So for our readers who have more than themselves to think about, here are the best places for families to celebrate NYE. And don't feel bad if you go to bed before midnight — 2016 will still be there when you wake up.
Fireworks on Miami Beach
Every year, the city of sin rings in the new year with fireworks over the ocean. Even for sober folks, it's pretty impressive, and you can wear your kids out on the beach in the earlier hours.
Thursday, December 31, midnight, South Beach
The fireworks show is free, and the beach is open to the public
NYE at Bayfront Park
With Mr. 305 (AKA Armando Christian Pérez) taking the stage, your kids will love you forever if you let them stay out past their bedtime. The countdown is part of a two-day celebration revolving around Pitbull himself, the Worldwide Food and Wine Party. Bayfront Park will be overtaken with food, fireworks, and Pitbull leading the countdown. Plus, Fox will be broadcasting, so you never know who might score 15
Wednesday, Dec. 30, 4 to 9 p.m., and Thursday, Dec. 31, 4 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd., worldwidefoodandwine.com
The countdown (beginning at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 31) is free and open to the public, but tickets start at $45 for the food and wine fest.
Noon Year's Eve Celebration at Miami Children's Museum
For kiddos who can't make it to midnight, this MCM shindig is a perfect alternative. The main hall of the museum will be transformed into Times Square (but warmer). There'll be a countdown,
Thursday, December 31, 10:30 a.m., Miami Children's Museum, 980 MacArthur Cswy.
Admission is $18 for adults and children, $14 for Florida residents, and free for children under 1 year and MCM members, miamichildrensmuseum.org
Belle and Sebastian at Coral Gables Art Cinema
If there's one iconic
Thursday, December 31, noon, Coral Gables Art Cinema, 260 Aragon Ave.
Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for children, gablescinema.com
Rockin' Noon Year's Eve Party at Young Art Museum
Noon is just as exciting as midnight. At Rockin' Noon Year's Eve, kids and adults alike can create party hats, design their own fireworks display, and enjoy Rockin’ Music Time, a countdown, and a balloon drop at noon.
Thursday, December 31, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Young Art Museum, 751 SW 121st Ave., Davie
Free with paid admission to the museum; admission is $14 for adults and children
Winter Break Daze Day Camp at Zoo Miami
If you wanna get your kids tired out before passing them off on a highly priced NYE babysitter, Zoo Miami's day camp is an option. Sign them up for an afternoon of animal encounters; animal skull (and skin!) show-and-tell; visits to exhibits and Q&A time with zookeepers; carousel rides; arts and crafts; and lots of other activities. The day will revolve around a Wild Travelers theme, educating kids on how animals find their way around using sights, sounds, and chemicals.
Thursday, December 31, 9 a.m. to noon, Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152nd St.
Camp costs $30 for kids ages 4 to 10 or $27 for members, zoomiami.org
Duck Tours South Beach
What kid wouldn't want to ride in a bus that's also a boat? What adult, for that matter? The famous land-and-sea tour is perfect for MIA's killer weather and waterfront locale. The tour guides are also actors/comedians, so your kids will never be bored. Expect jokes, music, games, and lots of 305 trivia too.
Thursday, December 31, tours start at 11 a.m., and 1, 3, and 5 p.m.,1661 James Ave.
Tickets are $32 for adults, $26 for seniors, $18 for children 4 to 12, and $5 for infants, ducktourssouthbeach.com