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Marcus Theatres Holiday Movie Guide for Families 2019

December 4, 2019

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Special thanks to Marcus Theatres for sponsoring this guide!

It’s the most wonderful moviegoing time of the year!

Whether catching a new release, cozying up to a classic or finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list, Marcus Theatres is your holiday headquarters with three Omaha-area theatres including the Marcus Majestic of Omaha, Marcus Twin Creek Cinema and Marcus Village Pointe Cinema.

Join our growing community and keep updated on Omaha family-friendly events and activities and Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!

 

Must-see Family Films

This year’s holiday movie slate offers something for everyone. Not sure what to see? This guide is for you! Click the links to check out the trailers for each film.

Animated Films:

  • “Frozen 2” (PG) — Out now (Tip: your kiddos can score free popcorn with these “Frozen 2” coloring sheets!)
  • “Playmobil: The Movie” (PG)— Out December 5 (Tip: every showing of this film — every day — is just $5 for all guests!)
  • “Spies in Disguise” (PG) — Out December 25

 

Action Films:

  • “Jumanji: The Next Level” (PG-13) — Out December 12 (Tip: the Majestic of Omaha will be hosting a Jumanji Adventure Night on December 12. Enjoy a photo station, giveaway and chance to win a movie-themed raffle prize!)
  • “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” (PG-13) — Out December 19

 

Drama/Musical Films:

  • “Cats” (PG) — Out December 19
  • “Little Women” (PG) — Out December 25

 

Planning to take multiple trips to the movies? Make sure to take advantage of $5 Movie Tuesday featuring $5 movies, plus free popcorn for all Magical Movie Rewards members! (Tip: Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve both fall on a $5 Movie Tuesday this year!)

And don’t forget about $6 Student Thursday featuring $6 movies and free popcorn for students and school faculty.

 

Cozy Up to a Holiday Classic

Sure, watching movies at home is nice, but there’s something even more magical about seeing Clark Griswold try (and fail) to light up the house on the big screen! That’s why each year Marcus Theatres brings back a collection of favorites during its Holiday Classics Retro Series. This year’s line-up features:

  • December 6-12: “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “White Christmas” and “Elf”
  • December 13-19: “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” and “The Polar Express”

All films are just $6 per person. Fun fact: Marcus Theatres recently polled 11,000 of its Magical Movie Rewards members and “Christmas Vacation” was voted Nebraska’s favorite holiday classic!

 

Gifts that Entertain

Looking for a gift that’s perfect for friends, family, teachers, babysitters and more? Try a Marcus Theatres gift card! They’re perfect for family outings and date nights alike.

Now through January 5, receive $5 in FREE Snack Cash with every $25 gift card purchase in theatre or online. Visit the Marcus Gift Store for more details and the latest deals. (Tip: pair a gift card with an Ultimate Popcorn Tub for the gift that keeps on giving!)

 

Gifts that Give Back

While you’re busy checking everyone off your list, Marcus Theatres is also giving you the opportunity to gift a Magical Movie Experience to a Make-A-Wish Nebraska child battling critical illness. Visit www.MarcusTheatres.com/Wishes to learn more and spread some joy to a local family this holiday season.

 

Find More Holiday Fun:

  • 100+ Holiday Events in Omaha
  • Holiday Fun Guide
  • Amazing Christmas Lights in Omaha + Map

Filed Under: Family Fun Tagged With: Omaha

7 Delightful Christmas Tree Farms near Omaha

November 12, 2019

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Looking to cut your own Christmas Tree this year?

Choose from a variety of Christmas Tree Farms near Omaha that offer Choose and Cut your own Christmas Tree. See Interactive Map Here!

Join our growing community and keep updated on Omaha family-friendly events and activities and Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!

 

For more ideas on family fun, find 100+ Holiday Events in Omaha here!

Note: Please confirm availability or check the website before planning your trip.

Christmas Tree Farms near Omaha

Santa's Woods

3764 State Highway 133, Blair, NE

Choose & Cut Christmas Trees, Wreaths & Gift Shop. Family Fun weekend activities include kids crafts, s’mores station, Winter Wonderland, hayrack rides, Santa & live reindeer. Complimentary cocoa and cider. Concessions available supporting Trees for Troops. Military & First Responders 10% discount offered only Dec 7-8. Get Coupon for Santa's Woods here!

