I remember the first December 31st I was able to stay awake until the countdown. It felt like this rite of passage was happening. I was 12 and my parents were shocked that I was able to make it to midnight. They hadn’t planned anything, so it felt a little underwhelming. “This is what I’ve been missing?” Knowing I was on board for the next year, they planned some New Year’s Eve ideas for teens.
Teens are too old to want to hang out with the little kids, and too young to safely go out on their own. A lot of parents feel pressured to create something fun in order to keep their teens close to home and off the roads. If that’s you, these 5 New Year’s Eve ideas for teens and their friends will make your house the fun spot. Just be sure to have enough breakfast food ready to start the new year off right!
1. Must-Haves
Teens won’t stay where there isn’t food. On New Year’s Eve, you can add some flair to the usual teenage appetites with a sundae bar, a make-your-own pizza or taco buffet, and sparkling fruit juices to toast the New Year. You can also have a beverage sampler with different kinds of coffees. And don’t forget the hats, glasses, and noisemakers. No New Year’s Eve party is complete without them!
2. Game On
Set up a rotation schedule for different game stations. Include video games, outdoor games like HORSE or horseshoes, card games, board games, and a scavenger hunt. iMOM’s free printable selfie scavenger hunt can be done around your neighborhood—no driving required!
3. Showtime
Let the teens put on a low-tech or a high-tech show. For the low-tech option, have them do a play or a talent show. For the higher-tech approach, let them put together a video to show at midnight. And don’t underestimate the power of karaoke when considering New Year’s Eve ideas for teens. As it gets closer to midnight, they’ll start getting giddy and the songs will flow!
4. Dress Up
This is definitely a better New Year’s Eve idea for teens if you have girls and their friends to entertain. Encourage everyone to bring a fancy dress and do makeovers and a fashion show or photoshoot leading up to midnight.
5. Backyard Bonfire
Cozy up to a fire pit and project a movie onto a sheet or fence. Let the kids pick a movie that will inspire them to face the new year head-on.
And because they’re teens…
After the new year arrives, shift the food focus to a New Year’s Day breakfast. Whip up some pancakes or a hearty breakfast casserole in advance. Or you could challenge your teens to start the new year with a culinary flair. Let them design a menu. You get the groceries they need and let them wake up and cook!
What’s your favorite way to entice your teenagers and their friends to stay home on New Year’s Eve?
