Celebrating New Year’s Eve isn’t just for adults, as evidenced by this year’s Rock in the New Year Glitterific Gala at Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center in Lake Station. Hundreds of area children and their families enjoyed a full day of activities on Dec. 31, but unlike their adult counterparts, fun for the kids ended way before midnight.
“We’ve come her every year since they started it. It’s perfect for the kids. They stay interested the whole time we’re here,” said Nancy Hatfield of Merrillville, as she arrived with her son Noel, 8 and daughter Noelle, 6. “They’re tired out by the end of the day, so we can have our adult night out and don’t feel we missed this special day with the kids.”
The day’s agenda was packed with activities such as craft sessions, a dance-a-long, parade, picture taking, and a cooking class to make a bubbly drink for the New Year’s Eve toast (ice cream soda).
But the highlight of the adventure was the midday release of 500 balloons during the traditional balloon drop.
“My kids love this — and I do too,” Janey Lincoln of Hammond said. “What a fun way to reinvent the ball drop you see on TV.”
The venue’s Special New Year’s Eve daytime celebration began when the center opened in 2009. It has continued — and expanded — in popularity each year.
Tyler Martin, 7, has visited Bellaboo’s many times this past year, but this was his first New Year’s Eve celebration.
“I liked the balloons the best, they let them go slow so we could catch them,” he said, with a laugh. “Maybe I can take some home.”
During the dance-a-long, 4-year-old Alexis Rodd received a special treat. She was called to dance with Bellaboo’s employee Miranda Milagro to one of the perches overlooking the balloon drop area.
“I like this kind of dancing, and everyone can see me real good,” Alexis said.
Many parents were appreciative that the fun-filled day helped to make unique family holiday memories, while keeping the evening open for adults to have their own celebrations elsewhere.
“There’s nothing like this anywhere else around,” said Jim Herman of Calumet City, Ill., as his son Jimmy, 5, scrambled for some of the colorful balloons after the balloon drop.
“What else can we ask for? This event really takes their energy — so we’re good to go for our adult night out when we leave here. We just have to wait for the baby sitter.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Learn more
Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center offers self-directed play for children ages 9 and under. It is under the umbrella of the Lake County Parks Department and is located in Three Rivers County Park. For more information about Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center: 219-963-2070 or www.MyBellaboos.com.