More Information

 

Bennington Pines

160th St & Hwy 36, Bennington, NE 
Dates: Pre-tagging: November 2, 2019. Start date for cutting: Friday, November 29th (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Enjoy tractor rides, warming barn, complimentary hot drinks and other holiday treasures.

 

Country Conifers

12778 County Road 30, Blair, NE
Dates: Friday, November 29 and the weekend of November 30-December 1. Weekends of December 7 & 8 and December 14 & 15. Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

 

Dappen Tree Farm

20873 Greenview Road, Council Bluffs, IA
Dates: Open Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from Thanksgiving until December 15th.

Tractor rides and complimentary hot chocolate. Coloring books and toys for the kids.

 

Frosty’s Pines Christmas Trees

2172 US Highway 75, Omaha, NE 
Dates: Open Friday, Nov. 23rd through Sunday, Nov. 25th from 9-5. They will then be open every weekend until December 23.

All trees are $40, no matter the size.

 

Nordstrom’s Tree Farm

11401 Pawnee Rd., Omaha, NE 
Dates: Open the Friday after Thanksgiving

Free ride in standard tractor wagon, or 1953 Fire Truck ($1 per person).

 

Prairie Pine Plantation

488 County Road 7, Ashland, NE 
Dates: Pre-tagging only, weekends in November. Cutting starts the day after Thanksgiving.

 

For more ideas on family fun, find 100+ Holiday Events in Omaha here!

Filed Under: Family Fun Tagged With: Christmas, Omaha

10+ Things to Do Over Thanksgiving Weekend in Omaha

November 10, 2019

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Enjoy many FUN things to do over Thanksgiving Weekend in Omaha including Tree Lightings, Festivals, and more! Have a fun-filled Thanksgiving Break with these ideas!

Join our growing community and keep updated on Omaha family-friendly events and activities and Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!

It is always a good idea to verify the information with the business before visiting.

 

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Things to Do Over Thanksgiving Weekend in Omaha

1. Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop – Nov. 16 – Dec. 24, FREE

  • Santa’s Wonderland offers free crafts throughout the season, featuring a different craft each week. Plus, families can enjoy games and activities and visits and pictures with Santa. (Bass Pass required for free photo with Santa.)
  • Location: Bass Pro Shops, 2901 Bass Pro Dr., Council Bluffs, IA.

 

2. Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s – Nov. 16 – Dec. 24, FREE

  • Santa’s Wonderland offers free crafts throughout the season, featuring a different craft each week. Plus, families can enjoy games and activities and visits and pictures with Santa. (Bass Pass required for free photo with Santa.)
  • Location: Cabela’s, 12703 Westport Pkwy., La Vista, NE.

 

3. Tangier Shrine Feztival of Trees – Nov. 23-30 (hours vary – see the website for details). Admission is $2 per person (kids 12 and under are free).

  • Get in the holiday spirit by walking through a Christmas tree wonderland. Purchase raffle tickets for $1 each to win one of the almost 70 fully decorated trees and the prizes that go with each tree. (Each tree is valued at a minimum of $500!) The trees will be raffled off on Saturday, Nov. 30 for pickup on Sunday, Dec. 1 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
  • Location: 2823 S. 84 St. (just south of 84th and Center), Omaha, NE.
  • Snowflake Cafe features breakfast items (try the yummy homemade pecan rolls), sandwiches, special drinks, desserts, and more than 9,000 homemade sugar cookies.
  • Closed Thanksgiving Day.

 

4. Omaha Gingerbread Festival – Nov. 16 – Dec. 15, FREE

  • Gingerbread displays and holiday performances.
  • Location: Ramada Inn, 3321 S. 72nd St., Omaha, NE.

 

5. Helping Hands: Count Your Blessings at The Wonder Nook – Nov. 27 (10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.), FREE

  • We count our blessings the day before Thanksgiving! Tie fleece blankets for The Humane Society, put together a meal for Youth Emergency Services, and decorate placemats for The Children’s Hospital.
  • Location: The Wonder Nook Omaha, 10806 Prairie Hills Dr., Omaha, NE.

 

6. Tree Lighting & Holiday Parade at Shadow Lake Towne Center – Nov. 27 (6 – 7:30 p.m.), FREE

  • Kick-off the holiday season with a spectacular parade and the lighting of the holiday tree in the center of Main Street.
  • Location: Shadow Lake Towne Center, 7775 Olson Dr., Papillion, NE.

