Enjoy family-friendly events coming up in Omaha, including these 10+ FREE Omaha Events in January!
>> Looking for more fun this January? Discover 4 Exciting Family Events this January in the Omaha Area here!
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It is always a good idea to verify before visiting as dates and times may change.
Jump Directly to the Specific Week:
January 1 – 5
Please Note: It is always a good idea to verify before visiting as details may change.
FREE Ongoing Activities:
- FREE Things to Do with Kids in Omaha
- FUN at the Omaha Public Libraries (Registration Required for some events)
- Members of Omaha, Council Bluffs, and Bellevue Public Libraries can check out passes to Fontenelle Forest
- Members of Omaha Public Libraries can check out passes to Lauritzen Gardens
- Special Events with Fat Brain Toys (168th & Dodge) and Learning Express (Regency)
- Free Saturday Craft at Lakeshore Learning – Saturdays (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.), 12005 W. Center Rd., Omaha, NE
- See more January Fun below (not free, but value-priced)!
Lake Manawa First Day Hike – Jan. 1 (9 a.m.), Park Permit Required
- To kick-off the 100th anniversary of the Iowa state park system in 2020, join the staff and Friends of Lake Manawa on a free, guided hike on New Year’s Day.
- Location: Lake Manawa Park Office, 1100 S. Shore Dr., Council Bluffs, IA.
First Friday: Pajama Jam at the Union Pacific Museum – Jan. 3 (5:30 – 8 p.m.)
- Wear your coziest jammies and join in for crafts, games, music, snacks, and more.
- Location: Union Pacific Museum, 200 Pearl St., Council Bluffs, IA.
Kids Workshop at Home Depot – Jan. 4 (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
- Your child can build a mini hockey game.
Happy Birthday Puppy Chow at Council Bluffs Public Library – Jan. 4 (11 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.)
- Drop-in to make delicious Birthday Cake Puppy Chow. For kids ages 4 years old through 6th grade.
- Location: 400 Willow Ave., Council Bluffs, IA.
MORE FUN THIS WEEK –
Special events that are not free, but value-priced!
Platte River State Park First Day Hike – Jan. 1 (9 a.m.), Park Permit Required
- Platte River State Park is bringing in the New Year with hiking and bird watching. Hikers will have the option of climbing the observation tower after the hike. The hike will offer birding along the Stone Creek trail as it passes our small waterfall. A bonfire and hot chocolate will be provided.
- Location: Platte River State Park, 14421 346th St., Louisville, NE.
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park First Day Hike & Bonfire – Jan. 1 (2:30 – 5 p.m.), Park Permit Required
- To kick the year off, join in for the first hike of the year. A bonfire will help you warm up before and after the hike with concessions available for purchase in the Kountze Memorial Theaters.
- Hot chocolate and popcorn will be for sale for .50 cents each.
- Location: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, 28500 W. Park Hwy., Ashland, NE.
Country Family Swim – Jan. 3 (7 – 9 p.m.), $1/person
- Bring the whole family out to a fun night of swimming while listening to your favorite country music.
- Location: Mockingbird Hills Community Center, 10242 Mockingbird Dr., Omaha, NE.
January 6 – 12
Please Note: It is always a good idea to verify before visiting as details may change.
FREE Ongoing Activities:
- FREE Things to Do with Kids in Omaha
- FUN at the Omaha Public Libraries (Registration Required for some events)
- Members of Omaha, Council Bluffs, and Bellevue Public Libraries can check out passes to Fontenelle Forest
- Members of Omaha Public Libraries can check out passes to Lauritzen Gardens
- Special Events with Fat Brain Toys (168th & Dodge) and Learning Express (Regency)
- Free Saturday Craft at Lakeshore Learning – Saturdays (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.), 12005 W. Center Rd., Omaha, NE
- See more January Fun below (not free, but value-priced)!
Actividad Familiar: Piñatas at Council Bluffs Public Library – Jan. 11 (10 a.m. – 11 a.m.)
- Decorate mini Piñatas to celebrate the new year.
- Location: Council Bluffs Public Library, 400 Willow Ave., Council Bluffs, IA.
Winterfest: 2020 Omaha Kroc Olympic Games – Saturday, Jan. 11 (1 – 6 p.m.), FREE [REGISTER]
- The Omaha Kroc’s free family event: Winterfest is coming again! This year we celebrate the Kroc’s 10th Anniversary with The 2020 Kroc Winter Games! At the Kroc, our programs strengthen and grow families in mind, body and spirit, and our “Kroc Games,” Winter Olympic -style, are sure to empower, excite and uplift!
- Throughout the day, parents visit each Kroc department, earn a sticker and enter to win 1 of 3 family prize packs. Kids: play 10 Olympic themed games and earn a GOLD medal!
- This amazing indoor facility is easy to love with our indoor waterpark (limited availability), climbing treehouse, turf soccer fields and so much more.
- Indoor Snowball Fights-back by popular demand!
