NYE Balloon Drop: Creating a Fun Time for Families

New Year’s Eve is a fun time for all ages! It’s a special time for parents with young children because the whole experience is new for the kids. There is a balloon drop, sparkling cider, confetti and it’s celebrated all around the world. That being said, the late bedtime and constant excitement often creates tired toddlers by the time midnight arrives. We compiled a list of things that we recommend to involve your toddlers in the New Years Eve celebration to create a fun and happy experience for everyone!

10 Things to do with Preschoolers for New Years Eve

1. Purchase special New Year’s Eve pajamas and have a New Year’s Eve pajama party for everyone, including Mom and Dad!
2. Youtube has a lot of fun videos. They even have videos of previous New Year’s Eve ball drops that look almost identical to what will be happening at midnight this year. Queue up a video from a previous New Year’s Eve event on your television and when the clock strikes 8:30: celebrate in full force with your toddlers! After that, the kids can go to bed so that they are well rested when the new year actually arrives.
3. Clear some space for a dance floor and have a dance party with your toddlers!
4. Dress up! Even if you’re staying at home on New Year’s Eve, pull out your fanciest clothing and go dapper with your preschoolers. The simple act of dressing up will make the night feel immediately more special.
5. Create resolutions with your kids: we want our kids to have goals and be motivated, especially as they get older. Creating positive habits with them through example is one of the best ways to guide them as they grow. Use this as a teaching experience to help them flex their “motivational muscles.” Once you have worked with them to create their goals, hang the goals on the refrigerator to keep them motivated in the New Year!
6. Play games! You can create or find fun New Year’s Eve themed games online. Create a word search or even a scavenger hunt.
7. Create noisemakers. Noisemakers are very much a part of the New Year’s Eve experience. Create a small craft station with household items that your kids can utilize as midnight draws nearer. Find instructions here.
8. East Coast Mommy created this clever concept. She created “Hour-by-hour” activity bags that gave her kids activities. It’s such a fun idea!
9. Create a Photo booth! You can create props with your kids for your own personal photo booth. I heart naptime shared some of their favorite props here.
10. Use a family-size balloon drop! Balloon drops are a staple of many big parties and your kids will be seeing them on television, too. You can create your own balloon drop or find a local balloon distributor. Because the size is smaller than massive balloon drops, you should be able to purchase one for an affordable price.

A photo from a Family-sized balloon drop this year (One of many!)

We created something called a family-size balloon drop that allowed families to enjoy together. It’s a twist on the classic balloon drop and helps families to enjoy the New Year’s Eve experience, especially with little ones who weren’t quite able to handle the excitement of staying up until midnight.

Everyone had such a fun time creating memories. We are still receiving videos from excited parents who used the Family-size Balloon Drop with their kids! Check out one of the balloon drop videos below!

Love the idea? Contact us to schedule your family-size balloon drop for this year!