 

7. YMCA Turkey Trot Run/Walk – Nov. 28 (9 – 11 a.m.)

  • The YMCA hosts a free 5K/1-mile run/walk on Thanksgiving morning with music, hot chocolate, and fun! Dress like a turkey for prizes. This is a free community run that helps support the Micah House food pantry by donating canned food items that morning.
  • Location: Stir Concert Cove Parking Lot, 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluffs, IA.

 

8. Visit Santa’s Woods for Choose & Cut Christmas Trees, Wreaths & Gift Shop + Special Coupon – Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 (Opening Weekend)

  • Santa’s Woods will be open with ALL activities on November 29 and 30, December 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Family Fun Weekend Activities include Kids Crafts, S’more Station, Winter Wonderland, Hayrack ride to the field, Santa & live reindeer, Face painting ($2), and Pedal karts ($2). Complimentary cocoa and cider, and complimentary tree shake, bale and loading onto your vehicle.
  • Concessions available supporting Trees for Troops. Military & First Responders 10% discount offered December 7-8.
  • Get Coupon for Santa’s Woods here!
  • Find out more about Santa’s Woods here: https://www.santaswoods.com/

 

9. Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Durham Museum – Nov. 29 (4 – 8 p.m.)

  • Tree lighting happens at approximately 7 p.m. Entertainment, cookie decorating, holiday crafts, live music, and more. Included with admission.
  • Location: The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St., Omaha, NE.

 

10. Lights of Aksarben Tree Lighting Ceremony – Nov. 29 (6 – 8 p.m.), FREE

  • Join in for the Lights of Aksarben Tree Lighting at 6 p.m., and help The Godfather count it down. There will be a heated tent, free horse and carriage rides, free face painting, free food and drink, and the wonderful sounds of the Salem Baptist Church! Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive after the tree is lit.
  • Location: Stinson Park, 2232 S. 64th St., Omaha, NE.

 

11. Holiday Lighting Celebration at Village Pointe – Nov. 29 (6 – 10 p.m.)

  • Annual Holiday Lighting Celebration includes The Peppermint Elves Family Holiday Concert, Santa Parade, and free carriage rides.
  • Location: Village Pointe, 17202 Davenport St., Omaha, NE.

 

12. Kids Workshop: Build a Stocking Ornament at Home Depot – Nov. 30 (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)

  • Have fun making your own stocking ornament this holiday season, then paint your creation to make it truly unique.

 

13. Carriage Rides & Santa in the Village at Rockbrook Village – Nov. 30 (1 – 4 p.m.), FREE

  • Visit Santa, his reindeer, and The Grinch, and enjoy free carriage rides.
  • Location: Rockbrook Village, 2800 S. 110th Ct., Omaha, NE.

 

14. Winter Wonderland in Downtown Papillion – Nov. 30 (5 – 9 p.m.)

  • Enjoy a variety of activities including carriage rides, bonfire, visits with Santa, popcorn, hot chocolate, photos with live reindeer and more.

 

15. KETV Family Festival – Dec. 1 (12 – 5 p.m.), FREE

  • Enjoy family activities and experience many of Omaha’s leading downtown attractions for FREE including Omaha Children’s Museum, The Durham Museum, Downtown YMCA, Omaha Police Mounted Patrol Barn, W. Dale Clark Library, and Joslyn Art Museum. A free trolley service will connect the participating venues.

 

16. Ralston’s Holiday Magic – Dec. 1 (1 – 7 p.m.), FREE

  • Enjoy holiday activities at this fun, family outdoor event.
  • Location: Independence Square, 77th St. & Main St., Ralston, NE.

 

>> See many MORE Holiday Events this Week here! <<

 

Find More Holiday Fun:

       

Filed Under: Family Fun Tagged With: Omaha, Thanksgiving

FREE KETV Family Festival 2019

November 10, 2019

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One of our favorite Holiday events is the KETV FREE Family Festival (formerly the Wells Fargo Family Festival).

Part of the Omaha Holiday Lights Festival, this year’s FREE Family Event will be held on Sunday, December 1, 2019, from Noon – 5 p.m.

Join our growing community and keep updated on Omaha family-friendly events and activities and Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!

For more ideas on family fun, find 100+ Holiday Events in Omaha here and 10 FREE Holiday Events here!

   

 

FREE KETV Family Festival

At the KETV FREE Family Festival, visitors can experience many of Omaha’s downtown attractions for free!

Each site will offer free admission and family activities, and Ollie the Trolley will provide free trolley rides between locations.

