This New Years Countdown Activity for Kids is the perfect way to keep children occupied late on New Year’s Eve. Being up so late can be a challenge for kids if you don’t have a plan to keep them active. This year will be a breeze with these fun activities for kids.
NEW YEARS EVE WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY
Some couples go out to clubs and events to ring in the new year at a New Year’s Eve party. We typically stay home and celebrate the night with family time.
I have never claimed we lived the most exciting or glamorous life, lol. We enjoy being with our kids for holidays and New Year’s Eve is no different.
When our children were younger it was a little bit harder to find things to fill the evening. They would end up falling asleep before midnight if we didn’t keep the festivities fun.
WHAT ARE NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN BAGS?
These countdown bags are designed to give kids something to look forward to throughout the evening. You will make up at least 6 bags.
Each of the bags has a clock on it that shows a different time. The times are 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 11:30, and 11:45. There are some extra clocks on the printable that you can customize if you wish.
When it is actually the same time as the bag shows the kids can open the bag up. Inside the bag will be different toys, snacks or items the kids can play with until it is time to open the next bag.
WHAT DO I PUT IN THE COUNTDOWN BAGS?
There are so many different ideas of what you can fill the bags with to keep kids happy so they can stay up until midnight. Basically any item that will fit in the sack that you know kids will love to play with is a good way to go.
Here are some ideas I have had:
- Small cans of playdough
- Kinetic sand
- Card games like UNO or Old Maid
- Special snacks like Pop Rocks, Rock Candy, etc.
- Dice Games
- Small Lego Sets
- Craft sets
, Rock Candy, etc.
SUPPLIES FOR NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN BAGS
This craft activity is so easy to make and only takes a few supplies. I like kid crafts that they can actually do most of the work themselves.
- Printable Clock Faces
- 2 1/2 Inch Circle Punch
- Paper Gift Bags
- Glue
- Hole Punch
- Curling Ribbon or Twine
or Twine
HOW TO MAKE NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN ACTIVITY FOR KIDS
If you are having a party at your house for the holiday this New Year Countdown Activity for Kids is perfect. The bags are easy to customize for different ages too.
STEP ONE: PRINT CLOCKS
Start off by printing the clock faces off. You can download the Printable Clock Faces by filling in the form below.
Cut the clock faces out using the circle punch. Be sure to print off enough so that every bag has a clock.
Printable FAQs
Fill in the form above. After you submit the form, you’ll receive an email from “Wondermom Wannabe” with a direct link to the printable. If you do not see the email in your inbox within a few minutes, check your spam folder.
The most likely place will be in your computer’s Downloads folder. You can also select “Downloads” in your browser menu to see a list of your downloads, then simply select “Show in folder” below the file name to see where it is stored on your computer.
You’ll need a program that supports PDFS, like Adobe Acrobat (which is free). Open the program, click File > Print. Select your printer and set the number of copies you want to print. Double check your print preview, then click print.
STEP TWO: GLUE CLOCK
Now it is time to glue the clock face onto the bag. You can use regular Elmer’s Glue or a glue stick.
Decorate the bags with Washi tape or other items you may have around the house if you desire.
STEP THREE: FILL BAGS
The fun part of this activity is filling each bag with a variety of fun activities to keep the kids busy all evening, like these new years coloring pages.
STEP FOUR: ADD RIBBON
Once the bags are full of goodies it is time to seal them up. Fold the top of each bag down.
Punch two holes in the top portion of the folded part and add ribbon or twine to tie the bag off.
The kids will open the bag at the designated time and can play with the items inside.
NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN ACTIVITY DIRECTIONS
If you would like to have the complete supply list and directions to make this New Year Countdown Activity for Kids just print off the card below.
New Year Countdown Activity for Kids
Equipment
- 2 1/2 Inch Circle Punch
- Hole Punch
Materials
- Printable clock faces
- 2 ½ inch circle punch
- Paper gift bags
- Hole punch
- Curling ribbon or gift twine
- Glue
- Washi Tape if desired
Instructions
- Print clock faces and cut apart using a 2 ½ inch circle punch.
- Glue clock faces, one to each paper gift bag.
- Decorate bag with Washi Tape or other items if desired.
- Fill bags with card games, craft supplies, snacks, and other surprises.
- Fold down the top of each bag. Punch two holes toward the top of each bag. Add curling ribbon or gift twine to seal.
- To use, have guests open a bag according to the designated time and enjoy the goody inside.
If you need some more fun ideas for keep kids entertained be sure to check these out:
- Printable Nerf Targets
- Indoor Games for Kids
- Mess-Free Indoor Activities for Kids
- Popular Line Dances
Don’t forget to PIN this for later!
