DANA POINT : Giving Kids a Way to Celebrate New Year’s

Working on the principle that kids also deserve to have fun on New Year’s Eve and that parents deserve a night off, the city will sponsor its annual sleep-over for children Dec. 31.

City recreation leaders will watch 24 children from ages 6 to 12, who will enjoy pizza, movies, gymnasium games like indoor hockey, and crafts.

After an evening of activities, the children will toast the New Year with sparkling cider.

“It gives the children an exciting and fun way to celebrate,” said Community Services Manager Bonnie Nicholl. “And it gives parents a night to themselves.”

The cost for the sleep-over is $19, including pizza. The overnight event will be held at the Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo St., from 6 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Participants should bring sleeping bags and a toothbrush. Children will be sleeping on thick mats in the community center, Nicholl said. Space is limited to 24 children signed up at the community center, she said.

Dana Point also offers a similar service throughout the year called Flicks for Kids on the first and third Saturdays of the month.

For $5 per child, recreation workers will watch youths from 6 to 9 p.m. Children are given dinner, play indoor sports and watch a video movie.

For more information, call (714) 496-4251.