These events start earlier than most New Year’s Eve celebrations, meaning kids can participate in all the fun and still make it home early enough for bedtime.

Children’s Museum of Denver | Noon Year’s Eve

December 31, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Celebrate the ”noon” year with ball drops on the hour, rainbow confetti, bubble wrap ”fireworks,” crafts, and music. $14-$16, free under age 1. Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, Denver.

Clyfford Still Museum | New Year’s Eve Family Tour

December 31, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Celebrate the new year on a special family tour with trained gallery teachers. Make music, dance, look for fireworks, and create your own artwork to celebrate 2020. Included with admission, which is free age 17 and under. Clyfford Still Museum, Denver.

Denver Zoo | Bunk with the Beasts: Zoo Year’s Eve

December 31, 6 p.m. overnight to 10 a.m.

Spend a night at Denver Zoo exploring the zoo, its exhibits, and Wild Lights. Learn about different animals and participate in games and activities. Ages 5-13. $65-$75. Denver Zoo, Denver.

Downtown Aquarium | New Year’s Eve Family Celebration

December 31, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Ring in the new year at two different times with a buffet meal, beach ball and balloon drop, contests, giveaways, animal appearances, and a sparkling cider toast. $23-$31; includes exhibit admission. Downtown Aquarium, Denver.

Downtown Denver | New Year’s Eve Fireworks

December 31, 9 p.m.

Ring in the new year in downtown Denver and catch an early fireworks show before the midnight crowd. 16th Street Mall, Denver.

Evergreen Lake House | New Year’s Eve Party and Fireworks

December 31, 6 p.m.

Join in a community celebration that includes ice skating, the movie Frozen, fire pits, and marshmallow-roasting. $20-$30, free age 5 and under. Evergreen Lake House, Evergreen. 

GameWorks Denver | New Year’s Eve Pre-Party

December 31, noon to 3 p.m.

Attend a special family New Year’s Eve party, featuring a countdown and balloon drop at 2:20 p.m. Packages range from $15-$20 (plus tax, service charge, and gratuity) and include party favors and game play. Call 720-330-9444 to reserve tickets by December 30. The Shops at Northfield Stapleton, Denver.

WOW! Children Museum | New Year’s Eve Parties

December 31, 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m.

Ring in the new year before bedtime with noisemaker crafts, face painting, live entertainment, refreshments, and playtime leading up to a grand countdown celebration. $6-$11. WOW! Children’s Museum, Lafayette.