- Bounce houses
- Snacks and crafts
- Superheroes
- Winter Olympic Training Ground Obstacle Course
- Floor Hockey
- Live Entertainment: singing, dancing, Omaha Street Percussion
- Location: The Salvation Army KROC Center, 2825 Y St., Omaha, NE.
MORE FUN THIS WEEK –
Special events that are not free, but value-priced!
Cold Day, Warm Hearts & Family Fun at Mahoney State Park – Jan. 11 (2 – 5 p.m.), FREE with Park Permit
- Bring the whole family to the Owen Marina to participate in outdoor activities or try your luck with ice fishing. Stay to create a winter craft and roast hot dogs and s’mores over an open fire.
- Concessions available for sale at the Owen Marina Convenience Store.
- Attendance to the event is free. A valid 2020 park entry permit is required per vehicle.
January 13 – 19
Please Note: It is always a good idea to verify before visiting as details may change.
FREE Ongoing Activities:
- FREE Things to Do with Kids in Omaha
- FUN at the Omaha Public Libraries (Registration Required for some events)
- Members of Omaha, Council Bluffs, and Bellevue Public Libraries can check out passes to Fontenelle Forest
- Members of Omaha Public Libraries can check out passes to Lauritzen Gardens
- Special Events with Fat Brain Toys (168th & Dodge) and Learning Express (Regency)
- Free Saturday Craft at Lakeshore Learning – Saturdays (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.), 12005 W. Center Rd., Omaha, NE
- See more January Fun below (not free, but value-priced)!
FUN at the Omaha Public Libraries
- Jan. 15 (7 – 7:30 p.m.): Stuffed Animal Sleepover Storytime at Florence Branch
Fun Events at Learning Express – check link for times
- Snowstorm In a Bottle – Jan. 17
- Baby Shark Dance Party – Jan. 18
- Melting Snowman Slime – Jan. 20
- Location: Learning Express of Omaha, 120 Regency Pkwy, Omaha.
Kids 12 and Under Skate for Free at Motto McLean Ice Arena – Jan. 18 (12 – 2 p.m.)
- Free skating for for Omaha youth!
- Location: Motto McLean Ice Arena, 5015 S. 45th St., Omaha, NE.
Saturday Matinee: Overcomer at Council Bluffs Public Library – Jan. 18 (2 – 4 p.m.)
- Watch the movie Overcomer and enjoy free popcorn.
- Location: Council Bluffs Public Library, 400 Willow Ave., Council Bluffs, IA.
MONDAY, JANUARY 20th- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
FREE Admission on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at The Durham Museum – Jan. 20 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.), Free
- The Durham Museum is proud to offer free admission to the community to celebrate the Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In addition to their exhibitions, they will have special activities for families to commemorate this day.
- Location: 801 S. 10th St., Omaha, NE.
Kids 12 and Under Skate for Free at Motto McLean Ice Arena – Jan. 20 (1 – 3 p.m.)
- Free skating for for Omaha youth!
- Location: Motto McLean Ice Arena, 5015 S. 45th St., Omaha, NE.
>> See more Family Events and Volunteer Opportunities in Omaha on Martin Luther King Jr. Day here! <<
January 20 – 26
Please Note: It is always a good idea to verify before visiting as details may change.
FREE Ongoing Activities:
- FREE Things to Do with Kids in Omaha
- FUN at the Omaha Public Libraries (Registration Required for some events)
- Members of Omaha, Council Bluffs, and Bellevue Public Libraries can check out passes to Fontenelle Forest
- Members of Omaha Public Libraries can check out passes to Lauritzen Gardens
- Special Events with Fat Brain Toys (168th & Dodge) and Learning Express (Regency)
- Free Saturday Craft at Lakeshore Learning – Saturdays (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.), 12005 W. Center Rd., Omaha, NE
- See more January Fun below (not free, but value-priced)!
FREE Admission on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at The Durham Museum – Jan. 20 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.), Free
- The Durham Museum is proud to offer free admission to the community to celebrate the Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In addition to their exhibitions, they will have special activities for families to commemorate this day.
- Location: 801 S. 10th St., Omaha, NE.
Kids 12 and Under Skate for Free at Motto McLean Ice Arena – Jan. 20 (1 – 3 p.m.)
- Free skating for for Omaha youth!
- Location: Motto McLean Ice Arena, 5015 S. 45th St., Omaha, NE.
>> See more Family Events and Volunteer Opportunities in Omaha on Martin Luther King Jr. Day here! <<
Family Night at Joslyn Art Museum – Jan. 23 (5 – 8 p.m.)
- Visit the galleries, including the community gallery, featuring Ransome-inspired artwork made by Skinner Magnet Center students, and make art of your own!
- Location: 2200 Dodge St., Omaha, NE.
Read and Grow at Lauritzen Gardens – Jan. 24 (10 – 11:30 a.m.), REGISTER
- Join the Omaha Public Library in the garden each month for stories that celebrate gardens, plants, insects and more, and discover the joys of nature, movement, music and literature. Programs are presented one Friday per month and are geared for preschool-aged children, but all ages are welcome.
