When most people think about New Year’s Eve, they think of late nights, loud parties, and booze. Lots of booze. The holiday is basically synonymous with champagne, right? And if you’re the parent of a young child, honestly, there’s no reason to skip [a reasonable amount of bubbly] when they undoubtedly go to bed early. But what about if you’re parenting a young adult who’s not yet of drinking age and hoping you’ll turn a blind eye to their shenanigans? How can you have a fun and safe (and legal) New Year’s with your teen that doesn’t have them sighing and rolling their eyes in boredom?
From daytime ball drops to fireworks displays, there are actually a lot of options that aren’t boring at all. Here are six activities that let them celebrate, have fun, go just a little wild, and, most importantly, stay safe.
Host a gaming party.
Whether or not they’re still into family game nights, we’re willing to bet your teen enjoys some form of gaming. Teens tend to be competitive by nature. (Sure, they might seem apathetic to anything and everything when talking to you, but that drive to succeed comes out when winning is on the line.) And by hosting a game night with friends, you can harness their competitive energy in a fun and positive way. Plus, this type of party can be tailored to your teen’s interests. Go ahead and let them play sports, card games, board and/or video games all night long.
Watch fireworks.
Start the new year off with a bang and take your teen to a professional fireworks show. Some ballparks and amusement parks put on an amazing fireworks display that can be viewed from both inside and outside the park, so pack a blanket and some snacks and enjoy the show.
Find an organized event.
Indoor activities such as roller-skating, ice-skating, bowling, and commercial arcades are great New Year’s Eve activities for teens. Check for special deals and events that may ensure kids — including teens — remain on-site until they’re picked up by a parent. Have your teen plan to attend with a group of friends, and coordinate with the adults about who will be in charge of drop off and pick up. The easiest way to find events in your area is literally to Google “family New Year’s Eve events near me” — you’ll be rewarded with a whole host of options!
Host a slumber party.
Hosting a safe New Year’s Eve party for teens is the easiest way to ensure your child is playing by the rules. Music, movies, and munchies know no age limit, and you can let your kid help plan everything from the decor to the food. Plus, every teen enjoys a late-night party with their best friends. But as difficult as it can be, don’t hover! You know they’re in a safe place, so give them space to celebrate as they please without pesky parents hanging around.
Attend a daytime ball drop.
If you love a ball drop but your teen would rather stay up playing games or watching movies, you can look for a local ball drop event to get that exciting family time in. Museums and other local venues often host family-friendly daytime New Year’s Eve ball drops where young and old can count down to the new year without having to stay up until midnight. Check with your local convention and visitor’s bureau for possible events.
Go to an amusement park.
Theme parks often offer special events and hours during the holidays (Some parks at Disney World in Orlando, for example, is open until 1 a.m. on New Year’s Eve). Security patrol, monitored activities, and an enclosed environment ensure parents can (metaphorically) rest easy, while the amusement park ensures teens will have fun.
Have a fancy(ish) dinner.
Older kids [usually!] aren’t as picky as the littles, and can definitely appreciate a fancy spread more. Whether you make them from scratch or buy them from the store, an array of appetizers can make the occasion feel a little more grown-up and festive. Go ahead, let them head to their beloved TikTok or Pinterest for some charcuterie board inspo, and pair it with some champagne flutes of sparkling grape juice for added flair.
Don’t forget safe driving rules.
There are many options for safe New Year’s Eve celebrations for teens, but that all goes out the window if your teen gets into a car with someone who’s been drinking or doesn’t practice safe driving themselves. If your teenager will be on the road this New Year’s Eve, review safe road rules — including no texting while driving.
“End the night right: If you fear that your driver for the evening may have become under the influence during the course of the night, do not — under any circumstances — get in their vehicle,” Kevin Markham of Ford Global Driver Safety urges teens. And what can parents do? Make sure your teen knows they can always get a ride. “Your parents or sibling won’t be mad if you call late for a ride,” Markham tells teens. “In fact, they should be happy you made the responsible and safe decision.” Louder for the teens in the back!!!
If you live in a place that offers Uber or Lyft, you can even give your teen an in-app “gift card” so they have a guaranteed safe ride home no matter what.
With the right choices and ground rules, you can help make this a safe New Year’s your teen won’t soon forget.
A version of this article was originally published in December 2012.
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