Noon Year’s Eve is a fantastic way to celebrate the end of the year with kids who might not be able to stay awake until midnight. Instead of struggling to keep everyone up and risking some very cranky little ones, why not throw a party that is just as fun but way more kid-friendly? A Noon Year’s Eve celebration lets kids experience all the excitement of a countdown without the grogginess of staying up late. Whether you’re planning a party with friends or just want to make a day of it at home, we’ve rounded up 25 exciting activities to make your Noon Year’s Eve celebration truly special.
You might be wondering, what makes a Noon Year’s Eve party different from any other daytime gathering? Well, it’s all about the countdown! Imagine balloons dropping at noon, party poppers bursting, and little ones cheering with excitement. The activities are geared toward making the countdown memorable, and there’s no shortage of fun things to do. Ready to jump in? Here’s a list of creative, fun-filled Noon Year’s Eve activities that will keep kids entertained, happy, and full of smiles as they ring in the “new year” before lunch!
Whether you have toddlers, preschoolers, or older kids, these ideas are flexible enough to be tailored to any age group. Plus, most of them can be done at home with minimal setup—perfect for parents looking for easy yet memorable ways to celebrate. Let’s dive into these exciting Noon Year’s Eve activities!
1. Balloon Drop at Noon
A balloon drop is one of the most exciting ways to ring in the Noon Year! You can make your own with a large plastic tablecloth, some tape, and a bunch of colorful balloons. Tape the tablecloth to the ceiling, fill it with balloons, and when the clock strikes noon, release it for a fun and festive surprise! Kids love watching the balloons fall, and it’s a great way to kick off the celebration.
To make it even more exciting, consider filling some of the balloons with small surprises like confetti or glitter. It’s a little messy, but the looks of joy on the kids’ faces will make it all worthwhile. You can also get the kids involved in blowing up the balloons, which gives them something fun to do while they wait for the big moment.
2. Create a DIY Countdown Clock
Kids love counting down to something, so why not make your own DIY countdown clock? Grab some paper plates, markers, and craft supplies, and have the kids create their own clocks. They can draw the numbers, add some glitter, and decorate it however they like. When it’s almost noon, use these clocks to count down the minutes.
This activity is not only fun but also educational, as it helps kids learn about numbers and telling time. You can even make it a learning opportunity by talking about what happens when the clock reaches 12. Plus, it’s a great craft project that doubles as a keepsake of the day!
3. Noon Year’s Eve Dance Party
Turn up the music and let the kids dance their hearts out! A dance party is an easy and entertaining way to celebrate Noon Year’s Eve. Make a playlist of kid-friendly songs, turn on some colorful lights, and encourage everyone to show off their best dance moves. You could even add a few dance competitions with small prizes for extra motivation.
To keep the energy up, try incorporating some dance games like Freeze Dance or musical chairs. These games are perfect for kids of all ages, and they’ll love showing off their moves while waiting for the countdown. Don’t forget to throw in some party hats and noise makers for that extra festive touch!
4. Crafting Party Hats and Noise Makers
What’s a New Year’s celebration without party hats and noise makers? Set up a craft station where kids can make their own festive hats and shakers. Use paper, markers, glue, and lots of glitter to let the kids get creative. For noise makers, you can fill plastic bottles with beads or dry pasta—they’re easy to make and fun to shake!
Not only does this activity keep little hands busy, but it also gives the kids something to use when the clock strikes noon. They’ll love making noise and cheering to welcome the Noon Year, and having a craft activity keeps everyone engaged while waiting for the big countdown.
5. Noon Year’s Eve Photo Booth
Create a special area for photos with a Noon Year’s Eve-themed photo booth. Hang up a sparkly backdrop, gather some fun props like hats, glasses, and boas, and let the kids have fun posing for pictures. You could even make some props with the kids as a craft activity before the photo session begins.
This is a great way to create memories from the day, and the kids will love seeing themselves in silly outfits. Encourage parents to take pictures and share them with each other. You can also create a collage later on to remember the fun moments of your Noon Year’s Eve celebration.
6. Confetti Poppers
Get ready to pop into the Noon Year with homemade confetti poppers! You can make these with empty toilet paper rolls, tissue paper, and some confetti. Simply fill the roll with confetti, cover it with tissue paper, and tie it off with a ribbon. When the countdown ends, let the kids pop them for a colorful and exciting explosion of confetti.
It’s a simple craft that doesn’t require much prep work but delivers a lot of fun. You can even personalize each popper with the kids’ names or let them decorate their own. Be prepared for a bit of cleanup, but the excitement on the kids’ faces makes it more than worth it!
7. Story Time Countdown
If you’re looking for a calmer activity, try a story time countdown. Gather the kids in a circle and read a series of short stories leading up to noon. You can make it even more exciting by choosing books that have a New Year or celebration theme. As the clock gets closer to noon, pick shorter stories to keep the excitement building.
