Ken "The Flying Fool" Schultz entertains the crowd with juggling and comedy Dec. 27 during a Skokie Park District New Year's celebration for children at Skokie's Exploritorium. | Joe Cyganowski~For Sun-Times Media.

Children count down to the new year a bit early at the Skokie Park District's Itty Bitty New Year Dec. 27 at the Exploritorium. The balloon drop occurred exactly at noon. | Joe Cyganowski~For Sun-Times Media.

Dee Barrett affixes a festive hat to Mollie Barrett, 15 months, with sister Keira 3, looking on during the Skokie Park District's Itty Bitty New Year celebrated Dec. 27 at the Exploritorium. | Joe Cyganowski~For Sun-Times Media.

Keira, left, 3, Mollie, 15 months, and Peighton, 6, celebrate. an Itty Bitty New Year Dec. 27 at the Exploritorium. Festivities included balloon artists, a juggling act, crafts, games, play and a balloon drop. | Joe Cyganowski~For Sun-Times Media

Charles Gabriel Kellom, 2, has a laugh with dad Charles Kellom as they ring in the new year a few days early Dec. 27 at the Skokie Park District's Itty Bitty New Year inside the Exploritorium. | Joe Cyganowski~For Sun-Times Media.

Rachelle Rosecrans holds eight month old son Blake Dec. 27 at the Skokie Park District's Itty Bitty New Year. The Exploritorium was the location for the festive celebration. | Joe Cyganowski~For Sun-Times Media.

Balloon artists, a juggling act, crafts, games, play and a balloon drop highlighted an Itty Bitty New Year Dec. 27 at the Skokie Park District's Exploritorium. | Joe Cyganowski~For Sun-Times Media.

Children enjoy themselves Dec. 27 at the Itty Bitty New Year celebration at the Skokie Park District's Exploritorium. | Joe Cyganowski~For Sun-Times Media.