Best Things to Do in July in Omaha

Enjoy the best family-friendly things to do this July in Omaha!

Fireworks Displays, Community Fishing events, Do Space Summer Passport Program, Living History Weekend, Outdoor Movies and Concerts, Spraygrounds, and more!

PLEASE NOTE: It is always a good idea to verify details before visiting.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN JULY IN OMAHA

4th of July Fireworks Displays and Parades

• Celebrate with many Fireworks Displays and Parades!

See an Outdoor Movie

• Enjoy a free family movie outdoors, under the stars!

Enjoy an Outdoor Concert

• Enjoy a variety of FREE Summer Concerts in the Omaha Area, perfect for relaxing on a warm summer evening!

Splash in a Hydrant Party

• Stay cool on a hot, summer day with FUN Hydrant Parties at various locations in Omaha and Council Bluffs!

• Council Bluffs Fire Department Hydrant Parties – Tuesday & Thursdays (1:30 – 2:20 p.m.), FREE

• Omaha Parks & Rec Hydrant Parties – Monday, Wednesday, & Friday – Times & Locations Vary,  FREE

Watch a Parade at a Community Celebration

• Ralston Independence Day Parade, John C. Fremont Days, Gretna Days, and Benson Days are all in July!

Omaha Spraygrounds and Splash Pads

• Little ones love running through spraygrounds! Try a new one this summer!

Do Space Summer Passport Program – FREE [REGISTER]

• Do Space Summer Passport Program: Code, Make, Learn, & Explore this summer with the Do Space Summer Passport. Explore Omaha, learn new things, and have fun. Their Summer Passport Program provides a FREE resource that engages children of all ages in tech-related educational activities. Passports can be picked up at Do Space starting June 5th and they can also be accessed digitally at dospace.beanstack.org.
• Summer Project Kits: Do Space is offering two new projects to take home and complete every two weeks throughout June and July. View the project schedule for release dates and instructions.
• Some July Events at Do Space
  • Littles Lab: Let’s Play Games!
  • Make It! DIY Telescope!
  • Summer Drop-in: Design a Board Game
  • Summer Drop-in: Rubber Band Air Hockey
  • Take & Make: Foosball Table
  • Take & Make: Solar Oven

Nebraska Passport Program

• Get a couple of stamps this July by visiting passport stops in Nebraska!

Omaha Public Library’s Summer Reading Program Entertainment Thru July 31, FREE [REGISTER]

• Omaha Public Library is bringing some of your favorite entertainers and organizations to your home this summer with a series of exciting virtual events!
• Discover all of them here. [REGISTER]

Community Fishing Nights – Several dates in July, FREE

• Community Fishing Nights occur across the area, where you will find loaner fishing equipment, bait and staff to assist you. At these events, Nebraska Game and Parks staff and Certified Fishing Instructors teach families the basics of this fun and relaxing activity.

Go on a StoryWalk® at Lauritzen Gardens

• Stroll along the spring flowering walk and follow along with a story. Families can take part in some healthy, fun activities that fit the theme of the story:
• June 24 – Aug. 5: Baby Animals in Nests
• Aug. 5 – Sept. 16: Animal Architects Underground
• Location: Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St., Omaha, NE.

$5 after 5 p.m. on Tuesdays at The Durham Museum – Tuesdays, June 7 – August 30 (5 – 8 p.m.), $5 per person

• On Tuesdays this Summer, visit The Durham Museum after 5 p.m. for $5! From June 7-August 30, admission for all ages will be just $5 after 5 p.m. on Tuesdays (FREE for Durham members and little ones ages 2 and younger). On Tuesday nights, the museum stays open until 8 p.m., giving guests the opportunity to visit late during the workweek.

July 1st – Home Depot Kid’s Workshop – July 1 (9 a.m. – Noon), FREE

• Fireworks Bean Bag Toss.

July 1-2nd – Living History Weekend at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park – 10:00a.m.-4:30 p.m. – Fee + Park Permit

• Visitors will be able to glimpse the activities that would have taken place at this 1820’s era outpost.
• A valid Nebraska Park Entry Permit is required for all vehicles to enter the park and can be purchased at the site. A per person fee is required at the Harold W. Andersen Visitor Center of $4 per adult and $1 per child.

