10 Outdoor Activities for a Memorable New Year’s Eve & Day
So here's the thing - I made grand plans to have an elaborate appetizer-themed New Years Eve dinner for our family last year. Well between the hustle and bustle of Christmas, I lost steam and didn't get any of my grocery shopping done beforehand. New Years Eve came and I was unprepared, so what did I do? I said, "Lets go to a nature center!"
Not the typical idea that would pop up in one's mind but I made a last minute audible and you know what? We loved it! Instead of celebrating in the evening, we headed out to a new-to-us nature center, packed lunch, hot chocolate and made the most of our morning there.
New Year’s Eve and Day are the perfect time to slow down, get outside, and create simple, meaningful memories as a family. You don’t need big plans or elaborate events—just a little fresh air and creativity! And who says you need to celebrate on the actual days? Take any of these ideas and head outside this weekend!
Here are 10 easy ways to spend New Year’s outside with your kids:
Family Hike to Reflect on the Year – Take a quiet walk and talk about your favorite moments from the past year.
Backyard Bonfire – Toast marshmallows, share hopes for the new year, and enjoy the cozy vibes.
Outdoor Picnic – Pack up your favorite foods and enjoy a winter picnic with warm blankets.
Nature Scavenger Hunt – Create a list of winter nature finds and let the kids explore.
DIY Outdoor Photo Booth – Bring out some fun props and take family photos to capture the day.
Starlit Cocoa Countdown – Grab hot cocoa and sit under the stars while counting down to midnight (or an earlier “kid-friendly” version).
Sunrise Walk on New Year’s Day – Start the year with fresh air and movement.
Snowball Fight/Winter Games – If there’s snow, have a snowball flight or go sledding!
Decorate a Tree for Wildlife – Hang birdseed ornaments and pinecones for the local wildlife.
Sparklers at Night – Simple and magical. Light up the night and celebrate together.
These moments don’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Sometimes the simplest traditions are the ones that stick the longest!
