The New Year is an exciting time for adults and children alike. They love the energy and fun that comes with starting a new year.
In this post, I’ll share 8 amazing New Year activities your kids will love. These activities are fun and easy to do.
So, let’s dive in and make this New Year unforgettable for your kids.
Exciting New Year Activities for Kids
1. DIY Countdown Clock
Countdowns are exciting, and crafting makes them even better! Let your kids create their own countdowns to track the hours left.
SUPPLIES
- Cardboard
- Markers or crayons
- Movable clock hands
- Colored construction paper
- Tape or glue
How to Make it?
DIY Countdown Clock
Cut out a circular clock shape from cardboard and add numbers around the edge. Attach movable clock hands with a pin.
Let the kids color and decorate their clocks with stickers and glitter, then move the hands every hour as the night progresses!
Paper Chain Countdown
Cut construction paper into strips. Tape or glue the strips into interlocking loops to form a chain.
Write an activity or joke on each loop. Tear off one link every hour for an exciting countdown.
2. New Year’s Eve Party Hats
DIY party hats make kids feel extra festive while ringing in the New Year.
SUPPLIES
- Cardstock or foam sheets
- Glitter glue
- Stickers and jewels
- Ribbons
- Elastic string
How to Make it?
Cut out cone shapes from cardstock or foam sheets. Use glitter glue, stickers, and colorful markers to decorate the hats.
Attach adhesive jewels and ribbons to make them regal. Secure elastic strings to the base so they fit comfortably. Wear and celebrate in style!
3. Balloon Popping Countdown
Popping balloons is always been so much fun! This hourly countdown with surprises will keep the excitement alive all night long.
SUPPLIES
- Balloons
- Slips of paper for notes or rewards
- Fun challenges like “Dance for 5 minutes” or “Tell a funny joke.”
- A marker
How to Make it?
Write down an activity, joke, or reward on each slip of paper. Insert them into the balloons and blow them up.
Label each balloon with the corresponding hours. When the time comes, kids pop up the balloons to reveal the surprises inside!
4. Baking New Year’s Treats
Baking is a fun and delicious way to engage kids during the holiday. Play chef with your kids and whip up some New Year-themed goodies!
INGREDIENTS
- Sugar cookie dough
- Icing in various colors
- Sprinkles and edible glitter
- Cupcakes and frosting (optional)
How to Make it?
Roll out the sugar cookie dough and use cutters to make star, clock, or number shapes. Bake according to the recipe, then let kids decorate them with icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter.
You can also make cupcakes and frost them with clock-face designs for extra fun!
5. Time Capsule Creation
A time capsule is a wonderful way for kids to reflect on the year and look forward to the future. It’s a keepsake they’ll love opening years later.
What to Include:
- Photos, artwork, or small toys from the year.
- A list of their favorite memories.
- Predictions for the next year, such as “What will I look like?” or “What will my favorite thing be?”
SUPPLIES
- A shoebox, jar, or tin
- Paper and pens
- Stickers and decorations
How to Make it?
Decorate the capsule with stickers or paint. Seal it and mark the date to open, like “New Year’s Eve 2025.”
6. New Year’s Sparkle Jars
DIY sparkle jars are a calming and beautiful craft that kids will love creating and shaking!
SUPPLIES
- Clear jars or bottles
- Water and glycerin (optional)
- Glitter in various colors
- Small trinkets (stars or beads)
- Hot glue or secure caps
LET’S MAKE IT!
Fill the jar or bottle with water, leaving some space at the top. Add a splash of glycerin to slow the glitter’s movement.
Let kids sprinkle in their favorite glitter colors and drop in small trinkets. Seal the cap securely with glue. Shake and watch the sparkles swirl like magic!
7. New Year’s Wish List Stars
Help kids think about their dreams and goals for the year ahead with this sweet and simple activity.
SUPPLIES
- Star-shaped cutouts
- Markers, stickers, and glitter pens
- Ribbon or string
LET’S MAKE IT!
Give your child a few star cutouts. On each star, they can write a wish or goal for the new year, like “Learn to ride a bike” or “Visit the zoo.”
Decorate the stars with stickers and glitter pens. Punch a hole at the top and string them together to create a “wish garland” to hang as a reminder.
8. Write Letters to Future Selves
This is a thoughtful and fun activity. Ask your children to imagine their future self and then write it down on a paper. It’s a great mix of creativity and introspection.
How to Guide Kids?
- Use prompts like “My favorite thing about this year was…” or “In 5 years, I hope to…”
- Decorate the letters with drawings, stickers, or glitter.
Store the Letters:
- Use envelopes or a special box to keep the letters safe.
- Write the “open date” on the outside, like “Open on New Year’s Eve 2030.”
