12 Fun Ideas For New Year's Eve With Kids

It's almost that time of year again when the countdown begins, the confetti flies, and the party spirit is in full swing. Yes, it's New Year's Eve! While it may seem like a night reserved for adults, there's no reason why kids can't join in on the fun. In fact, with a little creativity and planning, New Year's Eve with kids can be just as exciting, if not more so, than any adult celebration. From festive games to delicious snacks, here are 12 fun ideas to make this New Year's Eve a family affair to remember.

Family board game night at home

New Year’s Eve is almost upon us, and while many adults will be hitting the bars and nightclubs to celebrate, there are plenty of great activities you can do with the whole family. One excellent option for families with children is to host a Family Board Game Night at Home. Here are some tips for putting together an unforgettable evening of fun and games to ring in the New Year.

• Choose the Right Games – Before the big night, be sure to spend some time curating a selection of board games that will be fun for everyone. Look for games that are appropriate for all ages, and that can accommodate a large group. Consider choosing classic games like Monopoly, Scrabble, and Chess or modern favorites like Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Pandemic that foster teamwork and cooperation.
• Set the Mood – Make sure the atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable. You can decorate the living room by stringing up some festive lights and balloons, setting out some snacks, and creating a cozy ambiance with throws and pillows. Dim the lights, turn on some soft music, and let the fun begin.
• Offer Snacks and Treats – One of the best parts of a family game night is the opportunity to enjoy food and treats together. Make sure to set out plenty of finger foods, like chips and dips, popcorn, and veggies with dip. You can even indulge in some sweet treats like cookies and candy to keep the kids at bay.
• Get Everyone Involved – Make sure everyone has the opportunity to share their favorite game and let the kids have a say in what gets played. Ask everyone to take turns choosing games and assigning game pieces. This will ensure that everyone has a chance to play their favorite games and feel included in the festivities.
• Have Prizes – Encourage friendly competition by offering small prizes for the winners of each game. You might consider a small toy, candy, or even a certificate to purchase their favorite game. This will foster an atmosphere of healthy competition and give everyone a little motivation to play their best.
• Countdown to Midnight – When the clock strikes twelve, make sure everyone is together to celebrate the new year. You can have a countdown, do a balloon drop, or even pop some confetti. Make sure to take some fun photos to capture the moment for posterity.

In conclusion, a Family Board Game Night at Home is an excellent way to celebrate the New Year with kids. Choose the right games, set the mood, offer snacks and treats, get everyone involved, have prizes, and countdown to midnight. We hope you have a wonderful family game night and a Happy New Year!

Movie marathon at home

New Year's Eve is a special occasion that everyone looks forward to - but sometimes it can be a little challenging to celebrate with kids in tow. However, there’s no need to stress because with some careful planning, you can still have a memorable and enjoyable evening with your little ones. One great idea is to organize a movie marathon at home!

Here are some tips to make the event even more enjoyable:

Choose the perfect movie selection:

To start off, pick out a few movies that both you and your kids will love. This might be a great opportunity to introduce them to some of your favorite childhood movies. You can also choose some new releases that the whole family can enjoy together. Make sure you have a mix of genres to keep things interesting. You could even have a voting system where everyone picks their top choices.

Decorate the living room:

Once you've picked out your movie selection, it's time to transform your living room into a cozy cinema. You could put up some fairy lights or balloons and fill the room with cushions and blankets to make it extra comfortable. You could also make a DIY projector screen to play the movies on.

Prepare some snacks:

No movie marathon is complete without snacks. Popcorn, chips, and candy are all popular choices, but you could also make homemade treats that your kids can help you prepare earlier in the day. Consider making some popcorn balls, rice crispy treats, popcorn cones, or even a hot chocolate station. Having options for drinks and snacks will make the night feel that much more special.

Make it interactive:

You don't have to watch the movies back-to-back. You can make it interactive by having activities in between the movies. A great idea is to organize a scavenger hunt, game competition, or even a craft project related to the theme of one of the movies. You could also have an early “countdown to midnight” with some sparkling apple cider and noisemakers just for fun.

