Best Activities to Enjoy with Your Children on New Year's Eve

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New Year’s Eve is often thought of as a night for adults to celebrate, but it can be just as fun and exciting for kids. There are plenty of family-friendly activities that can make the evening memorable for everyone. Whether you want to keep the festivities low-key or go all out, here are the top 10 things to do on New Year’s Eve to ring in 2025 with your kids.

Kids with New Year’s hats on. ADOBE STOCK IMAGES

Host a Family Movie Marathon

One of the easiest ways to celebrate with kids is by hosting a movie marathon for the entire family to enjoy. Choose family-friendly films or holiday classics and settle in for a cozy night. You can even create a themed movie lineup to add an extra holiday flair to the evening. Don’t forget the popcorn, candy, and blankets so that it will be the ultimate movie experience.

New Year’s Eve Craft Party

Get creative and have a DIY craft party. Set up a station with supplies to make New Year’s hats, party poppers, or even homemade noisemakers. Kids will love getting crafty while also preparing for the night’s countdown to 2025.

Early New Year’s Eve Countdown

Now that you have your hats, party poppers, and homemade noisemakers from the DIY craft party, it is time to prepare for the night’s countdown. If you have younger children who won’t stay up until midnight, consider having an early countdown. You can celebrate with a balloon drop, a sparkling cider toast, and lots of cheers to ring in the new year at a time that works for everyone.

Attend a Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Event

Many cities host family-friendly events, such as fireworks shows, concerts, or ice-skating at local rinks. These events often have earlier start times, making them perfect for families with kids of all ages. Check out the local happenings in your area for special celebrations.

DIY Time Capsule

Create a time capsule to ring in the new year. Have each child write down their favorite memories of the past year and their hopes for the year ahead. Seal it up and open it when you are preparing to ring in 2026. This can become a truly fun family tradition.

Dance Party!

Kids love to dance, so turn up the music and host a dance party at home. Create a playlist with favorite songs and let the kids show off their best moves. You can even have a dance party contest and give out small prizes for creative dancers. This is something that the kids can even invite their friends to take part in!

Bake Treats Together

Baking together as a family is always a fun and delicious adventure that kids will love. You can bake cookies, cupcakes, or a New Year’s Eve cake. Decorate the treats together and enjoy them as a family either after a special dinner or when the clock strikes midnight.

Enjoy a Special Dinner Together to Ring in the New Year

Celebrate the evening with a special dinner. You can prepare a fancy meal together or let the kids help plan the menu. Whether it’s homemade pizza, a seafood feast, or something unique, it’s a fun way to make the night feel extra special.

Have a New Year’s Eve Scavenger Hunt

Set up a New Year’s Eve-themed scavenger hunt in your home, the yard, or both! Write out clues and riddles related to the holiday or your own special New Year’s traditions. This is a great way to keep kids engaged while celebrating the holiday at the same time.

Make a Family Resolution List

Sit down as a family and make resolutions for the year ahead. Each family member can share their goals, and you can create a fun family vision board or list. It’s a meaningful activity that helps everyone start the year off with purpose.