Lake County Parks & Rec Bellabration rings in the “Noon Year” during New Years Eve party at Bellaboo’s Play & Discovery Center

With 2025 coming to a close, people all across the world are motivated to enter the new year on a high note. When you think of a New Year’s Eve celebration, these gatherings often include confetti poppers, sparkling grape juice, and the iconic ball drop once the clock hits midnight and the new year reigns in. While some kids stay up until midnight to witness the change with their family members, others might be in bed or have a preference to celebrate in their own way.

On Wednesday, December 31, Lake County Parks & Rec gave the kids in the community a chance to ring in the New Year their way during the Bellabration 2025 event. The party ran from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., with a big bubble blast at noon to give the kids a special moment to countdown for in celebration. The event took place at Bellaboo’s Play & Discovery Center in Lake Station.

For many years, Lake County has been motivated to create a positive holiday experience for its residents. Christmas is often busy with Santa parades, tree lightings, and downtown transformations to fulfill a winter wonderland. Local communities have been making efforts to increase the New Year’s celebrations as well. Last year, the City of Crown Point hosted its first ever ball drop ceremony downtown.

“It’s important to have celebrations for Christmas and New Year’s so that we can bring people together in a way that they don’t usually do at home. Our unstructured play allows people to use their imagination, and for us to bring magic every day to children. We also encourage adults to step into their imaginative state again,” said General Manager Natalie Garza. 

During the Bellabration, the event showcased a transformation from balloons to bubbles. The kids were energized to close out the year strong, with an opportunity to play with their friends or make new friends. Between time capsules and toasts, everyone in attendance was able to find something to enjoy.

“Seeing all of these kids run around and have fun is overstimulating in the best way. It feels like their smiles, laughter, and movement are fueling me,” said Garza. “I have a pretty high capacity for energy and movement, so it just makes me feel overjoyed. I’ve worked here for 15 years, and if there weren’t moments like this one, I don’t know that I would have lasted so long in this environment.” 

At Bellaboo’s Play & Discovery Center, the organization’s mission is to provide children with a fun environment to learn and express their imagination. While some kids at the Bellabration are currently in school, they might not get a chance to see their friends for a while during winter break. An event like this one gives the kids a break from the school work and an elevated version of their recess.

“It’s scientifically proven that children learn through play. They develop social skills, mental and emotional skills, fine motor skills, and gross motor skills through it. Today is like an indoor recess for them because we have so many elements where they can build, destroy, craft, create, and move and groove,” said Garza. “We provide a lot of opportunities for children to do things their parents don’t want them doing at home, like painting or playing with slime. Kids don’t have to use their inside voices here. They can lead with what they think.” 

Between the kids playing together and the parents excited about their children having a good time, this was an energetic event that will be a lasting memory for every family who showed up. 

“One of my favorite parts of this event is dressing up,” said Garza. “I can’t say I have one favorite moment of the day because every hour we planned something big. I love making snacks in the lab and singing with the children. We’re also creating an indoor blizzard today with ribbon, sticks, and an actual snow machine. It’s all my favorite.” 

 Lake County Parks & Rec closed out the year with its last Glow Skate event of 2025. From 5-9 p.m., people of all ages could show off their best glow gear for the New Year’s Eve Bash and slide into 2026 with style.For more information on Lake County Parks & Rec and its upcoming events, you can visit lakecountyparks.com.