New Year's Eve with kids doesn't have to be a hassle. Creating a movie marathon is just one way to make sure everyone has a good time. You can make it as simple or elaborate as you like, as long as it's enjoyable for all. Happy celebrating!

DIY balloon drop at home

New Year's Eve is an exciting time for kids, but sometimes it can be difficult to find fun and safe activities for them to enjoy. However, one way to liven up your at-home celebration is to create a DIY balloon drop. It's easy to do and will be a memorable activity for everyone to enjoy.

Here's how to create a DIY balloon drop for New Year's Eve:

Step 1: Gather Supplies

To create a balloon drop, you will need balloons (a lot of them), string, confetti, and a plastic tablecloth or sheet.

Step 2: Designate a Drop Zone

Choose a location for the balloon drop, preferably a large indoor space with tall ceilings. You'll also need to choose a location to hang the drop (a sturdy ceiling).

Step 3: Inflate the Balloons

Start inflating your balloons. You can use a manual or electric pump to inflate them. Inflate as many balloons as you can and try to keep them similar in size.

Step 4: Attach the Balloons

Create clusters of balloons by tying them together with string. Tie the strings to the dropzone. You can use fishing line or twine to tie the clusters to the ceiling. Make sure all of the balloons are firmly attached, and space them out evenly.

Step 5: Add Confetti

Fill the balloons with confetti to add an extra element of excitement. You can use a funnel to load the confetti into the balloons before you inflate them.

Step 6: Countdown to the Drop

Get everyone in place and start the countdown. When you get to zero, release the balloons! The confetti inside will fall, creating a festive atmosphere and excitement for the new year.

Creating a DIY balloon drop for New Year's Eve is an easy way to make your celebration more memorable and enjoyable for everyone, especially for kids. Don't forget to take lots of pictures and have fun!

Virtual countdown with friends and family

As the New Year approaches, it should be a time of celebration with loved ones. However, for many families with young children, the idea of staying up late and attending a crowded party may not be feasible. If you're looking for a way to make the most of New Year's Eve with your kids, consider a virtual countdown with family and friends.

Virtual countdowns can be just as exciting as in-person events, and you can tailor it to suit your family's preferences. Here are some steps to help you plan a virtual countdown that will provide you and your family with a memorable end to 2021:

• Invite family and friends: Send personalized invitations to your family members and close friends for a virtual New Year's Eve party. You can use online platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype to connect with your loved ones and share the countdown to a new year.
• Plan the entertainment: A virtual countdown doesn't have to be boring. Create a playlist of your family's favorite songs, movies or games you can enjoy together, or a dance party. You can also prepare some magic tricks, or a scavenger hunt. Remember, this is your party, and you can make it as exciting as you want it to be.
• Create a countdown: You can find many interactive countdown apps available for free, which can be projected onto a bigger screen. If you’d like to make it more personal, you can create your own New Year's Eve countdown to share with your guests. Alternatively, you can make activities, such as making a single change each half hour, like changing décor, games, or clothing.
• Prepare traditional New Year's Eve food: You can engage the kids in preparing some New Year’s Eve food like deviled eggs, or a fondue platter, sparkling water or a hot chocolate bar. Treats and decorations can not only help keep kids busy, but they also make the party feel like a true celebration.
• Make it fun: Don't forget to have fun! Get silly and participate in the countdown with your children. Make some noise, like balloons, party horns, bubbles, etc. Get dressed up or have a themed dress code and make it an evening to remember.

In summary, a virtual countdown with family and friends can be a great way to usher in the New Year. It doesn't have to be expensive or complicated, but it does require a little planning. By incorporating interactive games, music, and great food, you can create a virtual event that your kids will talk about for years to come.

Plan a themed dinner party at home

New Year's Eve is a special time of the year when families come together to celebrate the end of the old year and the start of the new one. For parents who have children, it can be challenging to find things to do that are both enjoyable for the adults and fun for the kids. If you're looking for a way to spend New Year's Eve with your kids, why not plan a themed dinner party at home? Here are some tips to help you get started.

