Although New Year’s Eve is considered a night out for adults, kids can get in on the New Year’s celebration! Plan a New Year’s Eve party for children. This party is quite simple and easy to plan at the last minute. Start by making a list of guests, such as neighborhood kids or classmates.

Then have the children make invitations to send or give away to their friends. Make a simple invitation in the shape of a clock that strikes midnight or one with lots of decorated streamers and glitter. Please list important information such as arrival time and morning pickup time. The most important thing is to make a list of items to bring to the night party, such as toothbrush, pajamas, sleeping bag and pillow.

Decorating for this New Year’s Eve party for kids can be as simple as using lots of streamers, confetti, and balloons. Use lots of balloons gathered in a net from the ceiling for a midnight balloon drop. Pick up New Year’s Eve noisemakers and hats to add to the festivities.

After the kids arrive, serve buffet-style finger food snacks or have a baked potato bar with all the fixings. Serve fancy cupcakes sprinkled with caramel confetti. Play group games like Twister, Charades, and Pictionary while you wait for the midnight strike. Kids will enjoy watching the countdown to midnight and the New York Times Square ball drop on TV.

In the morning, serve a breakfast buffet with simple fare like sausages in a blanket made with sausages wrapped in a refrigerator biscuit. Bagels, muffins, scrambled eggs with cheese, cut up fruit, juice and milk complete your buffet. If there is time after breakfast, discuss ideas for New Year’s resolutions the children can make, such as:

• Wear a helmet when you ride a bike.
• Complete and turn in homework on time.
• Help with household chores without being reminded.
• Eat the required fruits and vegetables every day.

Give each child a 3″ x 5″ index card to write their resolution to take home and post in their room. Also, send each child home with a bag of goodies. Goodie bag ideas can include small toys, cards, pencils, and a small calendar for the New Year. Your New Year’s Eve party for children will be a success!