Sure, you could sit home watching the ball drop in Times Square on TV, but if you’re looking to get out and about, here are some entertaining ideas for how to spend New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve knockdown
Knock down the old year and set up the new with a New Year’s Eve celebration at Tivoli Bowl, 938 Warren Ave., Downers Grove. Beginning at 11 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m., groups of six family members or friends can reserve a lane for two hours, complete with party favors, soft drinks, pizza, music, even cosmic lights. Cost for a group of six is $74.95. For reservations, call (630) 969-0600.
Kids’ countdown at the zoo
Brookfield Zoo’s Zoo Year’s Eve celebration is also the last day of the zoo’s 35th annual Holiday Magic festivities, including a 41-foot talking tree, a train display, carolers, ice carvers and more than a million twinkling lights. All that is included (for the price of regular zoo admission) Dec. 31 plus a live DJ, music, games, party favors and prizes in the Holly Jolly Theater, as well as little-kid-friendly activities, including making DIY holiday noisemakers at the Hamill Family Play Zoo. Both locations will feature an early countdown at 8 p.m. Admission is $17.85 for adults and $12.50 for seniors and kids 3 to 11. Call (708) 688-8000 or visit www.czs.org/magic.
New Year’s noon
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Celebrate the new year early with a kid-friendly Noon Year’s Eve party beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the Hinsdale Public Library, 20 E. Maple St., Hinsdale. Activities include games, snacks, crafts and a countdown at noon. Admission is free. Registration is not required. Call (630) 986-1976 or visit www.hinsdalelibrary.info.
Classical New Year’s
The New Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates New Year’s Eve with an International Twist at 2 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Dec. 31 in the Belushi Performance Hall of the College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Maestro Kirk Muspratt welcomes award-winning tenor Jesse Donner for a program including selections from Lehar’s “Giudita” and Bizet’s “Carmen.” Admission is $65. Pre-show cocktail reception with coffee and dessert at intermission is available for an additional $30 at some performances. Call (630) 942-4000 or visit www.atthemac.org.
Comedy with Cochran
WGN radio morning man Steve Cochran starts the new year with a laugh with a program featuring HBO and Showtime comedian Larry Reeb. The lineup also includes WGN’s Patti Vasquez, John Da Cosse and Tim Benker and the band Two Guys and a Girl. The 21-and-over event (bar service will be provided at the concession stand) begins at 6 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. Admission is $55. Call (630) 968-1600 or visit www.classiccinemas.com.
New Year’s under the sea
Kids can dive into an early New Year’s celebration from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 31 in Bubble Bash 2016: Under the Sea at the DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. Activities include a DJ, a Caribbean steel drum band, sand painting, cookie decorating, a coral room and more. Admission is $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Call (630) 637-8000 or visit www.dupagechildrens.org.
New Year’s Sinatra-style
The gala event, “Timeless,” takes place from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Dec. 31 in the Grand Ballroom at the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center, 3500 Midwest Road, Oak Brook. The night includes the Las Vegas-based show, “The Rat Pack is Back,” the Rat Pack Orchestra, premium bar, midnight balloon drop, champagne toast and party favors for $150. Additional packages include food and overnight stays. And while it definnitely isn’t for every budget, the Kinzie Hotel in Chicago and Oak Brook Hills Resort have teamed up for an ultra-glitzy $10,000 package that includes a deluxe night at the Kinzie complete with wardrobe fitting, followed by a helicopter ride to Oak Brook Hills for New Year’s Eve, featuring massage, hair and makeup before the celebration begins. Visit www.oakbrookhillsresort.com.
Murder-mystery New Year’s
Ring in the new year with murder, mystery and a nice Italian meal from 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 31 at Maggiano’s Little Italy, 240 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook. Uncover the clues, sort out the red herrings, provide a bit of assistance to the bumbling detectives, but remember, everyone’s a suspect — including you. Visit http://bit.ly/1eTr3D4.
Artful New Year’s Eve
Express your innermost feelings about the coming year with a painting and partying package from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at Bottle & Bottega art studio, 1 W. Harris Ave., La Grange. You supply the beer, wine or champagne (no hard liquor or mixed drinks) and Bottle & Bottega supplies painting supplies and instruction. Admission is $35. Call 708-441-4300 or visit www.bottleandbottega.com.