Choose a Theme

The first step is to choose a theme for your dinner party. This could be anything from a masquerade ball to a superhero soirée, depending on your children's interests. Make sure to involve them in the planning process to get their input and help them feel excited about the event.

Create Invitations

Next, create invitations for the dinner party. These can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, depending on your budget and creativity. You can use online invitation services or make your own using craft supplies. Don't forget to specify the dress code or any other important details.

Decorate the Space

Transform your home into the themed location for your dinner party by using decorations, lighting, and music. You can also add themed centerpieces, tablecloths, and napkins to add to the ambiance. For instance, if you're having a Hollywood-inspired party, you can decorate the walls with movie posters, put up a red carpet, and turn up the music from some classic soundtracks.

Plan the Menu

Choose a menu that fits the theme of your party. If you're hosting a western-style party, you could serve up some BBQ ribs, corn on the cob, and sweet potato fries. For your masquerade ball, you could try something more regal or elegant, such as a seafood platter and sparkling cider. Make sure to involve your kids in the planning process and let them help you prepare the food too.

Games and Activities

Finally, plan some games or activities to keep everyone entertained throughout the night. This could include board games, movie screenings, or simple crafts like making party hats or confetti poppers. You could also organize a New Year's countdown and have everyone sing Auld Lang Syne at midnight.

In conclusion, hosting a themed dinner party is a great way to celebrate New Year's Eve with your kids. It's an excellent opportunity to involve them in the planning process, get creative, and have some fun together. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can create a memorable family night that everyone will cherish for years to come.

Create a scavenger hunt at home

New Year's Eve is a time when families can come together to ring in the new year. However, with young children, it can be a challenge to find ways to celebrate that are kid-friendly. One fun activity that the whole family can enjoy is creating a scavenger hunt at home.

To get started, think about what items or activities you want to include on the scavenger hunt. You can make it as simple or as elaborate as you want. Some ideas to consider for younger children may be to find items like a ball, a toy car, or a stuffed animal. For older children, you can add more difficult tasks like finding a specific book or solving a riddle or puzzle.

After you've decided on the items or activities, create a list of clues that will lead your children to each item. To make it more festive, include New Year's themed hints and riddles. You can write the clues on colored paper or print them out on special New Year's themed paper to make it more exciting.

Now it's time to hide the items and spread out the clues throughout the house. Make sure you have enough items for each child and that the clues are hidden in places that are easily accessible to your children. For younger children, make the items easier to find by placing them in plain sight, while older children may enjoy a challenge to find a well-hidden item.

Once everything has been set up, gather the family together to start the game. As the children search for each item, encourage them to work together and help each other out. For added fun, have your kids wear glittery hats or tiaras, or even set up a photo booth for them to take silly pictures to preserve the memories of their fun scavenger hunt.

Remember, the key to a successful scavenger hunt is to make it age-appropriate and fun for everyone. It's also important to keep safety in mind when hiding items and clues, especially with young children.

Creating a scavenger hunt at home is a fun way to celebrate New Year's Eve with kids. With a little planning and creativity, you can make it a memorable experience for the whole family.

Build a blanket fort and have a watch party

The countdown to the new year is a big deal for everyone, including kids. As a parent, you want to make the last hours of the year memorable for your children. A great way to do this is by building a cozy blanket fort and enjoying a watch party with the family.

Here are some ideas to help you make your blanket fort new year's eve party a success:

• Set up the blankets: Gather all the blankets and towels in your house and lay them out to create your fort space. You could use chairs, tables, or other furniture to create the structure of your fort. A great way to spice things up is by adding fairy lights to your fort for some extra cozy vibes.
• Pick a family-friendly movie: Choose a movie all members of your family would enjoy watching together, and offer plenty of snacks to keep the kids happy and full. Popcorn, chips, and candy are all perfect watch-party snacks.
• Make some fun mocktails: Make the night special by mixing up some non-alcoholic drinks for the kids. You could make some colorful and fruity mocktails or even serve some hot cocoa.
• Sparklers: If you are in a place where you can safely use sparklers, they can add to the excitement of the evening for kids. Always keep a close watch on your children when using sparklers and never let them use them unsupervised.
• Plan some games: To keep the energy up and avoid any boredom, plan some games to play in your blanket fort. Some games your family could enjoy are charades, board games, or even a game of Twister.
• Countdown to midnight: When the countdown to midnight begins, make sure to include your kids in the fun. You could use an online countdown timer, listen to a radio countdown, or even make your own with a DIY clock. Celebrate the arrival of the new year with some noise makers, silly string, streamers, and confetti poppers.

