When you have kids, especially younger kids who just can’t make it to midnight, it can be hard to take them out to events. Sure, it’s not impossible, but if carting your kids out to see the fireworks is not your cup of tea, hosting an at-home New Year’s Eve party is the perfect solution.
It’s a great way to have a kid-friendly party that can turn into an adults-only shindig once the kiddos are ready for bed. But how can you pull off such an amazing feat of party planning? With a little help of course!
We’re going to break down everything you need to host an amazing family-friendly New Year’s Eve soiree that you and the kids will both enjoy
Hire a babysitter
If you have really small kids that can’t be left alone even for a minute, consider hiring a babysitter to come for the hours those kids will be awake. You and your guests will be able to enjoy the evening while the kids will get to be entertained and cared for by a qualified babysitter.
Check out our directory of nanny and babysitting services in Toronto and book your New Year’s Eve Nanny now!
Plan an early midnight
Make sure the kids end up in bed before the actual ball drops by celebrating the New Year a few hours earlier. You can choose to do this yourself, or use the awesome countdowns that Netflix has created! Featuring characters from your kids’ favourite shows, these countdowns are on-demand—meaning you have complete control on when the ball drops! Just search countdowns on Netflix to find one your kids will love.
Hire a party entertainer
From Elsa and Spiderman to a clown or magician, hiring a children’s party entertainer takes the stress out of what you’re going to do to keep the kids entertained all night long. Most come equipped with fun indoor games and activities for the kids to do together. And they add a little bit of magic to any party!
Check out our directory of children’s party entertainers in Toronto.
Set up space for all the kids to sleep
Whether you use your spare rooms, basement or have the kids bunk together, make sure you have enough space for all the kids in attendance to hit the hay early. Have them bring their pillows and sleeping bags and get them all excited for a fun New Year’s Eve sleepover!
Call a caterer
If the thought of cooking for a group of picky kids and their parents throws you into a tailspin, outsource it! Catering a party looks different for everyone—whether you’re ordering pizza, or serving fancy canapés, having someone else take on the work cooking can make throwing a party seem much simpler.
Check out our directory of caterers in Toronto and keep yourself out of the kitchen on New Year’s Eve.
A kid-friendly toast
There’s nothing quite like toasting to the new year with a glass of bubbly. And while we’re not suggesting you give the kids a glass of champagne, there are lots of fun ways to have a toast for the little ones. Think sparkling apple cider (non-alcoholic, of course), or a milk and cookies toast. Get out some fun glassware (or plasticware if that’s more your kids’ speed) and let them toast to the wonderful things that are coming their way in 2020.
Plan a fun activity for the kids
Whether you choose to set up a crafting station, or you hire a party team to come to your home, having an activity planned for the kids will keep them engaged and entertained, allowing mom and dad to have some adult conversations for once!
Check out our directory of parties that come to you in Toronto and the GTA.
Just relax
If our 20s taught us anything, it’s that New Year’s Eve is so hyped up that it rarely meets our expectations. So just remember to take it easy, and enjoy the celebration with your family and friends. Happy New Year!