What: New Year’s Eve 2012 Celebrations for Families
When: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011
Where: New Year’s Eve 2012 in Atlanta with Kids
Cost: See each listing for costs.

New Year’s Eve has never been my favorite holiday, and with kids, it isn’t worth the premium on babysitting, given you can even get a sitter, to go out for the evening. But I’m never one to shy away from a reason for a bit of partying with the family, so here are some ideas on celebrating New Year’s Eve with your kids.

What: Medieval Times New Year’s Extravaganza
Where: Medieval Times, 5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Lawrenceville, Ga.
When: Sat. Dec. 31, 2011 9:30 pm show
Cost: $69.95 adults and $35.95 children 12 and under

I’ve been wanting to go to Medieval Times and this evening sounds like a great way to ring in the New Year with kids. The extravaganza includes: pre-show hors d’oeuvres, admission to the museum of torture, two-hour live tournament, four-course medieval feast, party favors, DJ and dancing, champagne toast at Midnight (non-alcoholic drink will be served to guests under 21), Midnight countdown with balloon drop, continental breakfast. Looking for a place to stay that continues the medieval theme? Try the Medieval Times Package at the Atlanta Marriott in Alpharetta.

What: Noon Year’s Eve Celebration
Where: Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta
When: Dec. 31, 2011 11:30 am
Cost: Included with Museum Admission which is $12.75 per person online

What: Disney Noon Year’s Eve
Where: City of Smyrna Community Center, 200 Village Green Circle, Smyrna
When: Sat., Jan. 31, 2011, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Cost: Free

Radio Disney AM590 will be at the City of Smyrna for a Noon Year’s Eve with tons of interactive activities, dancing and more dancing.  Afterwards, talk a walk around the pond and look at the fish and ducks. There is also a small playground with room to run around. If you are hungry, visit the restaurants at the Smyrna Square.

What: Noon Year’s Eve Party
Where: Play Activity Center,  10930 Crabapple Rd., Roswell
When:  Sat., Dec. 31, 2011 11 am – 2 pm
Cost: $7 per child ($4 sibling) advanced ticket purchase required
Call 770-650-0122 for reservations (tell them you heard about it on Field Trips with Sue)

Play Activity Center includes two gyms that feature foam pits, trampolines, inflatables, slides and more. Play also has a creative play area, parent lounge and moms room. The Noon Year’s Eve celebration includes: noise makers toy walk, apple juice toast at 12 noon, gym play, snacks, games and more!

What: Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Parade
Where:  Downtown Atlanta
When: Sat. Dec. 31, 2011 12:30 – 2 pm
Cost: Free

Long regarded as the official kickoff for game day, the Chick-fil-A Bowl Parade spreads football festivity throughout downtown Atlanta.  This free event launches at the intersection of Peachtree Street and Baker Street and concludes at the Georgia World Congress Center, leading fans into the Chick-fil-A Bowl FanFest Made Possible by Coca-Cola Zero.  Come watch the pageantry of floats, classic cars, cheerleaders, mascots, award-winning marching bands, dynamic dance groups and much, much more!

What: Chick-fil-A Bowl FanFest by Coca-Cola Zero
When: Sat. Dec. 31, 2011 2 – 6 pm
Where: Georgia World Congress Center (Halls C1-C4)
Cost: $15 per person

Fans of all ages can challenge themselves in an array of receiving, passing and kicking games, obstacle courses and rock climbing walls.  After mastering the competitions, take a well-deserved break with food and beverages from Chick-fil A and Coke Zero and check out official Chick-fi-A Bowl merchandise to arrive at the game in style.

As always, the FanFest culminates with the ACC vs. SEC Pep Rally & Team Walks.  The loyal legions can provide final words of encouragement to the teams as they make the walk through FanFest en route to the Georgia Dome.  Each squad’s band, cheerleaders and mascot will also be on hand to lead in traditional fight songs and cheers.

Hike the Falls for a great workout

What: First Day Guided Nature Hikes
Where: Georgia State Parks
When: Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012
Cost: $5 for parking. Some hikes are a nominal fee between $1 and $5

This isn’t a New Year’s Eve idea, but a great way to begin the New Year. All across the country, State Parks are inviting families to start the New Year with a “First Day Hike” and a commitment to healthy living. In Georgia, a dozen state parks have planned guided hikes where families can connect with nature and even re-connect with each other. The nationwide event is sponsored by America’s State Parks, with New Year’s Day hikes being led in all 50 states. For an entire list of New Year’s Day hikes, visit the Georgia State Park’s website under events. Families may want to call ahead to make sure hikes are suitable for the youngest family members.

Since the kids are out of school all week (mine don’t go back until Jan. 6!), I’m sure everyone is looking for something to do. Well here’s a few ideas for this week.

What: Bowling
Where: Brunswick Zone
When: Through Jan. 5
Cost: With the coupon $30 for 6

I signed up for coupons through Brunswick Zone’s website and received a coupon good for 2 hrs. of bowling, shoe rental, and pitcher of Coke for up to six people. That’s better than the GroupOn deal from this afternoon! I’m not sure you can sign up and get the coupon immediately, but you might want to call your local bowling center and ask. They also have holiday cards with a kids bowl free coupon on them. The holiday card coupon is good until Dec. 31.

What: Ride the Pink Pig
Where: Lenox Mall
When: Through Jan. 1
Cost: $3 for children of all ages, 2 for 1 coupon

The Pink Pig is a holiday tradition in my family. We made my brother, who moved from New Jersey last winter. come with us this year. If you haven’t made it to Macy’s yet, grab a 2 for 1 coupon online. Using the coupon turns 1 ride into 2, 2 rides into 4 or 3 rides into 6. You can’t split up the rides, each coupon is good for one person. Your Pink Pig ticket is also good for 25 percent off Georgia Aquarium tickets. So you can go from pigs to fish.

What: Radio Disney Noon Year’s Eve Party
Where: City of Smyrna Community Center
When: Dec. 31, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Cost: Free

My kids love New Year’s Eve. If we were in town, I’d definately take them to the Radio Disney Noon Year’s Eve party. They’ll have a big dance party, games, contests and prizes. At noon there is a balloon drop and cider toast.