July 3rd – Make Star Spangled Sparkler Bottles – 11:00am – FREE 

• Let’s celebrate the 4th with fireworks in a bottle from The Learning Express of Omaha!! Get creative as you fill your bottle with stars, glitter and everything red white & blue!!  This is a FREE all ages event! First come first serve while supplies last!
• Location: Learning Express of Omaha, Regency, 120 Regency Pkwy., Omaha, NE.

July 6th – Joslyn Around Town – Art JAM in the Park – 10:00-11:00 a.m. – FREE

• Join Joslyn artist-instructors for art-making fun
• Location: Gene Leahy Mall – The RiverFront (under the canopies at 13th and Farnam St.),

July 6th, 13th, 20th, & 27th – Jazz on the Green –  5:00-10:00 p.m. – FREE

• July 6: Larry McCray
• July 13th: Xperience
• July 20th: Ron Artis II
• July 27th: Bobby Watson
• Location: Turner Park – 3110 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68131

July 7,14,21,28 (Fridays) – Live on the Lawn Summer Concert Series – 6:00-9:00pm – FREE

• This family-friendly event features live local Omaha bands, a variety of food trucks, adult beverages, and Omaha Parks & Recreation giveaways!
• Location: Gene Leahy Mall (July 7th & 14th) & Zorinsky Lake (July 21st & July 28th)

July 7,14,21,28 (Fridays) – Music and Memories Summer Concert Series – 6:30-8:30 p.m. – FREE

• Grab a blanket and chair for Friday nights concerts.  
• Location: Shadow Lake Amphitheatre, 7775 Olson Dr., Papillion, NE.

July 7 – 26 – Bad Kitty & Stormy Visits Omaha Public Libraries –  10:30-11:00 a.m. – FREE

• Bad Kitty & Stormy will visit children for a special storytime. Bring your camera.
• Bad Kitty:
  • July 7th: Abrahams Branch
  • July 9th: Downtown Branch
  • July 10th: Washington Branch
  • July 11th: Saddlebrook Branch
  • July 12th: Millard Branch
  • July 13th: Florence Branch
  • July 14: Elkhorn Branch
  • July 15th: Swanson Branch
• Stormy:
  • July 20th: Florence Branch
  • July 26th: Downtown Branch

July 7th – Full Moon Hike at Fontenelle Forest – 8:00-10:00 p.m. – Admission Costs[REGISTER]

• $10 for members, $20 for non members
• Must Register for Event
• Location: Fontenelle Forest – 1111 Bellevue Blvd North, Bellevue, NE 68005

July 8th – Flix at the Chef: The Lorax – Movie Starts at Dusk – FREE

• Movie starts at dusk. Bring blankets or chairs to sit on. Food, drinks, and ice cream are for sale at Dairy Chef.
• Location: Dairy Chef, 3223 N. 204th St., Elkhorn, NE

July 8th – Science Heroes Omaha Public Libraries – 10:30-11:30 a.m. – FREE

• In this action-packed story, two unlikely heroes work together to save their town (and the planet) from a super-polluting mastermind!
• This program is geared for kids grades K-5, but all ages are welcome.
• Locations: Downtown Branch

July 8th – JCPenney Kids Zone Craft: Custom Summer Tote – 11:00am-noon – FREE

July 8th – Cosmic Archery – 12:00-4:00pm – $10/person (Ages 8 and up) – [REGISTER]

• Cosmic Archery is a twist on your regular range time that features blacklights, music, and glowing targets. No archery experience needed – beginners welcome
• Location: Outdoor Education Center – Lincoln – 4703 N 44th St, Lincoln, NE 68504

July 10th – Decorate A Donut & Storytime at The Learning Express – 11:00am – FREE

• Location: The Learning Express – Regency, 120 Regency Pkwy., Omaha, NE.

July 11th – Meet Miles Morales & Gwen Stacy at The Learning Express – 5:00pm – FREE

• Location: The Learning Express – Regency, 120 Regency Pkwy., Omaha, NE.

July 12th – Omaha Fire Station Storytime – Omaha Public Library – 10:30-11:30 a.m. – FREE

• Join OPL at Omaha Fire Station #23 for storytime, featuring stories, creative movement, music and more. Storytime is geared toward preschoolers, but all ages are welcome. Rain or shine.
• Locations: Omaha Fire Station #23 – 9090 N 30 St, Omaha, NE 68112

July 12th – Dogman Escape Room – Omaha Public Library – 1:00-3:00 p.m. – FREE [REGISTER]

• Dog Man Escape Room for kids ages 6-9 and see if you can help Dog Man escape Petey’s Secret Lab in time. Registration is required.
• Locations: Millard Branch

July 13-Aug 3rd (Thursdays) Inflatable Thursdays Omaha Pools – 1:00-5:00p.m. – Pool Admission Costs

• Location: Cryer pool (11783 Cryer Ave.)

