10 Fun New Years Activities for Kids to Start the Year Right

 

It is the New Year, and to be honest, the task of entertaining kids and at the same time making the day special may seem like a full-time job. Kids are quick to boredom between school holidays, family get-togethers, and leftovers of holidays.

But don’t worry! I’ve put together 10 fun New Years activities for kids to start the year right that are simple, engaging, and perfect for any home. These ideas will not only keep your little ones busy but also help create memories that last long after the fireworks fade.

Whether you’re looking for indoor activities, creative crafts, or fun games, there’s something here for every kid and every mom. Let’s dive in!

1. DIY Noisemakers and Party Hats

Children enjoy making things to themselves, particularly festal things. The production of DIY noisemakers and party hats is a relatively easy task that involves both the crafting period and a sense of anticipation of the new year.

What you need:

• Toilet paper, paper cups empty

• Stickers, glitters, and markers

• Noisemaker rubber bands and beads

How to do it:

• Allow your children to color their hats or cups with colored markers and stickers.

• Poke beads into the cups and then seal the mouth with paper and fasten with a rubber band to create a fun noisemaker.

• Spend the last days of 2013 and New Year along with them and allow them to enjoy their homemade products!

Working tip: Prepare a small crafting station and make everything ready. This contains the mess and allows children to be entirely creative.

2. New Year’s Resolution Jar

It can be entertaining and instructive to have the kids look back on what they have accomplished in the previous year and what they hope to achieve. A jar filled with resolutions on a New Year Day is a novel approach that makes them start to think positively.

Steps:

• Prepare a jar or a container and sticker or color paper on it.

• Provide the children with little pieces of paper where they are expected to write or draw their resolutions.

• Read them both at the conclusion of the year and compare how you have developed!

Mom hint: With younger children, it is better to have them draw pictures rather than write. This renders it more interactive and entertaining.

3. Indoor Scavenger Hunt

Children enjoy adventures and an indoor scavenger hunt is an ideal event to have on a New Year activity, which does not ask going outside.

How to set it up:

• Write a list of things that your kids can identify in the house.

• Add such challenges as find something that makes you smile or bring your favorite toy.

• Give little prizes after completing the hunt, stickers, additional screen time or a sweet prize.

Hint: Personalize the hunt to the age and interests of your child. Young children can use picture clues or older children can cope with riddles or easy puzzles.

4. Countdown Balloon Pop

Countdown balloons will make the run up to the New Year an exciting activity.

You’ll need:

• Balloons

• Small notes or tiny treats

• String and markers

How to do it:

• Write on little pieces of paper jokes, write, or treats.

• Insert one in every balloon then inflate it.

• Label the balloons and make children pop one every hour until midnight or whatever time you decide your countdown time should be.

Mom trick: When it is too late at midnight, count-down in the middle of the day or evening. Children will still have the fun without going to bed very late.

5. New Year Craft: Vision Boards

Vision boards do not have to be an adult-only tool but can also be an interesting idea of kids sharing their wishes about the new year.

How to make it kid-friendly:

• The bottom would be a cardboard or a large sheet of paper.

• Allow your children to clip pictures in magazines or draw images of their own.

• Stickers, glitter and colored markers are to be stuck on and used to make it colorful.

Hint: You can ask the children to consider basic objectives, such as learning a new skill, helping at home, or having a new hobby.

6. Movie Marathon with Themed Snacks

There are occasions that the most enjoyable thing on a New Year is snuggling up and have a film marathon. Make it a special occasion and serve it with themed snacks.

Ideas:

• Glittery sprinkled or colored sugar popcorn

• Firework-decorated mini cupcakes

• Brightly-colored fruit skewers

Mom tip: Have your children choose the movies to play in the marathon. How engrossed they will be in the event!

7. Time Capsule Creation

A time capsule is a practical method of children to keep the year in memory and anticipate the year to come as well.

Steps:

• Prepare little objects which symbolize the items of the last year—photos, drawings, toys or notes.

• Pack them in a box or a container and close it.

• Put the date and mark it to open on the next New Year Eve.

Bonus activity: Have the children write down predictions of the years to come, what will they know, what will they do, or who will they make new friends.

8. Fun Indoor Obstacle Course

Expend energy on an obstacle course with kids. You do not require any special equipment, as house items are good enough.

Ideas for obstacles:

• Crawl under chairs

• Hop over pillows

• On a line of floor tape measure

• Toss soft balls into a bucket

Mom tip: Add a fun timer, it makes it a race. It is energetic, playful, and it makes kids get rid of energy before the evening activities.

9. DIY Fireworks Art

For children who enjoy artworks, home-made fireworks are vivid and harmless as well as celebratory.

Materials:

• Black construction paper

• Chalk, color, or coloured pencils

• Glitter for sparkle

How to do it:

• Allow children to make blasts of fireworks on black paper with the help of chalk or paint.

• Put glitter on it so that it shines just like the real one.

• Put their works on the wall to create the feeling of mini celebration within the house.

Hack: In the case of toddlers, it is easy to use stampers or sponge brushes to be less messy.

10. Dance Party Countdown

The most basic thing can be the most enjoyable at times. Dance party countdown allows children to dance, laugh and party together.

Steps:

• Prepare a list of songs that are child friendly.

• Allow the children to come up with some dance moves.

• Dance along to the countdown time that you select.

Mom tip: Glow sticks or flashlights will add more fun. Children are fond of lights and it is a real party!

Bonus Tips for a Stress-Free New Year’s with Kids

• Preplan: Prepare materials and prepare activities on the eve of the day.

• Keep it simple: You do not have to use fancy crafts and costly materials.

• Rotate activities: Alternate between still and lively thoughts to keep the kids active.

• Involve everyone: Invite additional family members and siblings to join in to have additional fun.

• Celebrate small wins: It is a victory even little crafts or scavenger hunts complete!

CONCLUSION

New Year is full of fresh beginnings, happy times, and family time. Trying these 10 entertaining New Years activities with children to enter the new year properly, you will not only keep your small ones entertained but you will make great memories that will be remembered.

It does not need to be that good, you see, and it is how much time you have together and how many times you smile. Bring your crafts, balloons, and snacks and this New Year around will be a one on the memory list of your kids!

Wish you a pleasant, joyful year with your children!