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, 2001
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: Limited Brands Family & Children's Festival; Located at Veterans Memorial in the North Hall: The Limited Brands Family & Children’s Festival provides an opportunity for a creative and fun family experience. Veterans Memorial is sizzling with interactive and educational activities for all ages plus LIVE entertainment.

Columbia Gas Creation Stations; Located at Veterans Memorial in the North Hall: The Creation Stations, located in the North Hall of Veterans Memorial, provide kids of all ages the opportunity to create one-of-a-kind wearable masterpieces. From hats and crowns to necklaces, noisemakers, and face painting, we have enough foil, crayons, beads and markers to spark your creativity all night long.

I Love Columbus! Mural; Located at Veterans Memorial in the North Hall: From a simple black canvas and our city's beautiful skyline, a vibrant and beautiful piece of artwork will emerge, celebrating how each of the city's residents makes Columbus special. Join us in celebrating the imprint we all leave on the world....celebrate how YOU are Columbus!

Club COSI Teen Experience; Located at COSI: "Club COSI" hosted by COSI's Teen Advisory Council Teens ages 14-18 can enjoy being in the spot light at Club COSI! After the "Who's Got Talent Competition," teens can star in "Express Yourself" video recordings related to the past, present, and future. These recordings will be edited and shown in the Galaxy Theater at 10:30pm. At Club COSI, there will be karaoke and plenty of room to show off the latest dance moves to popular music. Club COSI will also include fun blasts from the past video games and tasty snacks.

GameTruck; Located outside of COSI: The ultimate video game party will be located outside of COSI from 5:00-10:00 p.m. Not only will the games get you moving, they will also ignite your knowledge of math and science.

CHECK OUT 15 PLACES FOR KIDS IN CENTRAL OHIO

New Year's Eve Family Package & Party

December 31, 2011
Fort Rapids Indoor Waterpark Resort
4560 Hilton Corporate Dr., Columbus
$45-$289
877-33-SPLASH
Fort Rapid's New Year's Eve party includes food (unlimited pizza, chicken fingers, salad and dessert), drinks, games & prizes and DJ.

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New Year's Eve Now Family Event featuring TalentNow Competition

December 31, 2011
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, 2011
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

Saturday 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

Saturday December 31, 2011
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.