6 New Year’s Eve Family Activities

The kids are home, the holidays have you frazzled, and the new year is right around the corner. You may soon find yourself frantically searching for "new year activities near me" because there are still more days left on this holiday break and your kids are eager to play and be entertained indoors. Thankfully, there are many easy new year activities for preschool children, free all-ages new year activities, brilliant New Year’s eve activities for kids, and indoor activities that help build outdoor skills that you can do at home! Check out these 6 New Year's Eve family activities to make flipping the calendar fun for everyone!

1. Construct a Time Capsule

A time capsule is an easy and creative way to quickly capture a moment in time, to freeze time in a way, and constructing a time capsule is one of the coolest New Year's activities because you will be storing special things you and your family are interested in and passionate about right now at this moment. Using a shoebox or a similar type of container, place important books, toys, pictures, favorite candy bar wrappers, and other special mementos in and then seal it up tight with packing tape. On top, write the date the box should be opened up, maybe in 3, 5, or 10 years from now. No need to bury it underground, just stash it away in the back of a closet and let time and age change you and your kids, then open it up years from now and marvel at the ways in which you are different and the same.

2. Make a Family New Year's Resolution Board

Focusing on self-care, a mission to get in shape with a new physical fitness routine, land a new job, get better grades at school, start a project to reorganize the kitchen, take your kids fishing more often? No matter what you want to accomplish, making a family New Year's Resolution Board is one of the New Years Day activities that will look different for every family.

3. Design a NYE Photo booth

A glittery backdrop and funny props like wigs, party hats, and colorful glasses make a NYE photo booth one of the most hilarious and memorable New Year's Eve activities at home.

4. Have a Dance Party

My youngest daughter makes a monthly playlist of the songs she loves so that she can look back and chart her musical taste throughout the year. One of the best New Year’s Eve family activities is to compile your and your kids' favorite songs from this past year and dance your way into the new year!

5. Pop a Balloon Clock

When it comes to fun activities for New Year's Eve, making a balloon clock is one that'll provide enjoyment throughout the whole of December 31st! Simply blow up 13 balloons and slide some slim candies like Jolly Ranchers and tootsie rolls inside, then tie them up, write numbers 1-12 on them (with an extra #12 to represent Noon), and tape them to the wall or low ceiling in sequential order. As each hour arrives, pop the balloon and have your kids chase after the sweets that fall.

6. Fill Up a Family Bucket List

Resolutions are one thing; big bucket list items are another. One habit of happy and successful people is to manifest their goals and progress. This New Years Eve activity will help you and your kids achieve new things in the new year and beyond because instead of just dreaming, you can make strides to start new projects, travel to new places, go fishing in a national park, and have fantastic new experiences in the new year as you check off the things on your bucket list.

Need more indoor fun and new year’s activities this holiday season? Check out these 5 indoor activities for kids who love the outdoors. Looking for new year activities for students or adults? Here are 4 great indoor fishing games!