7 Kids New Year’s Eve Activities
In the blink of an eye, another year has come and gone as we suddenly find ourselves approaching the holiday season followed swiftly by the end of the year. Among the last things most parents want to do after a busy Christmas is to plan an entertaining and fun-filled celebration for ringing in the New Year. Read on for seven easy fun ideas and enjoyable activities you can use for a memorable evening with kids on New Year’s Eve.
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New Year Countdown
There are many different takes on the countdown to midnight or an early celebration, Noon Year’s Eve. Regardless of when you count down, the excitement of counting down is the same and balloons are an easy family favorite for countdowns. Pop a balloon every hour from noon (or dinner) until midnight. If you’re feeling festive, fill them with confetti or glitter for more fun! Another idea leading up to midnight is to create countdown treat bags and have a fun activity or treat to open each hour.
Dance Party
The excitement of ringing in a new year and staying up a little later gives kids an extra jolt of energy. Crank up some kid-friendly tunes and dance the energy out with a dance party in the living room. Have the kids pick their favorite songs. Make it a pajama party and everyone where’s their favorite pajamas. Snag this fun disco ball light that you can use all year round.
Party Hats and a Photo Booth
Dressing up to ring in the new year, even if you’re simply staying home, is a fun way to get into the spirit. Craft some fun party hats, get some noise makers, pop a party popper or two, and have an exciting photo session. Be as fun and silly as you like with the kids! Years from now you’ll look back on those photos and remember the magic. Grab these fun New Years Eve Party props!
Marshmallow Battles!
New Year’s Eve is a good time to break the rules a little. Create a marshmallow catapult and have a contest to see who can fly their marshmallows the furthest or battle each other.
Make a Family Time Capsule
Take some time to reflect as a family; what were your favorite memories of this past year and what are you looking forward to in the new year? Write down some meaningful memories and collect a few nostalgic items for a time capsule that you can plan to open a year from now or further into the future. Start now and make annual time capsules to open when your kiddo turns 18 for a fun walk down memory lane!
Make a Family Bucket List
Looking forward to the new year, create a bucket list as a family of what you hope to accomplish or achieve in the coming year. Are there places you’d like to visit? New skills you’d like to acquire? Create a fun list to use as an activity guide this coming year.
Camp In!
It’s the middle of winter and it’s safe to say that a campout under the stars is not happening any time soon. Instead, pitch the tent inside for a camp-in! If you have a s’more maker or gas stove, make sure to have some s’more-making supplies on hand to complete the camping experience.
These are just a handful of the many incredible ways to spend New Year’s Eve in with your kiddos. Regardless of how you spend the evening, take a moment to soak in the memories because this year will come and go in the blink of an eye.
New Year’s Eve Party Must-Haves
We have gathered some fun party favors, decorations, and more for you to have at home to celebrate with the entire family!
- Yell “Happy New Year” with a fun balloon drop. This is a fun one you can attach anywhere in your home.
- Turn down the lights and enjoy a fun dance party or celebration with glow sticks. If it isn’t too cold in your neck of the woods, head out on night hikes before it gets too late.
- A New Year’s Eve countdown is not complete without some fun party poppers. The whole family will have fun popping these to celebrate. Make sure the whole family also works together to clean the mess up 🙂
- Little kids and older kids will love a champagne toast to celebrate. Grab these fun glasses, grape juice, or their favorite soft drinks to put in the glasses.
- Look super cool with this fun New Year’s Eve celebration glasses.
- What kid doesn’t love face painting? Check out this fun kit and let them paint something special on your face.
- Do a craft and what better craft than these fun DIY noisemakers? Pinterest is full of fun New Year’s Eve ideas, fun activities, and New Years Eve games.
- Free printables are always a lifesaver. Take a look at all these fun options including printable, fun games, and decorations.
