New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to mean a last-minute scramble to find a babysitter. And it doesn’t have to mean an obligatory expensive night on the town either. Celebrating with your kids can be just as much fun — if not more. Hey, what better way to unleash that inner child a little than with a nostalgia-filled evening of s’mores and popcorn, or a perfect night with toboggans and steamy thermoses. Not sure where to start? Here are some family-friendly party ideas to inspire you.

1. Camp out
You can invite your best friends and their kids over for this event, or just make your fun with your own little crew. Make sure everyone has a sleeping bag and pillow and plan to camp out on the living room floor. While you wait for the strike of midnight, make s’mores in the microwave, pop popcorn and serve hot chocolate. For entertainment, sing camp songs and have a living-room dance party. Or turn the lights down low to tell ghost stories (nothing too scary for the little ones, of course). Then at midnight break out the noise makers and countdown to the New Year.

2. Get outside
For this celebration, the more the merrier. Plan a skating or tobogganing party and get the whole neighbourhood involved. You could simply head to the local arena or hill to have your fun, or for a more private affair, you may want to pool funds and rent a nearby rink, or to drive out of the city to a lesser known hill. Pack lots of thermoses full of hot chocolate and cider, and make sure to have snacks on hand (cut fruit, Rice Krispie squares and trail mix are all good portable options). To add a little something to the New Year’s countdown, give the kids sparklers just before the big moment (be sure there are enough adults around to keep a close eye on the kids for safety). Tip: Make sure everyone dresses in layers to keep warm. Nothing ruins winter fun quite like frostbite.

3. Capture time
Get creative and make a time capsule together. While this requires a bit of advanced planning, it will make a fabulous memento that could inspire another memorable New Year’s Eve if you decide to open it together years from now.

• Collect photos, newspaper clippings, school play programs, birth announcements – anything you think represents your family at this time.
• Get each member of your family to write a note – either to themselves or the whole family – that will only be read when the time capsule is opened. Some ideas for what to include: what each of you did in the past year, goals you have, favourite sayings/bands/movies, feelings about each other. No peeking.
• Put all of the items in a sturdy, archival box, then seal the box and store it away in the attic or basement. Wrap it in plastic if it’s not waterproof.

4. Hit the town
No time to organize a party or event of your own? Look at your local listings – there’s sure to be a family-friendly event in your area. Your kids will love being invited out with you, and you get to feel like the hip, parents-about-town that you are.

5. Take a (mini-)break
You don’t have to go far to impress the kids, just staying at a hotel can make them jump for joy. Pack up the overnight bags (include a few toys and games) and check into a local hotel, preferably one with a pool. Eat out for dinner, or order room service. Go swimming, rent movies, whatever your vacationing hearts desire. Then before you head home in the morning start your day (and the New Year) right with a luxe brunch.

More New Year’s Eve ideas:
• New Year’s Eve Crafts
• Party Planning Tips and Treats