Count down to the new year Tuesday at family-oriented celebrations in Baltimore, Annapolis and Ocean City.

Want to ring it in right here in Charm City? The annual "Baltimore's New Year's Eve Spectacular" takes place around the Inner Harbor and includes ice skating (Rash Field, 201 Key Highway), '80s music by the Reagan Years (Amphitheatre, Pratt and Light streets) and a midnight fireworks show choreographed to popular music. Also, the Top of the World Observation Level will be open 10:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. for a great view of the fireworks.

For the younger set who can't quite make it to midnight, Port Discovery's "Noontime New Year Celebration" is ideal. Kids of all ages can create their own party hats and noisemakers, decorate giant numbers, which will be displayed during the big countdown at 11:59 a.m., and toast the new year with milk and animal crackers.

Those who make their way to "First Night Annapolis" can watch comedy shows, puppetry and magic acts, hear live music, stories and poetry, see historical re-enactments, make crafts and catch the fireworks at midnight. More than 150 performances will take place in venues around Annapolis, including the U.S. Naval Academy, St. John's College and the Banneker-Douglass Museum. "First Night Annapolis" offers events appropriate for families, singles, couples and groups.

All are welcome at Ocean City's annual "New Year's Eve Family Celebration" at the Convention Center. There'll be kids' activities, dance music for teens and pre-teens, karaoke, easy-listening music, light fare and more in rooms throughout the center. And just so you don't forget where you're welcoming 2003, a giant beach ball will descend at the stroke of midnight.

All events on Tuesday. "Baltimore's New Year's Eve Spectacular" runs 8 p.m.-1 a.m. at the Inner Harbor. Skating admission $15; $10 ages 12 and under; $3 skate rental. Call 877-BALTIMORE. Top of the World Observation Level is at 401 E. Pratt St. $5 admission. Call 410-837-VIEW. The "Noontime New Year Celebration" is 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Port Discovery, 35 Market Place. Admission: $11; $8.50 ages 3-12; free for ages under 3. Call 410-727-8120. "First Night Annapolis" runs from 3 p.m. until after the fireworks finale at midnight. Admission buttons cost $20; ($15 in advance for adults); $10 ages 6-12; free for ages 5 and under. Call 410-268-8553 or 410-481-SEAT. Doors open at 7 p.m. at the "New Year's Eve Family Celebration" at the Ocean City Convention Center, 40th Street and Coastal Highway. Entertainment 8 p.m.-midnight. $25; $5 ages 17 and under. Call 410-289-8314.