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

New Years Eve can be a challenge for parents, especially in a city like Chicago that loves to party. It may be a daunting task to locate kid-friendly events among the seemingly endless list of champagne toast and open bar parties. I have put together a list of the best New Years Eve 2009 options for families in Chicago and the surrounding Chicago suburbs. Many of these events take place during the day on December 31^st- so you can celebrate with the kids and still have your over 21 festivities in the evening.

Event:Ronald McDonald's Family New Year's Eve Bash

Location: Winter WonderStage in festival Hall, Navy Pier, Chicago

Time: Concert from 6:00PM to 7:45 PM, fireworks at 8:15 PM

Details: An all-ages event that includes live music, drumming demonstrations and dancers in addition to the regular Navy Pier attractions.

Cost: Admission is free

More info: Visit http://www.winterwonderfest.com/new_years_eve.html or call 312-595-PIER

Event:Brookfield Zoo- Zoo Year's Eve

Location: Brookfield Zoo, First Avenue and 31^st Street, Brookfield

Time: Activities begin at 4:30PM and culminate in an early countdown at 8PM.

Details: Music, games, prizes, magicians and ice carving- oh my! Join Brookfield Zoo to bring in the new Year like a real party animal! Come early to see the normal zoo exhibits, many of which are more active in the winter. All ages are welcome.

Cost: Zoo admission is $11 for adults, $7 for seniors and children 3 to 11. Parking and food are not included in the price of admissions.

More info: Visit http://www.czs.org/czs/Brookfield/Events/Zoo-Year-s-Eve or call 708-688-8000

Event:Grant Park New Year's Eve Fireworks

Location: 337 E Randolph Street, Chicago

Time: Music begins at 10PM, fireworks at midnight- early arrival is recommended.

Details: For families willing to brave the cold or wanting a late night event, the Grant Park Fireworks are the place to be. The fireworks display, set to music, kicks off at midnight. You can also watch the display from Navy Pier. Arrive early and consider taking public transportation to this popular event.

Cost: Free

More info: Visit http://www.navypier.com/things2do/fireworks.html

Event:Museum of Science and Industry

Location: 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

Time: 11:30AM to 5PM

Details: Visit the Museum of Science and Industry for free on New Year's Eve. While there are no specific New Year's Eve events at the museum on December 31^st, you may want to consider the Museum as a warm, family-friendly way to spend the day. The "Christmas Around the World" display is open until January 4th and the kids will love the Harry Potter exhibition. In addition to free admission the museum has extended hours on New Year's Eve.

Cost: Admission is free on December 31^st. Parking is $14 and special exhibits are extra.

More info: Visit http://www.msichicago.org or call 773-684-1414

There are a number of great events planned in the Chicago Suburbs for New Year's Eve. Consider taking a drive to the nearest 'burb for one of the following:

Event:Dupage County Bubble Bash 2008

Location: 301 N Washington Street, Dupage

Time: 9AM to 12PM

Details: Geared towards children, this event features live music, activities, food and lots of play. Reservations are required.

Cost: $15 for members, $20 for non-members

More info: Visit http://www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org/BubbleBash2008.html or call 630-637-8000

Event:Family New Year's Eve Party

Location: 1000 Wellington Avenue, Elk Grove Village

Time: 3PM to 6PM

Details: Costumes, dancing, carousel rides and ice cream are just some of the activities planned by the Elk Grove Park District to bring in the New Year.

Cost: $$5 per person before Devember 30^th, $8 on December 31^st

More info: Visit http://www.elkgroveparks.org or call 847-437-9494

Event:Fox Valley Park District Family New Years Eve Party

Location: 2121 W. Indian Trail, Aurora

Time: 11AM to 5PM

Details: Early New Years countdown fun begins at 11AM for anyone with a bedtime. Activities, games and food will go from 12 PM to 5PM.

Cost: Countdown is free, contact the event sponsor for specific costs of the event.

More info: Visit http://www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org/ or call 630-9613

Wherever you may be on New Year's Eve 2009- Have a wonderful, safe time!