Introduction
Hey there, readers! Are you ready to welcome the New Year with your little ones? If you’re looking for some fun and memorable experiences to share with your toddlers, this article has got you covered. We’ve compiled a list of activities that are perfect for keeping your little ones engaged and entertained while celebrating the special occasion.
New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration and joy. It’s also a time to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the future. But what about toddlers? How can they participate in the fun and excitement of the holiday? Here are a few ideas for New Year’s activities that toddlers will love:
Countdown to the New Year
Create a Countdown Chain
One of the best ways to get your toddler excited about the New Year is to create a countdown chain. Simply cut out 12 strips of paper or felt and write the numbers 1 through 12 on them. Then, help your toddler glue or tape the strips together to form a chain. Each day leading up to New Year’s Eve, let your toddler tear off one of the strips and count down the days until the big day.
Make a New Year’s Eve Clock
Another fun way to countdown to the New Year is to make a New Year’s Eve clock. You can find free printable templates online or draw your own. Help your toddler decorate the clock with markers, crayons, or stickers. Then, use a marker to write the numbers 1 through 12 around the edge of the clock. As the New Year approaches, help your toddler move the clock’s hands to the correct time.
Sensory Activities
New Year’s Eve Sensory Bin
Fill a bin with a variety of New Year’s-themed items such as confetti, streamers, balloons, and noisemakers. Let your toddler explore the bin and make their own New Year’s Eve creations.
Fireworks Sensory Bottle
Fill a clear bottle with water and add a few drops of food coloring. Then, add some glitter and small sequins. Close the bottle and let your toddler shake it up. The glitter and sequins will create a beautiful fireworks effect.
Creative Activities
New Year’s Eve Craft
There are many different New Year’s Eve crafts that toddlers can do. Here are a few ideas:
- Confetti poppers: Fill empty toilet paper rolls with confetti and tape the ends closed. Decorate the poppers with markers or crayons.
- Fireworks painting: Dip a paintbrush into paint and then flick it onto a piece of paper. This will create a fireworks effect.
- New Year’s Eve hats: Cut out construction paper into circles and decorate them with markers, crayons, or stickers. Glue or tape the circles to a headband to create New Year’s Eve hats.
Activities That Promote Learning
New Year’s Eve Memory Game
Create a set of New Year’s Eve-themed cards. You can find free printable cards online or make your own. Turn the cards upside down and place them in rows. Take turns flipping over two cards at a time. If the cards match, keep them. The player with the most matches at the end of the game wins.
New Year’s Eve Scavenger Hunt
Hide New Year’s-themed items around your house and give your toddler clues to find them. For example, you could hide a noisemaker under a pillow or a piece of confetti in a shoe.
New Year’s Eve Activity Table
Breakdown of Activities
| Activity | Materials | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Countdown Chain | 12 strips of paper or felt, glue or tape | Cut out the strips of paper or felt and write the numbers 1 through 12 on them. Help your toddler glue or tape the strips together to form a chain. |
| New Year’s Eve Clock | Printable template or drawing paper, markers, crayons, or stickers | Find a free printable template online or draw your own. Help your toddler decorate the clock with markers, crayons, or stickers. Then, use a marker to write the numbers 1 through 12 around the edge of the clock. |
| New Year’s Eve Sensory Bin | Bin, New Year’s-themed items such as confetti, streamers, balloons, and noisemakers | Fill a bin with a variety of New Year’s-themed items such as confetti, streamers, balloons, and noisemakers. Let your toddler explore the bin and make their own New Year’s Eve creations. |
| Fireworks Sensory Bottle | Clear bottle, water, food coloring, glitter, small sequins | Fill a clear bottle with water and add a few drops of food coloring. Then, add some glitter and small sequins. Close the bottle and let your toddler shake it up. The glitter and sequins will create a beautiful fireworks effect. |
| Confetti Poppers | Empty toilet paper rolls, confetti, tape | Fill empty toilet paper rolls with confetti and tape the ends closed. Decorate the poppers with markers or crayons. |
| Fireworks Painting | Paintbrush, paint, paper | Dip a paintbrush into paint and then flick it onto a piece of paper. This will create a fireworks effect. |
| New Year’s Eve Hats | Construction paper, markers, crayons, or stickers, headband | Cut out construction paper into circles and decorate them with markers, crayons, or stickers. Glue or tape the circles to a headband to create New Year’s Eve hats. |
| New Year’s Eve Memory Game | Printable cards or homemade cards | Create a set of New Year’s Eve-themed cards. You can find free printable cards online or make your own. Turn the cards upside down and place them in rows. Take turns flipping over two cards at a time. If the cards match, keep them. The player with the most matches at the end of the game wins. |
| New Year’s Eve Scavenger Hunt | New Year’s-themed items, clues | Hide New Year’s-themed items around your house and give your toddler clues to find them. For example, you could hide a noisemaker under a pillow or a piece of confetti in a shoe. |
Conclusion
We hope this article has given you some ideas for fun and exciting New Year’s activities to do with your toddlers. From countdown chains to sensory bins, there’s sure to be something here that your little ones will love. So get ready to ring in the New Year with some unforgettable memories! By the way, we have more articles on how to celebrate the New Year with kids of all ages. Check them out here:
- [New Year’s Activities for Preschoolers](link to article)
- [New Year’s Activities for School-Age Kids](link to article)
FAQ about New Year Activities With Toddlers
What are some simple New Year activities for toddlers?
- Make a noisemaker by filling a plastic bottle with rice or beans and sealing it with duct tape.
- Decorate cookies with white icing and colored sprinkles.
- Blow bubbles and chase them around the room.
What are some educational New Year activities for toddlers?
- Talk about the New Year and what it means to celebrate a new beginning.
- Create a family time capsule with items that represent the current year.
- Read books about New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
What are some creative New Year activities for toddlers?
- Make a paper plate clock and decorate it with markers or crayons.
- Create a firework painting by dipping a toothbrush in paint and splattering it onto paper.
- Make a noisemaker by gluing together two paper cups and filling them with beans.
How can I keep my toddler entertained on New Year’s Eve?
- Have a dance party with music and flashing lights.
- Play games like musical chairs or hide-and-seek.
- Set up a craft station with paper, crayons, and markers.
What are some tips for making New Year’s Eve special for my toddler?
- Plan activities that are age-appropriate and engaging.
- Keep the celebration short and sweet.
- Provide plenty of snacks and drinks.
- Create a festive atmosphere with decorations and music.
How can I avoid overstimulating my toddler on New Year’s Eve?
- Limit the amount of time spent in noisy or crowded places.
- Provide quiet activities and a calm environment for rest breaks.
- Keep the celebration short and avoid sugary treats.
What should I do if my toddler gets scared on New Year’s Eve?
- Calmly reassure them that everything is okay.
- Take them to a quiet place and help them relax.
- Distract them with a favorite toy or activity.
What are some safety tips for New Year’s Eve with toddlers?
- Keep sharp objects and dangerous chemicals out of reach.
- Supervise children around candles and fireworks.
- Make sure exits are clear and well-lit.
What are some healthy New Year’s treats for toddlers?
- Fruit platters with grapes, strawberries, and bananas.
- Vegetable sticks with hummus or guacamole.
- Homemade popcorn balls or rice crispy treats.
What are some ways to make New Year’s resolutions as a family?
- Talk to your toddler about setting goals for the new year.
- Help them choose goals that are achievable and meaningful.
- Encourage them to draw or write about their goals.