New Year's Eve Celebrations in the Detroit, Michigan Area

New Year's Eve isn't just for adults who aim to party hearty all night to celebrate the coming of 2008. Parents can include their youngsters in their New Year's Eve celebrations.

If the children are small and would not be able to stay up until midnight, parents should consider celebrating New Year's Eve during the day. There are many exciting activities in the Detroit area to consider, including:

*Disney's "The Lion King," 1:00 p.m. performance at the Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway Street, Detroit, (313) 237-SING. (http://www.motopera.org/)

*"Forbidden Christmas" at the Gem Theatre, 333 Madison Street, Detroit, (313) 963-9800. Ticket prices are $45 for the 6:00 p.m. show, and $75 for the 9:00 p.m. show. (http://www.gemtheatre.com/)

*38th Annual Belle Isle New Year's Eve Family Fun/Walk. For some, this event hosted by the Belle Isle Runners and Downtown Runners and Walkers has become a family tradition, sometimes attracting 2,000 participants. Festivities start at 3:30 p.m. The Children's Run/Walk is one of the largest running events in the state, and all finishers 12 years and younger will receive a trophy. The entry fee includes a long-sleeve shirt, awards, food and beverage. (http://www.runmichigan.com/entryforms/full.php/2007/december-31-2007-38th-annual-belle-isle-new-years-fun-run.html)

*For sports fans, the Detroit Pistons are playing the Milwaukee Bucks at the Palace of Auburn Hills, 3:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $10 and up. The Palace is located at 5 Championship Drive, Auburn Hills, (248) 377-0100. (http://www.palacenet.com/)

*If you're into hockey, the Red Wings will be facing off against the St. Louis Blues at Joe Louis Arena, 7:00 p.m. Tickets start at $22. The Joe Louis Arena is located at 600 Civic Center Drive, Detroit, (313) 983-6606. (http://www.olympiaentertainment.com/venues/joelouisarena.jsp;jsessionid=HEJAHJAHKBGK)

If your children are older and you're looking for more of a party atmosphere, there are several cities and community centers that will be offering family celebrations for the New Year.

One New Year celebration to consider is held at the Troy Community Center. (http://events.detnews.com/troy-mi/events/show/80955787-new-years-extravaganza) This kid-friendly event features crafts, games, open swim, and an inflatable castle. Pizza, pop and goody baskets are also given to participants. Tickets are available now, and are quite reasonable, at $8 for children 6 and older and $5 for children under 6. You can find more information on the City of Troy's web site http://www.ci.troy.mi.us/.

If you are in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area, consider hitting the Depot Town Riverside Park in Ypsilanti for the New Year's Jubilee (http://events.detnews.com/ypsilanti-mi/events/show/81072775-new-years-eve-jubilee). Here they are featuring music, comedy and storytelling in a safe atmosphere. Ticket prices range from $20 for adults, $5 for children 6-16, and free for 5 and younger. Depot Town is located on North Prospect just north of Michigan Avenue. You can telephone 734-483-444 for more information.

Many of the winter resort areas in northern Michigan are hosting family New Year's Eve celebrations as well. Both Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands are ringing in the New Year in grand style, with parades, torchlight parties and fireworks. More information can be found on their web site (http://www.boyne.com/).

The folks at Crystal Mountain (Thompsonville, Michigan), are usually known for winter sports like skiing, but this year is also offering family celebrations in a big way. For younger children, Crystal Mountain will hold the Bug Bash New Year's Eve Family Party. This themed party geared for children 12 and younger. Kids can dress as their favorite bug, and there will be plenty of games and refreshments. The evening will be capped off with a fireworks display at midnight. Advance reservations are required for this event.

Also at Crystal Mountain, a Teen DJ Dance Party will be held, strictly for kids 13-20. There will be drawings for free Crystal Mountain gear, food and ski and snowboard gear, as well as complimentary party favors. Admission for this event is $5, and reservations are not necessary.

To contact Crystal Mountain, you can call 800-YOUR-MTN. (http://www.crystalmountain.com/)

No matter what your age, bringing in the New Year can be a family affair.