AKRON, Ohio — For most kids, bedtime is well before midnight and they often miss out on ringing in the new year. This year some families were able to start the celebration early at the Akron Zoo's, Zoo Year's Eve event.

"We want to get the kids involved. Let them have something fun to do and this was just the perfect opportunity," said Rachel Riegel. 

Riegel and her husband brought their three-year-old daughter and 10-month-old son to enjoy the activities at the zoo.

"We've done the scavenger hunt so far. Got a prize for that. Stopped by and saw a lot of animals and we got a picture with the otter," said Riegel.

The kids also took pictures with Peter Pan and Tinker Bell, saw a boa constrictor up close and participate in a dance contest. Riegel said it was just the fun her daughter needed.

"She loves the zoo. She loves running around, being able to see the animals. The penguins were a big hit," said Riegel.

The main attraction of the event came right at noon.

"We've got a big crowd that are all going to have their party hats on from the craft station," said Erica Rymer, events and marketing coordinator at the Akron Zoo. "They're going to have cups of confetti from the craft station, and we're actually going to have this confetti canon that's just going to share some eco-friendly confetti and just bring in the new year."

Rymer said this is the second time the zoo has had the Zoo Year's Eve event. It first started in 2019 but was canceled last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a year off, more than 400 families showed up this year.

Rymer said the theme this year is "sweet dreams."

"We are definitely putting 2021 to bed," said Rymer. "I think many of us can agree that 2021, we're happy to see it go unlike some years where we're kind of going of going to miss the old year. I think this year we're all happy to put it to bed."​