Are you looking for some family friendly activities for New Year’s Day 2025? The New Year is a magical time to reset, reflect, and celebrate with those you love most. Instead of sticking to the traditional TV countdown, why not make 2025 extra special with activities that the whole family can enjoy?
As a mom myself and a family photographer in Northern Virginia, finding ways to create new and memorable experiences with my family is always at the top of my list. So, I’ve put together a list of 8 fun, family-friendly activities to ring in the New Year 2025! Let’s dive in!
1. Host a Cozy Family Game Night
One of the easiest family friendly activities for New Year’s Day 2025 is to host a cozy family game night. Kick off the New Year with an epic family game night! Clear the table, grab a stack of board games, card decks, or puzzles, and get ready for some friendly competition. Classics like Monopoly or Life are fun for all ages, while newer options such as Ticket to Ride or Codenames provide exciting twists. For younger kids, interactive games like Twister or a scavenger hunt around the house can keep spirits high. Don’t forget snacks! Whip up some popcorn, make a hot cocoa bar, or bake a batch of cookies to keep the energy flowing all night long.
Tip: Create a “winner’s trophy” out of craft items like aluminum foil or cardboard for an added layer of fun. The winner gets bragging rights until next year!
2. Try a Family Photoshoot in Northern Virginia
Make the start of 2025 truly unforgettable with a family photoshoot in Northern Virginia. Popular spots include Great Falls Park, where sweeping views of the waterfalls provide a dramatic setting, or Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, where winter beauty shines through vibrant foliage and cozy gazebos.
If you’re looking for something urban, charming, the streets in Old Town Alexandria or the picturesque village of Middleburg provide cozy, wintry vibes that are perfect for family portraits. Don’t forget to coordinate outfits in complementary colors for that polished look.
3. Countdown at Noon for Younger Kids
One of the easiest family friendly activities for New Year’s Day 2025 is to do an early countdown for younger kids. Staying up until midnight isn’t always an option for little ones, but that doesn’t mean they have to miss out on all the excitement. Host a Noon Year’s Eve party instead! Set the clocks forward (just for fun) and do a countdown at 12 p.m. Include party hats, confetti poppers, and mocktails for the kids to toast with their juice boxes.
During the “party,” play dance games, decorate cupcakes, or create a time capsule where each family member draws or writes something about their hopes for the year ahead. When noon strikes, blast some music and celebrate like it’s midnight.
Tip: Look for community centers or local libraries that may host Noon Year’s Eve events if you’d like a group celebration.
4. Go Ice Skating Together
Glide into the New Year hand-in-hand with a family trip to the ice rink. Ice skating is a great activity that gets everyone moving while providing lots of laughs (and maybe a few tumbles). Many towns have outdoor rinks set up during the winter months, and some even include twinkling lights, hot cocoa stands, and cozy fire pits for resting.
If you’re in the Northern Virginia area, check out Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion or Pentagon Row Outdoor Ice Skating for a festive experience. Both locations are family-friendly and offer skate rentals.
5. Create DIY New Year Decorations
One of the easiest family friendly activities for New Year’s Day 2025 is to create DIY New Year Decorations. Transform your home into a celebration zone by crafting whimsical New Year’s decorations together. Grab some glitter, construction paper, and markers to make countdown clocks, party hats, or “2025” banners. Even toddlers can join in by coloring stars or cutting shapes (with safety scissors, of course).
To add a personal touch, try making a photo collage with pictures of all your favorite memories from the past year. Hang it up as a reminder of how far your family has come and how much you have to look forward to in the year ahead.
Tip: Set up a camera or phone to document the crafting chaos—it might just become one of the funniest parts of your New Year celebration.
6. Have a Family Bake-Off
Get creative in the kitchen with a family bake-off! Each family member (or team) can pick a New Year-themed recipe to try, from cupcakes decorated with “2025” to cookies shaped like clocks. Older kids can help measure and mix, while younger ones can decorate with sprinkles, frosting, and edible glitter.
If you want a little friendly competition, create categories like “most creative,” “tastiest,” or “most festive.” No matter who “wins,” you’ll end the day with lots of treats and even more laughs.
7. Plan a Family Movie Marathon
Sometimes, the best way to ring in the New Year is by staying cozy indoors with a stack of crowd-pleasing movies. Create a lineup of family favorites, from animated classics like “Finding Nemo” to laugh-out-loud comedies like “Home Alone.” Theme the marathon around your family’s preferences, whether it’s Disney musicals, magical adventures, or feel-good sports movies.
Amp up the experience by turning your living room into a mini theater with blankets, pillows, and a selection of snacks. Add some sparkle by stringing fairy lights around the room or setting out glow sticks as “movie tickets.”
Tip: Pause the final movie just before midnight for a quick countdown and family toast before snuggling back in for more fun.
8. Start a Gratitude Jar Tradition
Celebrate the New Year by focusing on what makes your family unique—your shared gratitude. Find an empty jar (or decorate one together) and label it “Gratitude 2025.” Each family member can take turns writing down something they’re thankful for, a happy memory, or even a small goal for the year ahead. Drop the notes in the jar and watch it fill up as the year progresses.
This activity grows more meaningful over time as the jar becomes a collection of your family’s joys and triumphs. Make it a tradition to read the notes at the start of each new year before beginning a new jar.
Tip: Replace paper with small objects, like seashells, concert tickets, or mini sketches, if you prefer a visual representation of your gratitude.
Conclusion: Easy Family Friendly Activities for New Year’s Day 2025
Each of these eight family friendly activities for New Year’s Day 2025 leaves your family room to laugh, bond, and start the year with a sense of joy and togetherness. Whether you’re dancing in your living room, trekking through a snowy trail, or capturing the perfect family photo in Northern Virginia’s stunning scenery, New Year’s 2025 will be a celebration to cherish forever.
Want even more resources? Check out some of my other posts below
- 10 New Year Resolutions For Busy Moms
- 7 Tips On How To Survive (And Enjoy) The Holidays As A New Mom
- 9 Ways To Enjoy Christmas When You’re Pregnant
Stephanie Honikel is a distinguished DC & Northern Virginia newborn photographer, specializing in maternity, baby, and family photography. With a keen eye for capturing timeless moments, she has been recognized as one of the Best Maternity Photographers in DC for 2024 and Best Newborn Photographers in Alexandria, VA in 2024. Stephanie’s work emphasizes safety and emotional connection, ensuring a comfortable and relaxed session experience. She offers a full-service approach, including professional hair and makeup, wardrobe options, and custom artwork. Reach out today to book your session!
Love these ideas so much! 🙂