Safe New Year's Eve 2009 Events for Families in Little Rock

Little Rock, Arkansas comes alive New Years eve with parties in every nightclub, and in most residential homes. For those that opt not to partake in wild parties and free-flowing alcoholic beverages, there are family events to attend where no one will need a designated driver or a babysitter for the kids. So go ahead and cancel the calls to grandma and tell the babysitter she's off the hook this year. Plan a Family Fun Night on December 31, 2008.

Zoo Years Eve: The Little Rock Zoo, with sponsor Ellis Infinity, is hosting Cat Scratch Fever this New Years Eve. From 8pm until midnight, the Cafe Africa will be turned into a cheetah den, and food from 20 different fine dining restaurants will be served. There will also be live music. Beverages are free, and it is black-tie optional. Tickets are $100 for individual, and $200 for couples, however, if you order tickets online at the Little Rock Zoo website, you will get tickets two-for-one. Proceeds will benefit the Arkansas Zoological Foundation.

Arkansas Queen Riverboat: There are two Riverboat departures on New Years Eve. The first is an early dinner, which is ideal for families with small children. The riverboat boards at 5:30pm and will depart from the dock at 6pm, returning at 8pm. There is a three-entrée dinner, and live music. For families that want to ring in the New Year at midnight, there is another boarding at 9:30pm, with departure at 10pm. The cruise will return at 12:30am. There is no price list posted on the Arkansas Queen website, but there is a phone number to call for ticket prices. Group rates are also available. It's important that you are there before the boarding time, because U.S. Coast Guard regulations that make it mandatory that all patrons must have a photo made before boarding the vessel. The photos can be purchased after the cruise for $10.

Arkansas Skatium: Family members of all ages will enjoy a late night roller skate at Skatium. The New Years Eve roller skate will begin at 8pm, and will end at 1am. Pricing varies depending on whether or not skates will have to be rented, and if you opt to take advantage of the group rate pricing. Refreshments will be available, but are not included with skate rental, or admission cost. All fees are listed on Skatium's website, (as well as the snack bar menu with prices), and there is also a phone number to call if you have any questions. There are also directions to the skating rink posted on the website.

IMAX Theater: For something different this New Years Eve, try a late showing of a hot new movie at the IMAX Theater on Chenal Parkway in Little Rock. Movies are digital, and some are even 3D. IMAX offers a large list of accommodations on their website, and a few of the best are: Handicap accessibility, baby changing stations, and high-back rocker seats with cup holders. You can even purchase advance tickets online.

New Years Eve doesn't have to be a long night of loud parties and confetti to ensure a good time is had by all. Ringing in 2009 with family members and children can be just as much fun as an adult night on the town with nightclub dancing and alcoholic beverages. This year, try something different, and instead of calling a designated driver, load the kids into the family car and give them a night to remember, too.