A fun New Year’s Eve with kids is kind of an oxymoron – like a relaxing playdate or an enjoyable episode of Caillou. To most of us, the “Biggest Night of the Year” is just another night but as the kids get older, they want to stay up to see what all the fuss is about. This year, I promised my oldest two that they could ring in the new year with us so we’re hosting a small, kid-friendly party in the hopes that everyone will sleep in late enough the next day to make it all worth it.

Usually, a bunch of kids in the house means they run around like crazy smashing things and yelling, kind of like what New Year’s used to be with adults actually. This time though I figured I’d come up with some fun activities to keep them occupied so the rest of us can focus on what’s really important, food and cocktails.

If you too are going to be hosting your smallest party animals in the safety of your own home this year, here are some fun activities and ideas to keep even the youngest of revelers happy right up until the clock strikes midnight.

New Year’s Resolution Art

New Year’s Eve Crowns

New Year’s Eve Bingo

Party Hats

Try wrapping some sparkling apple juice in these fun champagne printable wraps so the kids can toast the new year long with you!

Time Capsule Can

Make some clock pops

Is your tree still up from Christmas? Take down the ornaments (or if you have a toddler, pick them all up from under the couches and tables where he’s been throwing them all month) and replace them with New Year’s horns, glasses and party supplies. Turn the lights on and you’ve got yourself a sparkly New Year’s tree!

First Night Hats

Kid’s Countdown Clocks

Write a New Year’s Letter. Imagine getting a letter that you wrote to yourself 10, 15 or 20 years ago? Have everyone write themselves a letter saying what they were doing in 2011 and then write some specific questions down for each of the kids to answer. Where will you be in 15 years? What will you be when you grow up? What do cars look like in the future? How many kids do you have? Think of anything you think would be fun to read in the future and then hang on to them in a safe place until the kids are all grown up.

Party Poppers

New Year’s Pasta Numbers

Noisemakers (because kids aren’t loud enough already)

Bubble Jumping

Hand out some fun confetti party favors to guests, young and old, so everyone can join the wild rumpus once the clock strikes midnight.

Whatever your New Year’s plans are, have fun, be safe and best wishes for a wonderful 2012! Here’s to hoping all the little maniacs sleep in on January 1st!