[twitter]So. You’ve got kids and it’s the biggest party night of the year. Are you getting a sitter? Are you going to friends? Are you just forgetting about it? What are you doing New Year’s Eve?

We usually fake it.

We head over to a friend’s house with the kids and then, sometime around 8:30 or 9, we announce IT’S NEW YEARS! and then head outside with the boys to bang some pots and pans before putting them to bed. Time shifting tv channels letting us watch the east coast feeds of Ryan Seacrest, Anderson Cooper, etc make it even easier to pull the wool over the kids’ eyes.

This year, however, we’re thinking of an outdoor party. A family event for New Year’s 2015 in Calgary that will be filled with crowds, costumes, lights, music and fun. I had a blast walking around the open markets with the boys during Beakerhead, and I’m sure the same fun can be had again at New Year’s.

From bubble wrap dance parties, to pool parties, to fireworks, and figure skating, here’s a list of family events for new years eve Calgary

The City of Calgary Family Dance Party is free and kicks off outside the Municipal Building at 7pm and features some fun for families with little ones who might not make it to midnight. The event features dancing, activities and a countdown at 9pm!

The City of Calgary Outdoor Celebration continues the free fun at 9pm and goes on until midnight. Bring your skates to enjoy the ice at Olympic Plaza, as well as live music, ice sculptures and a countdown to midnight.

Village Square Leisure Centre is hosting a New Year’s Eve Pool Party from 5 – 8 pm. There will be a DJ pumping out the sounds as families enjoy the wave pool, inflatable toys, bouncers, arts/crafts, treats, prizes and so much more. You don’t want to miss our pool party countdown! Admission is $25.15 for a family of 2 parents and all kids living with them under 18.

Bow Habitat Station has an afternoon of New Year’s Eve celebrations with a countdown to the new year at Noon! they are promising a dance party, and celebrate with special activities throughout the day! Adults, $10. Seniors/Students, $8. Youth (5-17), $6. Children 4 & under, free.

Telus Spark also has a countdown that is family friendly as they celebrate Noon Year’s Eve. New Year’s wouldn’t be the same without bubbly, and so they’re having a Bubble Wrap Dance Party for the kids to pop in the new year and make some noise with their sandwich soundmakers from the craft table. The celebration is included with your regular admission.

The Calgary Zoo‘s annual Zoo Year’s Eve is back to ring in the new year. You’ll have a chance to wander the Zoo Lights displays before a round of fireworks blast at 8p to ring in the new year.

After you wipe the cobwebs from your eyes on New Year’s Day, make sure you get out and get active! A hike to Troll Falls in K Country, a stroll in Griffiths Wood, or a wander of the Weaselhead are perfect easy hikes to welcome in the new year!