Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine celebrates New Year's Eve

CMTM’s Starr Kelly and WMTW’s Jacob Murphy discuss NYE Indoor Beach Party details in the Neighborhood.

WMTW/ Channel 8

The event features a special family-friendly ball-drop.

PORTLAND, Maine —The Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine held a New Year’s Eve Indoor Beach Party to give families a chance to welcome in 2024 the little ones who can’t stay up until midnight.

The museum’s Director of Education and Exhibits, Starr Kelly, says the beach theme adds a fun twist for the winter holiday.

“When we were thinking of themes, a beach party sounded like a really fun magical thing to have in the middle of winter, and certainly it’s been a little gray and rainy lately. So we’re really excited to lean into being at the beach and imagining warmer days,” she said.

There was something for every kid at the event.

In the museum’s Maker’s Space, they got to make ocean-themed arts-and-crafts like sea-star wands and puppets.

There was also the chance to meet real sea-stars in the museum’s aquariums.

For those with more energy to burn, the play space known as ‘The Neighborhood” was decorated with beach balls and water tubes.

The entire experience can be capped off with a sea star drop that the museum held throughout the day, put on by their theater company. Kids were welcomed to give their New Year’s resolutions as the star made its descent.

“Often when we think about New Year’s events, they’re often targeted for older audiences, and so this is really a chance for an event to be driven by and driven for young people and audiences,” Kelly said. “You might not be staying up until midnight, but you can still celebrate with us and have a magical moment.”

Throughout the day there was a lot of free snacks and goodies being given away.

“We have some treats and items that are being offered by some of our sponsors at Gorham Savings Bank and, of course, our friends at Hood who are helping to provide some snacks for today’s party,” Kelly said.

The museum has similar events throughout the year. You can visit their website at kitetails.org for more information.

See the story at: https://www.wmtw.com/article/childrens-museum-and-theatre-of-maine-celebrate-new-years-eve/46257927