New Year's Fun and Games

For fun that lasts all night, check out these timely activities.

New Year's Countdown Box
Cover a large box with colorful paper, then buy (or recycle) several small bags or boxes to fit inside. Fill the small bags with party favors, prizes, or other surprises like the ones listed below. The kids will love opening a new bag every hour (or more frequently) throughout the party. So that the partyers will know when to open which bag, write different times (for example, 7 p.m., 8 p.m., 9 p.m., and so on) on the front of each bag--or glue on a paper clock face as we did. The kids may want to set an alarm clock to ring hourly to remind them to open the next bag.

Watch a step-by-step video demonstration of this craft.

Bag Ideas

1. Inexpensive plastic watches.
THE FUN: With this ultimate countdown party favor, guests will know the minute it's midnight. You can also include a note that says "Now's the time to eat the Time Flies Chicken Wings".

2. Glow-in-the-dark plastic lace (a 3 1/2-foot length for each guest).
THE FUN: Knot the ends of each strand together, turn out the lights, and play glow-in-the-dark cat's cradle.

3. Paper party plates, napkins, plastic forks, and a note.
THE FUN: The note says "Time to eat the Confetti Cake." An adult may want to help slice.

4. A small datebook for each guest, plus colorful markers or pens.
THE FUN: They're great party favors, and guests can write in the important dates for the coming year (each other's birthdays, school vacations, et cetera).

5. One disposable instant camera, a small photo album, and markers.
THE FUN: On a slip of paper taped to the camera, ask the kids to snap pictures of each other and write a comment about the party under each photo. Slip the photos into the album for a cool keepsake for the host. Or skip the album and let each kid take home a photo or two.

6. Party crackers and noisemakers (we recommend that guests open this bag five minutes before midnight).
THE FUN: When else are kids encouraged to make a ruckus this late at night?

OTHER ACTIVITIES
First Night Flashlight Limbo: A classic party game that's played in the dark.
The Flamingo Stance Dance: A balancing act that kids get wrapped up in.
Eye-Witness You: A team contest where keen observation wins the game.
Guess Who: Kids swap sleeping bags, duck in, and one person has to identify them by touch.