 

Participating Locations:

Omaha Children’s Museum – 500 S. 20th St., Omaha, NE.

  • Play in the museum’s permanent exhibits, visit with Santa and his elves, or take a carousel or train ride for $2 each.

 

Omaha Police Mounted Patrol Barn – 615 Leavenworth St., Omaha, NE.

  • Tour the stables and visit Santa, meet and greet with officers and horses, cowboy hat decorating, face painting, balloon art, and more. This is one of our favorite stops of the day!

 

The Durham Museum – 801 S. 10th St., Omaha, NE.

  • Visit Christmas at Union Station – including Omaha’s largest indoor Christmas tree (pictured above)! See Omaha’s largest indoor Christmas tree, visit with Santa and enjoy family-friendly holiday activities, including live musical performances, and more.

 

W. Dale Clark Library – 215 S. 15th St., Omaha, NE.

  • Meet and get your photo taken with Bruce the Bear and OPL’s mascot Scamper, and take home a children’s book for free (while supplies last).

 

Joslyn Art Museum – 2200 Dodge St., Omaha, NE.

  • Explore Joslyn Art Museum’s galleries including the exhibitions Word and Image: The Saint John’s Bible and Everyday People: The Art of James E. Ransome. **Please Note: Word and Image is a ticketed exhibition: free for children and a special $5 discounted admission for adults during the Family Festival only.
  • Swing by ART WORKS: A Place for Curiosity, offering nine creative project stations for all ages.
  • Visit the studios to experiment with hands-on activities and create your own works of art

 

Downtown YMCA – 430 S. 20th St., Omaha, NE.

  • Interactive Activity Tour with a variety of stops.

 

Don’t miss this year’s KETV FREE Family Festival!

 

For more ideas on family fun, find 100+ Holiday Events in Omaha here and 10 FREE Holiday Events here!

   

Filed Under: Family Fun Tagged With: Holidays, Omaha

Baker’s Candies – A Delicious Stop Near Omaha

November 9, 2019

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Halfway between Omaha and Lincoln in Greenwood, NE, you will find Baker’s Candies- Nebraska’s Largest Candy Outlet. Founded in 1987, Baker’s is Nebraska’s largest chocolate manufacturer.

Join our growing community and keep updated on Omaha family-friendly events and activities and Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!

 

If you have been to Baker’s in the past, you’ll be in for a treat because they just recently expanded into a brand new building that is bigger and better! My family and I recently went to check it out.

 

When you first walk in, you are hit with the fantastic smell of chocolate, friendly workers, and an inviting storefront.

 


Baker’s is most well known for their Chocolate Meltaways!

Their meltaways are world-famous, and for many, synonymous with the state of Nebraska. “Meltaways” is the most accurate description because their chocolates are so decadent and smooth, they truly melt in your mouth.

Their chocolates are individually wrapped, and the shiny colored foil wrapping signifies what flavor the chocolate is. They are so delicious, it feels simply impossible to just have one.

 

The variety of goodies feels endless. There were candies at Baker’s that I hadn’t seen since my own childhood.

 

While my kids were all about the candy, it was the wide variety of flavored sodas that sucked my husband and I in. There were obscure flavors like Grass, Butter and Dirt. Then other flavors that seemed too good to be true like Cookie Dough and Birthday Cake.

 

We were all tempted by the goodies in their chocolate case. Options like meltaway bars, truffles, and clusters collectively had our mouths watering.

 

Their prices are very affordable, making it even more tempting to over-indulge.

It’s a true Nebraska gem, not to be missed! Suffice it to say we know the full depths of feeling like “kids in a candy store” after visiting Baker’s.

 

Baker’s Candies Outlet Store

Address: 831 S Baker St; Greenwood, NE 68366

Directions: The exact half way point between Lincoln and Omaha on Hwy 6.

Hours: Visit their FAQ’s page for the Outlet Store hours.

 

 

 

Brooke Wheeler is married with 3 children. She is a stay-at-home mom who lives in the Omaha area. She shares about family, fun, food, fashion, and more, on her Instagram page.

Filed Under: Family Fun Tagged With: Omaha

Trick or Treat Times in Omaha

October 28, 2019

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Are you looking for the Trick or Treat times for Omaha?

Hint: We do not have any specific times.

Join our growing community and keep updated on Omaha family-friendly events and activities and Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!

