New Year's Day as we know it was first celebrated in 45 BC, when the Julian calendar took effect, according to History.com. And these days, the tradition is going strong, with New Year's Eve having become a special time celebrated around the globe. It's a day for people to join together and celebrate in anticipation of a whole, full, fresh new year ahead. The opportunities and possibilities of what the next 12 months may bring is undoubtedly exciting for everyone — especially little ones who might not stay up until midnight the rest of the year.
Of course, December 31 is a special occasion, so, depending on their age, kids may be invited by their parents to do their best to keep their eyes open until the clock strikes midnight.
In the lead-up to that big moment, the kids may love learning about and enjoying a variety of customs associated with the holiday, from watching fireworks to singing songs like "Auld Lang Syne." If kids are old enough, parents might want to introduce them to resolution-setting. They may find it fascinating that the tradition dates back all the way to the ancient Babylonians who were the first to make promises to earn the favor of the gods and start the new year off on the right foot. Kids might also love watching the ball drop in New York City's Times Square — or viewing recordings of previous years on YouTube. The New York ball drop has been a tradition since 1907.
But beyond the traditional, customary, not to mention more adult-geared activities for New Year's, there are a ton of kiddo-friendly activities and games little ones of all ages might like to do through the day on New Year's Eve and up until it's time to ring in the new year. From science experiments to crafts, games that call for thoughtfulness and reflection, learning activities and funny, entertaining diversions, here are 20 kid-friendly activities and games for December 31.
Party Scavenger Hunt
This scavenger hunt from the blog, Reasons to Skip the Housework will keep little ones occupied during a party for adults and children, giving mom and dad some space to socialize.
Candy Dice Game
This candy dice game from Cupcake Diaries blog is fun and easy. It takes very little effort — you might even have some candy still hanging around from Halloween you can use — and the kids will be thrilled.
Make Party Hats
If you're the type of mom who would rather craft with your kids than play, this one's perfect. In this video tutorial, DailyCandy Video shows you how to turn making party hats into a quick, fun crafting activity for kids.
DIY Noisemakers
Project Nursery shows parents how to help kids make their own noisemakers for a fun, festive activity. You can make them during the daylight hours for everyone to enjoy as it gets closer to midnight.
Do a Time Capsule Questionnaire
Tips from a Typical Mom created this cute, printable time capsule questionnaire for kids to do on NYE. It's a classic activity to mark the new year, and your kids are sure to love it.
Fireworks Painting Activity
Kids will love doing this fireworks painting activity from Learning4Kids, which uses left over cardboard rolls from gift wrap. It's so super-simple, and you probably already have everything needed for it at home.
Fireworks in a Jar
Using household ingredients, kids can do this fun fireworks in a jar science experiment from I Can Teach My Child. It's cute, easy, and the mess is relatively contained.
DIY Confetti Poppers
With this tutorial from Little Bins for Little Hands, kids can make their own confetti poppers to ring the New Year. Is there anything more festive than confetti? It's messy, but so much fun.
Wishing Wall
This wishing wall activity from Buggy and Buddy is perfect for kids age 3 and up. In this simple activity, your kids will write their wishes for the New Year on sticky notes to return to the wall throughout the year so they can remember their goals.
Confetti Eruptions
Check out Little Bins for Little Hands' tutorial on a fun science experiment called Confetti Eruptions. This is a fun and simple experiment that kids of all ages will enjoy.
Silver & Gold Sparkly Slime
Yes, kids are still obsessed with DIY slime. They will love making this festive silver and gold sparkly slime from Fun-a-Day. As messy as slime is, we're kind of crazy about this one, too. The metallic is mesmerizing.
New Year Wishing Wands
This sweet New Year wishing wands craft from NurtureStore encourages kids to think about their hopes and dreams for the year ahead. It's a great way to help them remember what to focus on as they celebrate.
New Year's Play Baking Soda Science
This fizzy science experiment from Little Bins for Little Hands requires simple supplies from a dollar or grocery store. This one will make them feel just as festive as the grown-ups.
Joke Teller
We all remember how much fun these fortune tellers were when we were kids. This version is actually a joke teller from Bren Did and You Can Too. It's a fun DIY craft and activity in one.
Countdown Balloons
Your Modern Family explains how countdown balloons can keep kids excited all the way up until the clock strikes 12. Each balloon contains a different activity for each hour of the wait.
Paper Plate Noisemakers
Happiness Is Homemade explains how to make these cute noisemakers with paper plates. They're made with regular household items. If you don't have popsicle sticks, you could use wooden skewers or even twigs collected from outside.
Paper Chain Countdown
This paper chain countdown activity from The OT Toolbox can be personalized and fun for kids of all ages. Paper chains are a classic holiday activity for children and this is definitely a fun twist on the idea.
Roll-a-Year Dice Game
If your crew is into family games, this Roll-a-Year dice game printable from Laly Mom is an easy and fun New Year's Eve option. It's easy enough even older toddlers can play.
Countdown Bags
Toddler Approved explains how to make these fun New Year's Eve countdown bags. Similar to the balloon idea, each bag contains a small treat or activity to be completed during the wait to midnight.
Sparkler Firework Craft
We absolutely love this festive New Year's craft for kids. The sparkler firework craft from Kids' Craft Room is perfect for New Year's (as well as the Fourth of July!). They're cute enough you could even use them as table decor.
