New Year’s Eve 2011 will be here soon, and there are many activities taking place in the Buffalo, New York area with a family-friendly atmosphere. Here’s a look at a few places to take the kids for a festive New Year’s Eve celebration.
Hard Rock Café Guitar Drop – the second annual Guitar Drop at Hard Rock Café Niagara Falls USA (333 Prospect St. in Niagara Falls) gets underway at 8 p.m. with live music headlined by The Wailers, outdoor heated tents, food and beverage concessions, fireworks, and the Guitar Drop. There’s also action inside for the 21-and-over crowd – call 716-282-0007 or visit the Hard Rock Niagara Falls website for information on VIP packages.
Last Night Perry – this family-oriented New Year’s Eve celebration starts at 5 p.m. and will feature food, music, children’s activities, magic, and a celebration at midnight. Sports Night will also be part of the celebration. Admission is $5 per person, $20 per family.
First Night Buffalo – the annual drug- and alcohol-free event will be held at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center at 153 Franklin St. in downtown Buffalo from 5 to 10 p.m. There will be rides, bounce houses, ice skating, entertainment, and more for families at the event. Tickets are $8 in advance (Wegmans) or $10 at the door (kids 2 and under are free).
Buffalo Ball Drop – after First Night, head over to the Electric Tower at 535 Washington St. starting at 10 p.m. for Buffalo’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration. The free event features music, fireworks, and the Ball Drop at midnight.
Ice skating at Rotary Rink – downtown Buffalo’s outdoor skating rink is on the MetroRail line and will be open for free public skating on New Year’s Eve from 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Skate rentals are $3 for adults and $2 for kids, and food and beverage concessions will be available for purchase.
New Year’s on the Canal – Gateway Park in the Tonawandas is the site for this ball drop on New Year’s Eve. Festivities get underway at 6 p.m. with food and beverage concessions, live music, alcohol-free zones for kids, and the ball drop and fireworks at midnight. There will also be a pub crawl for the 21-and-over crowd.