From bowling to the New Philharmonic, there are plenty of choices for New Year’s Eve.
Maybe you just want to stay in, Netflix a movie and watch Ryan Seacrest do his best Dick Clark. If you’re a night owl, most bars, taverns, restaurants and hotels have specials and packages. Check with your favorite watering hole to see what’s on tap for Dec. 31, 2011.
Fortunately, if you have kids — or just can’t stay up past 9:30 — there are lots
of things to do during the day.
Here’s a sampling of New Year’s Eve events in the area.
DEC. 31 MORNING
Bubble Bash: DuPage Children’s Museum hosts its annual family-friendly countdown and celebration from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Dec. 31. Guests will find train-themed activities on all three floors. Refreshments and musical performances by The Boogers are included. Reservations are required. $20 to $25. 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000; Dupagechildresnmuseum.org.
New Year’s Eve Bash: Toddlers through elementary-age kids will enjoy a craft, games, pizza for lunch and ringing in the “new year” at a free family celebration from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 31. Kidz Kingdom, Wheaton Community Center, 1777 S. Blanchard, Wheaton. (630) 871-6713; Wheatonparkdistrict.com.
Tivoli Bowl New Year’s Eve Family Bowl: Groups can reserve lanes for up to two hours at 11 a.m., 1:30 or 4 p.m. Dec. 31 for $74.95. That includes rental shoes, pizza, soft drinks, party favors, music, cosmic lights and more. 938 Warren Ave., Downers Grove. (630) 969-0660; Tivolibowl.com.
DEC. 31 AFTERNOON
Noon Year’s Eve Celebration: Pump It Up in Lisle offers a kid-friendly celebration with giveaways and a “toast.” No reservations required; first come, first served. Noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 31. $10 per child; parents free. 4995 Varsity Dr., Lisle. (630) 310-5700; Pumpitupparty.com.
Wonder Works New Year’s Eve Party: Bid adios to 2011 with songs, games and fun for all at Wonder Works. There will be snacks, juice, games and a singing of “Auld Lang Syne” with countries around the world from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 31. 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park. (708) 383-4815. Wonder-works.org.
Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve: Celebrate New Year’s Eve as a family from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 31 with a science show, activities, DJ, dancing, sing-along and popcorn at Aurora’s SciTech Hands-On Museum. There will be a mock countdown at 2 p.m. and noisemakers. $4 to $8. 18 W. Benton St., Aurora. (630) 859-3434; Scitechmuseum.org.
Viennese Pops New Year’s Eve with an International Twist: Champagne corks will pop on Dec. 31 at the College of DuPage, when the New Philharmonic rings in 2012 with two performances featuring guest baritone Mischa Bouvier. The 4 p.m. performance includes a celebratory glass of champagne, and the 9 p.m. show features a pre-show nosh, and concludes with celebratory champagne and countdown. $45 to $65. McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. (630) 942-4000; AtTheMAC.org.
DEC. 31 EVENING
World’s Largest New Year’s Eve Singles Party: hosted by Thunderbird Dances from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dec. 31 at the Westin Hotel. $20 to $55. 400 Park Blvd., Itasca. (847) 266-2706; thunderbirdsingles.com.
Zoo Year’s Eve: Brookfield Zoo’s New Year’s Eve family bash from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Holly Jolly Theater featuring music, games and prizes and a countdown to 2012. See Web site for admission costs. 8400 W. 31st St., Brookfield. (708) 688-8400; Czs.org.
Tailgaters New Year’s Eve party: Tailgaters Sports Bar is throwing a party from 7 p.m. until 2 a.m. Dec. 31. Included in the $75 price tag is an evening with the band Infinity; as well as a buffet dinner, premium open bar, champagne toast and a balloon drop at midnight. 431 W. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook. (630) 679-1994; Tailgatersgrill.com.
New Year’s Eve celebration: Dec. 31 at the Willowbrook Ballroom, Dinner and dance package, featuring a multi-course sit-down dinner served in the Willowbrook Room or the Bordeaux Room, with cash bar at 7 p.m., dinner at 7:30 p.m., champagne toast at midnight. Dancing from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. to the music of the Teddy Lee Orchestra. $35 to $110. 8900 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. (708) 839-1000; Willowbrookballroom.com.
New Year’s Eve concert by The Neverly Brothers, 8 p.m.-midnight Dec. 31 at the Five Seasons Family Sports Club, 6901 S. Madison, Burr Ridge. $65 per person includes an open bar, buffet dinner, and midnight champagne toast. Call (630) 570-5200.
New Year’s Eve Rock ‘n’ Roll Ball: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dec. 31 at the InterContinental Chicago O’Hare, 5300 N. River Road, Rosemont. The evening includes live music from Old 97s, Hairbangers Ball, Cathy Richardson Band, Imposter Radio and DJ Roland. General admission tickets are $75, which includes an open bar from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., admission into all entertainment areas, and party favors. VIP tickets are $115, which includes private open VIP premium bars. Hotel room packages available. ticketweb.com; nye.icohare.com.
Dobie “Mr. Lucky” Maxwell: Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles brings Dobie “Mr. Lucky” Maxwell to ring in the New Year. He has appeared on “The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” as well as at clubs and theaters around the country. Show times are at 8, 10:30 p.m. $30 to $40. Party favors and a champagne toast at midnight are included. Zanies, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. (630) 584-6342; Zanies.com.
New Year’s celebration: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Dec. 31 at Carlucci Restaurant, featuring cocktails, dinner, dancing, party favors, a champagne toast and entertainment provided by The Niche. $75, two drink tickets (followed by a cash bar), and a full buffet. 1801 Butterfield Road, Downers Grove. (630) 512-0990; carluccirestaurant.com.
Adelle’s New Year’s Eve: The John Avila Trio performs jazz and blues from 9 p.m. to midnight Dec. 31 at Adelle’s, 535 W Liberty Dr., Wheaton. (630) 784-8015; www.valiantmusic.com/jat.
Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery party: The Rock Bottom New Year’s Eve party goes from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. and includes live entertainment, premium open bar, an appetizer buffet until midnight and a champagne toast $80. 28256 Diehl Road, Warrenville. (630) 836-1380; Rockbottom.com.