Safe New Year's Eve 2009 Events for Families in Chicago

Who came up with the notion that New Year's Eve was only an adult event? As a child, I couldn't wait to grow up and see for myself what this New Year's Eve stuff was all about. It seemed odd that I was always left alone on this holiday. Well actually, I wasn't left completely alone. There was that old crabby babysitter from down the street, but that doesn't count.

I urge all parents out there to include your children in this New Year's Eve activities. It's great family time! With the holidays all but over, it's also a great chance to relax and finally unwind.

Without further ado, here are some fantastic New Year's Eve events for families in and around Chicago.

Ronald McDonald's Family New Year's Eve Bash at Navy Pier

A wonderful family event for all ages, but your little ones will really enjoy it! Located at Chicago's famed Navy Pier, kids can celebrate New Year's Eve just like the grown-ups...only earlier. They can join in on variety of interactive activities at the Winter Wonderstage with a concert at 6:00 pm. An early New Year's Countdown will follow with an 8:15 pm special Fireworks show.

If your family is up for a longer evening, stick around for the New Year's Eve Dance Party at the Family Pavilion. The DJ will spin dance tunes from 10:00-11:30 pm. It's rumored the party will be broadcast throughout the Pier. Grab your sons and daughters and get out on that dance floor!

If all that hasn't worn you out, you're ready for the New Year's Eve Fireworks show! Accompanied by a special soundtrack, the fireworks start at Midnight.

Should you find some spare time, wander around the Pier. The holiday decorations are phenomenal! Lights and trees are everywhere, as well as live entertainment, games and rides. Hit the shops, but most important...check out the Children's Museum.

Brookfield Zoo

Celebrate "Zoo Year's Eve" and party like an animal! This year will feature live entertainment from Radio Disney's Road Crew. Beginning at 6:00 pm, activities include games, prizes and plenty of music. An early New Year's Eve countdown begins at 8:00 pm.

Des Plaines New Year's Eve on the Plaza

Headquartered at the Des Plaines public library, various other locations in town offer other fun activities such as arts and crafts, free bowling, bingo, and karaoke. Live entertainment will be featured at the library's main stage while children's entertainment will be offered at the Des Plaines Theater. Countdown the New Year at the library's plaza with a diamond ball drop, confetti cannons, electronic fireworks and music.

Naperville's New Year's Eve Carillon Countdown

Spend an afternoon in downtown Naperville viewing the beautifully decorated store windows. This year will feature two New Year countdowns at the Millennium Carillon. The first will countdown to 6:00 pm. and feature entertainment by students from The School of Performing Arts. The second will begin at 11:00 pm. with a Carillon recital of duet music that leads up to a count down as the carillon strikes midnight.

Moretti's Kids New Year's Eve Party

Morettti's Ristorante and Pizzeria holds its annual bash at their Bartlett, Fox Lake, Schaumburg and Edison Park Locations. This popular event features a live DJ, Party Favors, a huge balloon blast and a special video countdown.

A special kid's menu offers a pizza and pasta buffet, plus a make your own sundae bar. This party sells out every year and reservations are recommended. Times vary at each location, with some offering two seatings.

Regardless of which New Year's activity you choose, you'll be rewarded by the fun your children will have.

Since most of these events end early, it's still possible to get to that "adult" party on time without the kids feeling left out. You better put a call in to that old crabby babysitter down the street.