This activity is perfect for younger kids who might need a break from all the excitement. Plus, it helps them wind down a bit before the big countdown. You could even hand out small treats after each story to keep them engaged and listening.
8. Countdown Craft Chain
Make a countdown chain out of construction paper, with each link representing a certain amount of time until noon. Have the kids help cut and assemble the chain, and then take turns removing one link every 10 or 15 minutes. It’s a fun way to help the kids visualize how much time is left until the big moment.
This is also a great way to keep everyone on track and excited for the countdown. You can add little challenges or activities written inside each link, like “do a silly dance” or “make a funny face,” to keep everyone entertained while they wait.
9. Noon Year’s Eve Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is always a hit with kids, and it’s the perfect activity for a Noon Year’s Eve celebration. Create a list of items for the kids to find around the house or yard, such as something shiny, something that makes noise, or something that’s their favorite color. You can make it even more fun by adding clues or making it a race.
The scavenger hunt can end with a special prize or treat for everyone—perhaps a basket filled with party favors to use during the countdown. This activity is great for keeping kids moving and engaged, especially if you have a mix of different age groups.
10. Noon Year’s Eve Parade
Why not create your own Noon Year’s Eve parade? Gather some instruments, or make your own noise makers, and let the kids march around the house or yard in a parade. Encourage them to decorate their instruments or create a banner to carry during the march. They can wear their party hats, blow whistles, and have a great time making as much noise as possible.
Parades are fun because they give kids a chance to move around and express themselves. Plus, it’s a perfect way to get everyone energized before the countdown. You could even invite the neighbors to watch or join in if you’re comfortable doing so.
11. DIY Glitter Jars
Making DIY glitter jars is a magical way to celebrate Noon Year’s Eve. All you need are some jars, water, glitter, and glue. Let the kids add their favorite colors of glitter, mix it up, and watch the sparkles dance. It’s mesmerizing and provides a calming activity amidst all the excitement.
These glitter jars can also double as a keepsake for the kids to take home. Encourage them to give it a shake whenever they want to remember the fun they had. It’s also a wonderful sensory activity that helps calm the energy after a lot of running around.
12. Cookie Decorating
Set up a cookie decorating station for the kids, complete with frosting, sprinkles, and edible decorations. Let the kids decorate their own Noon Year’s Eve-themed cookies, like clocks, stars, or balloons. Not only is it a delicious activity, but it also lets kids be creative and make their own edible masterpiece.
Make sure to have a variety of colors and decorations available so that each cookie can be unique. This activity also doubles as a snack, which is always a win for parents and kids alike. Once they’re done decorating, they can enjoy their cookies while waiting for the countdown.
13. Sparkly Noon Year’s Eve Slime
What kid doesn’t love slime? Make some Noon Year’s Eve-themed slime by adding lots of glitter and shiny confetti. You can find simple slime recipes online using glue, baking soda, and contact solution. Let each kid create their own batch, choosing their favorite colors and sparkles.
This activity is a bit messy, but it’s always a huge hit. The kids will love stretching and squishing their slime, and it’s a great sensory experience. Be sure to have some bags or containers on hand so they can take their creations home.
14. Noon Year’s Eve Bingo
Create a Noon Year’s Eve-themed Bingo game with symbols like clocks, party hats, balloons, and fireworks. You can easily make Bingo cards at home or print them from online templates. Hand out some fun markers like candies or small toys, and let the kids play.
Bingo is perfect for a range of ages, and it’s a great way to keep the kids entertained in the lead-up to noon. You could even offer small prizes for the winners to make it extra special. This is an activity that’s both fun and easy for everyone to get involved in.
15. New Year’s Resolution Craft
Encourage the kids to think about what they want to do in the upcoming year by making a New Year’s resolution craft. Give each child a piece of paper shaped like a star or balloon, and have them write or draw one thing they’d like to do in the new year. They can then decorate their paper with markers, stickers, and glitter.
Once everyone is done, hang the resolutions up as decorations for the rest of the party. It’s a wonderful way to encourage reflection and goal-setting in a fun, creative way. Plus, the kids will love seeing their work displayed for everyone to admire.
16. Noon Year’s Eve Countdown Cups
Prepare 12 cups, each labeled with an hour leading up to noon. Inside each cup, place a small activity, treat, or toy. Every hour, let the kids open a cup and complete the activity or enjoy the treat. This helps build excitement and keeps them entertained while waiting for the big moment.
Activities could include things like “do a silly dance,” “tell a joke,” or “make a funny face.” This is a great way to make the countdown feel interactive and gives the kids something to look forward to each hour.
