"Can I stay up until midnight this year?" For a lot of kids, that's the big question of New Year's Eve. Whether they make it or not, a great night doesn't depend on the clock. Here are ideas for an evening that works for little ones and big kids alike, plus games, crafts, food and the essentials of fireworks safety.
Plan the Evening
Kids feel calmer when they know what's coming next. A simple schedule on a big sheet of paper does the trick: dinner, game time, crafts, countdown, bedtime. Younger kids can draw pictures instead of times.
Keep the plan light: three fun activities with downtime beat a packed schedule. A quiet afternoon or a short nap also helps kids who want to stay up late.
The Kids' Midnight
If midnight is too late, try an early countdown. Somewhere in the world it's already midnight while it's still evening where you live. Pacific island nations like Kiribati are among the very first to ring in the year, so you can simply celebrate along with another country. Some families even count down at lunchtime.
Ideas for your kids' midnight:
- Pick a time: Early evening or just before bedtime, depending on age.
- Count out loud: Everyone counts down from ten together, just like the kids in the coloring page Kids Counting Down.
- Add a surprise: Toss confetti, blow party horns or sing a song.
- Be honest: Older kids usually love knowing it's "their" midnight.
To fill the time before the countdown, try the Countdown Envelopes: open one envelope every hour to find a small task or game inside.
Games for New Year's Eve
Playing together makes the hours fly by. Family favorites include:
- Charades: Act out things like a rocket, a snowman or a clock.
- Family quiz: Questions about the past year and about traditions around the world.
- Lucky charm hunt: Hide small paper lucky charms around the house and let the kids search.
- Freeze dance: Turn on music, dance, and freeze like a statue when it stops.
You'll find more printables in New Year's Games.
Crafts and Decorations
Kids love decorating their own party. Paper party hats and crowns come together quickly, and a confetti popper made from an empty toilet paper roll makes the countdown feel like a big moment. The instructions are in Confetti Cannon.
Kids can also handle the table: writing place cards, cutting out stars or hanging a garland. Coloring pages are great for quieter moments, too.
Food and Drinks
New Year's Eve food can be cozy and easy. Dishes everyone can help with tend to be a hit:
- Tabletop grill or raclette: Each kid builds their own little pan.
- Finger food: Veggie sticks with dip, mini sandwiches, cheese cubes, fruit skewers.
- Something sweet: Doughnuts, muffins or popcorn for game night.
For the midnight toast, make a kids' punch: fruit tea mixed with orange and apple juice, a pinch of cinnamon and an orange slice. Serve it warm in mugs or cold in a punch bowl, like in Kids Punch Bowl. That way even the youngest can raise a glass.
Fireworks Safety
Fireworks are part of the night for many families, and one rule comes first: only adults light fireworks. Kids watch from a safe distance, ideally from a window, a balcony or well back on the street.
Keep these points in mind:
- Keep your distance: Kids stay far away from rockets and fireworks cakes, including duds that didn't go off.
- Protect little ears: Ear muffs for kids are a smart idea, because fireworks are very loud for young ears. There's even a coloring page for it: Child with Ear Muffs.
- Sparklers: Only with an adult right next to them, outdoors, held at arm's length, with a bucket of water nearby for the used wires.
- Local rules: Check what's allowed where you live, since fireworks aren't permitted everywhere.
Don't forget about pets at home and in the neighborhood. Read how kids can help them in Pets on New Year's Eve: How Kids Can Help.
When Kids Get Sleepy
Some kids fall asleep on the couch long before midnight, and that's perfectly fine. If they want you to wake them, talk about it ahead of time. Many kids are so tired by midnight, though, that they barely enjoy it. In that case, the kids' midnight is the better choice.
A cozy camp in the living room with blankets and pillows is a nice middle ground: the kids are part of the party but can lie down whenever they like.
New Year's Morning
The first morning of the year can start slowly. A big breakfast and a walk outside feel good after a late evening. A sweet tradition: everyone in the family writes or draws a wish for the year ahead. The notes go into a jar and get read aloud next New Year's Eve.
FAQ
What age can kids stay up until midnight?
There's no set rule. Many preschoolers can't make it and are happier with an early kids' midnight. School-age kids often last longer, especially after a quiet afternoon.
What can kids drink for the midnight toast?
Kids' punch is a classic. It's quick to make from fruit tea and juice and works warm or cold. Sparkling juice in a fancy glass also feels festive.
Can kids hold sparklers?
Only outdoors and with an adult right beside them. The sparkler is held at arm's length, and a bucket of water is ready. Little kids are better off watching.