 

Trick or Treat Times in Omaha

If you lived in another city who had specific trick or treat times for Halloween night, you might be wondering what are the Trick or Treat times in Omaha?

We actually do not have specific trick or treat times here. Many people start to head out around 6:00 and stay out until 8-8:30 on Halloween night. Some families with little ones start earlier like at 5:30.

The general rule is that houses will turn on their outside lights if they are welcoming trick-or-treaters on Halloween night.

It is interesting, because I have lived in Omaha all of my life, and had never heard of trick or treat times. And people who move here from other cities are surprised to hear we do not have scheduled times!

 

Many More Halloween Events

For more Halloween fun, be sure to visit the following pages FULL of events and fun!

     

     

Filed Under: Family Fun Tagged With: Halloween, Omaha

10 Best Foods at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch

October 19, 2019

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If you live in the Omaha Metro, odds are you’ve heard of Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard. It truly is the Disney World of pumpkin patches. The attractions are so fun and unique. It really is a great place for some good old-fashioned fall fun, and a great place to make memories with your family. There’s an endless amount of things to do and see during your visit and you’re sure to work up an appetite. 

Thankfully, Vala’s has some of the very best food around. Nothing can get you in the spirit of Fall quite like some of the treats you can find at Vala’s!

It was challenging to narrow down our list to just 10 items, but we have rounded up a list of 10 of the Best Foods at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch!

Join our growing community and keep updated on Omaha family-friendly events and activities and Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!

 

Best Foods at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch

Here are our favorites of Vala’s Best Food (in no particular order):

Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake– This treat, accurately described as a “hidden gem” at Vala’s is absolutely amazing! It has a German chocolate crust and is so rich and decadent. You don’t even have to be a huge pumpkin fan to enjoy this. You can find it in the Country Bakery. Another yummy treat to try in the Country Bakery are the Pumpkin Bars.

 

Apple Cider Donuts– If you want some delicious, made-from scratch, apple cider donuts, head to the Harvest Barn. You can get your apple cider donuts cinnamon sugar coated or glazed. My personal favorite is glazed. If you can snag these first thing in the morning when they are hot and fresh, there really is little else comparable. These are a family favorite and served daily.

 

Apple Cider Slushy– If you find yourself at the patch on a particularly hot day, there is no better way to cool off than with an Apple Cider Slushy (although the Slushy Station is a close second)! They also offer Apple Cider Slushy Floats, but I personally love them as is (sans the ice cream). You, of course, can also just grab a hot apple cider, on a cold day, which is also amazing- perfect for dunking those Apple Cider Donuts in!

 

Turkey Legs– You can’t talk about food at Vala’s and not include their giant smoked turkey legs. My kids more closely resemble animals tearing into these, and love every minute of it. The are located at Time-Out Turkey Legs.

 

Brown Butter Salted Honey Pie– The fact that Vala’s has an entire pie barn, points to the fact that they know their pies!

While many are amazing, for me, the Brown Butter Salted Honey Pie takes the pie cake. This pie could be easily overlooked by some of its “flashier” looking relatives, but this salty-sweet pie is not to be missed! The texture is like custard. It gets an amazing caramel flavor from the brown butter and honey combination.

Other contenders for best pie, are the popular Salted Caramel Apple and Classic Pumpkin.

*Fun fact…did you know you can order their pies for Thanksgiving? Typically around the first week of November you can pre-order a Vala’s pie to be picked up the day before Thanksgiving. Follow their Facebook page for more information.

 

Apple Dumpling– We’ve gotten an annual family pass to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch for the past decade and it wasn’t until just recently that I discovered their Apple Dumplings. Dare I say it rivals their pies. The Apple Dumpling consists of an entire peeled apple (grown at Vala’s), wrapped in homemade pie crust and drenched in caramel sauce. I have never had anything quite like it- a truly unique treat. It’s important to note that these are only available on the weekends. You can find them in the Pie Barn.

 

Vala’s Seven Layer Bars– The treat that brings the most nostalgia for our family has to be the Seven Layer Bar. The pumpkin patch season doesn’t close without our family having consumed at least a few of these. Layers of chocolate and butterscotch chips, sweetened condensed milk, graham cracker crumbs, coconut and pecans, all come together to make a rich treat that is out.of.this.world. They are located in the Exit Barn.

 

Popcorn Balls– I think it’s pretty widely known that Vala’s sells great kettlecorn, but have you tried their, homemade, popcorn balls? The recipe is Grandma Lois Vala’s and is still being used today. Conveniently located in the Exit Barn, this is a good treat to take home to be enjoyed for later. They are appropriately orange in color as well, adding to the festiveness of the treat.

