New Year's Eve in South Florida

Enjoy a tropical twist on New York City's New Year's Eve Celebration right in the heart of Fort Lauderdale with the city's "Downtown Countdown" celebration. It's a casual, fun-filled party in the streets with entertainment, live music, games and food and drink for the entire family starting at around 4pm and continuing until 3 am. Activities will be centered in the area between Southwest Second Street between Second and Fourth Avenues. Many local restaurants and shops plan to remain open during the evening. Parking is available at various municipal parking lots and private parking lots as well.

Just like Times Square, Fort Lauderdale's "Downtown Countdown" will feature a ball drop at midnight, along with fireworks and confetti falling from the sky. For further information call 954-567-0987. It's safe, fun for the entire family and it's free.

The Big Orange New Year's Eve Celebration at Bayfront Park is another free family event just down the road in Miami. This outdoor gala takes place in downtown Miami in beautiful Bayfront Park from 7pm until midnight. The evening's festivities will include live music by Conjunto Progreso, a progressive Cuban ensemble, as well as other groups including Iko-Iko plus Betty Padgett & Elements of Funk. Other activities for the entire family are planned.

At midnight, the "Big Orange" ball will climb the side of the Hotel Intercontinental. When the ball reaches the top at midnight, there will be a spectacular fireworks display over Biscayne Bay. Coolers, chairs, bottles, cans, recording devices or fireworks are not allowed. Plenty of parking is available in adjacent municipal and private parking lots. For additional information, call 305-358-7550.

The best place to spend a family-oriented, fun-filled New Year's Eve is Hollywood Beach where something's always happening. At 9:30 pm. "Ocean Dance 2007" - a contemporary multicultural dance event featuring The Wylliams/Henry Danse Theater offers a fee oceanfront performance on the Broadwalk at Johnson Street. You can bring your own food or refreshments, or purchase them from one of the surrounding restaurants or stores. VIP seating is also available. Visit ArtandCultureCenter.org or phone 954-921-3274 for more information about Ocean Dance 2007.

Hollywood Beach's Broadwalk, a 5 mile long pedestrian promenade dotted with small restaurants, bars, activities and shops offers something for young and old alike. Kids of all ages will enjoy the go-carts, bicycles and "fringed surries" you can rent and pedal along the Broadwalk. There's also a miniature golf course and plenty of playground equipment. And of course, there's the long white sandy beach that's beautiful day or night

In addition to the activities and attractions makes Hollywood Beach's Broadwalk so family friendly is the wide range of casual dining options available. At the dozens of beach front restaurants and eateries, many with sidewalk seating right on the Broadwalk, you can get anything from hot dogs, pizza and fresh local seafood to Caribbean, Chinese, French, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Turkish and other exotic international cuisines. And of course, there are plenty of places to get ice cream, candy, desserts and coffee too. All the restaurants fall into the inexpensive to moderate price range and offer excellent food and drink.

Most of the restaurants along the Broadwalk don't require reservations. If you plan to dine at Sugar Reef, a small and very popular French Caribbean Restaurant be sure to call in advance for reservations

Many of the bars and restaurants also have music, entertainment and impromptu events on New Year's Eve. Most of the restaurants along the Broadwalk don't require reservations. If you plan to dine at Sugar Reef, a small but popular French Caribbean Restaurant, call 954-922-1119 in advance for reservations. If you're planning to dine at one of the larger restaurants along Ocean Drive (AIA) including Billy's Stone Crab (954-923-2300), Giorgio's. (954-929-7030) or Las Palmas (954-929-0550), be sure to call in advance for reservations and information about special New Year's Eve menus or dinner seatings.

Families with teenage children may also want to consider going to the South Beach area of Miami Beach where there's glitz, glamour and something always happening. The restaurants along Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road will be packed with tourists and parking will be at a premium. If you're planning to visit on New Year's Eve, be sure to come early and make restaurant reservations as far in advance as possible.

These are the main New Year's Eve events in the South Florida area that are safe and appropriate for families with children. Drive safely and have a happy and healthy New Year.