New Year’s Eve is often a holiday with very adult celebrations, from late-night parties long after bedtime to bars with alcohol freely flowing. Nothing about the holiday screams kid-friendly. However, with some thought and creativity, parents can have a blast celebrating the coming year with their kids.
We found 12 great ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve with children. Some of these fun activities might even become your family’s new tradition. Bonus: you don’t even have to stay up until midnight.
Do New Year’s At Noon (Or Another Time)
Cheering to the ball drop is a quintessential New Year’s moment. However, few parents with small children want to recreate it badly enough to interfere in bedtime routines.
Fortunately, many streaming services have ball drops you can stream whenever you want to. Noon is a fun time; However, pick whatever works for your schedule and make it happen. Most kids love to make noise and will rejoice in a parent-sanctioned opportunity to make a whole lot of it. You can get fancy and add streamers, decor, and other suggestions from the list to make it as simple or as elaborate as you like.
Make A List Of Goals For Next Year
New Year’s Resolutions are a staple of the holiday. Many adults use the occasion to reflect on what they plan to accomplish in the next year. Why not have your kids set some goals?
Scientific studies show that children who set goals are more confident and motivated. This fun tradition might help you guide your children into becoming more goal-oriented.
Dance Party Time
Dancing is a New Year’s Eve staple. What better way to break in the New Year than while busting some moves?
You can create a playlist of family favorites. If you want a break from the Frozen soundtrack, you could even introduce your kid to some beloved songs from before their time. It’s as easy as putting on some music and letting your family get in some silly movement.
Family Game Night
Nothing says wholesome family fun like a family game night. If you’re a family who prefers more calm fun, consider breaking out some board games to celebrate the New Year.
While this activity might not be suited for the youngest of children, plenty of board games are designed for a wide variety of ages. Consider a deck of cards if you don’t want to invest in a new game. The most important part is spending time together.
Family Movie Marathon
The holidays can be tiring. Why not take the chance to end the holiday season with a fun movie marathon? Pop some popcorn and cozy blankets, and enjoy family movie time.
You can watch some New Year’s Eve movies, pick a family favorite, or put on a film you have all been eager to see. It’s your tradition and New Year’s Eve, do whatever sounds the most fun.
Get Out Pots And Pans!
Banging pots and pans is a British New Year’s tradition that can become your family’s tradition. The tradition is supposed to banish away evil spirits from entering the New Year.
We can’t speak to that. However, we can speak to the fact that banging pots and pans sounds like most kids’ idea of a good time. As a bonus, you don’t have to buy anything. Just open up the cabinets and celebrate the New Year with a bang.
Reflect On The Fun Year You Had
This might sound dull, but children love looking at photos and discussing fun times. Create a slideshow or scroll through Google Photos to help everyone remember what a great year you had.
Sharing stories from the year can be fun to connect as a family and cement memories. You can even have your kids share their favorite experiences from the year.
Do Your Own Ball Drop
Feeling crafty and want to make the occasion extra memorable? Consider doing your own ball drop to wow your kids.
Some tutorials are pretty elaborate; this one requires a styrofoam ball, aluminum foil, duct tape, sparkly charms, glue dots, and rope. However, you could get even more uncomplicated and do a basic balloon drop
Pajama Party
New Year’s Eve outfits usually are glitz and glamour. However, you can subvert that stuffy tradition and spend the night (or day) in your comfiest duds.
Break out jammies, robes, and slippers for a special pajama party. Whether watching movies or jamming out to music to celebrate New Year’s Eve, you’ll probably have a better time doing it in your favorite jammies.
Make Fun Foods And “Fancy” Snacks
Let’s be real: the best part of many parties is the food, which can be true even at your party. Making a fun dish or bougie snack might be just the ticket to making your casual night at home a true celebration.
Consider making an appetizer. Shoot, charcuterie is basically grown-up Lunchables. If you break out the Ritz crackers, all the cheeses, and finger snacks, that might be enough to wow your littles. You can even jazz up drinks by pouring some Welch’s sparkling apple juice for them.
Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Ice cream is fun. You know what’s even more fun? A lot of ice cream, fun toppings, and parents who let you have at it. Creating an ice cream bar is a fun New Year’s tradition that family members of all ages can partake in.
Plus, they say how you spend New Year’s will be how you spend the rest of your year. Don’t take any chances, and make sure next year will include lots of ice cream by putting together an ice cream for New Year’s.
Stay Up Late
We said you don’t have to stay up until midnight. However, depending on the age of your kids, you certainly could. Many kids will be wowed by the idea of getting to stay up late to see the clock strike 12 “like a grownup.”
If your kid (or you) isn’t ready for such a late night, that’s okay too. You could consider extending bedtime by just a couple of hours. However, regardless of when you celebrate, there are many fun ways to make New Year’s Eve a memorable and special holiday for your entire family.
