Spending NYE at home as a family? Grab this list of easy and exciting New Year’s Eve ideas for kids — from crafts to recipes and more!
New Year’s Eve Party Ideas for Kids
Before kids, my idea of the “perfect” New Years Eve was a little bit different: dressing up, hitting the town, and probably spending more money than I intended.
In recent years, my husband and I have stayed in for New Years Eve with the kids, and I think I might just enjoy those cozy nights as a family even more!
BUT…if you’re going to spend New Year’s Eve with kids, it helps to have a plan!
How Can I Make New Year’s Eve Special For Kids?
Activities, party games, and themed snacks can make the night go by smoothly until it’s time for the ball to drop. It also lets kids feel more involved and understand the significance of the celebration.
Even if they’re not staying up all the way until midnight, these fun New Year’s Eve activities for kids will make them feel like part of the festivities!
Other things you can do to make the day special:
- Create a playlist of you favorite songs
- Have a dance party with glowsticks and party wands
- Make a party spread of NYE themed foods (I’ll share recipe ideas later in the post!)
- Let the kids stay up a little past their bedtime
Should I Let My Kids Stay Up Until Midnight On New Year’s Eve?
This is entirely up to you of course! However, for little kids, it can be difficult to stay up so late, even if they think they want to.
Spoiler alert…my kids don’t stay up all the way until midnight on new year’s eve! However, we do let them stay up past their bedtime.
Here are some ways to celebrate EARLY on NYE with little kids:
- Find a countdown video on YouTube for little kids, so they can participate even if they do not stay up til midnight
- Do “noon year’s eve” instead, so younger kids can enjoy party fun in the daytime
- Let them watch an earlier countdown in a different time zone (we do this!)
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This list is full of fun ideas for an exciting New Year’s Eve with Kids from our favorite family bloggers. Click on the links below for full tutorials/instructions.
Kid-Friendly New Year’s Eve Recipes
What’s a New Year’s Eve party without snacks?! These festive and delicious desserts and drinks will keep the kiddos happy (and maybe the grown-ups too!)
New Year’s Eve Dessert Charcuterie — The whole family will love this festive spread of sweet treats! You can customize with your favorite chocolates and candies and special treats.
New Year’s Eve Cupcake Clock — A clock made with cupcakes! Makes a gorgeous centerpiece and enough to serve a crowd!
Strawberry Champagne Cookies — Made with champagne extract instead of real bubbly, these sparkly cookies are totally family friendly! Plus they’re tasty and beautiful!
Gumdrop Punch — This candy flavored drink will definitely be a hit with the kids!
Marshmallow Clocks by Nifty Mom — Chocolate dipped marshmallows decorated to look like a countdown clock. Fun and tasty!
Edible Party Horns — Unicorn horns or party hats, you decide! Either way, these are a tasty party treat and the kids will have a blast decorating them!
New Year’s Kids Crafts
From keepsake crafts to party decor, these easy projects will be fun for kids to make on the big day and to countdown to the new year!
New Year’s Eve Ball Drop Photo Card — A cute countdown card idea that slides to reveal your child’s photo! Let your creativity run wild!
DIY Confetti Poppers by Happiness is Homemade — A safe alternative to fireworks that’s just as fun!
Party Horn Photo Props by Pink Stripey Socks — Make funny faces and loud noises to celebrate the new year!
Mini Ball Drop by One Artsy Mama — A mini model of a glittery ball drop that the kids can use. They’re gonna love it!
Countdown Clock Craft by Buggy and Buddy — An easy to make paper plate craft so kids can countdown to the new year.
DIY Classic Party Hats by Girl Inspired — Why buy when you can make your own and customize?! Even older kids and adults will love these fun additions to the new year’s eve celebration!
TIP: Use them as photo booth props!
Fireworks Craft by In the Playroom — All you need are toilet paper rolls and paint to make festive fireworks art!
New Year’s Eve Noise Makers by Teaching Mama — This paper plate tambourine craft is sparkly and festive!
Paper Cup Party Poppers by Red Ted Art — Made with paper cups and pom-poms, these party poppers are safe for little kids. All you pop out are soft and colorful pom poms! This is perfect for preschoolers!
Confetti Balloons by Design Improvised — Pretty up the party with these sparkly balloons! Grab some glitter, glue, and balloons and get creating! You could even make a balloon drop with them!
DIY Straw Noisemakers by Meaningful Mama — All you need are simple drinking straws to make these homemade party noisemakers!
Fill in the Blank Printables by LalyMom — These printable party activities are sure to keep everyone busy and laughing!
Countdown Banner by the Crafting Chicks — An activity, countdown, and party decor craft combined! The best part is it can be made with basic craft supplies.
New Year’s Eve Games and Activities for Kids
It can be a challenge to keep the kids entertained while they wait for the big moment, so here is a list of New Year’s themed games and learning-based kids activities to try:
- New Year’s Eve Family Games by Playtivities
- Glow in the Dark Ring Toss by a Pumpkin and a Princess
- New Year’s Eve Bingo by Playdough to Playto
- Balloon Popping Countdown by How Does She
- Confetti Science by Little Bins for Little Hands
- New Year’s Eve Wishing Tree by No Time for Flash Cards
- Build A Family Time Capsule by the Idea Room
- New Year Predictions by Let’s Play Music
- Countdown Activities by Inspired by Family
- New Year Goal Setting by Nurture Store
- Glittery New Year’s Ball Playdough by Homegrown Friends
Wishing you all a safe and happy New Year!! — Stacey
PS – if you have any favorite new years eve party ideas to share, I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!
More holiday and Christmas fun for kids:
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- Loaded Baked Potato Dip - May 26, 2023
- Copycat Reese’s White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups - May 25, 2023
- 4th of July Margaritas - May 24, 2023
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