- Program registration includes admission to the garden for the entire day of the program. Register Here.
- Location: Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St., Omaha, NE.
FUN at the Omaha Public Libraries
- Jan. 24 (10:30 – 11:30 a.m.): Chinese New Year Family Storytime at Florence Branch
Frozen wih Elsa at Sump Memorial Library – Jan. 25 (9:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.)
- Watch the movie Frozen and enjoy hot cocoa and a craft. Plus, Elsa will be joining the festivities!
- Location: 222 N. Jefferson St., Papillion, NE.
Out & About Storytime: Omaha Conservatory of Music – Saturday, Jan. 25 (10:30 – 11:15 a.m.)
- OCM staff and students will enliven the event with music as we celebrate aspects of Chinese New Year. Feel free to dress in red to celebrate. Storytime is geared toward preschoolers, but all ages are welcome to join in the fun.
- Location: Omaha Conservatory of Music, 7023 Cass Street, Omaha.
35th Annual Cathedral Flower Festival – Saturday, Jan. 25 (10-4 and 7-8 p.m.) and Sunday, Jan. 26 (1 – 4 p.m.)
- One of Omaha’s favorite winter events returns for its 35th year with more than 30 floral designers. Outstanding local musicians provide a festive musical backdrop throughout the weekend.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. & 7 – 8 p.m.
- Sunday: 1 – 4 p.m.
- Location: St. Cecilia Cathedral, 701 N. 40th St., Omaha, NE.
MORE FUN THIS WEEK –
Special events that are not free, but value-priced!
The Enchanted Tales Film Series at Marcus Theatres – Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, Jan. 24 – Feb. 17, $6/person
See family-friendly movies. Admission is $6.
- Jan. 24 – 26: Aladdin
- Jan. 31 – Feb. 2: The Lion King
- Feb. 7 – 9: Sleeping Beauty
- Feb. 14 – 17 (Including President’s Day): Pocahontas
- Participating locations include: Majestic Omaha, 14304 W. Maple Rd., Omaha, NE; Twin Creek, 3909 Raynor Pkwy., Bellevue, NE; Village Pointe, 304 N. 174th St., Omaha, NE.
January 27 – 31
Please Note: It is always a good idea to verify before visiting as details may change.
FREE Ongoing Activities:
- FREE Things to Do with Kids in Omaha
- FUN at the Omaha Public Libraries (Registration Required for some events)
- Members of Omaha, Council Bluffs, and Bellevue Public Libraries can check out passes to Fontenelle Forest
- Members of Omaha Public Libraries can check out passes to Lauritzen Gardens
- Special Events with Fat Brain Toys (168th & Dodge) and Learning Express (Regency)
- Free Saturday Craft at Lakeshore Learning – Saturdays (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.), 12005 W. Center Rd., Omaha, NE
- See more January Fun below (not free, but value-priced)!
FUN at the Omaha Public Libraries
- Jan. 31 (10:30 – 11 a.m.): Corduroy Visits Storytime at Florence Branch
- Jan. 31 (6:30 – 8 p.m.): Family Night Lock-In with Corduroy at W. Dale Clark (Main) Library [REGISTER]
MORE FUN THIS WEEK –
Special events that are not free, but value-priced!
The Enchanted Tales Film Series at Marcus Theatres – Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, Jan. 24 – Feb. 17, $6/person
See family-friendly movies. Admission is $6.
- Jan. 24 – 26: Aladdin
- Jan. 31 – Feb. 2: The Lion King
- Feb. 7 – 9: Sleeping Beauty
- Feb. 14 – 17 (Including President’s Day): Pocahontas
- Participating locations include: Majestic Omaha, 14304 W. Maple Rd., Omaha, NE; Twin Creek, 3909 Raynor Pkwy., Bellevue, NE; Village Pointe, 304 N. 174th St., Omaha, NE.
MORE JANUARY FUN:
Special events that are not free, but value-priced!
$5 Movie Tuesdays and $6 Student Thursdays at Marcus Theatres
- Enjoy $5 Movie Tuesdays at participating Marcus Theatres, and $6 Student Thursdays for students and school faculty at participating Marcus Theatres.
The Enchanted Tales Film Series at Marcus Theatres – Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, Jan. 24 – Feb. 17, $6/person
See family-friendly movies. Admission is $6.
- Jan. 24 – 26: Aladdin
- Jan. 31 – Feb. 2: The Lion King
- Feb. 7 – 9: Sleeping Beauty
- Feb. 14 – 17 (Including President’s Day): Pocahontas
- Participating locations include: Majestic Omaha, 14304 W. Maple Rd., Omaha, NE; Twin Creek, 3909 Raynor Pkwy., Bellevue, NE; Village Pointe, 304 N. 174th St., Omaha, NE.
>> Looking for more fun this January? Discover 4 Exciting Family Events including Star Wars Night and an Indoor Air Show this January in the Omaha Area here!
Find more January Fun
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