New Year's Eve with little ones doesn't have to mean choosing between a fun celebration and finding a last-minute sitter. Our favorite way to ring in the new year is to celebrate together!
With a little planning and some creative ideas, you can create a night that's actually enjoyable for everyone — whether you're staying comfy-cozy at home or heading out for something special in something sparkly. Here are a few fun ideas to choose from!
Getting Everyone Excited
Set intentions. The days leading up to NYE are part of the magic. Sit down together and talk about what your family wants to try this year. Maybe it's finally mastering the monkey bars, reading chapter books, or being kinder to their siblings! Keep resolutions simple and achievable so they can look back and feel proud.
Get crafty. Pull out craft supplies and let them create their own party hats or countdown clocks. Glitter, sequins, the works. They can even match them to their favorite Little Sleepies print. The anticipation is half the fun, and these little projects give them something tangible to get excited about.
If You're Staying In
Family game night. Break out every board game you own (okay, maybe only some) and let the competitive energy flow. Make it extra cozy in matching pajamas. There's something really special about everyone coordinating — especially on the last night of the year!
Build-your-own pizza bar. Set out mini pizza crusts and toppings and let the kids go absolutely wild with their creations. Pepperoni smiley faces, all-cheese pizzas, veggie overload, whatever makes them happy. It's easy, they'll actually eat it because they made it themselves, and you can even help them spell out "2026" with toppings if you're feeling ambitious.
Mocktail station. Mix up mocktails with juice, sparkling water, colorful straws, and fun garnishes. Add some fresh berries or paper umbrellas. Kids love feeling included in the celebration, and a dedicated drink station makes them feel like they're at their own exclusive party.
If You're Going Out
Community events. Many neighborhoods host early family-friendly countdowns, complete with balloon drops and confetti. You get the full celebration experience without the midnight chaos, which is honestly the dream. Check your local community calendar or parent Facebook groups to see what's happening near you.
Neighborhood party hop. Coordinate with neighbors for a celebration where each home hosts a different activity. One house does a dance party, another sets up a hot cocoa bar with all the toppings, and another creates a photo booth with props. It's like a fun night out, but make it family-friendly. Bring an extra layer because you know someone will inevitably get cold.
Fireworks viewing. Find a good spot to watch fireworks together! Bring Cloud Blankets, chairs, maybe some snacks, and stake out your viewing area. There's something really magical about watching the sky light up as a family, and your kids will talk about it for weeks.
Managing Bedtime
Set clear expectations. Let your kids know what to expect: when bedtime is, what fun stuff is happening before then, and how the night will flow. Clear expectations prevent the inevitable "but WHY do we have to go to bed?!" meltdown at 9pm.
Strategic nap time. If younger kids are staying up later than usual, an afternoon rest is non-negotiable. Even just 30 minutes of quiet time can be the difference between a fun evening and a total disaster. Trust us on this one.
Wind down gradually. As the evening progresses, shift to calmer activities like quieter games, a feel-good movie, or story time. The key is easing into bedtime rather than going from confetti cannons to lights out in five minutes. If you're heading out, plan to get kids into their favorite jammies and start the wind-down routine even before you get home. Future you will thank present you.
This year, make NYE a celebration that actually fits your family's vibe. Keep it simple, focus on being together, and create moments you'll all remember. And here's to a new year filled with more good days than hard ones, spontaneous dance parties, and all the little moments that make it worth it!
Share your family's NYE plans in the comments for a chance to win a $50 Little Sleepies gift card. We pick one winner every month!
