There’s always a lot of pressure to have the perfect New Year’s Eve. When you have children, though, how you welcome in the new year is very different. Sure, you and your partner can go to a party or a fancy restaurant, but the cost of a babysitter, if you can find one, just may put a dent in the family budget.
Now, you don’t have to overspend for a babysitter or try and rope a family member into watching the kiddos for free. Just have a family-friendly New Year’s. Yes, there are fun New Year’s activities for kids the whole family can enjoy together. We’ve got some cool ideas to say goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new.
New Year’s activities for kids
When it comes to ringing in the new year as parents, there are a couple of options. With small kids who can’t stay up for the big ball drop, you can always have faux New Year’s earlier in the evening. Then, you and your partner can welcome in the new year while the kids are sleeping upstairs.
For older kids, stay up to watch the ball drop live. However you decide to spend New Year’s Eve, here are some fun ways to celebrate with the kiddos. Don’t forget to write down some resolutions before the countdown ends and the new year begins.
Fireworks
Many cities and towns across the globe welcome in the new year with fireworks displays. If your area is one of them, pack up the kids, dress appropriately, and ring in the new year with some fireworks. They aren’t just for the Fourth of July.
See what’s happening on New Year’s Eve for families in your area
Depending on where you live, there may be quite a few New Year’s activities for kids. Six Flags hosts a special Holiday in the Park on New Year’s Eve. Many museums have special New Year’s celebrations for families, as do local libraries. So, check out Facebook pages and community events in your area to see if there is anything fun going on the family will enjoy to ring in the new year.
Cook a special dinner together
Taking the whole family out on New Year’s Eve for dinner can be pretty pricey. Instead, stay in and cook dinner together. Sit down and pick out a menu as s family. Go shopping together for the ingredients. Then, have the entire family help in the prep and cooking. Cooking together is a great way to spend quality time and think of all those life lessons you’re teaching the kids. Don’t forget to make dessert, too.
Have a family movie marathon
If you decide to stay in to cook dinner or order in, cap that off with family movie marathon. Sure, you can go with Rudolph’s Shiny New Year and Happy New Year Charlie Brown or you can have a holiday movie marathon. If your family loves superheroes, watch an Incredibles marathon. There’s also Star Wars, Harry Potter, or any other favorite flicks your family loves.
New Year’s game night
Get out all the board games everyone enjoys playing and have an end-of-the-year game night. Be sure to have plenty of snacks on hand. An ice cream bar is a sweet way to ring in the new year after the Monopoly victor is crowned.
First night celebrations
Many bigger cities like Boston and some towns host family-friendly First Night celebrations. First Night events typically begin around 6 p.m. and run through 12:30 a.m. Possible activities include parades, fireworks, music, theater, and other cultural events. If your kids are older, see if any towns or cities nearby are hosting First Night events. This can be a fun way to celebrate the new year, as long as the weather cooperates.
Go on a New Year’s hike
Depending on how you want to schedule it, you can end the year with a hike or welcome it on New Year’s Day. A winter hike can be invigorating and a great way to kick-start a healthier new year. If you hike on December 31, cap it off with takeout and a movie before counting down to the new year. A New Year’s Day hike is a tradition in many families. Have a light breakfast and then head out to enjoy an age-appropriate hike with the kiddos.
Have a dance party
If you can’t go to a club on New Year’s Eve, then have one at home. Make a playlist, pass out the glow sticks, and have fun dancing with the kids.
Karaoke night
Karaoke nights are always fun. Maybe Santa brought a karaoke machine, and the family can break it in on New Year’s Eve. You can always combine a dance party with a karaoke night. Don’t forget to have plenty of snacks and juice boxes on hand.
Have a New Year’s Eve block party
If you happen to live on a street with a lot of families with kids, consider organizing a block party to celebrate the new year. Each participating house can set up in the garage with potluck offerings. Families can sign up to bring desserts, pizza, water, and juice boxes. Weather permitting, you might even be able to dust off the grill for hot dogs and get a backyard fire pit going for s’mores. Set up some craft stations where kids can make noisemakers to welcome in the new year.
There’s often some pressure to have the ultimate New Year’s Eve, but sometimes, the evening doesn’t turn out as planned. When you have kids, though, New Year’s Eve takes on a very different look. Thankfully, there are plenty of fun ways to ring in the new year. With this list of New Year’s activities for kids, you’ll be able to find something the whole family will enjoy doing together. From fireworks to a family game night marathon, kid-friendly New Year’s activities are sure to make memories to last a lifetime.
