New Year's Eve events for kids in the Hudson Valley

Friday December 28, 2012 2:33 PM By Kristin Taveira

Photo credit: Handout | Kids can count down to a festive balloon drop at noon on New Year's Eve in the New Roc City retail complex in New Rochelle.

Looking for ways to ring in the New Year with youngsters? Say hello to 2013 at one of these three local events where kids are welcome.

Balloon drop in New Rochelle

Young revelers can experience a daylight version of the Times Square countdown to the New Year -- but instead of a ball dropping at midnight, the main event will be a colorful cascade of thousands of balloons released from all three levels of the New Roc City atrium at noon (pictured). Amusements tailored to ages 2-10 will include rides, magicians, face painting and crafts. Visit the website to download a free pass; only one pass per family is required.

MORE: New Year's Eve: Best local spots to ring in 2013 | Local celebs count down to 2013 | What to wear on New Year's Eve
PHOTOS: Preparing the Times Square ball | 30 things to do this winter in the Hudson Valley

When: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 31

Info: New Roc City, 331 Le Count Pl., New Rochelle; 914-637-7575; www.newrochelledowntown.com/SpecialEvents/RINYForm; free

Noontime party in Poughkeepsie

Get ready to make some noise at the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum, which will celebrate the holiday with a New Year’s at Noon party. The event will feature special New Year’s Eve activities for kids, such as party hat decorating and a countdown to noon. Music, refreshments and noisemakers will be provided. The party is included with museum admission, so stick around and visit the exhibit galleries where kids can explore, play and learn about science, nature, community and art.

When: Museum opens at 9:30 a.m. and the celebration begins at 11:30 a.m., Monday, Dec. 31

Info: Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum, 75 North Water St., Poughkeepsie; 845-471-0589; mhcm.org; $7.50

Family-friendly New Year’s Eve in West Nyack

Celebrate the holiday with a yummy buffet dinner at this local Dave & Buster’s, which will offer enough variety to appeal to both youthful and mature palates. Guests can take their pick of hundreds of games and chances to win prizes with a $20 game card, which is included with admission. Dance to the music of a live DJ and indulge in a dessert buffet. Grown-ups can enjoy an open bar and a champagne toast at midnight. Reservations are required.

When: 9 p.m. – 2 a.m., Monday, Dec. 31

Info: 4661 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack; 845-348-6006; daveandbusters.com; $99.99 for adults; $69.99 for teens; $40 children ages 11 and under; prices are subject to tax and tip. 

Tags: New Rochelle , Poughkeepsie , West Nyack , New Year's Eve , kids , events