Best New Years Eve Family Traditions With Kids (+5 Epic Tips)
What Do You Do With Kids on New Years Eve?
If you have kids, you know that it’s not always EVER easy to get out of the house.
So, the best New Years Eve family traditions are kid-friendly, easy, and have lots of at-home options.
Kids New Year’s Clock Countdown
You may also need for your holiday festivities to wind down BEFORE midnight. Sometimes, it’s just not worth it when they’re little.
For that reason, you can do these kids New Years Eve activities from 5 pm to 8 pm (or whenever!). This gives a festive night of fun and entertainment, but your kids can still go to bed at a normal time. After, enjoy a little adult time to unwind.
Key Takeaway: This fun family New Year’s tradition is super flexible!
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How it Works
First, I write 15-minute time increments on clocks that I laminated several years ago. The time is written on the front in a Visa V pen so that it can be erased! Then, I write the activity on the back so that I know what we’re doing.
When it’s the specified time, we do the activity labeled on the back. Finally, we keep going until all of the clocks are done (and it’s bedtime :))
HERE are a bunch of free clock templates!
| FOR YOUNG KIDS | For toddlers and young kids, set an alarm to keep kids on track. Make activities every 15 minutes to keep them moving and relieve the crazies between activities. |
| FOR OLDER KIDS | Older kids can read the clocks on the door (it’s great practice!). For kids with more patience, every thirty minutes works well. Or try a combination of time lengths depending on the activity. |
A Sample Schedule of New Year’s Eve Activities for Kids
Here’s a sample schedule for New Year’s Eve family traditions and activities every thirty minutes.
5:00 EAT A FUN DINNER
Make it fancy-schmancy or throw out some chicken nuggets. Either way, a fun family dinner is a must! Read my easy family dinner activities if you need something fun with your meal.
5:30 DECIDE ON FAMILY GOALS
Come up with 5-10 things you want to do as a family this coming year and family goals you may have. Our list last year included things such as:
- going to church more often
- seeing a national park
- and more family exercise.
Adults or big kids write it and little kids add pictures. Then, it goes up on the fridge.
We also did a family mission statement last year and LOVED it. Give your family a catchy motto that inspires everyone!
6:00 EAT A FANCY TREAT
It’s New Years. Who doesn’t love a treat? I bake healthy(ish) banana bars with fancy chocolate on top. Be sure to include 12 grapes for good luck!
6:30 SPECIAL BEDTIME RITUAL FUN
I LOVE the idea of getting ready for bed as part of the countdown. I mean, make bedtime as easy as possible! Draw a bath for the kids (involve new special toys if you’d like), read a great story, and have them brush their teeth. (Or save the teeth brushing for after your toast).
This book is a great one for New Years Eve traditions…
7:00 LOOK AT PICTURES
We take tons of photos, so why not celebrate them? Cuddle up and look at all of the pictures that you took over the year. Talk about your best memories. It’s easy to use your phones or computer, and we always find special moments we forget about!
7:30 NEW YEAR’S EVE QUESTIONS
Next, we’ve used a questionnaire for many years. The kids love reading what they said in past years. Or just ask them New Years reflection questions to talk about the “best” and “worst” things of the year too!
8:00 THE FINAL CLOCK COUNTDOWN
Finally, do your own countdown and toast to the New Year (with sparkling grape juice, of course). Drop balloons from the ceiling or hop on Netflix to choose from several of their kids’ countdowns. We do two or three different countdowns for fun. And, of course, make LOTS of noise!
More New Years Eve Family Traditions & Activities
In years past, we have varied the activities. Different things work for different kids and ages! So, here are others that we’ve done and family ideas to try.
PLAY TRIVIA (Great with older kids)
Test your New Year knowledge with these:
You’ll learn a lot AND have fun!
Also, check out New Year’s Jokes and Riddles for Kids!
TRY BRAIN BREAKS
It never hurts to get the wiggles out.
