Columbus New Year's Eve Events for Families

You can't take the kiddies to the bar for New Year's Eve. It's really frowned upon in polite society. Instead, take the family to one of the several Central Ohio events geared toward the under 21 crowd.

First Night Columbus

December 31, 2012
5 p.m.; Fireworks at 12 a.m.
Downtown Columbus, OH
Arguably the biggest celebration in Columbus on New Year's Eve, First Night Ohio is a fantastic place for families. Substance-free, the events has a variety of events spread out through Downtown Columbus. Activities include:
From the website:
ACTIVITIES AT VETERANS MEMORIAL

Columbia Gas Creation Station
5 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Fitness Fun Zone
5 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Hula hoop, jump rope, and bowl your way through the Fitness Fun Zone courtesy of Children’s Hunger Alliance. Then make your way to Games2U where you can roll around in a giant hamster ball, get lost in their laser tag maze or visit the Mobile Video Game Theater where you can play the coolest Xbox games around and dance the night away with Just Dance, Michael Jackson Experience.

Bubble Stomp
5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Jump and stomp on our GIANT bubble wrap to high energy tunes courtesy of College Hunks Hauling Junk.

Passport to FUN!

Travel from place to place within Veterans Memorial and COSI and get your First Night passport stamped. Collect 5 stamps and you could win a Columbus prize package.

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New Year's Eve Family Package & Party

December 31, 2012
Fort Rapids Indoor Waterpark Resort
4560 Hilton Corporate Dr., Columbus
877-33-SPLASH
Fort Rapid's New Year's Eve party includes food, drinks, games & prizes and DJ.

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New Year's Eve Now Family Event featuring TalentNow Competition

December 31, 2012
Saturday 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
Free
Faith Life Church
The Now Center
2407 Beech Rd., Johnstown
740-964-7400
This event is open to all ages and features a talent competition, kid's block party, video game contest, euchre tournament, live DJ and dancing, chili cook-off, Central Ohio's largest fireworks display at midnight, and more! Parents are required to stay on the property with children under the age of 18.

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NYE Family Bowling Party

December 31, 2012
Saturday 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
$75 for up to 6 participants
Sequoia Pro Bowl
5501 Sandalwood Blvd., Columbus
614-571-2135
The bowling party features laser lights, music, shoe rental, party hats, noise makers and pizza for up to six participants.

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Magic Mountain Fun Center East & Polaris Family New Year's Eve Party

4-8 p.m.
$16 per person
Magic Mountain Polaris
8350 Lyra Dr., Columbus
614-840-9600
Magic Mountain East
5890 Scarborough Blvd
Columbus OH
Event includes 2 attraction tickets of choice, 20 game tokens, all you can eat pizza buffet, balloon drops and balloon artists, face painting, live DJ, gift bags, parent's corner and more. Tickets rise to $22 per person the day of the event.

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Snowball 2011 Great Wolf Lodge

December 31, 2012
7 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
2501 Great Wolf Lodge
Mason Ohio
800-913-WOLF
Great Wolf Lodge is offering face painting, arts and crafts, a DJ dance party, games, a magic show and the spectacular live music from Second Wind.