No one celebrates quite like children, and the end of the year proves that. From spending time in winter wonderlands to opening gifts on Christmas to trying to stay up all night on New Year’s, kids are always ready to party. Lake County Parks and Recreations’ Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center knows this, so it has a host of fun activities lined up to close out 2023.
Bellaboo’s has been hosting jolly old St. Nick and his elves every Saturday for the past few weeks, but with Christmas right around the corner, it’s time for Santa to climb in his sleigh and be on his way. That won’t keep him from one last day of fun though.
“Santa Send-Off is our farewell bid to the holly, jolly season with one final attempt for the utmost, festive fun,” said Natalie Garza, general manager. “Bellaboo's provides a unique Santa experience unlike any other in the Region!”
During the Santa Send-Off event, kids had the chance to experience the holiday shenanigans between Santa and his elven helpers one last time at Bellaboo’s. Fun activities included free selfies with Santa, gingerbread and yuletide crafts, winter-themed science experiments, and more.
The highlight of the afternoon, however, was definitely when Santa took the time to help kids learn to decorate cookies. The experience encapsulated what Bellaboo’s tries to accomplish every day.
“Using Santa as the model to decorate the sugar cookies will get them a little bit more excited and help them understand that their everyday movements are educational,” said Garza. “They build their fine motor skills with the activities that we do. There'll be some measuring, mixing, and assembling. I believe our cooking show is something that not every child always has the opportunity to do at home.”
The Santa Send-Off ended with Santa taking off into the sky as all of the attendees waved him goodbye. Given the success of Santa Saturdays and the Santa Send-Off, plans are already in motion to bring both events back.
“When Santa visits Bellaboo’s, he gets to take a step out of the chair,” said Garza. “He goes around to engage with all of the guests, and it is something that people appreciate because it is more warm and inviting than just waiting in a long line. It makes Santa so happy to be able to have these one-on-one moments with all of the different children, so this event is 100% going to come back in the same fashion that it is now.”
The party doesn’t end with Christmas, though. On December 31, Bellaboo’s will be throwing a New Year’s Eve party fit for any age. Beginning at 10 a.m., the “Bellabration” is set to be fun and glittery without requiring your little one to miss out on their sleep. Whether your kid is looking to dance the day away or create some arts and crafts, Bellaboo’s New Year’s Eve party will have it all.
Of course, no end-of-year celebration would be complete without a drop. Instead of a giant glass ball, Bellaboo’s has something a little more child-friendly in mind.
“Our Bellabration is easily our biggest event of every single year,” said Garza. “My favorite part of it is a giant balloon drop that happens. We tirelessly spend the week blowing up balloons so we can have over 1,000. Everyone is anticipating the giant balloon drop. It’s just one huge party, and everyone is there to feel festive and have fun.”
All in all, Bellaboo’s has plenty of fun, safe, educational opportunities through the holidays and into the rest of the year. If you’re looking for something fun to entertain the little ones, you can’t go wrong with Bellaboo’s.
To learn more about Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center, visit mybellaboos.com.
To explore some of Lake County Parks and Recreation’s other attractions, visit lakecountyparks.com.
To explore some of Lake County Parks and Recreation’s other attractions, visit lakecountyparks.com.
