New Years Eve Games for Kids
New Year’s Eve with kids, it’s like a mix of sugar highs, excitement, and the promise of staying up late (way past bedtime)! If you’re like me, you’re juggling trying to keep the kiddos entertained without letting them tear the house apart. So, why not sprinkle in some fun New Year’s party games that will keep everyone busy, laughing, and maybe even a little tired out by midnight?
Here are some of my favorite New Year’s party games for kids, each one tested by my own crew. Because if my little chaos-makers approve, yours will too!
Fun New Years Eve Party Games for Kids
1. Balloon Pop Countdown
Let’s start with a classic that brings tons of excitement: Balloon Pop Countdown! This one’s not just fun, it’s loud, which makes it feel like a real party (and gives you an excuse for any noise complaints).
How it works: Blow up a bunch of balloons (however many hours are left until midnight) and write a fun activity on a slip of paper for each one. Put the paper inside the balloon before inflating it. Then, every hour, the kids get to pop a balloon and do the activity written inside. These activities can be simple, like “Dance party for 5 minutes,” or creative, like “Make a silly New Year’s resolution.” You can even sneak in a quiet activity like “Read a short story” if things are getting wild.
Why they’ll love it: The suspense of waiting for each balloon pop is thrilling for them. Plus, who doesn’t love the sound of balloons popping? (Though I will admit, it might not be as thrilling for our eardrums.)
2. DIY New Year’s Eve Hats and Noisemakers
I love this one because it keeps little hands busy, and when they’re busy crafting, they’re not fighting over who got the last juice box.
How it works: Set up a crafting station where the kids can decorate their own party hats and noisemakers. You can get plain party hats from a dollar store, and for the noisemakers, grab some paper towel rolls, tape, rice, and markers. Let the kids fill their “noisemakers” with rice or beans, tape up the ends, and go to town decorating them. (Pro tip: Glitter glue is a kid favorite, but be prepared to find it everywhere for weeks.)
Why they’ll love it: Kids get to show off their creativity, and they’ll feel like they’re a part of the celebration. Plus, when midnight rolls around, they’ll have their very own, personally crafted hat and noisemaker to welcome the new year!
3. New Year’s Scavenger Hunt
If your kids are anything like mine, they can never sit still for too long. A scavenger hunt is the perfect way to keep them moving while giving you a bit of a breather.
How it works: Hide little New Year’s-themed items around the house. You can use things like paper clocks, party hats, confetti poppers, or anything shiny (because New Year’s Eve is all about that sparkle, right?). Give them a list of things to find and set them loose. To make it competitive, you can have prizes for the first one to find everything or make it a team effort where they work together.
Why they’ll love it: It’s like a treasure hunt with a New Year’s twist. Plus, once they find all the items, they can use them to help decorate the party space, making it even more festive.
4. Minute to Win It New Year’s Edition
If your family is competitive like mine, a good ol’ fashioned “Minute to Win It” challenge will keep everyone on their toes. These quick, silly games are perfect for kids, and they bring a lot of laughter (and maybe a little sibling rivalry, too).
How it works: Set up a few different stations with one-minute challenges. Some fun ones might include:
- Cookie Face: Put a cookie on the kid’s forehead, and they have to get it to their mouth using only their facial muscles (you’ll get some hilarious faces with this one).
- Cup Stack: Who can stack plastic cups into a pyramid and take them down again the fastest?
- Junk in the Trunk: Fill a tissue box with ping pong balls, strap it around the player’s waist, and they have to shake all the balls out without using their hands!
Why they’ll love it: The short, fast-paced nature of these games keeps them engaged, and the silliness factor is through the roof. Plus, the whole family can join in and compete—who says grown-ups can’t have a little fun too?
5. DIY Fireworks (But the Safe Kind!)
I know what you’re thinking, fireworks and kids don’t exactly mix. But this is a much safer, glitter-free version that everyone can get behind.
How it works: Give each child a handful of bubble wrap, then at midnight (or whenever you decide your “midnight” is), let them stomp on it to create their very own “fireworks.” If you want to take it up a notch, dim the lights and play some exciting music to go along with the popping.
Why they’ll love it: The satisfying pop of bubble wrap is like magic to kids, and when you call it fireworks, they’ll feel like they’re part of a big celebration.
6. Pass the Present (New Year’s Style)
This one’s a hit every year in our house, and it’s great for any age group. You just need a small gift or treat and some wrapping paper.
How it works: Wrap a small gift in several layers of wrapping paper. Sit the kids in a circle, play some music, and have them pass the present around. When the music stops, the child holding the present gets to unwrap one layer. Keep going until the final layer is unwrapped and the winner gets the prize! For a New Year’s twist, you could add little “challenges” to some layers of the wrapping, like “Do a funny dance” or “Make a New Year’s wish.”
Why they’ll love it: The suspense of wondering when the music will stop and who will win the prize is always a thrill. And hey, the layers of wrapping paper make it feel like a mini-adventure!
7. Glow Stick Dance Party
Okay, this one’s super simple but so much fun. When the clock strikes “kid-friendly midnight,” kill the lights and give the kids glow sticks for an epic New Year’s Eve dance party.
How it works: Get a pack of glow sticks, turn down the lights, crank up the music, and let them dance the night away. You can even give them glow stick bracelets and necklaces to make them feel like they’re at a mini rave (but you know, the kind with juice boxes).
Why they’ll love it: Kids love anything that glows, and dancing in the dark feels just a little bit rebellious, like they’re staying up waaaay past bedtime.
