There are many free (or almost free) fun family activities coming up both locally and nationally to enjoy! A special Happy Mother’s Day to all the awesome Moms! It is always a good idea to verify with the business before visiting. See these and other family friendly events in Omaha Attractions (many recently added!) and in the Event Calendar!
Don’t miss:
Local
Free Admission to Lauritzen Gardens – 5/11
- Free Admission on Friday, May 11th, from 9-5 to help celebrate National Public Gardens Day!
- Omaha Farmer’s Market – Old Market! – Saturdays, 8am-12:30pm. Approximately 110 vendors sell fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods and flowers.
- Village Pointe Farmers Market – Saturdays, 8am-1pm. Local food from Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota farmers.
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Omaha Farmer’s Market – Aksarben Village – Sundays, 9am-1pm. Local growers sell fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods and flowers.
- Enjoy FREE general admission, Saturdays, 10 am–noon. Additional charge for some special exhibitions. Joslyn Art Museum’s Peter Kiewit Foundation Sculpture Garden is open year-round from 7 am to 11 pm each day, and admission is free.
- May 12th – It’s A Relief! Saturday Surprise Kids’ Program at Joslyn Art Museum – Through partnerships with local artists and area organizations or special programming for children and families, there is always something new to explore here at the Museum! Join us every other Saturday from 10 am–noon for a self-guided art project at Joslyn!
- AAA is hosting several free bike helmet fittings from 10-2pm at various AAA offices over the next two months. Free helmets will also be available to children ages 5-12, while supplies last. Dates and locations of fittings at AAA offices:
- May 12, 10am-2pm, 160th & Evans Street
Family Skate at Motto McLean Ice Arena – 5/12, 5/19
- Saturdays, May 12th and May 19th, 12-2pm. Family Skate at Motto McLean Ice Arena (inside Hitchcock Park- 45th x Q). Only $10 for a family of four, and $3 for each additional person. This includes admission, skate rentals, popcorn, and drink.
- Mothers will receive a free gate gift upon arrival, while supplies last, and they can register to win a prize that includes a $100 shopping spree and gift certificates for dining and entertainment. Event activities are free to Omaha’s Zoo members or with regular paid Zoo admission.
- Mom’s get a FREE lunch buffet with purchase on an adult buffet on Mother’s Day from 11:30-2:00.
- Children ages 5 and younger with accompanying adult can explore nature activities through interactive stations. A different natural science topic is introduced each week. $2 member/$3 non-member. It is held every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday during the school year from 9:30 – 11:30 am.
Free Outdoor Activities at Gene Leahy Mall – Mondays – Thursdays
- The Omaha Downtown Improvement District Association (DID) will offer FREE activities and mini events all summer at the Gene Leahy Mall! Activities will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m., Mondays-Thursdays during the months of May, June, August and September at 14th & Farnam Streets.
- Mondays – Family Fun
- Tuesdays & Thursdays – Boot Camp Exercise Classes
- Wednesdays – Arts & Culture
- Enjoy a free movie under the stars at the beautiful Sumtur Amphitheater. Starlight Movie Series features entertainment for the whole family. Gates open at 7:30 with cartoons starting as soon as the sun sets. The feature movie starts at twilight.
- The Omaha Adventure Free Family Festival will be held at Village Pointe Shopping Center on Saturday, May 19th, from 10-5pm. There will be games and activities from many local attractions including the Durham Museum, Joslyn Art Museum, the Amazing Pizza Machine, Omaha’s Children’s Museum, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, and Lauritzen Gardens! Additionally, all visitors can pick up an Omaha Adventure Savings Pack filled with more than $50 in discounts to top Omaha Attractions!
- Fish anywhere in the state and visit any Nebraska State Park, State Historical Park or State Recreation Area for FREE. No park entry or fishing permit required.
- As Part of the FREE FISHING AND PARK ENTRY DAY, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is offering the 15th Annual Family Fishing Clinic at these state parks and recreation areas.
- The first 1,000 teachers to register will receive a special “swag bag”, Godfather’s pizza, drink and raffle tickets to win a variety of great prizes at the event. Radio hosts will emcee the event, along with live music from local favorites. There will also be fun activities for the kids including face painting and bounce houses.
Omaha Stormchasers Canned Food Sunday – 5/20
- Bring a canned/non-perishable food item to Werner Park and receive one free McDonald’s Berm ticket. 1 per canned non-perishable item. Fans are encouraged to bring more. Food will be donated.
National Events
National Public Gardens Day – 5/11
- Held annually the Friday before Mother’s Day to raise awareness of the role America’s public gardens have in promoting environmental stewardship and education in communities nationwide. Almost 500 gardens will participate by offering special events and activities for visitors.
Michael’s Special Mother Day Events – 5/4-5/12
- Nurses get a Free Cinnabon Classic Roll May 6-12, 2012, at participating Cinnabon locations! Show your healthcare ID badge to enjoy your well-deserved treat!
- Mothers Day Doll Tea Party – Saturday, May 12th at 3 and 4pm. Mothers and Grandmothers are invited to a special afternoon of refreshments and stories. Enjoy tea-time with your child who may bring their favorite doll or teddy bear to share in the fun. RSVP required. Find your nearest location.
- Kids can make a picture frame planter for their Mom’s at Lowe’s Free Build and Grow Clinic on Saturday, 5/12, 10-11am. Registration is required. Space is limited, and so sign up early!
Jo-Ann Stores – 5/12
- Free Make-it or Take-it for Kids on Saturday, May 12th, 11:00am-12. Kids can create a personalized cupcake magnet for Mom using Crayola® Model Magic®, while supplies last. Find your nearest location here.
- Storytimes are held every Tuesday from 11-11:30am. Time and Date may vary by store. Please call your local store to confirm.
- Enjoy preschool storytime every Tuesday and Thursday at Barnes and Noble stores nationwide. Times and dates may vary. Please verify with your local store before visiting. In Omaha, Storytime is at 11am at the Oakview store.
CC Image courtesy of Curtis Fry