Lori Lori is a work-at-home mom of three living in Noblesville, Indiana.

It’s almost time to ring in 2015, but most of us won’t be doing it the same way we did a decade ago. Now, we enjoy the holiday with our children. If you are looking for some fun and creative ways to celebrate with your kids this New Year, you’re in the right spot. Check out these seven ideas to ring in the new year with kids:

New Year With Kids

Dress up.

Pull that old prom dress out of the closet. Get your kids all dolled up. Don’t be afraid to overdo it: pearls, tiaras and bow ties are easily found at a local store or maybe even in your kid’s dress-up clothes. Take a few minutes to paint your fingernails, pull out some hats and even break out the glitter! Your kids will love it! Plus, the night will feel extra special and fun if you dress for the occasion.

Have some fun drinks.

Create your own signature cocktail and a mocktail for your kids, or serve some sparkling grape juice or ginger ale. Pull your most snazzy glassware from the cabinets and make some toasts to the New Year. Cheers!

Get down.

If your kids are like mine, they love to listen to music and dance. Make a music playlist with your and your children’s favorite tunes. Turn the music up and cut a rug! Dance like no one is watching, and encourage your kids to do the same. Take some videos of everyone getting down and have a dance contest and give prizes. Declare everyone a winner.

Building forts is one of our favorite things to do! NYE will be no exception!

Build a fort.

Think you’re too old to build a mean fort with the kiddos? You’re not! It’s something we do regularly around our house, and my son and daughter love it. Get back in touch with your inner child and pledge to build the best fort you can imagine. You can even let your kids camp out in it!

Build your own photo booth.

Buy a roll of craft paper in a solid color to act as the backdrop for the photo booth. Write the year or your kids names on it or just leave it blank. Then look around the house for fun props to wear; think sunglasses, over sized hats and scarves. You can also easily make your own props with coffee stir sticks and construction paper: cut out some construction paper mustaches and beards and fasten them to the stir sticks, and you have the perfect props!

Find local ways to ring in the New Year.

When did my kids become fun? I’m not sure, but over the last six months or so, something has switched and they are (kind of) easy to take places. So if you are up for an evening out of the house, take a minute to look online for ways to enjoy the New Year with your children. Many towns offer all-night-skate events, fireworks, or other fun ways that make the New Year one you won’t forget.

Photo credit: flickr

 

Try a new meal.

While picky eaters can make this a challenge, who can say no to cheese fondue? Get a heavy pot for the fondue and a hot plate to keep it warm, some long forks and some crusty bread and pretzels. Break the bread into bite-sized pieces, leaving some crust on each piece.

Dessert fondue is another tasty option. To make it, all you need is melted chocolate and pieces of fruit, graham crackers, and marshmallows.

Having children underfoot doesn’t mean your New Year’s Eve celebration won’t be a great time. You can have just as much fun with your kids, and the ways to celebrate are endless.

How do you celebrate the New Year with kids and family?

Category: Family Free Time

Tags: celebration