Cosmic Kids Yoga is our longstanding favorite, but a simple Youtube search usually gives lots of options to move your bodies for 15 to 30 minutes.
DON’T LET THE BALLOON HIT THE FLOOR
And now we’re going old school. Again, get the kids’ energy out! We included this last year and the kids LOVED it. Simple, but effective.
SEEK TREASURE
If you’re feeling industrious, do a simple treasure hunt for the kids to search inside or outside. Have a small prize or kids reward coupon at the end. Older kids can even make their own for the rest of the family to do.
WATCH A FUN 30 MINUTE SHOW
Do they have a favorite show they love? Add it to the countdown! This is a great activity to help them wind down for the night.
PLAY THIS OR THAT
Print out this fun free New Years This or That Pdf.
HAVE THE KIDS COOK
This one has to be done BEFORE dinner. But it’s a great activity to get them involved. As they get older, they could have their own New Year’s Eve signature dish.
MAKE A TIME CAPSULE
Put a few special items from 2023 in a box and record your best moments of the year. Bury it in your backyard or set it in a back closet or the basement.
BRAINSTORM YOUR FAMILY’S FUTURE
Get a huge piece of poster board and go crazy brainstorming things you want to do as a family, places you want to travel, projects to conquer, and goals to accomplish.
See here for:
WRITE A FAMILY LETTER
Finally, recap the major events that happened in your lives in the past year.
Write it down. Then, include something that you each hope for in the coming year. As the years pass, take the time to read the letters from previous years.
Looking for more great family night ideas? Get a copy of the pdf below!
5 Clever Tips to Make Family New Years Amazing
Ok, you’ve got your clocks and New Years Eve family traditions ready to go. What’s next? Check out these quick ideas to make everything extra special!
1. USE SIMPLE DECOR
Include a few decorative items in the evening! We like to add a “fancy” tablecloth and flowers to the dining room table, and we get out a few balloons. Nothing crazy, but enough to make the evening special.
2. DO SOMETHING SCANDALOUS
Scandalous for the kids, that is. Pick one thing that adds a little craziness to the night. Buy ridiculous hats, eat only with spoons, or wear your pajamas inside out. The giggles you’ll hear will be worth it!
3. PRE-PLAN YOUR NEW YEAR’S EVE TRADITIONS
New Years Eve family traditions are not meant to be stressful for parents. So, make-ahead items for dinner (or your treats) and buy everything well in advance. Or just use items in your home. Then…
Related: How to Plan Your Next Year Ahead
4. GO WITH THE FLOW
Like the rest of the holidays, expectations can get out of hand. Make mental notes for what works and what doesn’t. Choose the easier activities if you need to. But remember, your time together is the most important thing.
5. CREATE NEW YEARS EVE TRADITIONS WITH ADULTS
This kid party can finish early. So, grab your ebook and finish out the night with special rituals you love with your partner or friends. And of course, don’t forget the kiss!
To Consider With NYE Family Traditions
Since starting these New Year’s Eve traditions with our kids the night has gone SO SMOOTHLY. The first time you do it, there’s a little setup work, but after that, it’s incredibly easy. Plus, it adds a special flair, and it’s a fantastic transition into bedtime.
Now, end the year with the right tone. Be reflective and excited for what comes ahead! The future is bright!
What are your favorite New Year’s Eve family traditions? Is it with family, friends, or your partner? I’d love to know below!
Other Family Traditions Posts You May Enjoy…
- 11 Unforgettable Ways to Make a Birthday Special
- 9 Meaningful Christmas Traditions That Encourage Giving
- Valentine’s Day Activities That Are Perfect for Your Family
You have so many great ideas to help make New Year’s Eve special for kids. The treasure hunt sounds like something my kids would really enjoy!
I’m glad you enjoyed the post! Thanks for sharing!
Love love love this idea!! I love how you make it intentional time and focus on fun and bonding activities 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed our tradition! If you try it out, let me know how it goes! 🙂