New Year’s Eve Ideas for Kids
How exactly do parents celebrate New Year’s Eve with the kids when bedtime is 8 p.m.? You ring in the new year early, but that doesn’t mean it has to be any less exciting. Here are a few New Year’s Eve ideas to celebrate as a family without shortchanging anybody’s sleep.
Midnight in Another Time Zone
If staying up until midnight is too late, celebrate when it’s midnight in an earlier time zone. Stream a live countdown from London (6 p.m. CT), Lisbon (6 p.m. CT), or New York (11 p.m. CT), for example.
Balloon Pop Countdown
Start the countdown long before midnight with an anticipation-building balloon-popping game! Every hour, on the hour, the kids get to pop a balloon with a mystery prize inside. Before putting helium or air into the balloons, stuff them with paper confetti or a piece of paper with an activity written on it. Write the hour on the balloon, making sure to save the most exciting surprise for the finale.
Treat Bag Countdown
Don’t like the sound of confetti cleanup? Trade out balloons for treat bags, which children can help decorate. Fill with games to play, tasty treats, and little toys like noisemakers, yo-yos, and party poppers.
Time Capsule
Enjoy an evening assembling a family time capsule of significant artifacts from the past year. Each family member can create artwork, write letters, and contribute other mementos and keepsakes to look back on with wonder when the capsule is excavated in years to come. You can buy stainless steel time capsules online, but an old (clean) paint can or shoebox will also work.
Glow-in-the-Dark Dance Party
Give kids glow sticks or LED accessories, and turn your living room into a dance floor. Play their favorite songs and dance your way to the new year!
Resolutions & Bucket List for Next Year
Get youngsters thinking about how to live up to their values with an exercise in making personal resolutions — and perhaps joint resolutions as a family. Then, generate excitement by diving right into your hopes and dreams for the coming year. Build a communal family bucket list of cool outings and accomplishments you can make in the coming year. (This spring bucket list is a great start!)
Admire the Cosmos
Staring into a vast, starry sky can make you feel small in the most wonderful way. Stargazing is a magical and meaningful activity to start the new year, and it can spark fascinating discussions about astronomy, science, and history. You can watch from the comfort of your backyard or embark on a celebratory camping trip.
Grab a blanket, a thermos of a wintery hot beverage (hot chocolate, hot cider, or tea), and a telescope if you’ve got one. Familiarize yourself with winter constellations or download a stargazing app for an augmented experience.
DIY Photo Booth
Mark the end of the year with a collection of fun and goofy family photos. Break out a costume box of party hats, glasses, feather boas, and more. Print your own photo booth props, or make your own with cardboard, construction paper, and Popsicle sticks!
Marathon to Midnight
Create a cozy movie marathon with a New Year’s theme. Play wintery favorites such as “Frozen,” “Snow Buddies,” “High School Musical,” or the 1976 vintage classic “Rudolph’s Shiny New Year.” Alternatively, get into the competitive spirit with a family game night tournament leading up to midnight with board games, card games, and video games. (Don’t forget prizes!)
Keep Making Memories on New Year’s Day
Keep the fun going by cooking a New Year’s Day meal together. A traditional Southern New Year’s Day spread includes cornbread, collard greens, pork, and black-eyed peas. Folklore suggests these foods will bring you and your family luck and prosperity in the coming year — but they’re also just delicious.
Is your New Year’s resolution to find a hobby? Check out our guide for some inspiration, including crocheting, birdwatching, floral arranging, and more.
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