New Year’s Eve is a magical time filled with excitement, laughter, and the anticipation of a brand-new year. While adults often celebrate with late-night parties, kids can also join in the fun with engaging and festive activities designed just for them. Whether you’re hosting a family-friendly party or simply spending the evening at home, there are plenty of creative ways to keep children entertained while counting down to midnight. In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of fun-filled activities that will make New Year’s Eve special for kids. The Kids Point is here to ensure your little ones have an unforgettable celebration!
DIY New Year’s Eve Party Hats
Nothing says “party” like a festive hat! Let kids unleash their creativity by designing their own New Year’s Eve hats.
Materials:
- Cardstock or construction paper
- Glue or tape
- Stickers, glitter, and sequins
- Markers or crayons
- Elastic string or ribbon
Instructions:
- Cut the cardstock into a cone shape and secure it with glue or tape.
- Allow kids to decorate their hats with stickers, glitter, and colorful drawings.
- Attach an elastic string or ribbon to hold the hat in place.
- Have a mini parade to show off their unique creations!
Balloon Countdown Surprise
Build excitement for the New Year by creating a balloon countdown with fun surprises inside.
Materials:
- Balloons (12, one for each hour leading to midnight)
- Small slips of paper with activity ideas
- Confetti (optional)
- Permanent marker
Instructions:
- Write different activities on small pieces of paper (e.g., “Sing a song,” “Do a silly dance,” or “Tell a joke”).
- Insert the paper into a balloon before inflating it.
- Blow up 12 balloons and label them with the hours leading to midnight.
- Pop one balloon each hour and complete the activity inside!
Glittery Fireworks Art
Since fireworks are a big part of New Year’s Eve, why not let kids create their own sparkly masterpiece?
Materials:
- Black construction paper
- Glitter glue or craft glitter
- Paintbrushes or cotton swabs
- Brightly colored paint
Instructions:
- Let kids draw fireworks bursts with glitter glue or paint.
- Use cotton swabs to create different firework patterns.
- Sprinkle glitter onto wet paint for extra sparkle.
- Allow the artwork to dry and display it as a festive decoration.
DIY Confetti Poppers
Kids love confetti, and making their own poppers adds an extra level of excitement!
Materials:
- Toilet paper rolls
- Balloons
- Tissue paper or wrapping paper
- Confetti
- Tape or glue
Instructions:
- Cut a balloon and stretch it over one end of a toilet paper roll.
- Decorate the roll with wrapping paper or stickers.
- Fill the open end with confetti.
- Pull back the balloon and release to shower confetti!
New Year’s Eve Time Capsule
A time capsule is a great way to reflect on the past year and look forward to the next.
Materials:
- A small box or jar
- Paper and pens
- Photos or small keepsakes
Instructions:
- Ask kids to write down their favorite memories from the year.
- Encourage them to add small keepsakes or drawings.
- Seal the container and store it away to open next New Year’s Eve!
Sparkling Apple Cider Toast
Give kids their own special toast to ring in the New Year!
Ingredients:
- Sparkling apple cider
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Scoop vanilla ice cream into a glass.
- Pour sparkling apple cider over it.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Enjoy a festive drink while counting down!
Fun New Year’s Eve Scavenger Hunt
Create an exciting scavenger hunt with a New Year’s Eve theme.
Materials:
- Small prizes or treats
- Clue cards
Instructions:
- Hide New Year-related items around the house (party hats, clocks, balloons, etc.).
- Write out clues leading kids to each hidden object.
- Let them race to find all the items before midnight!
DIY Glow-in-the-Dark Jars
Turn the lights down and let the glowing fun begin!
Materials:
- Mason jars or plastic jars
- Glow sticks
- Glitter (optional)
Instructions:
- Carefully cut open glow sticks (adults should handle this part).
- Pour the glowing liquid into the jar and add glitter.
- Seal the jar and shake to mix.
- Turn off the lights and watch it glow!
Family Movie Marathon
Watching family-friendly movies is a great way to spend New Year’s Eve together.
Recommended Movies:
- “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” (New Year’s Eve party scene!)
- “Frozen” (for a wintery celebration!)
- “Night at the Museum” (adventure and history combined!)
Dance Party with Glow Sticks
Create a mini disco for kids to dance their way into the New Year!
Materials:
- Glow sticks
- Flashlights
- A playlist of fun, upbeat songs
Instructions:
- Dim the lights and hand out glow sticks.
- Play favorite dance songs and let the kids move and groove.
- Use flashlights for a fun strobe effect!
Paper Fortune Cookies
Kids will love making and sharing fun predictions for the New Year.
Materials:
- Colored paper
- Scissors
- Markers
- Tape or glue
Instructions:
- Cut circles from colored paper.
- Write fun fortunes on strips of paper and place them inside.
- Fold the circles in half, securing with a small piece of tape.
- Open and read at midnight!
Midnight Bubble Wrap Stomp
Popping bubble wrap is a fun way to celebrate the stroke of midnight!
Materials:
- Bubble wrap
Instructions:
- Lay out large sheets of bubble wrap on the floor.
- Let kids jump and stomp to create their own version of fireworks!
With these exciting and festive activities, kids will have a blast ringing in the New Year while staying engaged and entertained. Whether they’re crafting, playing games, or enjoying delicious treats, the celebration will be filled with joy and laughter. No matter how you choose to celebrate, The Kids Point wishes you and your family a Happy New Year filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories!