Fun Ways to Ring in the New Year

Are you getting to ring in the new year with your kids?  Here are some fun activities, recipes, crafts, and games to make the night extra special.

New Year’s Crafts for Kids

One way to keep little ones entertained on New Year’s Eve is with engaging crafts.  These crafts are quick and simple to do and are perfect for kids (and adults!) of all ages.

You could even let kids do one New Years craft each hour as you count down to midnight.  Which craft is your favorite?

1. Paper Plate Party Hat Craft

How cute is this idea from Arty Crafty Kids?  I think these would be BEAUTIFUL made with Metallic Quick Stix.  Quick Stix are simply tempera paint sticks.  All the beauty of paint with no mess.  If you haven’t tried them, you must!

2. Foil Sparkler Craft

Colorful foil is used to make these adorable sparklers from  Kids Craft Room.  I never even knew there were so many beautiful colors of foil.  Check these out!

3. Paper Plate Countdown Clock

Not only is this craft cute, but it’s a great little math lesson too.  Visit Buggy and Buddy for directions to make this paper plate clock.  

Let little ones move the hands of the clock as the  midnight countdown goes on.

 P.S.  I don’t blame you if you set the clock ahead a few hours.  I can hardly make it to midnight myself!  Your New Year celebration with kids can officially end at 9. (Ha!)

4. DIY New Year’s Noise Makers

Ring New Year in with the kids with these fun, jingly noise makers from A Night Owl Blog.  In fact, you could use some leftover Christmas bells and ribbon for this adorable craft.

5. Cupcake Liner Fireworks

Gather up some colorful cupcake liners, because this next craft is the cutest!  Find the instructions at A Little Pinch of Perfect.

This craft provides great scissor practice as well. It’s perfect for even preschoolers.

6. Celebration Slime

Now this will probably be the favorite for children of all ages.  Kids LOVE slime and this Celebration Slime from Little Bins for Little Hands is absolutely beautiful.

Add glitter and sparkly embellishments to make it perfect for New Year’s Eve.

 

Games You can Play for the New Year with Kids

Another fun way to pass the time on New Year’s Eve is with these fun and simple games kids and adults can play together.  

7. I Spy

I Spy is a childhood favorite.  And this New Year’s version by Paper Trail Design is sure to be well loved at your New Year’s celebration. 

After printing it, provide the kids with some colored pencils, crayons and markers so they can color as they find the hidden objects.  This free printable is sure to entertain them for quite a while!

8. New Year’s Minute it to Win it

Minute to Win it games are so much fun.  U Create has 6 different “Minute” game ideas for your New Year’s Eve celebration with kids.

I love Minute to Win it games because they’re so quick and high energy.  The whole family will love these games!

9.  Scattergories

Scattergories is a fun game to ring in the New Year with big kids.  It’s especially fun if you set a two minute timer and see who gets answers down the fastest.

Even little kids can help with a few of the Scattergories questions, so this is the perfect whole family game.  Grab a FREE Scattergories New Year’s printable from This Crazy Adventure Called Life.

10. New Year’s BINGO

Bingo is always a family favorite, and this New Year’s version is perfect for all ages to play together.  Grab this free printable from Fun Squared.

11. Mad Libs

Older kids (second grade and up) will love ringing in the New Year with Mad Libs.  My daughter loves these silly stories and doesn’t even realize she’s learning and practicing grammar! #parentingwin

These FREE printables can be downloaded from Woo, Jr.  

12.  New Year Scavenger Hunt

This New Year’s scavenger hunt by Moritz Fine Designs is a simple yet fun game. Kids can search the house plus the New Year’s countdown on television for the items listed.  

Make it extra fun by having people take a selfie with the item when they find it.  Wouldn’t that be fun?

 

Ring in the New Year with these Snacks for Kids

Kids love to snack.  And let’s face it.  New Year’s Eve is the perfect invitation to snack…a lot….late into the night!  Here are some delicious and festive snacks that are perfect for your New Year’s Eve party.

13. New Year’s Mocktails

While the adults are enjoying New Year’s cocktails, kids can enjoy these delicious Mocktails from Modern Parents Messy Kids.

Sparkling juice and colorful candies in plastic champagne flutes make a fun drink for your little partiers.

14. Rice Krispie Clocks

This tasty treat is easy to make.  You could even have kids write the numbers on the clock face using some black squirt icing.

You can find this yummy idea at Kid Friendly Things to Do—along with lots of other great New Year’s Eve ideas.

15. Blondie Brownie Party Hats

These are absolutely adorable…and delicious.  Not only are they the perfect snack for ringing in the New Year with kids, but you could also make them for a birthday party!

Find the instructions for this edible art at Kid Friendly Things to Do.

16. Confetti Cupcakes

Another yummy sweet treat is these Confetti Cupcakes from Play Party Plan.  These delicious cupcake are topped with Fruity Pebbles—a true kid pleaser.

Aren’t these treats so colorful and festive?  

17. Midnight Cookies and Milk

If your little ones actually make it to midnight, these midnight cookies and milk from Parents are ADORABLE, festive, and yummy.

Dipping the glass in melted chocolate and sprinkles just makes it perfect for New Year’s Eve.

18. Pretzel Rods

Here’s another quick and easy to make snack that the kids could even help you make.  Chocolate dipped pretzel rods from Premeditated Leftovers are a crowd pleaser.

Fun Things to do When the Clock Strikes Midnight

If your little ones make it to midnight (OR if you trick them into believing it’s midnight at 9 p.m.) here are two fun ideas you could do!

 

19. Confetti Poppers

While you’re making your New Year’s Eve crafts, be sure to make these confetti poppers with toilet paper tubes, balloons, and confetti.  Then when the clock strikes midnight, you’ll be ready to celebrate!

Find the instructions for this uber cute craft at The Crafting Chicks.

20. Balloon Drop

Forget the giant apple dropping.  When you’re with kids, a balloon drop is in order!  Find out how to have your own epic balloon drop at the stroke of midnight at Modern Parents Messy Kids.

 

Are you ready to ring in the New Year with your kids?

I hope these twenty fun ideas inspired you to make New Year’s Eve fun and memorable for your family.  I’d love to hear which idea is your favorite!