I would suggest a family/friends bbq.

Also; getting everyone to bring a plate helps with costs.

Family friendly and age appropriate nibbles and drinks and games and activities for the children to play at home.

We always look if there’s any kids friendly activities happening local. Last year we went to a light show / street festival in C’hill, this year at Bella Vista Farm park. These activities often start at 6 or 7 finishing at 9ish. Not that we always stay that long, it’s just that we like to do something special. But this can be also hooking up for a bbq with friends.

We generally don’t go out for new years – simply because our kids wouldn’t last (most of the time we don’t either) – this year I have my inlaws here and we are having a disco party for my girls – champagne and nibbles for us while the kids rock out to their favourite songs of 2017 with disco balls and glow sticks and costumes etc – they are pretty excited.

My girls are 6 and 10 – we might even get some sparklers and let them dance around outside to make pretty patterns.