Unless you are the brave soul who allow their little ones to ring in the New Year with them, you may be looking for ways to make even an early evening a memorable one for your children.
Scroll down for a list of local Twin Cities metro area New Year’s Eve activities for kids! And just keep reading if you’re planning for a night in.
New Year’s Eve in with Kids
- Watch a slide show of photos from the previous year
- Make a family bucket list for 2022. Check out this list from Alpha Mom for some ideas!
- Draw a favorite memory from the last year
- Family slumber party in your living room – even better, build a giant fort to sleep in!
- Make a dinner of their favorite apps or even better, make breakfast for dinner!
- Ice cream sundae or hot cocoa bar
- Plan a balloon countdown with an activity for each hour of your countdown (try inserting the activity on a slip of paper into a balloon, then blow it up – when the clock turns to a new hour, pop a balloon and do the activity that is inside the balloon)
- Plan games the whole family will enjoy: charades, spoons, Minute to win it games, Heads Up! (Apple or Android), build a Domino track and “start” it just before the ball drop!.
- Decorate t-shirts with glow in the dark paint
- Interview each family member about the last year, or do a time capsule questionnaire – seal it an envelope and plan to open it up next New Year’s Eve
- Make a surprise ball (in addition to treats and “prizes”, consider adding some funny activity cards inside, “Sing ‘Let It Go’” or “Do the ‘Floss’” or “Tell a joke”)
- “Mock Midnight” – do a countdown earlier in the night just for them! Check out Netflix for countdown videos
- Pinata ball drop
- Balloon drop
Family New Year’s Eve Events in the Twin Cities
If you’re looking for family friendly New Year’s Eve activities outside the house, here are a few options around the metro!
Recreation Outdoor Center
St Louis Park
12pm-2pm
Skating (rentals for $3), music and refreshments
Lebanon Hills Visitor Center
Eagan
5-8pm. $8/person, ages 5 and younger are free.
Hiking, snowshoeing, ice skating, kick sledding, sledding. Free cocoa and s’mores. Ball drop at 7:59PM.
Wood Lake Nature Center
Richfield
5-9pm, $5 tickets, Register Here
Explore the luminary-lit trails then roast marshmallows and sip hot cocoa.
Woodbury New Year’s Eve Family Celebration
Woodbury
6-9pm at the HealthEast Sports Center. $10/person, 2 and under are free.
Inflatables, moonwalks, obstacle courses, bingo, ice skating, music, crafts, photo booth, door prizes and countdown to 2022.
If you want an earlier evening, attend the Matinee, recommended for children ages 3-7 for the same price. 2-4pm at the HealthEast Sports Center.
Edinbourgh Park
Edina
9am-12:30pm and 3pm-6:30pm (Reservations required), $12/child, $3/adult
Dancing with a kid friendly DJ, magician, photo booth and full access to indoor playground Adventure Peak.
