Don't want your children staying up until midnight for the traditional New Year’s Eve celebration? I can relate—honestly, I often don’t make it to midnight to celebrate the holiday either.
This year, host a noon-time New Year's Eve party at home for kids. This is a fantastic way to welcome the new year with joy and creativity and this early celebration allows children to participate in the festive spirit without staying up past their bedtime.
With an array of fun and educational activities, from DIY crafts to science experiments, kids can enjoy a memorable event-filled with laughter and learning. As the clock strikes noon, children can join in a lively countdown and complete a balloon drop, making it an exciting and unforgettable experience. This family-friendly approach ensures that everyone can celebrate together, creating cherished memories and starting the new year on a high note.
Science Exploration: Fireworks in a Jar: Fill a jar or clear glass with warm water, leaving about an inch of space at the top. In a separate small bowl, add a few tablespoons of vegetable oil. Drop several different colors of food coloring into the oil. Use a fork to gently stir the mixture. The food coloring will remain in small droplets within the oil. Slowly pour the oil and food coloring mixture into the jar of water. Watch as the food coloring droplets fall through the oil and begin to disperse in the water, creating a beautiful "fireworks" effect. This experiment demonstrates the concept of density. Oil and water do not mix because oil is less dense than water. The food coloring, which is water-based, initially stays within the oil droplets but eventually sinks and disperses in the water, creating a mesmerizing display of colors. This "Fireworks in a Jar" experiment not only captivates with its visual beauty but also provides a hands-on lesson in density and immiscibility (two liquids that do not mix). It's a perfect way to combine science with the celebratory spirit of New Year's Eve.
Technology Fun:
Virtual Countdown: Use a virtual countdown app to count down to noon. Discuss how the app works and how time zones affect New Year celebrations around the world.
Interactive Storytelling: Use a tablet or computer to create a collaborative New Year’s story. Kids can add their parts, illustrating how technology can enhance creativity.
Engineering Challenges:
Building a Balloon Drop: Design and construct a simple balloon drop mechanism using cardboard, string, netting and tape. Test and refine the design to ensure a successful drop at noon.
Marshmallow Structures: Challenge kids to build the tallest tower or most creative structure using marshmallows and toothpicks. Discuss the principles of stability and engineering.
Build a confetti canon: Using balloons, confetti and paper roll tubes, build a confetti canon to shoot during the celebration.
Art and Creativity:
Party Hats: Create party hats using recycled materials like cardboard, paper, and markers. Encourage kids to design their hats with a New Year theme, promoting creativity and sustainability.
New Year’s Art Station: Set up an art station with various supplies (paints, crayons, glitter) and let kids create their own New Year’s masterpieces. Display their art to celebrate their creativity.
Math Fun:
Time Capsule Calculations: Create a time capsule with predictions for the next year. Have kids calculate how many days, weeks, and months until the next New Year’s Eve.
Countdown Graph: Make a countdown graph to track the minutes leading up to noon. Use this as an opportunity to discuss counting, time management, and data visualization.
Hosting an early New Year's Eve party for kids provides a wonderful opportunity to
reflect on the joy and excitement of the day. As the clock strikes noon, the celebration is filled with laughter, creativity, and learning, leaving everyone with happy memories. By integrating fun activities with STEAM concepts, the children not only enjoy the festivities but also gain new knowledge and skills. This special event ensures that the little ones experience the magic of New Year's Eve in a way that's both entertaining and educational. It’s a perfect way to start the new year on a positive and festive note, making it a celebration they'll cherish for years to come.
Happy New Year!
Katie Mayer, Grand Forks Children’s Museum Executive Director