Grab & Go Planner: Ring in 2012

Little ones in bed before the apple drops in Times Square? Ring in 2012 a little earlier with a day-time celebration. From Longwood Gardens to the Please Touch Museum, say good-bye to 2011 before bedtime. Take a ride on the Polar Express one last time before the end of the holiday season at the Colonial Theatre. While the Flyers prepare for the Winter Classic, the entire family can try out the ice during public skating in Exton. Hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year! 

Countdown to Noon

• When/Where: Please Touch Museum, 4231 North Concourse Drive, Philadelphia; Saturday, December 31, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Celebrations at Noon and 3:00 p.m. 
• Why Go: Even the family's tiniest tots can ring in the New Year at the Please Touch Museum. Festivities include a family dance party, art and storytelling activities, special appearances by "King Countdown", Madeline and Wild Thing and musical performances by Louie Miranda and Fandango. To find out more about the celebration and other events at the museum, visit www.pleasetouchmuseum.org. 
  
• Price: Members and children under one are free, children and adults $15. 
  

New Year's Eve Celebration at Longwood

• When/Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square; Saturday, December 31, 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. 
  
• Why Go: Kick off 2012 with a fireworks display, jugglers, illusionists, crafts and much more. While at the gardents, children can visit the Idea Garden housing a railway display including "Thomas the Train," bridges and water features. Visit the Longwood Gardens website for a complete list of New Year's Eve activities. 
  
• Price: All activities excluding food included in admission. Adults $25, seniors ages 62+ $22, students ages 5-18 $11, children ages four and under are free. 

Family New Year's Eve Bowling

• When/Where: Playdrome, 300 Lancaster Avenue, Devon; Saturday, December 31, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  
• Why Go: Take a break from holiday parties and presents with an afternoon at the bowling lanes. Enjoy three hours of unlimited bowling fun, complimentary use of shoes, cheese pizza and soda, party celebration favors, music, prizes and much more fun. For additional information about the New Year's Eve party, check out the Playdrome Devon website. 
  
• Price: $79.99 per lane (for up to 6 guests).

The Polar Express

• When/Where: The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville; Wednesday, December 28, 4:30 p.m.
• Why Go: Experience a magical train ride to the North Pole via the Polar Express. Characters come to life with "motion capture computer-animation" which uses movements of live actors into animated characters. To learn more about the Colonial Theatre and a complete schedule of movies, visit www.thecolonialtheatre.com. 
• Price: Regular admission $8, seniors and students with ID $6, members and children under thirteen $5. 
  

Public Skating

• When/Where: Power Play Rinks, 107 Haywood Drive, Exton; Daily, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
• Why Go: Get ready for the Winter Classic with some time on the ice during public skating. Whether a first-time skater or working on technique, an afternoon at the rink is a perfect family activity. For a complete schedule and more information, visit the Power Play Rinks website. 
• Price: All prices include skate rental. Children four and under $4, Monday - Friday $6, Saturday and Sunday $7.