By David Lee Simmons, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
This article originally appeared here
When we think about the fun that’s in store for New Orleanians on New Year’s Eve, it’s with a decidedly adult theme. There’s plenty of partying, plenty of revelry, plenty of fireworks, and a whole lot of bubbly.
Which is totally fine. At night.
But throughout most of the day, there are a few fun options to consider for kids. Here’s a look at four of the more familiar opportunities to check out to help the little one ring in the new year.
For more ideas, visit NOLA.com/events.
New Year’s Eve Kids’ Countdown at Louisiana Children’s Museum
Michael Kleinschrodt writes: “Who says New Year’s Eve is only for adults? Guests at this party will create a noisemaker and paper bag party hat to wear for the countdown to noon, culminating in a balloon release and confetti toss, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Red Hot Brass Band performs, beginning at 11 a.m. Admission: $10 per person ($5 for LCM members). Call 504.523.1357.”
Free Wednesdays at the New Orleans Museum of Art
Visitors can bring along kids to check out the museum’s collection as well as the current exhibit, “Photo Unrealism”: Works from NOMA’s permanent collection that highlight the abstract, unreal, and surreal in photography. They also can check out the “Noontime Talk With Lisa Rotondo-Mccord.” This week: “The Moon in Edo-period Painting,” in which the deputy director of Curatorial Affairs discusses the museum’s new installation in the Japanese galleries exploring symbolic connections between the moon and Japanese art.
Zoo Year’s Eve at Audubon Zoo
Michael Kleinschrodt writes: “Children ring in the new year 12 hours early with a countdown to noon, a non-alcoholic drink for toasting, party hats and noisemakers, games, and entertainment by Zydeco musician Terrance Simien and others, Dec. 31 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Ice princesses and princes will attend a meet-and-greet. The Saintsations will be available for photos and autographs. There will be a Marvel Universe LIVE tent, and Stouffer’s will serve free samples from its Mac and Cheese Food Truck. Admission: By zoo admission ($17.50 adults, $12 children 2 to 12, $13 seniors 65 or older). Call 504.581.4629.”
Holiday in the Park: Lights at Lafreniere, Metairie (through Thursday)
The park comes alive for the holidays with thousands of twinkling lights and displays, many of them donated by the Al Copeland family. The park’s Downs Boulevard entrance closes at 5 p.m. each day. Vehicles must enter the park from West Napoleon Avenue and exit onto either Veterans Memorial Boulevard or West Napoleon. Admission: Free on New Year’s Eve. Carousel, open Sunday-Thursday until 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday until 11:30 p.m., is $1 per child. Carousel is closed New Year’s Eve and Day.