14 Exciting New Year Activities for Kids

December 12, 2025

New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to mean staying up late watching fireworks on TV. For families with young children, it can be a special night full of fun, laughter, and little traditions that make the countdown to midnight magical.

Whether you’re planning a big family night in, a small get-together, or just want to make it feel a bit more special for your kids, this list of New Year activities for kids is packed with easy, fun and festive ideas that work perfectly in a UK family home.

Why Celebrate the New Year with Kids?

New Year’s Eve is a great opportunity to:

• Reflect on the past year as a family
• Build new traditions that children can look forward to
• Encourage gratitude, hope, and creativity
• Enjoy some light-hearted fun before the year begins

The best celebrations don’t have to be loud or late; they just need to be meaningful.

New Year’s Eve Ideas for Families

These New Year’s Eve ideas for families are designed for households with young children. They can be enjoyed during the afternoon or early evening so little ones don’t need to stay up late to join the fun.

1. Host a Mini Countdown Early

Not every child can make it to midnight, and that’s okay.

• Create your own early countdown at 7 or 8 pm.
• Use balloons, a bell, or confetti poppers (safe and child-friendly).
• Stream a “fake” countdown online or make your own with a timer.

2. Decorate the Living Room for a Family Party

Transform your lounge into a mini celebration zone:

• Hang streamers and fairy lights
• Use paper stars, balloons or banners
• Let kids make their own party hats and noise shakers

3. Create a Family Time Capsule

• Decorate an old jar or box
• Add drawings, notes, photos or small keepsakes from the year
• Open it next New Year’s Eve to look back on your memories

4. Make a Wish Jar for the Year Ahead

Each family member can write or draw a wish for the new year. Store the slips in a jar and revisit them at the end of the year to see how many came true.

Games to Play on New Year’s Eve

Fun games help children feel part of the celebration without the need for loud parties or screens. Here are some easy and exciting games to play on New Year’s Eve at home.

5. Balloon Countdown

• Fill 6-8 balloons with activity slips (e.g. “Dance party,” “Hot chocolate,” “Draw your favourite memory”)
• Pop one every 30 minutes or hour as the night goes on.

6. New Year Bingo

• Create simple bingo cards with festive words like “party hat,” “fireworks,” “balloon,” “confetti.”
• Use sweets or stickers as counters.
• First to get a line or full house wins a small prize.

7. Musical Statues

• Play family-friendly music
• Everyone dances, then freezes when the music stops
• Add party hats or props to make it more festive

8. Treasure Hunt Countdown

Hide clues around the house that lead to a “New Year’s treasure” (small party favours or treats).

Creative New Year Activities for Kids

If your children love making and doing things, these ideas bring a crafty twist to the night.

9. DIY Noisemakers

• Fill empty toilet rolls with rice or pasta, cover with paper and tape
• Decorate with stickers and pens
• Shake them during the countdown

10. Sparkler or Confetti Parade (Supervised)

If the weather permits, go outside for a mini parade in the garden.

• Use sparklers safely with adult supervision
• Or create a confetti walk indoors with paper streamers

11. Memory Garland Craft

• Cut strips of coloured paper and write favourite memories from the year on each strip.
• Link them together to make a paper chain and hang it up.

Calm and Cosy Countdown Ideas

Not every celebration has to be noisy. If your little ones prefer a quieter night:

12. Family Movie Marathon

Choose feel-good family favourites like Paddington 2, Encanto, or Frozen. Add fairy lights, blankets and snacks to make it extra special.

13. Hot Chocolate Bar

Create a mini station with mugs, whipped cream, marshmallows and sprinkles. Let the kids build their perfect hot chocolate.

14. New Year Storytime

Snuggle up and read stories about hope, wishes, or adventures. You could even make up your own family story about what the new year might bring.

Tips for a Stress-Free Family New Year’s Eve

• Keep it early: Don’t feel pressured to stay up until midnight.
• Focus on connection: Kids remember the moments, not the hour.
• Prepare in advance: Simple decorations and activities go a long way.
• Include everyone: Let kids help plan the night; it builds excitement.

Why These New Year Activities Matter

These New Year activities for kids are about more than just filling time. They create moments your children will remember fondly:

• Building family traditions
• Encouraging creativity and gratitude
• Celebrating together, no matter their age
• Ending the year on a positive, playful note

Whether you’re throwing a mini party, enjoying a cosy night in, or just sprinkling a bit of magic before bedtime, these ideas make it easy to celebrate together as a family.