July 14th – Recreation On-The-Move (Yard Games & Big Blue Blocks!) – 1:00-3:00p.m. – FREE

• Gaga ball, yard games, and the big blue blocks at this Recreation On-The-Move!
• Recreation On-The-Move is a free drop-in program with fun, pop-up recreational programming throughout the parks of Council Bluffs
• Location: Valley View Park, Council Bluffs, IA

July 14th – Family Fun Night On The Turf – 5:30-7:00 p.m. – FREE

• Family night filled with food, activities and FUN for everyone.
• Location: The Salvation Army Omaha Kroc Center 2825 Y Street Omaha, NE 68107

July 14-16, 20-22nd – Seussical The Musical – 8:00-11:00 p.m. – Tickets Required

• Papillion La Vista Community Theatre production of Seussical the Musical
• Location: SumTur Ampitheater – 11691 S 108th St, Papillion, NE 68046

July 14-15th – Playing with Fire Concert Series – 4:00-10:00 p.m. – FREE

• July 14th – Sugaray Rayford, Eddie 9V
• July 15th – Twelve Bar Blues Band, Dom Martin Band, Justin Saladino, BluesEd
• Location: Turner Park – 3110 Farnam St, Omaha, NE

July 14,21,28 (Fridays) – Music and Memories Summer Concert Series – 6:30-8:30 p.m. – FREE

• Grab a blanket and chair for Friday nights concerts.  
• Location: Shadow Lake Amphitheatre, 7775 Olson Dr., Papillion, NE.

July 15th – Lowe’s DIY Kid’s Workshop – 9:00am-noon – FREE [REGISTER]

• Register your child to build a Tic-Tac-Toe Grill in July.

July 15-16 – 5th Annual Corn Festival at Nelson Produce Farm – Tickets Required

• All you can eat corn, corny games, pick corn in the field, hayrack ride, and much more
• Location: Nelson Produce Farm – 10505 N 234 St. Valley, NE 68064

July 15th – Stinson Concert Series with Cover Girls – 7:00-10:00 p.m. – FREE

• Food and drink vendors, face painting, balloon artists, and a playground!  Bring chairs, blankets and coolers for the concerts
• Location: Stinson Park at Aksarben Village, Omaha, NE

July 15th & 22nd – Summer Music Series at Arbor Day Farm – 5:00-8:00p.m. – FREE

• Enjoy an evenings of free music and yard games at Arbor Day Farms! Bring a blanket and lawn chair or grab a picnic table.
• July 15th – Ro Hempel Band
• July 22nd – TopSpin
• Location: Arbor Day Farm

July 17th – Make Homemade Kinetic Sand at The Learning Express – 11:00am – FREE

• Location: The Learning Express – Regency, 120 Regency Pkwy., Omaha, NE.

July 17th – Doughnut Wars Omaha Public Libraries – 1 – 2 p.m. – (Ages 6-11) FREE [REGISTER]

• Join OPL for some baking! Each participant will be mixing, baking, and decorating their own doughnuts which will then be “judged” by staff and peers in the style of a baking competition show. All doughnuts made can be taken home and eaten.
• Locations: Charles B. Washington Branch

July 18th – Fontenelle Family Fishing Frenzy – 6:00-8:00p.m. – FREE

• Hosted by Omaha Parks and Recreation and Nebraska Game and Parks.  Fun family fishing experience, all equipment provided.
• Location: Fontenelle Park, 4405 Fontenelle Blvd., Omaha, NE.

