Sure there will be fireworks across the metro area on New Year’s Eve, and grown-ups can stay up late counting down to midnight, but families will also find some kid-centric ways to celebrate the hours leading up to 2023 on Friday, December 31. Here are several we found that are sure to delight the kiddos. Spots fill for some of these events quickly, so you should register soon if one is of interest. If you know of any we have missed, please email laura@milehighonthecheap.com.
Barr Lake Nature Center
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
13401 Picadilly Rd. Brighton, 80603
Ring in 2023 at a Rockin’ Raucous New Year’s Eve Noon Party! There will be crafts, face painter, snacks, party favors, and a balloon drop to countdown for noon celebration. It’s going to be LOUD.
Sorry no pets allowed during this event. Stroller parking will be available outside to leave more room for the kids.
This event is FREE, however a $9 daily or annual parks pass is required to enter the park.
Advance registration required. Register here.
Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus Noon Year’s Eve
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2121 Children’s Museum Dr., Denver, 303-433-7444
Features a shiny Times Square-like ball which will drop on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This year’s celebrations will take place in their winter experience, SNOW DAYS!
Prepare for a celebration unlike any other year with sock skating, sledding, music, treats from the Teaching Kitchen and fun surprises!
General admission applies and reservations are required to guarantee entry (though walk-ups will be accepted on a space available basis).
Cost is $17 for ages 2 to 59 and $15 for seniors (60+) and those age 1. Members get in for free. Buy tickets here. (Registration opens December 14).
Junction Food and Drink
Noon to 3 p.m.
2000 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver, 720-400-7772
Family-friendly, Noon Year’s Eve event features a hot chocolate bar, face painting, balloon artist, magician, and temporary tattoos.
There will also be music by On Vinyl Tonight and Casamigos-sponsored drink specials. Plus, a menu of food options such as burgers, sandwiches, pizza, tacos, and more.
Admission is FREE. Fee for food and beverages.
Light The World Giving Machines Noon Year’s Eve
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
15th & Larimer, Denver
Bring the kids to the Giving Machines to ring in the New Year at noon and you can be warm and snug at home at midnight!
DJ music, an on-screen ball drop, bubbles, hats, noisemakers and other fun kid stuff, and you can make a last-minute, year-end, tax-deductible donation at Denver’s vending machines for charity.
Urban Air Adventure Park Aurora
3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
15400 E. Briarwood Circle, Aurora
Let ’em Fly New Years Eve Party! Unlimited play, balloon drop, giveaways, noisemakers and more. Admission is $25.99 for a Ultimate Pass (includes socks, noise maker and balloon drop event).
Urban Air Adventure Park Westminster
3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
7025 W. 88th Ave., Westminster
Let ’em Fly New Years Eve Party! Unlimited play, balloon drop, giveaways, noisemakers and more. Admission is $25.99 for a Ultimate Pass (includes socks, noise maker and balloon drop event).
WOW! Children’s Museum
110 N. Harrison Ave., Lafayette, 303-604-2424
Ring in the New Year a few hours early in Lafayette. Enjoy noisemaker crafts, face/arm painting, balloon animals, kids karaoke, playtime in the Museum, refreshments, and a special countdown celebration.
Party #1 is from 10 a.m. to noon and and Party #2 is from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission is $13 per child; $8 per WOW! member child; and $7 per adult. Advance ticket purchase required.
Buy tickets for 10 a.m. to noon here.
Buy tickets for 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. here.
Various Locations
CO