10+ FREE Omaha Events in January

Enjoy family-friendly events coming up in Omaha, including these 10+ FREE Omaha Events in January!

>> Looking for more fun this January? Discover 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. 

PLEASE NOTE: Many events require pre-registration, have limited capacity, or offer timed slots. As things continue to change during this time, it is highly recommended to verify details, closures, cancelations, hours of operation, and any requirements or procedures for guests before visiting. Thank You!

Fun on the Run at Council Bluffs Public Library – Dec. 28 – Jan. 31 (all day), FREE

• Stop by the Youth Department to pick up an activity kit, designed for children in kindergarten – 6th grade, to take home. (while supplies last)
• Dec. 28 – Jan. 3: Treasure Journal
• Jan. 4 – 10: Origami Crane
• Jan. 11 – 17: Mystery Bag
• Jan. 19 – 24: Monster Jaws
• Jan. 25 – 31: Chocolate Factory Escape Room
• Location: 400 Willow Ave., Council Bluffs, IA.

PreK Cafe at Council Bluffs Public Library – Dec. 28 – Jan. 31 (all day), FREE

• Stop by the Youth Department to pick up an activity kit, designed for children 5 years old and younger, to take home. (while supplies last)
• Dec. 28 – Jan. 3: Space
• Jan. 4 – 10: Rock ‘n Roll
• Jan. 11 – 17: Bedtime
• Jan. 19 – 24: In the Sky
• Jan. 25 – 31: Under the Sea
• Location: 400 Willow Ave., Council Bluffs, IA.

First Day Hike – Jan. 1 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.), FREE [Park Permit Required]

• Nebraska’s annual First Day Hikes are a chance to explore trails, watch wildlife, snap photos and create a lifetime of memories. Look for a First Day Hike Scavenger Hunt at the Hackberry Trailhead to complete as you explore the park.
• Schramm Education Center will also be open with reduced entry fees: $5/adult, $4/youth, FREE for little ones age 3 and younger). Some exhibits are limited. Get a Snowflake Activity Kit with your paid entry.
• Location: Schramm Park State Recreation Area, 20874-21146, NE-31, Gretna, NE.

Ladybug Girl Visits Omaha Public Libraries for Storytime LIVE! – Jan. 2 (10:30 – 11 a.m.), FREE [REGISTER]

• Explore the early literacy skills of singing, playing, reading, talking and writing in each storytime. Plus, a beloved storybook character will join in for this special storytime!
• Location: Online.

Virtual Storytime Fun at Omaha Public Library

• Jan. 4 (2 – 2:30 p.m.): Online Storytime Live with Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium [REGISTER]
• Jan. 5 (6:30 – 7 p.m.): Online Pajama Storytime Live [REGISTER]
• Jan. 8 (10 – 10:30 a.m.): Online Bilingual Storytime/Hora de Cuentos Bilingües en Línea en Vivo [REGISTER]
• Jan. 18 (2 – 2:30 p.m.): Online Storytime Live with Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium [REGISTER]
• Jan. 22 (10:30 – 11 a.m.): Out & About Online Storytime [REGISTER]
• Jan. 29 (9:30 – 10 a.m.): Online Storytime Live with Do Space [REGISTER]
• Location: Online.

PreK Nature Trails Program with NE Game & Parks – Jan. 12, 19 & 26 (10 – 10:30 a.m.), FREE

• Outdoor educators from across the state will be reading a nature-themed children’s book in collaboration with the theme that week via ZOOM. After a short book, there will be a quick activity for kiddos and families to participate in.
• **Can’t make it one week? Don’t worry about missing out. All the videos will be recorded and uploaded so your little cubs can watch whenever they want.
  • Jan. 12: Mammals
  • Jan. 19: Making Observations
  • Jan. 26: Owls
• Location: This is a ZOOM event. Click here for Zoom link.

Science of… Program – Jan. 14, 21 & 28 (3 – 4 p.m.), FREE [REGISTER]

• Outdoor educators from across the state will be reading a nature-themed children’s book in collaboration with the theme that week via ZOOM. After a short book, there will be a quick activity for kiddos and families to participate in.
• Unable to attend a live event? Each virtual webinar will be recorded and posted to the Nebraska Game and Parks YouTube Education Channel, where you can watch past recordings of the Science of as well.
  • Jan. 14: Science of…Hibernation
  • Jan. 21: Science of…Body Coverings
  • Jan. 28: Science of…Turtles
• Location: This is a ZOOM event. Register for Zoom link.

Art and Fun 2021: TEEN Virtual Event with Joslyn – Jan. 15 (7 p.m.), FREE

• ZOOM into the new year with Joslyn’s Teen Council at Art and Fun 2021, a virtual hangout just for teens! No matter where you are, come connect with other creative teens, let loose through Jackbox and Scribble.io games, and digitally doodle on works from Joslyn’s collection.
• Location: This is a ZOOM event.

The Durham Museum Offers FREE ADMISSION on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Monday, January 18, (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.), [RESERVATIONS REQUIRED]

• The Durham Museum is proud to offer free admission to the community on Monday, January 18, 10AM-4PM, to celebrate the Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Join the museum as they highlight MLK’s legacy and message of peace, tolerance, community service, and an inclusive, hopeful future for all. 
• There is no fee for admission, but advanced registration is required, and space is limited. Each person visiting must reserve a ticket in advance online or over the phone. This is the only method for admission at this time. Visit www.DurhamMuseum.org or call 402-444-5071 to register. Because capacity is limited, they ask that members and frequent visitors consider allowing those who may not otherwise be able to visit the museum to enjoy this opportunity.

See more Events to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day here!

The Boogie Woogie Kid Celebrates Mardi Gras –Jan. 26 (6:30 – 8 p.m.), FREE

Virtual Cathedral Flower Festival 

• One of Omaha’s favorite winter events with more than 30 floral designers.
• This year, due to the need for social distancing, highlights of past Cathedral Flower Festivals will be featured on their website, Facebook page and other social media.
• Location: Online

MORE FUN –
Special events that are not free, but value-priced!

Hiking with a Nature Nerd – Various Days, 14 & up, $5 [REGISTER]

• Explore the unexplored corners of your county parks during this unique guided hike series.
• Ages 14 and up.
• Location: Various Locations

Giving Back Family Swim – Jan. 8 (7 – 9 p.m.), 2 canned goods or $1/person

• Join in and help give back to our community! All canned food collected will be donated to Food Bank of the Heartland. Capacity will be 60 people.
• Location: Mockingbird Hills Community Center, 10242 Mockingbird Dr., Omaha, NE.

Learn To: Snowshoe – Jan. 23 (10 – 11:30 am. or 1 – 2:30 p.m.), $5 [REGISTER]

• Learn the basics of snowshoeing during this hands-on program.
• Ages 5 and up.
• For February 13th Event – Pre-registration will open at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 15th.
• Location: Hitchcock Nature Center, 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, IA.

>> Looking for more fun this January? Discover Exciting Family Events this January in the Omaha Area here!

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• Exciting January Events in Omaha
• Kids Eat FREE 

We Look Forward to Enjoying These Events Again:

Lake Manawa First Day Hike – TBA, 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 at the Union Pacific Museum – TBA (5:30 – 8 p.m.)

Kids Workshop at Home Depot – TBA (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)

• Your child can build a fun creation. 

Platte River State Park First Day Hike – TBA (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 – TBA (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.

Winterfest – TBA (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.

Cold Day, Warm Hearts & Family Fun at Mahoney State Park – TBA (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.

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