July 19th – Out and About Storytime: Mormon Trail Center at Winter Quarters – 10:30-11:30am – FREE

• Join Omaha Public Library at Mormon Trail Center at the Historical Winter Quarters for storytime.
• Location: Mormon Trail Center at Historical Winter Quarters – 3215 State St, Omaha, NE 68112

July 19th – Safety Talk, Sidewalk Chalk and Ice Cream – $0.50 Ice Cream Cones – 2-4pm

• Police & Firefighters presentations on Fire Prevention, Bike Safety, Suicide Prevention, and free car seat checks.
• Location: Cup & Cone – 15420 S 2nd St, Bennington, NE 68007

July 19th & 20th – Homeschool Hikes at Schramm: Topic: Snails & Slugs – 9:00-10:30am (19th), 2:00-3:30pm (20th)

• Hike on the main hiking trail in search of snails.
• The cost to participate is $4 per child and $5 per adult per program. This includes admission to the Schramm Education Center after the program. Schramm Family Pass members participate free. This program is recommended for ages 5 and up.
• Location: Schramm Education Center – 21502 West Highway 31, Gretna, NE 68028

July 20th – Jazz on the Green: Ron Artis II –  5:00-10:00 p.m. – FREE

• Location: Turner Park – 3110 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68131

July 21st-23rd – Fairytale Ball Family Fun Weekend – 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m. – Museum Admission

• Dance with princesses, make royal crafts, and create life-long memories! Dressing up is encouraged.
• Location: Omaha Children’s Museum

July 21st-23rd – OCon – Tickets Required

• Indie Comics and Pop Culture Expo., Cosplay Contest and more
• Location: Mid-America Center

July 21,28 (Fridays) – Live on the Lawn Summer Concert Series – 6:00-9:00pm – FREE

• This family-friendly event features live local Omaha bands, a variety of food trucks, adult beverages, and Omaha Parks & Recreation giveaways!
• Location: Zorinsky Lake

July 21,28 (Fridays) – Music and Memories Summer Concert Series – 6:30-8:30 p.m. – FREE

• Grab a blanket and chair for Friday nights concerts.  
• Location: Shadow Lake Amphitheatre, 7775 Olson Dr., Papillion, NE.

July 22nd – Ditmars Wine Run 5K – 9:00am Race Start – Registration Required

• Minors are also allowed to run and get a discounted registration that includes a shirt, medal, and bib
• Location: Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard – 19475 225th Street – Council Bluffs, IA

July 22nd – Neighborhood Celebration at Werner Baseball Park – 10:00am-1:00pm – FREE

• United Way of the Midlands is celebrating a century of helping others in the metro, it’s their final free 100-Year Anniversary Neighborhood Celebration!
• A free hot dog, nachos and water for the first 250 attendees
• Run the bases from 10-noon
• Location: Werner Park – 12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion, NE 68046

July 22nd – Elkhorn Shores Presents Family Fun Day – Kids $5, Adults $10

• Pancake Man, Kids Activities, Crafts, Prizes, Bounce House, Vendors, and a movie under the stars
• Location: Elkhorn Shores – 23301 W Maple Road, Elkhorn, NE 68022

July 22nd – Omaha Jazz Experience – 4:00-10:00 p.m. – Tickets Required

• Location: Stinson Park at Aksarben Village, Omaha, NE

July 22nd – Omaha Water Lantern Festival – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Tickets Required

• Location: Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront – 1001 Douglas St, Omaha, NE 68102

July 22nd – Summer Music Series at Arbor Day Farm: TopSpin – 5:00-8:00p.m. – FREE

• Enjoy an evenings of free music and yard games at Arbor Day Farms! Bring a blanket and lawn chair or grab a picnic table.
• Location: Arbor Day Farm

July 22-23rd – Nebraska Brick Railyard! – 10:00am-4:00pm – Durham Admission Costs

• Large LEGO® train layout by LOLUG (Lincoln/Omaha LEGO® User Group) features moving trains and scenic local views, packed full of amazing detail!
• Location: The Durham Museum – 801 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 

July 22-23rd – Douglas County Fair – FREE

• Kid’s Zone, Face Painting, Kids Tractor Pull, and more.
• Location: Liberty First Credit Union Arena, Ralston, NE

July 24th – Make Sand Art Bottles at The Learning Express – 11:00am – FREE

• Location: The Learning Express – Regency, 120 Regency Pkwy., Omaha, NE.

July 25th – Mario Bros Bubble Dance Party at The Learning Express – 11:00am – FREE

• Location: The Learning Express – Regency, 120 Regency Pkwy., Omaha, NE.

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Thru July 30th – West Pottawattamie County Fair 

• Location: Westfair Fairgrounds and Amphitheater – 22984 US-6, Council Bluffs, IA 51503

Thru July 31st – Native Omaha Days Festival

• Various events around town, see website for details
• Parade on July 29th

July 27-30th – Gretna Days

• Carnival, Tractor Pull, Dodgeball, Movies, Fireworks, and more!