8. Wishing Wall
Let’s sneak a little heartwarming moment into the chaos, shall we? This one is great for teaching kids about making resolutions or wishes for the coming year.
How it works: Set up a “Wishing Wall” with sticky notes and pens, and let each child write (or draw) their wish or goal for the new year. Then, stick them on the wall for everyone to see. You can make it fancy with glittery stars or colorful pens (because, let’s face it, kids are more likely to participate when there are markers involved).
Why they’ll love it: It’s a sweet moment where they get to express their hopes and dreams. Plus, it’s fun to see what their little minds come up with.
9. New Year’s Bingo
Who doesn’t love a good game of bingo? And what’s even better? A New Year’s-themed one!
How it works: Make bingo cards with New Year’s symbols like party hats, clocks, fireworks, champagne glasses (non-alcoholic, of course), etc. You can find printable versions online or make your own. Use buttons, candy, or stickers as markers. Call out items or show them on a screen, and the first kid to fill a row shouts “Happy New Year!” and wins a prize.
Why they’ll love it: Bingo is easy for all ages, and they’ll be so excited when they shout “Happy New Year!” instead of the usual “Bingo.”
10. Freeze Dance (New Year’s Edition)
Turn a regular dance-off into a New Year’s Eve celebration with some music and a twist!
How it works: Put on a playlist of fun, upbeat music, and when the music stops, the kids have to freeze. If they move, they’re out! To keep the New Year’s theme, you can shout “Countdown!” when they have to freeze or play New Year’s party songs.
Why they’ll love it: Kids get to dance like wild and then suddenly stop, which always leads to giggles and fun. Plus, the music keeps the energy up!
11. New Year’s Charades
This is a great game for some laughs and perfect for all ages.
How it works: Write New Year’s-themed actions or objects (like “counting down,” “watching fireworks,” or “cheering with confetti”) on pieces of paper and place them in a hat. Kids take turns pulling a piece of paper and acting out the scene while the others guess.
Why they’ll love it: Charades always bring out funny moments, and kids love being the center of attention while showing off their acting skills!
12. Time Capsule Creation
This activity brings a thoughtful touch to your New Year’s Eve party.
How it works: Provide small boxes or jars and let the kids decorate their own “time capsules.” They can fill them with little keepsakes from the past year (like photos, drawings, or small toys) and write down their favorite memories or predictions for the next year. Seal the capsules and decide on a date to open them (maybe next New Year’s Eve!).
Why they’ll love it: It’s a meaningful activity that lets them reflect on their year, and they’ll love the idea of “saving” their memories for future them to open.
13. The Clock Strikes Midnight Relay Race
Get those little feet moving with this fun, fast-paced relay game!
How it works: Divide the kids into two teams. Set up an obstacle course with activities like jumping over a pillow, crawling under a table, or balancing a New Year’s hat on their head. Each team member must race through the course and pass an “hour” (a toy clock or anything that represents time) to the next player. The first team to get all their members through wins.
Why they’ll love it: It’s active, competitive, and gives them an excuse to burn off all that New Year’s excitement!
14. New Year’s Resolution Guessing Game
A sweet and thoughtful game to get everyone involved.
How it works: Have the kids write down a New Year’s resolution on a slip of paper and place it in a jar. Then, pull out the resolutions one by one and read them aloud. The rest of the group has to guess whose resolution it is.
Why they’ll love it: Kids love the mystery of guessing games, and it’s fun to see what resolutions they come up with (expect things like “Eat more pizza” and “Stay up later!”).
15. Ball Drop (Balloon Toss Game)
Recreate the famous New Year’s Eve ball drop, but with balloons!
How it works: Blow up balloons and have the kids toss them into a large box or laundry basket from a distance. To make it more challenging, set a timer and see how many they can get in the basket before time runs out. You could even add numbers to the balloons, and they need to get them in order, simulating a countdown!
Why they’ll love it: Balloons are always a hit with kids, and they’ll love the challenge of getting them into the basket in time.
16. New Year’s Trivia for Kids
Test their knowledge with a fun New Year’s-themed trivia game!
How it works: Prepare some kid-friendly trivia questions about New Year’s Eve traditions, the months of the year, or events from the past year. You can even include silly questions like “How many grapes are eaten in Spain at midnight?” (Answer: 12!) Whoever gets the most correct answers wins a small prize.
Why they’ll love it: Kids love to show off what they know, and trivia games give them a chance to feel smart and proud. Plus, you can throw in some funny or wacky questions to keep it light-hearted.
17. Confetti Popcorn Relay
Mix food and fun with this delicious relay game!
How it works: Divide the kids into teams. At one end of the room, place bowls of “confetti popcorn” (just popcorn mixed with colorful sprinkles or candy). The kids must transfer the popcorn from one bowl to another at the opposite end of the room using only a spoon (no hands!). The team that transfers all their popcorn first wins.
Why they’ll love it: It’s messy, silly, and involves popcorn, what’s not to love? Plus, they get to munch on their popcorn after the game ends!
So there you have it, a few fun, low-stress ways to keep the kids entertained while ringing in the new year. Whether they’re crafting their own hats, popping balloons, or dancing in the dark, these games will help create memories they’ll remember long after the clock strikes midnight (or you let them crash at 9 p.m.).
Let’s be real, New Year’s Eve with kids isn’t about fancy parties or elaborate plans. It’s about laughter, togetherness, and a whole lot of patience. Wishing you and your little crew a happy (and hopefully not too chaotic) New Year!
