Here are three ways to celebrate the New Year with your kids this Wednesday, if you're not into keeping them up until midnight to watch the downtown fireworks.

There's always noon instead of midnight:

--The Maryland Science Center hosts its first "Midnight Noon" celebration from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. with live music, games and activities, including performances by the kids' band Milkshake and Blue Sky Puppet Theater. There will be a "ball drop" at noon. Free with science center admission.

--Port Discovery also will ring in the new year at noon with an Italian-themed celebration featuring Maryland Public Television's Bob the Vid Tech, confetti and a toast of milk and cookies. Activities, which will run from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., will include crafts, performances and even pasta-making. Free with museum admission.

--A bit later, Annapolis keeps it family-friendly with kids' activities starting at 3 p.m. at the city's recreation center and fireworks at 7:30 p.m. (with more later, too.) $15 if you're buying them now; kids under 5 free.

More ideas? Post a comment.

(Photo of last year's Noontime New Year at Port Discovery by Baltimore Sun photographer Jed Kirschbaum)