Community Corner

5 Ways to Celebrate New Year's Eve, Day With Kids Around Riverhead

Here's how to have a family-friendly New Year.

Many children wait all year for the chance to wait up until midnight and bang pots and pans with their parents, blowing noise makers and singing as they welcome in the new year.

Here's a list of some family-friendly New Year's Eve and Day celebrations the kids can enjoy, too, on the North Fork and in Riverhead. 

- Celebrate "New Year's Eve Under the Stars," beginning at 8 p.m. Tuesday, at the Custer Observatory in Southold. 

With dancing to live R & B, jazz, and music by Ahmad Ali & Friends, the event, now in its ninth year, is a favorite for families. Refreshments include a buffet, desserts, and beverages; guests are welcome to bring a favorite dish or dessert to add to the buffet. A champagne toast at midnight is included. Suggested donation: $30, members and their guests, $40 non-members; $20, students, and $10, children. To reserve tickets, email custerobservatory@gmail.com or call 631-765-2626. Tickets can also be purchased by clicking here.

- The All Star bowling alley in Riverhead will host a family party on New Year's Eve from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. or 4 to 7 p.m. $40 per adult and $25 per child includes buffet dinner, sparkling cider or champagne "midnight" toast, a New Year's countdown, unlimited shoe rental and bowling, unlimited soda and juice, and party favors. Call 631-998-3565 or email events@theallstar.com for more information.

The Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center: It's a family New Year's Eve celebration at the Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center with "Fishes & (Butterly) Wishes Celebration." The event takes place on New Year's Eve from 6:30 to 11 p.m. The event is now scheduled for both the aquarium and the Sea Star Ballroom and includes food and entertainment. Kids are invited to a Winter Wonderland with animal encounters and crafts. Guest can choose between the aquarium's "Splash Bash" or the "Butterfly Ball Drop" at the Sea Star Ballroom, with entry into the Butterflies & Birds! exhibit only. The night will include a champagne and sparkling cider greeting, a live DJ and entertainment, a mock-midnight champagne and cider toast at 10:30 p.m., cocktail hour, a dinner buffet, with beer and wine included, dessert and ice cream bar. "Splash Bash" price: Children 3-12 and seniors 62+: $55 (Members: $50). Adults: $90 (Members: $80). Children two and under: free. "Butterfly Ball Drop" price: Children 3-12 and seniors 62+: $45 (Members: $40). Adults: $75 (Members: $70). Children 2 and under: free. Reservations required. Call 631-208-9200, ext. H2O (426). All prices plus tax. Ask about the Rockin' & Ringin' in Riverhead hotel package at the adjacent Hyatt Place East End & Resort Marina.

- Safari Adventure in Riverhead presents the annual Family Friendly New Year's Eve Party. Safari welcomes "Legendary Entertainment," a family friendly DJ that will perform interactive dances, games and activities with the children. Call 631-727-4386 to reserve a space. Prices are $16, children, $10, toddlers and $3 per adult. 

- New Year's Day Nature Walk: Bring the kids on an adventure, to start the new year. A New Year's Day Nature Walk will be presented by North Fork Audobon on Wednesday at 9 a.m. at Orient Beach State Park.

Look for visiting sea ducks in Gardiners and Hallock's Bay and seek out other winter residents in the surrounding marshes and along the Roy Latham Maritime Forest Nature Trail. In addition, the group aims to see unique "spray zone" plants. Spotting scopes will be available, but if you have one, bring it along. Beginners welcome.

Meet at 9 a.m. in the parking lot just after the stop sign that is about one mile into the park, by the ranger's station/park gift shop. Bring binoculars if you have them. Some people may want to walk on the beach for a better look at waterfowl, but most walking will be on the road or other flat surfaces. Dress for the weather, but heavy rain or snow cancels. Dress warmly. If in doubt about the weather, call Diana at 917-623-5373 or email northforkaudubon@mac.com.



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