Family Friendly Fun for the New Year's Holiday

If a game night with the kids won't do and you're itching to get out somewhere, anywhere for Dec. 31 or Jan. 1, or earlier in the week, for that matter, check out our family friendly picks.

Beauty and the Beast

• Where:
• When: 2:30 p.m. Dec. 26-30
• Pricing: $8.50
• Why Go: While not technically a New Year's event, the kids are out of school this week, so why not treat them to an afternoon showing of the musical Beauty and the Beast. Everyone will enjoy the timeless story, songs and touches of whimsy.

Holiday Workshop at the Bee's Knees

• Where: The Bee's Knees
• When: 7 p.m. Dec. 29
• Pricing: $38 for 1.5 hours in the studio and two gifts.
• Why Go: The Bee's Knees holds one last holiday workshop this evening, where kids can make a fun and unique project. Bring a picture and seal it into a piece of jewelry, or try a hand a painting pottery, making mosaics and more. Reservations required. For all ages but children must be 8 or older to attend alone.

Novi Bowl's Family Hoedown

• Where:
• When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 31
• Pricing: $60 per family
• Why Go: Ring in the new year early with the family. This package gets up to five people three hours of bowling, pizza, pop, party favors, prizes and shoe rental. Everyone will ring in the new year at noon, so kids don't have to miss the fun due to early bed times.

Northville Nite

• Where:
• When: 4:30-8 p.m. Dec. 31
• Pricing: $3-$7, depending on age
• Why Go: Enjoy an "Around the World" New Year's celebration with crafts and inflatables. Snacks will be sold by Novi Rotary Club, and kids will get a "passport" to get stamped as they travel "around the world." Plus there will be an early new year's countdown, for revelers whose bedtimes come hours before the stroke of midnight.

• Where:
• When: 11 a.m. Jan. 1
• Pricing: Free with a Recreation Passport, which costs $10 and gets you into all state parks and state boat launches all year long. Click here for details.
• Why Go: Start 2012 out right with a bit of fresh air and activity at Maybury State Park. Meet at the Concessions Building, take a hike, get a chance at winning a gift card, and enjoy time around the bonfire and snacks afterwards. Be sure to dress for the weather, and bring a can of tuna for Gleaners.

Also going on daily through Dec. 31 is the Wayne County Lightfest. Head to Hines and Merriman (specifically, starting at 7651 N. Merriman, Westland) and take the Midwest's longest light display, at a cost of $5 per vehicle, that'll give you a lifetime of illuminating memories.