Can you believe it? We’re about to dive headfirst into a brand-new YEAR! Like, what? That went fast! Cue the confetti and get ready to bid farewell to the old while welcoming the new! I, for one, am here for it. With that said, who said the celebration has to wait until the grown-ups hit the town? Whether you’re planning a night out with your spouse, other couples, or a whole adult crew, why not kick off the festivities with the kiddos first? Because New Year’s Eve with kids can be really fun, too!
Check out These 16 Fun and Unique Ideas to Make Your New Year’s Eve with Kids the Best!
I’m sharing an EPIC list of 16 really fun and unique ideas to make your family’s New Year’s Eve with kids absolutely unforgettable! These suggestions are guaranteed to add that extra sparkle and make your NYE a blast for your energetic bunch. I promise – these ideas are the secret recipe for a New Year’s Eve to remember! So, are you ready to ring in the fun with your little ones? I sure am!! Let’s make this New Year’s Eve with kids a celebration that they’ll never forget – just pick your favorite ideas from the list (you don’t have to recreate them all in one night!!) and you’ll be well on your way to getting the party started right!
1. Deck Out your Space with DIY Sparkle:
Transform your living room into a glittery paradise with easy-to-make paper streamers, confetti, and all the sparkle you can find. The mess is totally worth the magic it brings!
2. Countdown Bags for Non-Stop Fun:
Keep the little ones engaged with countdown bags. Fill each bag with surprises or activities for every hour leading up to midnight – think glow sticks, mini puzzles, and excitement galore!
3. Dance Party Extravaganza:
Create a playlist that caters to everyone’s taste – Disney hits for the toddlers, the current pop hits for the older kids, and a few guilty pleasure tunes for you. Crank up the volume, and let the dance party commence!
4. Kid-Friendly Mocktails:
Let your little ones join in on the toasting fun with delicious mocktails. Mix and match colorful juices, fizzy sodas, and fun garnishes for their own special drinks. Think: orange juice + ginger ale + an actual orange slice. Mmmm. Serve your mocktail in a plastic champagne flute and you’re kids will FLIP. At least mine would!
5. Glow-in-the-Dark Magic:
Light up the night with glow sticks, bracelets, and necklaces. The enchanting glow adds an extra layer of excitement to the countdown, creating a neon wonderland at home.
6. Memory Wall Magic:
Encourage reflection and gratitude by setting up a memory wall. Have each family member write down their favorite moments from the year and pin them up. It’s a heartwarming activity that sets a positive tone for the year ahead.
7. Early “Midnight” Toast with YouTube Magic:
If waiting until midnight is a challenge, celebrate an “early midnight.” Head to YouTube and search for New Year’s countdown videos that set the tone and excitement for the night. It’s a game-changer for bedtime schedules!
8. Capture the Moment:
Don’t forget to capture these precious moments. Set up a photo booth, take candid snapshots, or snap a heartfelt family selfie – these memories are the real treasures of the night.
9. Confetti Countdown Clock:
Create a countdown clock using a large cardboard cutout shaped like a clock. Each hour leading up to midnight, let the kids burst a confetti-filled balloon. It’s a visually exciting way to mark the passing time!
10. DIY New Year’s Hats:
Gather some craft supplies and have a hat-making station. Let the kids unleash their creativity and design their own New Year’s hats. Bonus points if you allow them to include sparkles, feathers, and anything that glitters!
But wait!!!! I made FIVE DIY New Year’s Hat templates for you to download for FREE. They’re so easy to create and put together, plus, they’re really cute. Your kids will love wearing their own creations to ring in the new year!
11. Time Capsule Tradition:
Start a time capsule tradition. Have each family member write down their resolutions, favorite memories, and predictions for the upcoming year. Seal them in a box and open it next New Year’s Eve to see how much has changed!
12. DIY Disco Ball Piñata:
Who says piñatas are just for birthdays? Get the party started by making your very own DIY Disco Ball Piñata. Use a balloon as the base, cover it with shiny metallic paper or foil, and add colorful streamers. Fill it with treats and small surprises, then let the kids take turns trying to break it open. It’s a guaranteed hit that combines craft time and sweet rewards!
