The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Kids celebrate Noon Year’s Eve at zoo
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo kicked off its annual Noon Years Eve event presented by Key Bank on Dec. 31 with even more opportunities for families.
New this year was a Noon Year’s Eve VIP Experience in Stillwater Place, said Jacqueline Gerling, director of communications.
This exclusive event was held indoors and featured breakfast, activities and a character meet & greet, she said.
“We are always thinking of new ways to cater to all of our guests,” Gerling said.
Separate tickets were sold for this event.
One family from University Heights said when they attempted to get tickets for the VIP
Experience on the day of the event; they discovered that they were sold out.
However, this family of three braved the low temperatures to celebrate New Year’s Eve outdoors in the Welcome Plaza.
“I’m having a baby on Tuesday and this will be our last outing together as a family of three,” Selena Boyer said.
She said her 15-monthold son loves music and was enjoying the dance party.
“He’s not even cold,” she said. “We are, but he’s having a great time.”
Aside from the popular dance party, kids got a chance to see many of their favorite heroic and Disney characters walking around.
The frigid weather did not stop 37- year-old Sara Hastings from traveling from Berea with her niece and nephew, either.
“We come every year,” she said. “We have been coming for over 10 years.”
Guests could make crafts, set 2018 New Year’s reZOOlutions and participate in various animal shows and programs.
Artic Creations also provided detailed ice sculpting of popular zoo animals.
While there was plenty to do leading up to the strike of noon, the highlight of the event was the special countdown to ring in the “New Year” at noon for those who may not be up at midnight.
“It’s nice to have something fun to do with the kids on New Year’s Eve,” said Molly Hoffman of Madison who brought her 5-year-old daughter .
Although the Noon Years Eve event was from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors were welcomed to enjoy the zoo and all of its offerings until it closed.
“This is a great opportunity to explore our yearround zoo,” Gerling said. “Many animals are native to these temperatures, so there may be a lot of activity. For visitors that do not want to remain outdoors, they can visit our Rainforest, which is always 80 degrees.”
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is currently running a BOGO offer until March.
“With the purchase of one adult ticket, you can get one free,” she said. “Just another great reason to come out and explore.”
“I’m having a baby on Tuesday and this will be our last outing together as a family of three.” — Selena Boyer from University Heights