Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, in my opinion, is the best place in the world to ring in the New Year. Not only do you have the awesomeness of the fireworks on Penn's Landing at Midnight, but on New Year's Day--while the rest of the world sleeps off the hang over--Philadelphia throws the year's biggest party with the fabulous, the unique, the amazing, Mummer's Parade!

But before I gush more about the Mummer's (I do love them so), here are a few great things to do with your kids to help bring in the New Year.

1. You'll find me at the Please Touch Museum, at the awesome annual "Count Down to Noon" event. Instead of making your kids stay up until midnight, why don't you join other preschool kids and parents at the brand new Please Touch Children's Museum for the countdown a bit earlier--twelve hours earlier, to be exact! You'll find Mummers, a perfomance, and confetti and balloons when they count down the New Year both at noon and 1pm on New Year's Even.

2. Across the river in New Jersey you can check out the awesome Pop Shop's New Years Eve Kids' Kazoo Parade in Collingswood, NJ. The Pop Shop hands out kazoos will be provided and the parade kicks off at 4:30 p.m. on New Years Eve. After the parade, take part in the New Years Eve countdown. Prizes will be awarded to the "best party hat" and the "best family group."  This fun (and free) event is a great way for your little ones to ring in their new year.

3. If you love the Mummers like I love the Mummers, and can't wait until New Year's Day, then get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into Philadelphia's famous Mummers Parade at Mummers Fest from 2-6pm at the PA Convention Center. Kids can try on costumes from previous parades, watch last-minute rehearsals, and make (and take) a Mummers keepsake. $3 per person.