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When it comes to New Years, I’ve always felt a little stumped on how to make it fun. My husband works often times on New Years Eve and with always having had a little one who wants her/his bed well before midnight, we’ve just stayed home most years.
However, there are a few things we’ve always done to make it extra special! And this year I put a little more effort into making some printables and throwing together additional activities too. 😊
So, if you are in need for some inspiration or new ideas, here are 15 New Year activity ideas for kids!!
15 New Year Activity Ideas for Kids!
Some of these activities can be done after New Years Eve, so feel free to spread these ideas out over several days!
Want to save 30% on my 2024 New Years Printable Activities? Grab this bundle here! ❤️
#1. Balloon Wall Countdown
For this activity, you’ll first need to blow up 12 balloons. You can write the numbers 1-12 on the balloons (or use stickers). You’ll then tape each balloon to the wall, so that it forms the shape of a clock (see photo below).
Each hour they can take the balloon off and pop it! If you want them to pop it while the balloons are on the wall, make sure to put something behind it (like poster board) to protect your walls.
For an extra surprise, you could also sneak a tiny note or candy into each balloon before you blow them up.
#2. Make a 2024 New Years Paper Hat!
Grab this printable here and have your kids paint/color their own party hat!
This PDF has two different headband styles (blank and fireworks). It comes with three different hat designs too.
Try using glitter, pompoms, etc – go all out and make it festive!
#3. Do a Fireworks Experiment!
This experiment is very easy and requires minimal supplies (my favorite kind of activity ha!). Watch the cool video below to see all the different ways to test out this experiment!
You’ll fill a glass 3/4 of the way full of water. Mix some vegetable oil and some drops of different colored food coloring together in another container. After you mix it up, pour the vegetable oil into the glass of water. Have your kids observe how the food coloring slowly sinks from the oil into the water (it’ll look a little bit like fireworks as it sinks and moves around).
#4. Reading Goals Printable + Make a 2024 Bookmark!
Want to encourage some reading goals this year?
Kids can use this printable to write down 12 books that they would like to read. Every time they finish a book, they can color in the book on the printable!
I plan to sit down together and pick 1 book they’d like to read together as a family every month (my oldest might make her own too).
This PDF also includes several 2024 bookmarks for kids to color. Make sure to print out on cardstock and/or laminate if you can, so that it lasts! They can color and use these as a reminder to read or (if they can write small enough) write their list on these instead.
#5. Paint Some Fireworks! (7 Designs to Choose From)
Choose and print one of these firework designs for your child to paint! They can also color it or use crumpled crepe paper and glue to fill in the design.
#6. Roll-A-Color New Years Coloring Activity
Grab some dice, markers, and these printables for a fun coloring activity! You could also print these out on cardstock and paint.
Kids will roll their dice and then color an item on the coloring sheet, according to the number they rolled.
This PDF also includes some regular coloring sheets (in case your child wants to pick their own colors and ditch the dice). 😊
#7. Fill Out This “Year in Review/Goals” Worksheet
Use this one-page worksheet to help your kids reflect back on 2023 and also get excited for what’s to come in 2024!
There are 8 different versions of these worksheet to choose from! ❤️
This is something that would make a great keepsake and be cute to look back on as they grow.
#8. Make a Surprise Ball
Grab some New Years Eve favors, noisemakers, or candy and start rolling everything into a bundle using crepe paper. This would be a fun activity for kids to unwrap once it’s getting close to midnight!
#9. Coloring Countdown Printable
Use this fun countdown coloring sheet to have your child color a number for each hour as it passes by!
#10. Paper Bag Surprises
Grab 12 paper bags and write the time (starting at 1:00 and going up to 12:00) on the outside of each one. Place some surprises or an activity inside. Each hour your kids can open one and have a surprise or activity idea for them to do that hour!
#11. Learn More About New Years Traditions
Watch this video to learn about how other countries celebrate New Years!
#12. Why Do We Celebrate New Years?
Learn about the history of New Years and why we celebrate it by watching this video!
#13. Why Is There a Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve?
I’m sure my kids aren’t the only ones who have asked why we do this. I didn’t even know until we looked it up!
#14. Draw Some Fireworks with Art for Kids Hub
Follow along with this tutorial from Art for Kids Hub to draw some fireworks!
#15. Read “The Night Before New Years” by Natasha Wing
If you don’t have this book on hand, you can listen to the read aloud below!
Wishing you all a WONDERFUL New Years and an amazing 2024!!
PS: Check back soon for some details about my Winter School for January! 🙂
