The weekend is almost here, and there are many free (or almost free) fun family activities both locally and nationally to enjoy! Be sure to visit the Event Calendar (or the calendar list view at the right of this page) for more information on ALL of the free activities coming up! It is always a good idea to verify with the business before visiting.
Don’t miss:
Highlights of Upcoming Local Events
Olympic Swim Trials Free Fan Events and Omaha Resources – 6/21-7/2
- The nation’s top swimmers compete to represent the US at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. There will also be Free Fan Events, including Aqua Zone and the Mutual of Omaha Light Show.
Nebraska Shakespeare on the Green – 6/21-7/8
- Outdoor, professional productions of Shakespeare’s plays at Elmwood Park, beginning at 8pm. Free Admission.
- Julius Caesar – June 21-24, July 6, 8
- The Comedy of Errors – June 28-30, July 1, 5, 7
- The rainbow will be displayed twice daily this summer, depending on weather conditions. Check here for daily schedule.
- Although not free (tickets are $5/person), this “monumental inflatable structure, with a dazzling maze of tunnels and soaring domes that immerses visitors in the beauty of light and color” is not to be missed. Open Noon-6pm on weekdays, and 11am-6pm on the weekend.
- UPDATE: Due to the extreme heat, they have changed the times for viewing: “The public will be able to experience the Architects of Air Wed. June 27 and Thurs. June 28 from 9 am to 2 pm. On Fri. June 29 and Sat. June 30, the public can view the exhibit from 11 am to 6 pm.”
- Annual free fireworks show and concert headlined by Huey Lewis and The News from 6-10:30pm at Memorial Park.
Moo at the Zoo – 6/30-7/1
- Join Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo for a fun-filled country and agriculture themed event Saturday, June 30 and July 1, 2012 at Moo at the Zoo from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Get up close and personal with different species of dairy cows, join in the watermelon and pie-eating contests plus enjoy games, live music and much more. Event activities are free to Omaha’s Zoo members or with regular paid Zoo admission.
Lightning Bug Party at Hummel Park Nature Center – 6/30
- Come out to enjoy the Free Lightning Bug Party at Hummel Nature Center on June 30th, from 6pm to dark! Enjoy a fun night of making a lightning bug craft, enjoying s’mores, and catching lightning bugs! Be sure to bring a jar to catch your favorite critter in! Reservations preferred to the Nature Center at 402-444-4760.
Free Family Fishing – 6/30, Benson Park 9am-12pm
- GO FISHING OMAHA provides free family fishing and fun! Be sure to pack plenty of water, sun screen, and lunch. Poles, worms, and other equipment provided!
Family Fun Fest at HyVee – 6/30, 10am-2pm, 156th and Maple
- Join us for a fun-filled family day! We’ll have free pony rides, face painting, clowns, bounce houses & games. We’ll also be selling all your grilled favorites, including hamburgers, brats, hot dogs and more. Start the holiday week with your 156th & Maple Hy-Vee!
Junior Adventure Club – 6/30, 7/7
- Every Saturday morning from 6/2-8/18, 10:30-11:15am at Hummel Park Nature Center, staff will lead kids in a variety of adventures that include hiking, games, stories, crafts, and more! $1.00 drop in fee per child. All ages welcome. For more information, call 402-444-4760.
StoneBridge Fireworks Bonanza – 7/1
- Enjoy good food, lots of games, live music and a professional fireworks display. Admission is free! 5:00pm – Festivities begin with worship on the lawn. 6:00pm – Games (including inflatables) for all ages begin and stay open until 9:00pm. Fireworks begin at dusk. Bring your family, friends, a lawn chair or blanket and come enjoy the fun! Food vendors will be selling a variety of tasty choices.
USAF Heartland of America Band at Sumtur Amphitheater – 7/1
- Kick off 4th of July week with a free patriotic concert by the United States Air Force Heartland of America Concert Band. July 1st, 7:30pm. Gates open at 6:30pm.
Independence Fireworks at Werner Park – 7/2-7/3
- Fireworks sponsored by First National Bank will follow the games which begin at 7:05pm.
- Annual amazing Omaha World-Herald Fireworks Show at TD Ameritrade Park.
- Independence Day Activities and Annual Grand Parade
- Families swim for only $4.00 at all pools!
- Annual free outdoor concert from 6-8pm at Chalco Hills Recreation Area.
- There will be wild entertainment and special animal presentations for all ages. See how many red, white or blue animals you can find. Event activities are free to Omaha’s Zoo members or with regular paid Zoo admission.
- Free admission to the LaVista Municipal Swimming Pool, live DJ, free hot dogs, fun games and prizes! Sunday, July 8th, 1-4 pm.
Highlights of Upcoming National Events
Bass Pro Shop Family Summer Camp – 6/9-7/15
- Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from June 9 – July 15th, 1-5pm. Free Activities including Casting Targets, Shooting Range, and Shooting Arcade. Free Photo (Saturdays and Sundays only). Free S’mores Cookout (Saturdays only 6-7pm, while supplies last). Schedule and activities may vary by location.
- Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, from now through July 28th. Each day, they will be focusing on a different country and doing a special craft. Most of the projects are free, except for a few that require a purchase. Each program is from 1-4pm, or while supplies last, and is geared for ages 3 and up. It is always a good idea to verify with your favorite location before visiting.
- Home Depot offers FREE kid’s workshops on the first Saturday of each month, from 9am-12pm. They are designed for children ages 5-12. Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety. All participants will receive a Kids Workshop Apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement.