New Year’s Eve Maths Activities for Young Children (Ages 2–5)

New Year’s Eve is bursting with maths magic!

New Year’s Eve is full of sparkle, excitement and celebration, and it’s also packed with brilliant opportunities for children to explore early maths skills through play.

Whether you’re staying up for the countdown or celebrating earlier in the day, here are 6 simple, playful New Year’s Eve maths activities to help children build confidence with numbers as you welcome in 2026.

These ideas are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers aged 2–5 and use everyday items you already have at home.

1. Countdown to Midnight (or to Tea Time!)

Counting down is one of the most exciting parts of New Year’s Eve and a fantastic way to practise number order.

Try this:

• For toddlers: count backwards from 5…4…3…2…1

• For preschoolers: count back from 10 or 20

• For older children: predict which number comes next when counting backwards

Ask:
“What number comes after 6 when we’re counting backwards?”

Maths focus: counting forwards and backwards, number order, sequencing

2. Playdough Fireworks (Perfect for 1-to-1 Counting)

Make colourful playdough “fireworks” by rolling small balls or sticks.

Try this:

• Ask your child to make 5 fireworks

• Count each one as they place it down

• Match one number card to one firework

Ask:
“How many fireworks did you make?”
“Do we have one for each number?”

Maths focus: one-to-one correspondence, counting, number recognition

3. Build a Clock Tower (Inspired by Big Ben)

Use blocks, boxes or cups to build a tall clock tower ready for the New Year countdown.

Try this:

• Make towers taller or shorter

• Compare different towers

• Count how many blocks you used

Ask:
“Which tower is tallest?”
“How many blocks did you use?”

Maths focus: measuring, comparing, counting, spatial awareness

4. Five Wishes for the New Year

Sit together and think of five wishes for the year ahead.

Try this:

• Draw one picture for each wish

• Place five objects in a row

• Count them together as you go

Ask:
“How many wishes have we made?”
“What’s our third wish?”

Maths focus: counting, ordering, numbers to 5

5. Make a 2026 Banner

Create a big 2026 banner using paper, stickers or craft materials.

Try this:

• Count how many stickers you use

• Decorate each number differently

• Talk about the shapes of the numbers

Ask:
“How many digits are in 2026?”

Maths focus: number recognition, counting, comparing

6. Share the Celebrations

Share out snacks, party hats or blowers and make sure it’s fair for everyone.

Try this:

• Make equal piles

• Check if everyone has the same

• Count how many each person has

Ask:
“Does everyone have the same?”
“How many more do we need?”

Maths focus: sharing, comparing, early division

Why These New Year’s Maths Activities Matter

Everyday moments like counting down, building towers and sharing snacks are full of meaningful maths.

When children experience early maths through play, they:

• build confidence with numbers

• develop problem-solving skills

• learn without pressure or worksheets

These playful experiences lay strong foundations for school readiness and a positive relationship with maths.

Start the New Year with Confidence

Everyday moments like New Year celebrations are powerful opportunities for early maths learning. Whether at home or in a class setting, playful experiences help children build confidence, curiosity and enjoyment with numbers.

At Jump Start Maths, we support children aged 2–5 through:

• Active, play-based maths classes that build confidence through movement and routine

• Hands-on maths kits designed to help families continue learning through play at home

Our January term starts on 13 & 14 January, and block booking is the best value option.

We also offer Jump Start Maths kits for families who’d like simple, practical resources to use at home.