With these ideas in mind, you're sure to have an amazing New Year's Eve blanket fort party with your kids!

Host a karaoke party

New Year's Eve is the perfect time to bring your family together for some fun-filled activities and celebrations. A karaoke party is an excellent choice for those who love music and singing. Whether your kids are budding singers or terrible at it, they will surely enjoy belting out some tunes and welcoming the New Year with a bang. Here are some vital tips for hosting a karaoke party for your family and friends on New Year's Eve.

Preparation is key

Hosting a successful karaoke party entails proper planning and preparation. Make sure to have all the necessary equipment ready before the guests arrive. You will require a karaoke machine, a microphone, a speaker, a playlist of popular songs, and plenty of snacks and refreshments. You can also prepare some party props, such as glow sticks, hats, and noisemakers, to make the event more exciting and festive.

Create a great playlist

To ensure a great time for everyone, create a well-curated playlist that includes popular songs that everyone can sing along with. You can add some classic hits that appeal to different age groups and genres to cater to everyone's taste. Make sure the playlist is family-friendly and appropriate for all ages.

Encourage participation

Karaoke parties offer an excellent opportunity for your kids to showcase their talents and entertain their siblings, friends, and parents. Encourage everyone to participate and sing along, even if they are shy or don't have a great voice. You can start the party off with a few group songs to break the ice and encourage everyone to join in the fun.

Make it a competition

To add more excitement to the party, you can make it a singing competition. Set up a judging panel consisting of family members or friends and award prizes to the top performers. You can also have different categories such as best solo performance, best group performance, and most creative performance.

In conclusion, hosting a karaoke party is an excellent way to ring in the New Year with your loved ones. It provides an opportunity to bond, have fun, and create lasting memories with your family and friends. Follow these tips, and you are sure to have a great time with your family and friends on New Year's Eve.

Have a dance party at home

New Year's Eve is a special time to celebrate and welcome in the new year. However, it can be a challenging event to navigate with kids. But don't worry, we've got you covered! If you want to stay at home and have a fun New Year's Eve with your kids, consider having a dance party! Here are some tips to make your dance party a hit with the kids.

Choose the Music

The first and most important thing you will need for a dance party is the music. You can either use a music streaming service or create a playlist of your own. Make sure the music is age-appropriate and fun to dance to. Consider playing some classic children's songs that the kids can sing along with.

Decorate Your Space

Create a party atmosphere by decorating your space with festive decorations and colorful lights. Cover the walls with colorful streamers or balloons. You can also add party hats, noise-makers, and other fun accessories. The kids will love it!

Make Some Snacks

When dancing, it's important to stay hydrated and energized. Consider making some healthy snacks that the kids can munch on during the party. You can make simple snacks such as fruit kebabs or popcorn. Don't forget to add some colorful drinks to the mix.

Involve the Kids

The best way to get the kids excited is to involve them in the planning. Ask them to help you choose the music, decorations, and snacks. Let them be a part of the process and watch as their excitement builds.

Countdown to the New Year

No New Year's Eve party is complete without a countdown to midnight. Make it fun by creating your own countdown clock or using a digital clock. Right before midnight, gather the kids together, and count down the seconds to cheers and excitement.

In Conclusion

Having a dance party at home is the perfect way to celebrate New Year's Eve with kids. It's easy, fun, and doesn't require leaving the house. Remember, the goal is to have fun, so be creative, and let the kids lead the way. Happy New Year!

Play video games together

New Year's Eve can be an exciting time for both adults and kids. While you may be more interested in popping a bottle of champagne or watching the ball drop, your kids may not be able to stay up late enough for those festivities. Instead of leaving them behind, consider spending some quality time and making new memories with your kids by playing video games together.

