Community Corner
Family-Friendly Ways to Celebrate the End of 2011
It's the last day of the year, but it's not too late for you—and the children—to go out with a bang.
Whether or not you have adults-only plans after the kiddos are in bed, a family-friendly celebration during the day is a fun way to include the youngest family members in the holiday season's final round of traditions.
If you plan to stay home, liven things up by hosting a New Year's Eve (NYE) party at noon. Fill champagne glasses with juice and watch a video of last year's ball drop or create a tradition of your own.
If you'd rather get out of the house, here's a short list of family-friendly NYE celebrations happening in our area.
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Rollerama II
The area's only skating rink is hosting an for the youngest among us from 1-7 p.m. today with a prize-filled balloon drop at 3 p.m. Admission costs $7 per skater.
Adults and children who stay up later are invited to the , which runs from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Admission costs $15 per skater and includes pizza, pop, favors and prizes.
Find out what's happening in Brightonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
If you haven't visited Rollerama II, give it a whirl. It's the time of year for reflection, and the cluster of disco balls spinning above the rink is likely to stir up a wave of 2011's best memories.
My Urban Toddler
Need a good excuse to eat too many pancakes and stay in your pajamas all day long? Pack up the kiddos and head to the pajama and pancake party at My Urban Toddler in Saline.
The event, which runs from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, features an apple juice toast at noon and a pajama contest for the adults. Admission costs $8 per person.
Don't forget your socks. Shoes aren't permitted in the play area, which is designed for children younger than 5 years old.
Castaway Cafe
Children love this colossal indoor playscape at 1800 N. Burkhart Road in Howell. And, with its cafe and overstuffed leather chairs, it's a great place for parents to relax and unwind while the kids wear themselves out.
Besides, it's a good deal. The $10-per-child and $6-per-adult admission fee includes entrance to the playscape and bounce structures, a party hat, a noisemaker, a lei and an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet. The party goes from 2-6 p.m. Children 2 and younger are free.
Call Castaway Cafe for ticket information.
