8 Party Ideas to Celebrate with Kids on New Year's Eve

Many New Year's Eve parties are centered around adults. However, kids get just as excited about the big night and want to celebrate alongside their parents. Whether you're spending a quiet night at home as a family or you're planning a large get together, consider one or more of the following ideas for your festivities.

• Make party hats. Of course it wouldn't be a New Year's party without hats. Supply newspaper, cardboard, paper plates, ribbons, and markers, and then award prizes (i.e. funniest, prettiest).

• Gather noise makers. Buy classic noise makers, such as party horns; make your own noise makers, such as filling plastic water bottles with beans or rice; or simply bang on pots and pans with wooden spoons.

• Use the balloon technique to generate activity ideas. Write a special activity on a piece of paper and stick it inside a balloon. Pop a balloon on the hour every hour leading up to midnight.

• Provide kid friendly beverages. Children will enjoy toasting with plastic champagne glasses filled with sparkling apple cider or soda.

• Play board games. Instead of spending the night in front of the TV or computer, get out some old fashioned board games or card games.

• Research New Year's traditions around the world. Set clocks around the house to celebrate New Year's in other time zones and celebrate their traditions accordingly.

• Have a karaoke or dance party. Hosting a karaoke or dance party will keep kids entertained for hours without getting too crazy. Make sure to let the kids pick some of the songs.

• Have a slumber party. A slumber party is a fun way for young kids to enjoy the night while still relaxing. Set up the living room for a camp out with sleeping bags, pillows, stuffed animals, and a few favorite movies.