New Year’s Eve is often an event that many of us, especially our youth, enjoy. Maybe it’s time to dress up and party with friends until dawn. However, once we have children, New Year’s Eve with children tends to look different. The nights and a party atmosphere can be overwhelming for little ones but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun! Celebrating the new year with kids only requires a little planning. Read on for our ten New Year’s Eve ideas for kids.
10 New Year’s Eve Ideas For Kids
New Year Wishes Wall
In essence, making new year’s resolutions is a common thing. We think about what we hope to achieve or things we want to do in the future. Decorate a wall and have the children write their hopes and dreams for the new year. Maybe get healthy, have fun, learn new skills, or go on some adventures. In addition, you can create a separate space for the things they are grateful for in the past year
Get fancy
Who doesn’t like to dress up sometimes? Whether you’re with a group or just your kids, have everyone dress up in their best clothes. Add jewelry, long gloves, or a fascinator, and be fancy as you ring in the new year! You can also prepare a photo booth to show off your outfits and capture special moments together.
New Year’s Eve Balloon Drop
Children are often excited for balloons, so why not make your own balloon drop like they do at big events or TV show finales. First, fold up a large thin plastic sheet, table cloth, or garbage bag and seal the ends, making it like an envelope. Second, blow up the balloons and fill the opening. Tape the different parts of the long side together and attach a string to each piece across. Third, everything is attached to the ceiling and when the New Year comes, pull the string and you will have an exciting moment for sharing children!
Mock New Years Eve Countdown
Staying up for the midnight countdown is often the goal when it comes to New Year’s Eve. For New Year’s celebrations with kids, however, that probably won’t work with their schedule. To still experience the excitement of the countdown to the new year, have a “Mock Countdown” for the kids to enjoy. Choose a time that is suitable for the families involved such as 8:00 pm. Then, simultaneously shout out your own countdown or find one online. Netflix often has its own countdowns featuring favorite characters ready to stream for kids. Either way, it will be fun for everyone (and it’s not too late)!
New Year’s Eve Sleepover
A New Years sleepover with other family or a few of your kids’ friends is a great way to celebrate the new year! Have everyone slip into cozy PJs and watch movies and play games while eating a snack. Designate a specific area for the children to sleep in and another for any adults who may join. If the kids are older, they can try to stay up until midnight. If so, they’ll have an easy place to crash afterwards. In the morning, enjoy a New Year’s brunch!
New Year’s Eve Kids Game Night
A very fun way to bring in the new year is by having a game night! From board games to card games to party games to video games, there are so many options! Choose something appropriate for the age of the children involved and have fun!
Happy New Year’s Eve Dining With Childreb
Another one of our New Year’s Eve party ideas for kids is food! Every party has food but in this case, the kids can help make it! Pizza is a great option to get the kids involved. To start, set up a place with different toppings. Next, let the kids make their own personal pizzas. Finally, for dessert, have a sundae station with all the fixings! You can also make cupcakes or cookie decorations. It will be delicious!
Make a toast
A toast is a common part of New Year’s Eve celebrations. People tend to pour champagne and before clinking glasses, say a few words of appreciation, about memories or hopes to come. With a few small changes, you can easily make it for kids too. Use plastic champagne flutes to start. Then, fill them with a non-alcoholic drink like juice, bubbly water or soda. Say a few words to each child before you ring in the new year!
New Years Dance Party For Kids
New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration so a dance party is a great activity to do with the kids! Play popular music that kids love or traditional hits like YMCA and the Macarena. To add to the atmosphere, add a strobe light or disco ball! Then turn up the music, teach each other dance moves, and dance the night away!
New Year’s Eve Hats
A cool little craft you can do with the kids is making them their own hats to rock during the countdown. They can make crowns, top hats, headbands, or any style imaginable. Provide glue, glitter, pompoms, feathers, and any other neat details they can incorporate. You can even get the family pets involved! And don’t forget to take a picture!
New Year’s Eve Ideas for Kids – Final Note
In conclusion, New Year’s Eve is a day where we say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new one. It’s a night for fun and excitement and with our New Year’s Eve ideas for kids, a night for the whole family to enjoy! These ideas will make any party more enjoyable for everyone and easier for parents to plan. Make New Year’s Eve a great family event and have fun making memories together! For more party ideas, click here. Until then, cheers!
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About the Author
Jane Sheriff is the founder, creative director, party planner and mother of three. She started Darling Celebrations in 2012 to share easy and beautiful ideas for celebrating life’s special events.
