Time Capsule Questions for New Year’s Eve (2 Free Printables)

Time capsule questions are one of my favorite ways to capture a snapshot of who kids are right now.

When my son was younger, we filled one out every New Year’s Eve, and it’s always fun to look back and see how much his answers have changed, from favorite foods to big dreams for the future.

These printable pages give children a chance to reflect on what matters most to them today, while creating a keepsake they’ll love opening years from now.

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Printable Time Capsule Questionnaire for Kids

One of the easiest ways to start a time capsule is with a simple questionnaire. These printable time capsule questions give kids a chance to write down what they love most right now, from favorite foods and hobbies to the big dreams they have for the future.

When my son filled his out, we picked a date to open it years later, and he already laughs at the idea of seeing what he once thought was “the best movie ever.”

Choose an opening date that feels special, like a graduation, milestone birthday, or even just five years down the road.

If you want to add an extra bit of fun, bury the capsule outside (well-sealed, of course) so no one is tempted to peek early!

Supplies You’ll Need for a Kids’ Time Capsule

You don’t need anything fancy to make a family time capsule. A few basic supplies are all it takes:

• Cardstock or printer paper – sturdy enough to last when stored.
• Pens or pencils – for writing down answers to the time capsule questions.
• A container – we’ve used everything from decorated shoeboxes to an old pickle jar (washed thoroughly!).
• Ziplock bags, a laminator, or sheet protectors – to keep pages safe from moisture if you bury the capsule.

Simply print out the free time capsule questions below (available in both color and black-and-white). These are for personal or classroom use, so teachers can easily add them to end-of-year activities too.

Questions for a Time Capsule

Each printable includes space for your child’s name and the date, plus a set of prompts that help capture who they are right now. The questions cover everyday favorites and bigger dreams, such as:

What to Put in a Time Capsule

Once your time capsule questions are complete, you can make the keepsake even more special by adding small items that capture what life looks like right now. A few ideas we’ve used (and loved):

• Family photos – everyday moments that show what your kids looked like this year.
• Handprints – especially sweet if the kids are still little.
• Newspaper headlines – a quick way to record what was happening in the world.
• Future predictions – jot these on the back of the questionnaire for extra fun.
• Coins or receipts – everyday prices and currency kids will laugh about later.
• Schoolwork or drawings – essays, doodles, or art projects that show their creativity.
• Christmas wish list or ticket stubs – reminders of favorite things and special outings.
• Snack packaging – a silly but memorable way to remember their favorite treats.
• Certificates or awards (copies) – small reminders of this year’s achievements.
• Letters – one from you and one from your child to their future self.

Adding just a handful of these turns a simple questionnaire into a true time capsule that kids will be excited to open years from now.

More New Year’s Eve Printables for Kids

A time capsule is just one way to make New Year’s Eve special. If your kids enjoy this tradition, they might also like a few other printables you can use alongside it:

• New Year’s Eve reflection questions – a simple way for kids to look back on the past year.
• New Year’s resolution printable – encourages them to set fun, achievable goals for the months ahead.
• New Year’s Eve scavenger hunt – hide party props or decorations around the house for kids to find.
• New Year’s scattergories – a festive word game the whole family can play together.

Celebrating New Year’s Eve with kids can be a fun way to make them feel part of the festivities.

Get Your Free Printable Time Capsule Template Here!

If you don’t see the form below, click here to get the free printable.

Last Updated on 18 September 2025 by Clare Brown