Quite honestly, New Year’s Eve isn't naturally kid-friendly. The ringing in of the New Year happens way too late for many children—and traditional festivities like champagne toasts, fancy appetizers and loud parties aren't always a great fit for little ones. But--with a little creativity, New Year's Eve can be just as fun for kids as it is for adults. Whether you are hosting a New Year’s Eve party with children, entertaining your at home, or looking for simple ways to make the holiday night special without chaos, these family-friendly New Year's Eve activities for kids are fun, flexible, and realistic for real families.
This post was updated 12/29/25 with new ideas and FAQs for today’s families.
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Create a New Year's Eve time capsule with the kids
One of our favorite, meaningful New Year traditions is creating a New Year's Eve time capsule!
While the kids may not grasp how special it is now—they will love opening it years down the road. Make it fun! Let the kids decorate an old coffee can or a shoebox or storage container and add items for their future selves.
Ideas to Include:
- A handwritten letter with favorite foods, toys or shows
- A favorite photo
- A small drawing, toy, or handmade craft.
- Notes from parents (the grown ups should definitely participate too!)
While burying the time capsule is pretty cool--storing it away in a deep, dark corner of the attic or basement until a pre-determined date works well also--especially if you may be moving or simply do not have a burial-grade storage container! This is a simple activity that builds memories without over-stimulation.
Easy New Year's Eve Crafts for Kids
Arts and crafts are always a win-especially on such a long evening! There are so many fun ways that little can craft something for the New Year. Keep things simple and mess-manageable and it's a win-win for families!
Some our our kid-approved favorites:
- Water bottle noisemakers (they are potentially a lot less messy than paper plate or paper cup noisemakers).
- DIY party hats or New Year's crowns.
- A collaborative New Year's mural or paper chain.
Be creative! Crafts give kids something to focus on while adult prep food or just sit and breathe for a few minutes during the party!
Turn New Year's Eve food into an Activity
Kid friendly food is a must for a New Year’s Eve Party for kids. Food is already part of the party plan--why not make it entertaining too?
Kid-friendly, hands on food ideas:
- Sugar cookie decorating station
- Biscuit donut hole making & decorating station
- Make your-own-mini pizza or quesadillas
- Build your own nachos or snack boards
You feed the picky partiers and you keep them busy at the same time. Yes, it can be a little messy--but, it's also efficient and fun!
Low-Key New Year’s Eve party games for kids
There is no need to go overboard in themed, over-the-top New Year’s Eve party games for the children—they may not even play them! Often, kids just want options.
Set out:
- A variety of board games and age appropriate toys
- Video games or dance games
- A karaoke machine
If you do want New Year’s themed games, keep them simple and optional.
- Bubble Wrap Stomp,
- A New Year's countdown treasure hunt
- Balloon pop countdown
Less structure usually means more fun and fewer meltdowns!
Set up a Cozy Late Night Movie Zone
As the evening winds down, designate a New Year's Eve movie room where kids can relax.
Tips for success:
- Let kids bring sleeping bags and pillows—or a SnuggieTails Blankets and a Pillow Pet
- Pre-select a G-rated (or parent-approved) movie
- Keep the lighting low and the snacks simple!
This space lets the kids feel involved in the party—even if they know they are ready for bed and won't make it to midnight! This “zone out” space really helps reduce the late-night overwhelm and meltdowns!
A Kid-Friendly New Year's Eve Can Still Feel Special
Two of the three A Mama’s Corner of the World girls have New Year’s Eve plans this year—so we’ll be entertaining only one little one this year after 6 p.m.! Luckily she loves to try new foods and is still willing to hang out with the parents!
You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect party or a midnight countdown to make New Year’s Eve memorable for kids. A few thoughtful activities, flexible expectations, and cozy moments go a long way.
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