Families and children can start their New Year’s Eve activities early with a celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31, at the Vaughan Athletic Center.

The Family New Year’s Eve Bash will ring in 2018 with twice the excitement, as the massive balloon drop at noon — the traditional highlight — will feature 2,000 balloons, double the amount in previous years.

A variety of activities keeps things hopping. Kids and adults can get energetic while climbing and bouncing on giant inflatables, playing interactive games, competing in hula hoop contests and dancing to the latest tunes from an inflatable DJ booth that doubles as a light show.

Popular features also include the “Active Toddler Zone,” a “Meet-and-Greet” with favorite characters including Spider-Man, Tinkerbell, Storm Trooper, Elsa, Cinderella and others. New highlights include a cotton candy machine, Tarot card readers and a waxed hand vendor for 2017 keepsakes.

“This event gives kids their own celebration,” said program supervisor Stevie Ferrari. “It’s a great way for families and friends to enjoy a New Year’s party that’s convenient and fun for everybody.”

Guests are encouraged to pre-register by noon on Dec. 30 to guarantee admission and a party bag with favors and snacks. Advance tickets are $10 per person (ages 2 and up). Children under 2 are free. Day-of registration is $13 per person, but the event often sells out; party favors and snacks are not guaranteed for those who register on event day.

For more information, call the Vaughan Athletic Center at 630-907-9600 and follow updates on the Vaughan Center’s Facebook page.

• FEATURE PHOTO CAPTION: The celebratory balloon drop at high noon on Dec. 31 will be twice as spectacular — with more than 2,000 balloons — at the Family New Year’s Eve Party at the Vaughan Athletic Center.

About The Fox Valley Park District

The Fox Valley Park District is a dynamic and growing park district that serves a diverse population of more than 236,000 people. Recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Agency, Fox Valley holds the nation’s highest honor as a National Gold Medal Award winner for excellence in park and recreation management. Serving the communities of Aurora, Montgomery and North Aurora, the District maintains 168 parks and 48 miles of interconnected regional trails amid 2,500 acres of parkland. Connected by the Fox River, our communities are tied together by the District’s commitment to promote vibrant, healthy lifestyles through fun and safe recreation opportunities that are environmentally and fiscally responsible. The Fox Valley Park District… Where Fun Begins!