Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Long Beach, CA

New Year's Eve presents a dilemma for parents of small children. Keep the kids up all night? They'll be extra-cranky on New Year's Day. Hire a babysitter? Good luck with that. And you can't exactly take them along to that Brazilian-themed party on the Queen Mary, now can you? Given the options, my favorite way to celebrate New Year's Eve is at home in my jammies. But for those who feel left out if they're not in the midst of a big, noisy celebration when the clock strikes midnight, here are a few family-friendly New Year's events around Southern California:

Watch 2008 go out with a bang. Take your kids to the downtown waterfront to view fireworks over the Queen Mary at midnight.

Sleep with the fishes. Wait, that doesn't sound quite right. Anyway, the Aquarium of the Pacific is hosting a New Year's Eve sleepover. Tickets are $70.00 for non-members and $60.00 for members. The event includes pizza for dinner, a snack, cereal for breakfast and a t-shirt. Toast the new year at midnight with sparkling cider.

Dance the night away. The city of Fullerton will celebrate First Night Fullerton in the streets of downtown on New Year's Eve. The alcohol-free street festival features live music, rides, karaoke, and of course, fireworks at midnight.

Book it. Borders at South Coast Plaza is hosting a New Year's Eve party for kids, including games, crafts, and a parade.