New Year's Eve 2011 Denver: ten best family-friendly events

By Amber Taufen Fri., Dec. 16 2011 at 11:38 AM

Categories: New Year's Eve

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Finding a quality babysitter any time of year can be rough, but on New Year's Eve -- when most babysitters would rather be rocking out with their friends than making sure your rugrats don't choke on dinner -- it's almost impossible. Thankfully, there are plenty of events on December 31 that were designed with kids in mind; here's our rundown of the ten best family-friendly events.

10. Copper Mountain: En Fuego, Burton Mountain Festival and more
Yes, this involves a trip to the mountains -- but your drive will be rewarded with a snowcat parade, fireworks displays, a special En Fuego exhibition, the Burton Mountain Festival, parties throughout the village and an X Games rail-jam qualifier at Copper Mountain. For more information, call 866-841-2481 or visit www.coppercolorado.com.

9. Grand Winter Sports Carnival Rail Jam and Celebration
If your strategy is "wear 'em out early," then the Grand Winter Sports Carnival Rail Jam and Celebration at Winter Park is a good option; the festivities include skijoring, a rail jam, skating races and more. The carnival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. -- and it's all free! Call 800-979-0332 or visit www.winterparkresort.com.

8. Glide into 2012 Freestyle Nordic Race & Relative Relay
If neither of the first two mountain work for you, try the Glide into 2012 Freestyle Nordic Race & Relative Relay in Crested Butte. Not only will you be burning calories and teaching kids about team spirit, but the proceeds benefit the Gunnison Junior Nordic Team, so you're helping out the next generation in more ways than one. Call 800-545-4505 or visit www.crestedbuttechamber.com.

7. Blossoms of Light or Trail of Lights
New Year's Eve is your second-to-last chance to see the amazing lights that the Denver Botanic Gardens displays every year at both the York Street and Chatfield facilities. The exhibits are open from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Admission is free for kids two and younger, and only $9.50 for non-members. Visit www.botanicgardens.org.

6. Steve McGrew all-ages comedy show
Comedy Works, 1226 15th Street, is hosting an all-ages comedy show featuring Steve McGrew at 6 p.m. to help ring in the New Year. (Note: the 8 and 10 p.m. shows are both 21-and-up.) Admission starts at $25; call 303-595-3637 or visit www.comedyworks.com.

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