Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Saint Louis, MO

Looking for a family friendly way to spend New Year's Eve away from home? First Night 2009 St. Louis is a great destination for kids and adults. Located in Midtown St. Louis in the Grand Center, this winter festival emphasizes visual and performing arts in the various theaters, concert halls, churches as well as outdoor stages. This year's theme is a kid favorite- the kaleidoscope and the area will be lit up like one. Performances include live music from around the world, the Muny Kids, a drum line and a local circus troupe.

What is better than one new year's eve fireworks display? Two of them! First night puts on an earlier, 9 pm, fireworks display when kids are more likely to be awake and less cranky. Beginning at 11:30 is the countdown to midnight when more fireworks are displayed.

Admission buttons are available at local Borders and Dierbergs stores or online at the Grand Center web site. Buttons are $8 for adults and $4 for kids age 6-12 (kids under 5 are free) when purchased prior to the event and $10 for adults/ $5 for kids age 6-12 at First Night.