Whew, we made it through the holidays! Now that the glitter has settled, let's tackle the first weekend of 2026. Don't just resign yourselves to the usual routine—this weekend is your last shot for some major festive fun before it all packs up. Seriously, check out the Magical Winter Nights at DMNS because Sunday is the absolute last day! If you're looking for something totally different, peep the Sipping N' Painting - Hello There class on Saturday morning for a surprisingly creative family outing.
Quick Picks
Light the Lights - Denver City and County Building
Denver City and County Building - Civic Center Park
Catch the city's major light display before it vanishes on Jan 26th (checking for Jan 3-4 dates).
Magical Winter Nights
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
It's indoors, immersive, and your final weekend to see the indoor ice-less skating rink!
All Ages/Family Storytime
Denver Public Library Near You
A solid, free, cozy activity for toddlers and preschoolers at your local branch.
Light the Lights - Denver City and County Building
If you haven't hit the City and County Building lights yet, you still have time this weekend. It's a great spot to grab photos of the big holiday light display downtown before it disappears for the year. Wander around Civic Center Park afterward to see what's open, but the main show is the lights!
Why we picked it: It's one of the last chances to see the big Mile High Holiday lights before they're gone.
Sipping N' Painting Hampden - Hello There
Forget the typical pancake breakfast—try a paint class! Kids 6+ can join a parent for this morning session to paint a canvas together. It’s surprisingly low-stress, and you walk away with actual art. Just remember to arrive 20 mins early to claim your spots!
Why we picked it: A quirky, surprisingly kid-friendly way to get creative that isn't a messy drop-in studio.
All Ages/Family Storytime
Super low-key, super free way to entertain the littles on Saturday morning. They'll sing songs, hear great books, and you can grab a new stack of library books afterward. Check your nearest branch for the exact schedule—they usually run these on Saturdays!
Why we picked it: It's reliably free, indoors, and perfect for the youngest crowd at the start of the weekend.
DCPA Child & Teen Acting Class Info Session
Heads up, parents of theater kids: While spring/summer registration isn't fully open, you can check out info for their acting classes. They focus on being articulate and empathetic, not just reciting lines. Applications for the Ritchie Scholarship don't open until Jan 20th, but now's the time to research!
Why we picked it: A great behind-the-scenes peek at arts education for kids who love performing.
McGregor Skate
The outdoor skating rink at McGregor Square is still going strong this weekend! It’s fun, right downtown, and way more festive than your average public rink. If you didn't get your ice time in before the New Year, this is a solid option for Saturday morning.
Why we picked it: It's a classic, active outdoor winter activity that runs through late January.
The Secret World of Elephants
If the Winter Nights sounds too busy, check out the excellent elephant exhibit before it closes at the end of January. Your older kids can learn about how elephants communicate and their coolest biological facts. It's a much calmer experience than the nighttime event.
Why we picked it: It's a limited-run exhibit that offers deep learning disguised as fun for older kids.
Goodnight Moon
If you have a little one obsessed with the classic book, they are running a stage adaptation through this weekend! It's a great, gentle intro to live theatre that won't bore the grown-ups too much. Since it's running until Jan 25th, you have some flexibility, but weekend shows fill up fast.
Why we picked it: A rare chance to see a stage show based on a beloved children's book this weekend.
Check DPL for Saturday Morning Open Play/Crafts
Beyond the formal storytime, many branches have open drop-in play areas or craft tables set up on Saturday mornings. It's a wonderful, no-pressure way to burn off some toddler energy when it’s cold outside. Look up your specific branch events page to see what craft supplies are out!
Why we picked it: It offers flexible, free, indoor play time for younger kids that many parents overlook.
2026 Denver All Access New Years Eve Bar Crawl (for next year!)
Okay, this is totally just for the parents, but I saw the listing for the NYE Bar Crawl ticket prices going up, which means it's *never* too early to plan for next year's NYE if you have teens who want to hit the city. Sneakily check out the venues they use near LoDo for your daytime plans this weekend!
Why we picked it: It's a quirky find that points toward downtown areas often hosting bigger (though not kid-focused) events.
Magical Winter Nights
This is the absolute last day for this immersive holiday light event at the museum, so make those plans ASAP. I hear the 'ice-less' indoor skating rink is super weird and fun—definitely for the kids who can't handle the real ice yet. Grab a hot cocoa inside and check out the moonlit savanna scene!
Why we picked it: It is the final day (Sunday, Jan 4th) for this popular, unique indoor winter light experience.
Elitch Holidays
Yep, another holiday event wrapping up on Sunday! If your teens miss the rides mixed with lights, hit up Elitch's for one last dose of festive fun. They have rides running, so it's not just a walk-through display. Make sure you check ride operational status before heading over!
Why we picked it: The final day for Elitch's holiday light/ride combo before they close until spring.
Kidcreate Studio Workshops (Check Schedule)
Kidcreate is awesome for letting kids get messy with clay, paint, and slime in a contained environment. They often have one-off 'Lunch & Doodle' or mini-camps during school breaks, so check their site for a Sunday workshop that fits your kid's age. Perfect if you need a structured break for yourselves!
Why we picked it: It offers age-appropriate, hands-on art classes that can often be booked for a single session.
Giving Machines in Cherry Creek North
This is a super cool concept: you use a vending machine to buy a gift (like chickens, school supplies, or medicine) for a local or global charity instead of a snack. It runs through Sunday, so take the kids to Fillmore Plaza to pick out something meaningful to 'buy' together. It's an amazing way to teach charity!
Why we picked it: The last day (Sunday) for this unique, hands-on way to give back to the community.
Check Local Brewery Family Hours (e.g., Lady Justice Brewing)
Some local breweries like Lady Justice sometimes have family-friendly events or just welcome kids during Sunday afternoons before the 'adult' crowd takes over. It’s a great, low-key way to grab a quick bite and see some local flavor. Call ahead, but this is a typical Denver parent move!
Why we picked it: It taps into the local brewery scene which often has kid-friendly early slots before the evening rush.
Art Adventures @ Southwest
This is a City and County of Denver recurring youth art class focusing on recycled art and 3D projects—super cool for that creative kid. Since the exact Saturday/Sunday event for this one wasn't found, I'm flagging the general activity for you to search for their Jan 3/4 specific sessions. It’s a great way to try different techniques without commitment.
Why we picked it: A local Parks & Rec art workshop that often has one-off sessions perfect for a quirky afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Denver this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 03-04) there are great genuinely free options! Check out the All Ages/Family Storytime at your local Denver Public Library branch on Saturday morning, and you can still catch the Light the Lights display at the City and County Building on both days (evening only).
What's the best indoor/rainy day activity for kids on Sunday?
If the weather turns, the best bet is the Magical Winter Nights at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, as Sunday, January 4th, is the very last day to experience their indoor light show and 'ice-less' skating rink.
Where can my younger kids (under 5) do something structured?
For the littlest ones, look for the All Ages/Family Storytime at the Denver Public Library branches on Saturday morning for singing and books. Also, check Kidcreate Studio for their age-specific workshops, though these are paid.