This year, don’t use the kiddos as an excuse to spend NYE cooped inside four walls.In addition to several other kid-friendly New Year’s Eve events, Discovery Green,located in the heart of Downtown Houston will throw the biggest family-oriented bash of the year.It’s outdoors, it’s free and it’s sure to be an unforgettable time for the entire family.Below is everything you should know to make this New Year’s Eve celebration go as smoothly as possible.When: Monday, December 31, 2012 from 7 p.m. until midnight
Where: Discovery Green
1001 Avenidas de las Americas
Admission: FREE for all ages
What to Expect:
Ice Skating Rink – 11 a.m.
The Ice at Discovery Green, Houston’s largest open air skating rink, will be open at 11 a.m. Skate rental is $10 for all ages.
Food and Beverage
Stop by one of many food trucks located throughout the park featuring burgers, Asian foods, cupcakes, pizza and more. Adult beverages including beer, wine and champagne will be sold in the Budweiser Zone to customers 21 and over. No alcoholic beverages may be brought into the park.
Family Zone
Costume characters including Jack Scratch the Magician and Schave and Reilly will entertain the little ones. Be sure to let them board the Pets on Wheels ride featuring playful animal replicas that light up and sing holiday songs.
KC and the Sunshine Band in Concert
Stop by the Anheuser Busch stage for a live performance from the “king of disco groove”.
DJ Dueling
DJ Gonz and Elroy Boogie will battle it out from illuminated towers throughout the park.
Illuminated Parade – 8 p.m.
Even if you are familiar with Houston’s own Art Car Parade, you’ve certainly never seen it like this. Not only will trucks, buses, motorcycles and convertibles be decked out in their typical art car funkiness, they’ll also be illuminated with hundreds of bright, colorful lights as they stroll along Avenidas de las Americas. TransGates Limousine will also be exposing some of their limousine for the show, and for people who would like to take pictures in the limos.
Kids Soul Train and Disco Area
Stilt walkers, rock climbing, glowing bungee trampolines, and quad jumpers can all be found in this ’70’s themed kid zone. Be sure to let the little ones compete in the glowing hula-hoop contest and take a photo in the “Soul Train” line. Little tykes can start the countdown early at 9 p.m. with a confetti drop on the lawn of Discovery Green.
Fireworks – 11:59 p.m.
The spectacular evening will draw to an exhilirating close with a firewors display from atop the George R. Brown Convention Center.