New Year's Eve Scavenger Hunt (Free Printable for Kids)
Print a free New Year's Eve scavenger hunt with 30 party finds, photo poses and quiet prompts. It helps children stay busy and happy through the long evening before midnight.
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The hunt list
All 30 items are ready above. Photo finds work best with a phone or a camera that a grown-up holds.
- A party hat
- A noisemaker (2 pts)
- Something that sparkles
- A balloon in silver or gold (2 pts)
- A clock showing the current time
- A photo of you making a silly face (2 pts)
- A photo of the whole group in one picture (3 pts)
- A friend who is wearing a favorite color
- A snack that comes in a bowl
- A drink with bubbles
- A streamer or a paper garland
- Something that starts with the letter N
- A calendar page (2 pts)
- A written wish for the new year (3 pts)
- A favorite memory from this year, told to a friend (3 pts)
- Something new you learned this year (3 pts)
- A goal for the next year, said out loud (3 pts)
- Someone who has a brand new pair of pajamas
- A game with cards or dice
- A pillow fort or a cozy corner
- A flashlight
- A photo of two people with matching poses (2 pts)
- A countdown written on paper, from ten to one (2 pts)
- A song everyone knows (2 pts)
- A dance move that makes people laugh (3 pts)
- Something shiny that is not a decoration
- A pair of socks that do not match
- A friend who has a story about a pet (2 pts)
- A hug, with permission (2 pts)
- A sparkly drawing of your wish for the year (5 pts)
How to fill the evening
Midnight feels very far away to a seven year old. A scavenger hunt breaks the evening into small wins and gives children a reason to look back at the year, not only forward.
- Hand out sheets as guests arrive, and set out pencils, paper and a few party props.
- Tell players the hunt runs until the snack break, and the unfinished items can wait.
- Appoint one adult as the photographer for the photo finds.
- Let children share a few answers to the memory and wish items over snacks.
- Keep the last items for the final half hour, so there is still something to do near the countdown.
Party variations
- Time capsule. Collect the written wishes in a jar, seal it and open it next December.
- Photo album. Print the best photos later and let each child make a small page from them.
- Teams by color. Give each team a paper hat in one color, and let the teams compete for the funniest photo.
Tips for a happy sleepover
Mix quiet finds and active ones, so children who are getting tired are not left out.
Let each child choose one item to skip. It keeps the game friendly.
Have a sleeping bag corner ready for anyone who fades before midnight.
Party safety
Keep noisemakers away from ears and small mouths, and ask an adult to handle anything with a flame or fireworks. Remind children to walk on stairs, and plan a safe ride home for guests who are not sleeping over.
Printing for the party
Print one sheet per guest with the name line on, so sheets do not get mixed up. Two-column layout fits all 30 items on a single page. Silver or yellow paper adds a festive touch, and a clipboard makes ticking easier on the couch.
FAQ
How long does this hunt last?
Plan on about an hour of play, spread over the evening. Most groups stop and pick it up again around snack time.
Is it only for kids?
It is written for children from about 6 to 12, but teens and adults can join in, especially the photo and memory finds.
What if we are not staying up until midnight?
Play it earlier in the evening and call it your own countdown. Many families celebrate at a younger bedtime hour and the game works just the same.