. When you've finished skating, walk across Grand to Crown Center to shop, enjoy the Holiday exhibits or grab a bite to eat at the Crayola Café.

Location: Crown Center Square (2450 Grand, Kansas City, MO)
New Year Hours: New Year's Eve 10:00am-6:00pm
New Year's Day 12:00pm-9:00pm
Skate Rental: $2 or bring your own
Regular Admission: $6 (Free to Adults, 60 years or older & Kids, 5 years and under)
Phone: (816) 274-8411
Website: http://www.crowncenter.com

Celebrate the arrival of the New Year, Las Vegas Style, on December 31st from 8:00pm-1:00am, at the Brush Creek Community Center. The center will be filled with activities for all ages, games of chance with play money, a spades tournament, live entertainment, food catered by Island Spice Restaurant, a raffle, and more.

Location: Brush Creek Community Center
3801 Emmanuel Cleaver Boulevard
Kansas City, MO
Admission: Tickets $5-- $20 (All ages welcome)
Phone: (816) 215-7568