17. Face Painting Station
Set up a face painting station with simple designs that kids will love, like stars, balloons, or clocks. If you’re not an artist, don’t worry—simple shapes and sparkly paints will do the trick. You could even use temporary tattoos if you’re more comfortable with those.
Face painting is always a hit, and it adds an extra element of fun to the celebration. The kids will love showing off their painted faces during the countdown and in the photos afterward. It’s an easy way to add some festive flair to the party.
18. Noon Year’s Eve Mocktail Toast
What’s a New Year’s celebration without a toast? Make kid-friendly mocktails with sparkling juice, fruit, and colorful straws. Let the kids help prepare their own drinks by adding fruit garnishes or picking out their favorite cup. When the clock strikes noon, everyone can raise their glass for a big cheer!
This activity makes the countdown feel extra special and gives the kids a taste of what it’s like to celebrate like grown-ups. Plus, they’ll love having their own fancy drinks to sip on as they welcome the Noon Year.
19. Noon Year’s Eve Parade of Costumes
Encourage the kids to come dressed in their favorite costumes and have a parade before the countdown. They can dress up as their favorite characters or wear something sparkly to fit the New Year’s theme. Have a small runway set up where they can strut their stuff, and maybe even give out awards for the most creative costumes.
Kids love any opportunity to dress up, and adding a parade gives them a chance to show off their outfits to everyone. This activity also makes for great photos, and it adds an extra layer of excitement to the celebration.
20. Noon Year’s Eve Science Experiments
Incorporate some science fun into your Noon Year’s Eve celebration by setting up a simple experiment station. Activities like making baking soda and vinegar volcanoes, or creating colorful fizzy reactions, are perfect for keeping the kids entertained. You can call them “Noon Year’s Eve Fireworks” to fit the theme.
These experiments are not only entertaining but also educational. The kids will love watching the reactions, and it’s a great way to mix a little learning into the fun. Plus, it’s an activity that’s exciting for kids of all ages.
21. Glow Stick Dance Party
As noon approaches, hand out glow sticks to the kids and turn off the lights for a glow-in-the-dark dance party. Play some upbeat music and let the kids dance around with their glow sticks. The glowing colors make for an exciting atmosphere, and the kids will love waving their sticks around as they dance.
This is a fun way to change up the dance party and make it even more memorable. Plus, glow sticks are always a big hit with kids, and they’ll love the novelty of a dance party in the dark.
22. Decorate Noon Year’s Eve Crowns
Let the kids feel like royalty by making their own Noon Year’s Eve crowns. Use cardstock or construction paper, and let them decorate with stickers, glitter, and markers. Once finished, they can wear their crowns during the countdown.
Crowns are simple to make and add a festive touch to the celebration. The kids will love having something they made themselves to wear, and it’s a great way to keep them busy while they wait for the big moment.
23. Noon Year’s Eve Pictionary
Play a game of Noon Year’s Eve Pictionary with words and phrases related to the holiday, like “fireworks,” “countdown,” or “party hat.” Divide the kids into teams and let them take turns drawing while the others guess.
Pictionary is a great way to keep everyone involved, and it’s perfect for kids of all ages. The younger kids can draw simple pictures while the older ones can try more complex ideas. It’s sure to bring lots of laughter and fun to your Noon Year’s Eve celebration.
24. Make a Noon Year’s Eve Piñata
A Noon Year’s Eve piñata is a great way to end the celebration with a bang. Fill a piñata with candy, small toys, or confetti, and let the kids take turns trying to break it open. You can even make the piñata part of the countdown, with everyone getting a turn right before noon.
The excitement of breaking open a piñata is always a hit with kids, and it’s a perfect way to end the celebration on a high note. Plus, it’s a great way to use up some of that leftover holiday candy!
25. Noon Year’s Eve Minute to Win It Games
Set up some quick Minute to Win It games to keep the kids entertained. These can be simple challenges like stacking plastic cups, balancing a cookie on their forehead, or moving cotton balls with a spoon. Set a timer for one minute and see who can complete the challenge in the allotted time.
These games are fast-paced and a lot of fun, which makes them perfect for a Noon Year’s Eve celebration. The kids will love the challenge, and it’s a great way to keep them busy as they wait for the countdown to begin.
Wrapping Up Your Noon Year’s Eve Celebration
Noon Year’s Eve is a wonderful way to let kids experience the magic of a New Year’s celebration without staying up past their bedtime. With these 25 exciting activities, your Noon Year’s Eve party is sure to be a hit, filled with laughter, creativity, and a sense of wonder as the clock strikes noon.
The key to a great Noon Year’s Eve is to keep things light, fun, and interactive. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or keeping it small, these activities can be tailored to fit any group size and age range. The most important thing is to make it a memorable day that the kids will talk about well into the new year. Here’s to a joyful Noon Year’s Eve, filled with laughter, excitement, and lots of happy memories!
