We found three kid-friendly New Year’s Eve events in and around Denver with 2026 dates: three Noon Year’s Eve countdowns, one of them free. They’re spread over three areas, from Central Denver to Commerce City. A noon countdown means a balloon drop or bubble-wrap stomp at midday, home in time for nap.
New here?
A real countdown, balloon drop and all, at a time that works for toddlers. These are typical times; each card has the venue’s exact ones.
Countdown at noon
Confirmed for 2026, with times, prices and ticket details from each venue’s own page.
Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus · 2121 Children’s Museum Dr, Denver, CO 80211
With littles: Hourly ball drops mean you can pick a countdown that fits nap time.
Broomfield Library – inventHQ Makerspace · 6 Garden Center, Broomfield, CO 80020
With littles: A family-friendly crafting party with a countdown to noon. Kids under 12 need an adult with them.
Bison Ridge Recreation Center · 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City, CO 80022
With littles: Ages 3 and up: Minute-to-Win-It style games and a snack bar, run by the Commerce City Recreation Department.
Before you go
TicketsIf it’s ticketed, book earlyNoon countdowns can fill up, so book once tickets open.
TimingArrive 30 minutes earlyCoats off, snack in, spot found before the countdown starts.
NoiseBring ear muffs for babiesBubble-wrap stomps and cheering get loud right at noon.Keep planning
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Indoor play in DenverIndoor playgrounds, toddler times, museums and classes, with prices
Library storytimes in DenverBaby, toddler and preschool storytimes by day and branch
Ice skating in DenverHoliday and indoor rinks, skate aids and prices
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Christmas parades in DenverParades and tree lightings with dates and start timesChristmas trains in DenverPolar Express, Santa and lights trains with datesThe Nutcracker in DenverBallet and touring shows, sensory-friendly flagged
Christmas markets in DenverChristkindlmarkts and winter wonderlands with hours
Christmas break in DenverWhat’s open on Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1This week in DenverDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every Thursday
Good questions
Noon Year’s Eve at the Children’s Museum of Denver at Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus: Thu, Dec 31, 2026, A ball drops at the top of every hour, 10am–3pm (Museum admission). Noon Year’s Eve at inventHQ Makerspace at Broomfield Library – inventHQ Makerspace: Thu, Dec 31, 2026, 11am–12:30pm (Free). Noon Year’s Eve at Bison Ridge Recreation Center at Bison Ridge Recreation Center: Thu, Dec 31, 2026, See registration page ($5).
Yes: Noon Year’s Eve at inventHQ Makerspace.
A New Year’s countdown for little kids held at noon on Dec. 31 instead of midnight, usually with a balloon drop, bubble-wrap stomp, crafts and music. It’s over before nap, so nobody has to stay up late.
Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 29, 2026, and we recheck them every Thursday in December. How we choose and check.
One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Denver that weekend, through the holidays.
