Community Corner
New Year's Eve with the Kids
Five Brooklyn-based and family-friendly New Year's activities
With New Year's Eve right around the corner, many New Yorkers are preparing for swanky meals and chic parties. But if you're looking for some family-friendly fun, check out our list of five local activities that your kids will love.
Free Fireworks at Prospect Park
Skip the trip to Central Park, and enjoy the fireworks and festivities in Grand Army Plaza, sponsored by Borough President Marty Markowitz. Hot refreshments and musical entertainment will begin at 11 p.m., and the midnight fireworks will ensure you start off 2011 with a bang! Grand Army Plaza, Park Slope
Find out what's happening in Park Slopewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Early New Year's Countdowns at Barrio
For a special New Year's Eve countdown, head over to Barrio between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Dec. 31. The Latin restaurant will feature a $10 children's buffet (parents order ala carte) and hourly countdowns to midnight. There will be plenty of confetti, balloons and excitement to ring in 2011—and you can even still make bedtime. 201 7th Avenue at Third Street, Park Slope
Find out what's happening in Park Slopewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Brooklyn Bridge Walk into the New Year
You'll have the best view from Brooklyn Bridge with "New York Talks and Walks." While you tour the Brooklyn Bridge and City Hall area, enjoy a view of the fireworks in Brooklyn, Central Park, Staten Island and New Jersey, and the Empire State Building light show. There will be hot drinks and snacks for the early birds—tours begin between 10:15 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. Meet at 160 Broadway between Liberty and Cortlandt Streets, Downtown Manhattan, 888-377-4455, $20 online payment or $25 cash for children ($40/$50 for adults)
Happy New Year Hats at Brooklyn Children's Museum
On Dec. 31, the Brooklyn Children's Museum will host hat-making workshops for kids ages five and under. Children will use feathers, gems, glitter and more to design their own festive hat to celebrate the New Year! Attend one of the hour-long sessions at either 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. 145 Brooklyn Avenue, $7.50 museum admission fee.
Year of the Rabbit at Prospect Park Zoo
In 2011 Prospect Park Zoo is spotlighting Herbie, their giant Flemish rabbit, in honor of the Chinese year of the rabbit. Bring the kids to a live animal demo at 12:30 and 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 1, where they will have a chance to pet Herbie, or any other animals at the presentation. Prospect Park, $5 for children ages 3-12
