How to Make New Year’s Eve Special For Kids at Home

Welcome to parenthood- where you can no longer rage with your closest friends at a bar or house party to celebrate the upcoming year.

But at least you still have the memories to hold onto, right?

No?

Well, if you’re struggling to find the fun in staying home with your children and spouse this New Year’s Eve, nows the time to make it special for not just the kids, but you and your spouse, too. Because let’s face it, someday we’re going to be old, and the kids are going to be grown and out with their friends to celebrate NYE, and we’re going to miss these days (and maybe they will, too). Especially if we are able to make it fun!

OK, let’s get down to business…

1.Have a Yummy Dinner. First off, take-out is OK for your NYE meal. In fact, it’s probably encouraged as you are most likely having a homemade feast for New Year’s Day. Order out from your favorite restaurant and send your spouse to pick it up. Don’t forget, just about every restaurant does take-out nowadays. Texas Roadhouse? Yep. Olive Garden? BIG YEP. So, let your kids decide or you decide, just make sure it’s something you’ll all love. Not having that feast on New Year’s Day or you don’t want to spend a ton of money on take-out (I hear ya), well then go ahead and make your favorite meal. Maybe have the kids help, too.

2. Let Your Kids Stay Up. If you’re children want to stay up to ring in the New Year, let them. And then let your kids countdown to midnight with a plastic champagne glass filled with milk. Of course, then you’re going to have to give them chocolate chip cookies because it’s only far and plus, it’s a holiday.

3. Play New Year’s Eve Bingo. This is so fun! You can either make the boards yourself and create a DIY bingo pieces, or you can actually buy New Year’s Eve bingo. I didn’t even know they sold these, but now I want one! They have an adult version and a normal version. Don’t forget to have cool and fun prizes for the winner(s)!

4. Play Board Games or A Year in Review While Watching “Dick Clark’s New Years Rockin’ Eve.” Bring out the classic board games or buy a new one just for the occasion. Try out this very popular and award winning board game called Not Parent Approved: A Card Game for Kids, Families and Mischief Makers. 

5. Invite the Grandparents Over. We all know how much our kids love their Grandmas and Grandpas, so make their night even better by inviting them over to join the party. Plus, I’m sure the grandparents would love to spend the holiday with their grandkids. Are the Grandparents busy? Invite over the next best thing: Aunts, Uncles, & close friends!