July 28th – Nebraska Crossing Gretna Days Fireworks Show – 9:45-10:15pm – FREE

• Location: Gretna High School

July 28th – 6th Annual Night Market – 6:00-10:00pm – FREE

• Local vendors, music, entertainment, food, drinks, games, and more
• Location: Turner Park – 3110 Farnam St, Omaha, NE

July 28th – Nebraska Star Party at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park – FREE

• The event is free to the public, but you will need a valid Nebraska park entry permit for your vehicle. Stargazing will begin at dusk. Remember to bring your camp chairs or blankets! Telescopes will be provided.
• Location: Mahoney State Park – 28500 W Pwy Hwy, Ashland, NE 68003

July 28-29th – MAHA Festival – Gates open at 4:00p.m. – Tickets Required

• Kids 10 and younger get in free with a ticketed adult.
• Music shows, comedy shows, local vendor shops and activities and a silent disco.
• Location: Stinson Park at Aksarben Village, Omaha, NE

July 28 – Live on the Lawn Summer Concert Series – 6:00-9:00pm – FREE

• This family-friendly event features live local Omaha bands, a variety of food trucks, adult beverages, and Omaha Parks & Recreation giveaways!
• Location: Zorinsky Lake

July 28 – Music and Memories Summer Concert Series – 6:30-8:30 p.m. – FREE

• Grab a blanket and chair for Friday nights concerts.  
• Location: Shadow Lake Amphitheatre, 7775 Olson Dr., Papillion, NE.

July 29 – Native Omaha Days Parade – 10:00am

• Location: 30th & Lake to 30th & Sprague

July 29th – Movies Under the Stars – 9:00pm Movie Start – 8:00-11:30pm – FREE

• Park Entrance is free after 8:00pm, bring your own snacks and coolers and enjoy a double feature
• Location: Elkhorn Shores – 23301 W Maple Road, Elkhorn, NE 68022

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July 29-30th – Benson Days – FREE

• Benson Days is a family-friendly, summer festival that celebrates this neighborhood’s creative, diverse, caring culture. Parade, kickball tournament, mural tour, historical tour, and much more.
• Location: Benson Commercial District, Omaha, NE. Parade on July 29th starts at Gallagher Park

July 30th – We Rock The Spectrum Superhero Event – 10:00am-12:00pm – Tickets Required

• Includes Cape & Mask, Character Meet & Greet, 2 hours of open play and treats.

July 31st – Dogman Escape Room – Omaha Public Library – 1:00-2:00 p.m. (Ages 6-9) – FREE [REGISTER]

• Dog Man Escape Room for kids ages 6-9 and see if you can help Dog Man escape Petey’s Secret Lab in time. Registration is required.
• Locations: Charles B. Washington Branch

July 31st – Storytelling Workshop – Gretna Library – 6:30-7:30pm – FREE

• The Omaha Organization for the Purpose of Storytelling (OOPS) will teach us about telling stories, speaking to a crowd, and using our imaginations
• Location: Gretna Public Library – 736 South St & 119 N McKenna Ave, Gretna, Nebraska

 

 

Try a new place for Ice Cream

• Summertime is perfect for sharing Ice Cream with friends – including the Tower, an old-fashioned Soda Fountain, and more!

 

 

Check out a Public Library Pass

Members of certain libraries can check out a pass to visit one of the following locations:

• Durham Museum – Members of all 12 Omaha Public Library branches, Bellevue Public Library, Bennington Public Library, Council Bluffs Public Library, Fremont Public Library.
• Fontenelle Forest – Members of the Omaha Public Library, Bellevue Public Library, or Council Bluffs Public Library.
• Lauritzen Gardens – Members of the Omaha Public Library, Bellevue Public Library, or Council Bluffs Public Library.

 

Sign up for Summer Camp

• Browse our 2023 Summer Camp Guide available now! From Art Camps to Specialty Camps and themes for every age and interest, you are sure to find one for your kids.
• Exciting News! Now you can SEARCH SUMMER CAMPS by:
  • Type of Camp (Theme, All-Day, Half-Day, Extended Care, + more!)
  • Age Group
  • Week of Camp

 

Summer Fun Guides:

 

Find more Helpful Resources:

             

 

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