This festive event runs from 10 am – 3 pm and includes three special “countdowns to midnight” held at 11 am,12:30 pm and 2 pm. At each countdown, a glittering ball drops 30 feet from the ceiling as everyone counts down the last ten seconds of the year. Noisemakers and confetti create an atmosphere like Times Square, and everyone can toast with bubbly ginger ale in plastic champagne glasses. Visitors are also invited to make their own sparkly party hats and write their wishes for the coming year on mini flying blimps that are launched at each countdown.
“The Children’s Museum has been hosting this tradition for more than 20 years and it remains one of our most popular annual events,” explained Jane Bard, President of the Children’s Museum of NH. “Kids hear about the excitement of what happens at midnight and want to experience it for themselves. We create a fun party atmosphere so they feel like they’ve actually celebrated New Year’s Eve and can still get to bed on time. It’s a great way for different generations within a family to ring in the New Year together.”
The entire museum is open for this event so children can play in iconic exhibits such as the Yellow Submarine, Dinosaur Dig, Kids’ Café and Music Matrix. The Early Learning Landscape area upstairs is open to children ages 3 and under.
Regular admission of $9 per person for adults and children applies for this special event. Seniors pay $8 admission and military members receive a 10% discount. Museum members and children under one year old get in free. Reservations are not required.
About the Children’s Museum of NH
The not-for-profit Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is located in the center of Dover and offers two floors of hands-on, interactive exhibits for families to enjoy together. Visitors can explore a wide range of interests, from dinosaurs, music and aeronautics to world cultures, art and natural history. Open year-round, the Silver LEED-certified museum works closely with schools, social service agencies and educators. The museum also hosts a variety of live performances, workshops, classes and special events. For more information, please visitwww.childrens-museum.org