Whether it's playing a classic board game or firing up the latest gaming console, playing video games is a great way to bond with your kids and celebrate the New Year. Here are some tips on how to make playing video games with your kids a fun and memorable New Years Eve activity.

Choose games that the whole family can enjoy

When picking out games to play on New Year's Eve, choose games that are appropriate for your kids' age group. The game should also be simple enough for everyone to understand and participate. Games like Mario Party, Minecraft, and Just Dance are popular options that both kids and adults can enjoy.

Make it a competition

Challenge your kids by turning your New Year's Eve video game session into a friendly competition. You can divide into teams or play against each other to see who can get the highest score. You can also offer small prizes for the winner, such as a homemade treat or a special dessert.

Set up a snack station

Playing video games can be a fun and exhausting activity. Make sure to offer plenty of snacks and drinks to keep everyone energized. Set up a snack station with easy-to-eat treats like popcorn, chips, and dip. You can also make festive mocktails or hot chocolate for the kids to enjoy.

Dress up in costumes

Add to the fun by dressing up in costumes or wearing silly hats. You can choose a specific theme or let everyone pick their own outfit. Taking pictures together and documenting the fun you've had during the video game session is a great way to commemorate New Year's Eve with your kids.

In conclusion, playing video games is a fun and exciting way to spend New Year's Eve with your kids. It can be a great opportunity to bond over a common interest, make memories, and have some friendly competition. Remember to keep it age-appropriate, offer plenty of snacks, and have fun!

Set up a hot cocoa bar and watch a holiday movie

New Year's Eve is an exciting time for everyone, including kids! If you're planning to spend New Year's Eve with your little ones, one fun activity you can do together is to set up a hot cocoa bar and watch a holiday movie.

A hot cocoa bar is a simple and fun way to add some festive cheer to your home. You can start by making a big batch of hot cocoa and then set out different toppings and mix-ins so that everyone can customize their drink. Here are some popular toppings you can add to your hot cocoa bar:

• Marshmallows: Whether mini or regular-sized marshmallows, no hot cocoa is complete without them!
• Whipped Cream: Any whipped cream will do, but homemade whipped cream is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Candy Canes: Crushed candy canes make for a delicious and pretty topping.
• Chocolate chips: Melted chocolate chips are a decadent addition to any hot cocoa.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel on top of your hot cocoa for a sweet and salty treat.

Once you've set up your hot cocoa bar, it's time to choose a holiday movie to watch together. Classics like "Home Alone," "Elf," and "The Polar Express" are all great options that the whole family can enjoy. You can also pick a newer movie like "Klaus" or "The Grinch" that will still capture the holiday spirit.

As you get cozy and enjoy your hot cocoa and movie, take some time to reflect on the past year and discuss with your kids what you're looking forward to in the new year. This can be a great opportunity to set goals and intentions with your family for the upcoming year.

Setting up a hot cocoa bar and watching a holiday movie are just two of the many fun things you can do with your kids on New Year's Eve. Whether you're playing board games, having a dance party, or making a fancy dinner, the most important thing is to spend quality time together as a family. Have a happy and safe New Year's Eve!

Make homemade pizzas together

New Year's Eve is a special time of year for many families, but it can be challenging to find ways to celebrate with young children. One fun activity to consider is making homemade pizzas together as a family!

To get started, gather all the necessary ingredients: pizza dough, sauce, cheese, and various toppings. You can purchase these items from the grocery store or make them from scratch if you're feeling adventurous. Set up a workstation where each family member can assemble their own pizza.

Have fun experimenting with different toppings and combinations. Encourage your kids to get creative and try new things. You can also make a game out of it by challenging each other to see who can come up with the wackiest pizza creation!

As you work together to make pizzas, take the opportunity to talk about your hopes and goals for the new year. This can be a fun way to start a family tradition and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Once the pizzas are assembled, bake them in the oven and enjoy a delicious family meal together. You can even use the leftovers to have a pizza party the next day!

Making homemade pizzas together is a fun and easy way to celebrate New Year's Eve with kids. By involving everyone in the process, you'll create lasting memories and start the new year on a positive note. So roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and have a great time!

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