Kids celebrate New Year's 12 hours early in Naperville

Creativity was everywhere Wednesday morning at the DuPage Children's Museum in Naperville as hundreds of mini superheroes rang in the new year 12 hours early.

The festivities were part of the museum's annual Bubble Bash, which was started more than a decade ago to give families a chance to celebrate the holiday together.

"(The kids) hear about (New Year's Eve), maybe their parents are going out, so this helps them understand, on a level that's perfect for them, what's happening and to celebrate and be part of the joyousness of the holiday," said the museum's public program manager, Marcia MacRae.

This year's theme - superheroes - empowered the kids to "make believe," MacRae said.

There were opportunities to craft superhero capes, cuffs and masks and take part in a "superhero training course" with PRO Martial Arts. Families also kept busy with an obstacle course, superhero photos and science activities, all based around the event's theme.

Bubble machines enchanted the children, too, as they have since the first year of the event, when the theme was bubbles.

"It gets bigger and grander each year," MacRae said, adding that about 650 people were in attendance, some traveling from as far away as Chicago and Yorkville.

When the time came to count down from 10 just before noon, Naperville Mayor George Pradel took the stage.

"I'm so happy you're all here and having fun today," he shouted over cheers and horn blowing.

At the end of the countdown, plastic balls fell from the ceiling and Mr. Dave and the Superhero Sidekicks band played the well-known New Year's song, "Auld Lang Syne."

Maggie Fahner, a member of the museum's Next Gen board, said her children "can't get enough" of the museum. This was the second year the family attended the New Year's event together.

"For the kids, it was extra special because they usually can't make it to midnight, nor do I as a parent want them to make it to midnight," Fahner said. "It's a great way for them to celebrate the holiday without it being over the top."

In the new year, museum staff members are looking forward to a partnership with Naperville Settlement for Naper Plays on Jan. 24, which will examine the history and innovation of play, MacRae said.

The museum is also launching the start of a new program called "Messy Mondays" and preparing for the opening of a new exhibit in mid-February.