There’s only one place in Lake County where the family can splash the night away in a pool on New Year’s Eve, watch a magician and Hawaiian dancers, get their faces painted, eat a buffet dinner, count down the seconds until midnight and not have to drive home during the wee hours, said Jennifer Visocnik.
It’s Toukie’s New Year’s Eve Beach Party at Key Lime Cove in Gurnee. As the retail manager who helps organize the annual event, Visocnik said, “It’s the best New Year’s Eve party in town.”
“We have three buffet dinner seatings, and breakfast is served in the morning,” she said. Just before midnight, a countdown will begin with beach balls released to usher in 2017.
New this year is a foam party where people can dance in the foam.
“It’s great for couples and great for families,” Visocnik said. “I’ve seen kids 3 years old up until midnight on New Year’s.”
Spending New Year’s Eve at Key Lime Cove in Gurnee is one of many family-friendly as well as adult-oriented ways to ring in 2017 in Lake County. Partygoers can choose from dodge ball tournaments in Gurnee, a bootlegger’s ball in Waukegan and a family-friendly party at the Vernon Hills Park District, among others.
Here are some events to consider.
Green Oaks
North Shore Distillery’s Pre New Year’s Eve Bash
5-10 p.m., Dec. 30, 13990 Rockland Road. Free. Food and beverage available for purchase. 847-574-2499; www.northshoredistillery.com
The distillery offers festive cocktails, a special food menu and music in a party atmosphere the day before New Year’s Eve.
Gurnee
Toukie’s New Years’ Eve Party
Dec. 31-Jan. 1. Key Lime Cove, 1700 Nations Drive. $309.95 for two; $60 additional person. 877-360-0403. www.keylimecove.com
The event suitable for adults and children includes overnight accommodations; admission to the Lost Paradise Water Park; entertainment including a stilt walker, juggler, face painter and Hawaiian dancers; and a beach ball countdown at midnight. Also included is dinner buffet, live music and breakfast buffet in the morning.
New Year’s Bash at Tilt Studio
6-9 p.m., Dec. 31, 6152 W. Grand Ave.
$25-$30. 847-856-1064; www.tiltsudio.com
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The family can have dinner, enjoy ice skating with the snowflake mascot and play laser tag and miniature golf. Participants will receive hats and noisemakers and ring in the New Year at 9 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Dodge Ball Tournament
10 a.m.–5 p.m. Jump America, 800 Lakeside Drive. $13.224-325-58675. www.jumpamerica.com.
Dodge ball tournaments will be held all day for various age groups – the event includes two hours of jumping and refreshments. At 11 a.m., children in 5th grade and under will compete; 1 p.m. will be for 6th-8th graders; at 3 p.m., 9th-12th graders will compete; and at 5 p.m., those 18 years and older can participate in the tournament. Registration and a minimum number of teams are required. Winner receives free year of jumping at the venue.
Lincolnshire
New Year’s Eve Dinner, Theatre and Overnight
Dec. 31- Jan. 1. Marriott Lincolnshire Resort, 10 Marriott Dr. $359 and above per couple. 847-634-0200. www.marriottheatre.com
Those ages 21 years and older can partake in a four-course dinner in the King’s Wharf Restaurant, attend the musical, “Singin’ in the Rain,” and dance in the grand ballroom toasting the New Year with champagne at midnight. The price includes overnight accommodations and a New Year’s Day brunch.
Mundelein
New Year’s Eve Swag Event
8 p.m.- 1 a.m., Dec. 31-Jan.1. DoubleTree Hotel, 510 E. Route 83. $85 advance. $100 at door. 847-878-8279. www.facebook.com/LibertyvilleHotel
The event includes a ’70s, ’80s and ’90s costume party, food, open bar, comedy show and champagne toast at midnight for those ages 21 and older. Discounted hotel rooms are available. The party is hosted by Hope Academy.
Vernon Hills
New Year’s Eve Family Party
4-6:30 p.m. Dec. 31. Sullivan Community Center, 635 N. Aspen Drive. $9. Children ages 1 and younger free. 847-996-6800. www.vhparkdistrict.org
The Sullivan Community Center will turn into Times Square for several hours on New Year’s Eve for youngsters and their families to celebrate the last day of 2016. A DJ will spin music, the gym will be open for play, and pizza and ice cream will be served. An early New Year’s Eve countdown will begin at 6 p.m.
Waukegan
Bootlegger’s Ball at Three Brothers Theatre
8 p.m, Dec. 31. 115 N. Genesee St. $35 per person; $50 per couple. 224-419-4325. www.3brostheatre.com
The theatre is hosting its second annual New Year’s Eve fundraiser with a 1920s theme. Participants can dress in flapper outfits and other appropriate attire or just come as they are in the 21st century. Included will be live music, sketch comedy, appetizers, prizes and a champagne toast at midnight. Participants can bring their own alcohol and mix it with various available beverages.
Zion
New Year’s Eve Party
6 p.m., Dec. 31. Illinois Beach Resort, 1 Lakefront Drive.
$119-$325 per couple. 847-625-7300. ilresorts.com/new-years-eve-party
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This party package for $119 includes hors d’oeuvres, open bar, gourmet dinner for two, dancing, a midnight champagne toast and party favors. Cost is $325 per couple with accommodations and a New Year’s Day brunch. The resort is along the shores of Lake Michigan.
Sheryl DeVore is a freelance writer.