Skip to main content

Ring in the new year with kids – and these tips to make it fun for all

Have an exciting New Year's Eve with kids using these tips

When you have children, celebrating New Year’s Eve requires a bit more planning. Perhaps more planning than it makes it worth it to leave the house. To help, we’ve thought of some ideas to make your kids feel involved whether you plan on going out, inviting friends over, or just enjoying quality family-only time at home. Crafting New Year’s Eve traditions with your kids is something to look forward to every year.

Even if you do decide to leave the house for your party plans, incorporate some of the following activities for your little ones before you go. Your kids will get to share a special moment with you, and that will mean more to them than waiting up until midnight, which they might not make it to, anyway. So, before the kiddos fall asleep, start one of these traditions on New Year’s Eve with the kids.

A cupcake with a sparkler in the middle
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Pop the (non-alcoholic) bubbly

Whether you have toddlers or kindergarteners, help them feel a bit more adult with their own version of champagne. Young kids love acting like the adults around them, so grab them a plastic champagne glass, fill it with apple juice or sparkling juice, and enjoy the excitement on their faces as you toast each other.

Recommended Videos

Another option is to get the kids involved in cooking a special dinner or baking a specific dessert and turning it into a yearly tradition. Allow your children to have total reign on this one — ask them what they want to make and see where it leads you. If they want spaghetti sandwiches or three cookies mixed in one, let them have it! Make sure they’re involved in the process, from mixing to pouring in the ingredients. They’ll love the quality time spent together and seeing their creations come to life. Plus, they will love getting the chance to be a bit wacky.

If you don’t have time to let the kids do the whole meal themselves, decide what’s being crafted in the kitchen and give your kiddos the creative reigns. Bake cupcakes and let your little ones decorate them. Get some edible glitter or pearl sprinkles to match the spirit of New Year’s Eve, or fill the insides of your cupcakes for a sprinkle explosion. 

Toddler boy holds a sparkler
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Ring in the new year early 

If your little ones need to go to sleep on time, and maybe they haven’t learned how to read a clock yet, consider doing an early countdown with them. They will still get to be a part of the excitement, but without any cranky attitudes.

Make it special by crafting your own balloon drop. While your kids may not be able to blow the balloons up, they’ll love helping put the balloons in place. Plus, the anticipation will keep them going right until the big moment. Whether they go to sleep at 8 p.m. or 10 p.m., you’ll get to celebrate the new year with your toddlers and they won’t know the difference!

If it’s not too chilly, take your New Year’s Eve outside and ring in the new year with sparklers. It’ll be like having your own mini fireworks show. Further heighten the experience with sparkler writing. Make sure you have a camera that adjusts to a shutter speed of about 3 seconds to capture the shape you draw with your sparkler. For younger ones, hold their hands to help guide them or hold the sparkler for them. They’ll love seeing the bright lights of the sparklers, even if they’re not the ones holding the end of the stick.

A person making a list of New Year's resolutions for the family
9dream studio / Shutterstock

Family resolutions

Plan fun activities for your mini humans for the following year. Your little ones will love getting to be a part of the planning for this one. Ask your kids what they would like to do and let them speak their mind freely. It’s like that movie Yes Day, but with things that you’ve preapproved. 

If you’d like, write all of your ideas down and have your kids decorate the slips of paper. Have them help decorate an activity jar, which will house all of your family plans for the next year. When you have a free day, take a chance, and let your kids choose an idea from the jar!

At the end of the day, your children just want your attention and to hang out with their favorite people. Kids know that New Year’s Eve is a big deal for adults, and they only want to be included in the event. Whether you engage in any of the activities from this list, play a family game, or watch a movie together, making time for family is always the best way to end the old year, and start the new one. Have a great New Year’s Eve and cheers to the new year!

Antonia Maric
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Antonia Maric originally hails from Westchester, New York. Aside from writing, Antonia takes pride in exploring national…
Got sporty kids? What’s the best source of hydration on and off the field?
How to hydrate your young athletes
Two boys going after a soccer ball in a game

If you have children, you most certainly have a trail of half-used water bottles lying around the house, especially in their rooms. It doesn't matter how many reusable water bottles you have either. Those wind up getting lost or coming home from school and practice almost full. Getting kids to stay hydrated is a daily battle in many households. Hydration is important for everyone, but children tend to dehydrate faster.

Now, if your kiddos play sports, hydration is even more vital. Dehydration can increase the risk of injuries on the field and lead to cramps, exhaustion, and even heat stroke. Understanding how to keep kids hydrated before and after the big game (or practice) is often a major issue. Kids just love those sports drinks, but are they really the best source of hydration for your budding young athletes? After all, some of those drinks do turn your child's teeth and lips pretty colors. So, what are the best ways to help your kids stay hydrated on and off the field?
How to keep kids hydrated

Read more
Where to host your kid’s party: Tips for parents planning the perfect day
It's easy to plan a fun and affordable birthday party for your child
Birthday party balloons

Planning your child's birthday party is exciting but can also be stressful. Sometimes, finding your kid's party location can be affordable and fun, and there are venues that cater to kids. But trust us, it does not have to cost you a fortune! There are plenty of budget-friendly party places that you can find for your child's party. Keep reading to learn more on kid's party locations.
Consider their age

The biggest factor you want to consider is the age your child is turning. Are they young children? Chances are that if they are between the ages of 2 to 7, you can probably have their birthday party at a local park. Family and friends can gather around picnic tables, the kids will have an open area to play in, and it's a bonus if there is a playground at the park. The kids would love that! Most young children don't care where their party is being held -- they just want to have fun!
Number of guests

Read more
Spring sports for kids: Best picks for a fun season
Let your child try one of these sports to welcome springtime
A children's baseball game

When the winter hits, most kids plan out how they will stay inside all season long, huddled under blankets with books and TV shows. Parents, too. By spring, parents and children alike cannot wait to get back outside and moving again. If you want to help your child stretch their body and mind out and be active again, find one of these spring sports for kids and get them signed up now.
How to pick a sport for your child

Depending on where you are, spring sports for kids usually start signups in January, but can go up to May in some places, so check with your local school or city club on the dates. When picking a sport for your child, let them make the decision with you, and don't be disappointed if they don't want to continue it. You want to find something your child likes, so they stick with it. Letting them try a few different ones wouldn't hurt, especially so you know what they want to commit to before going crazy buying all of the gear.

Read more