Winter Fun for the Family: New Year's Eve Celebration

Food and Drink

With kids, simple is best. Many fun and easy foods can be made for and with children. One great place to get kid-friendly recipes for New Year's Eve celebrations is Kids-Cooking-Activities. Also, a
 great source of non-alcoholic punch recipes is Allrecipes. The recipes there create the perfect punches for the kids, designated drivers, or those who do not consume alcohol. Another source of non-alcoholic drink recipes is FamilyFun, which also features other New Year's Eve recipes and craft ideas.

Entertainment

Television Broadcasts. Many television stations will be broadcasting special New Year's Eve concerts and events. However, some families may feel that the content and advertisements in some of these broadcasts is not family-friendly, so view them at your own discretion.

Local Family Friendly Events. Across the globe, many types of New Year's Eve parties are planned for the public. A common one across the USA that was created with families in mind is First Night. First Night events typically include food, music, art, and entertainment. These events do not include alcohol. A full list of cities offering First Night events may be found at the First Night website. Other countries, such as New Zealand and Canada participate, but as of 2008, only in one city per country. That may change in future years.

Games. Board games such as bingo and monopoly may be played. Also, other types of games may be enjoyable for the family, such as those found online at sites such as The Holiday Spot and Amazing Moms. Simple prizes may be given, or grab bags containing treats, dollar store finds, craft instructions and materials, or party favors may be created and used.

Other Activities. Coloring pages, crafts and instructions for other fun activities including making countdown clocks, party hats, and various noisemakers may be found online at various Web sites such as Kaboose.

Ringing in the New Year

Related information
  • Families can enjoy many activities at home or away to celebrate the new year.
  • Younger children may need to ring in the new year at an earlier hour. Sleepy kids are grouchy kids.
  • Pets, noise, and small children don't always mix. Upset pets may nip at a child. Watch them closely.