13. Karaoke Countdown:
Turn your living room into a mini karaoke stage. Have a countdown karaoke session with family favorites. You can find many on YouTube! It’s a great way to showcase hidden talents and have a blast together.
14. Balloon Drop Surprise:
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, set up a balloon drop. Attach balloons to a large sheet or net and suspend it from the ceiling. When the clock strikes midnight (or your chosen “early midnight”), let the balloons rain down for an epic surprise.
15. Resolution Pictionary:
Now, let’s add some laughter to the New Year’s Eve with kids mix by playing Resolution Pictionary! It’s a creative game that combines drawing and guessing New Year’s resolutions. Here’s how to play:
- Materials Needed:
- Paper and pens/pencils
- Timer or stopwatch
- Small whiteboard or large sheets of paper for drawing (optional)
- How to Play:
- Prepare Resolutions: Brainstorm a list of New Year’s resolutions.
- Create Teams: Divide your family into teams or play as individuals.
- Setup Drawing Area: Each team/player needs a drawing area with paper or a whiteboard.
- Draw the Resolutions: Set a timer (1-2 minutes) and have one player draw a resolution without using words.
- Guessing Time: Team members guess the resolution during the timer.
- Correct Guess or Pass: Points for correct guesses; reveal resolution if not guessed.
- Rotate and Repeat: Switch turns between teams or players, and continue with different resolutions.
Encourage creativity and keep the atmosphere light for some resolution-inspired fun!
16. Play “Pass the Present” Hot Potato:
I realize that NYE is not a holiday for gifts, but if you’re feeling generous, then take a cue from my aunt who had my whole extended fam play this game for our annual Hanukkah party (more about our family Hanukkah traditions here if you want to take inspiration from them!), because it was so incredibly fun! Here’s how you do it…
- Gather Small Gifts:
- Head to the Dollar Store, Target 1 Spot, or shop online for small $1-$5 gifts, gift cards, or even candy for everyone in your group. Embrace the spirit of generosity, and let the gifting fun begin!
- Wrap it Up:
- Wrap each gift on top of each other, using different wrapping paper. The goal is to create the illusion of one big present that holds a delightful surprise inside.
- PLAY THE GAME:
- Gather Everyone in a Circle and Cue the Music.
- The big ball of gifts becomes the hot potato, passing from hand to hand as the music plays. When the music stops, the person holding the “hot potato” opens one layer of the gift, revealing a surprise present.
- Out of the Game:
- The lucky opener is now out of the game, but the game doesn’t stop there! Keep passing the present until all the layers are unwrapped.
- Grand Finale:
- Save the best for last! The final layer unveils a slightly larger gift for the ultimate winner. How fun and it would be such a fun way to ring in the NYE celebration!!!!
- Gather Everyone in a Circle and Cue the Music.
New Year’s Eve with Kids Can Be Fun After All!!!!!
How fun are these ideas!!!!!! I think you and I both can agree that this New Year’s Eve is gonna be one for the books!!!!! Bring on the best New Year’s Eve with kids everrrrrr and thank me later ;)
PS don’t forget to download the FREE DIY New Year’s Hat templates that I made. They’re so easy to create and put together, plus, they’re really cute. Just grab some crayons or markers and start coloring! Your kids will be so excited to wear their own creations to ring in the new year!
TRAVELING SOON WITH THE FAMILY??
- Here are 10 tips for entertaining toddlers who hate to fly on an airplane! Each tip is more genius than the next!!
- Here are 7 unique travel essentials that ALL moms should bring on your next family vacation!
DO YOU FOLLOW ME ON INSTA YET?
If not, what are you waiting for?? We have fun over there, and I would love to have you join our little mama community!! All it takes is 2 seconds! So, click here and hit that follow button now!
GRAB THESE FREEBIES:
100+ Easy School Lunch Box Ideas to Help You Create Healthy Lunches for Your Kids All Year in Under 5 Minutes a Day.
Dinner Table Gratitude Game.
12 Holy Grail Products That Will Make Your Life As a Mom So Much Easier.
All photos shown were edited with my Mom Life Presets, built for moms with ZERO technology experience and available for sale here.
Comments +