 

Succotash– Being more of a savory guy, my husband’s favorite thing at the patch is the Succotash, located at the Potato Patch Cookery. Other savory favorites include Chicken Pot Pie and soup in a bread bowl.

 

Cookie Coop Cookies– These cookies are truly amazing and yet another very unique recipe to Vala’s. These mini, warm, chocolate chip cookies are so thin, and absolutely scrumptious! You can purchase a cookie cone or a bucket of cookies. 

 

It was honestly super hard to narrow this list down, so if something didn’t make the list, it doesn’t mean it isn’t worthy. It’s just a testament to how great the food is at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch!

With that said, I wanted to add some honorable mentions:

  • Hand-Dipped Caramel Apples
  • Caramel Apple Funnel Cake Sundae
  • Freak Shakes (Caramel Apple & S’mores)
  • Kettle Corn

 

If having these treats just a few times a year isn’t enough for you, did you know they have a Vala’s Cookbook full of some of the very recipes listed above? Located in the Exit Barn, you can grab a cookbook for yourself and give some of these amazing recipes a try yourself! 

Discover more Helpful Tips for Visiting Vala’s Pumpkin Patch here!

 

Brooke Wheeler is married with 3 children. She is a stay-at-home mom who lives in the Omaha area. She shares about family, fun, food, fashion, and more, on her Instagram page.

Filed Under: Family Fun Tagged With: Omaha

Best Scenic Drives and Places to See Fall Colors Near Omaha

October 10, 2019

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Fall is beautiful in and around Omaha! We asked our readers to share their favorite areas and best scenic drives near Omaha to see Fall colors!

Join our growing community and keep updated on Omaha family-friendly events and activities and Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!

 

Best Places to See Fall Colors Near Omaha

Fontenelle Forest

Location: 1199 Bellevue Blvd N, Bellevue
Admission cost. Memberships available.

Trails, boardwalk, indoor and outdoor children’s play areas, and special programming.

** Members of Omaha Public Libraries, Council Bluffs Public Library, and Bellevue Public Library can check out a pass to visit Fontenelle Forest! Find out more here!

 

Hitchcock Nature Center

Location: 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, IA
Cost: Park permit required.

Picturesque area full of hiking trails, an observation tower, Visitors Center, and fun special events.

 

Lauritzen Gardens

Location: 100 Bancroft St.
Admission Cost. Memberships available.

Stroll around the beautiful Botanical Gardens with paved walking paths. See a model train railroad, indoor Conservatory, Visitor Center, and many themed garden areas.

Members of Omaha Public Library or Council Bluffs Library can check out a pass to visit Lauritzen Gardens. Find out more here!

 

Mahoney State Park

Location: 28500 West Park Hwy, Ashland, NE
Cost: Park Entry Permit is required

During the Fall, families can enjoy scenic drives, explore the park’s hiking and biking trails, visit the indoor playground, and climb the observation tower.

 

OPPD Arboretum

Location: 108th & Blondo
Cost: Free

The OPPD arboretum is an outdoor education area where you can walk along paved pathways.

 

Platte River State Park

Location: 14421 346th St., Louisville, NE
Cost: Park Entry Permit is required.

Enjoy the park’s picturesque waterfall, scenic hiking and biking trails, and two observation towers that allow those who climb to the top a spectacular view of both the Platte River and Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, which is just across the river.

 

Schramm Park

Location: 15810 Hwy 50, Louisville, NE
Cost: Park Entry Permit is required.

Families can explore a geologic display, feed fish in cool water trout ponds, tour the Schramm Education Center (admission), and enjoy a picnic on the bluffs.

 

Find More Beautiful Places here;

 

 

Best Scenic Drives to See Fall Colors Near Omaha

Highway 66 [Exit 426 between Omaha and Lincoln]

  • Get off exit 426 between Omaha and Lincoln and enjoy the nearby attractions and scenic drive.
  • Mahoney State Park – During the Fall, families can enjoy scenic drives, explore the park’s hiking and biking trails, visit the indoor playground, and climb the observation tower. Daily / Annual Park Entry Pass Required.
  • Wildlife Safari Park – Drive-through and see elk, bison, deer, and more. In the middle of the park, you can get out of your car and walk to see the bears, wolves, petting corral, and eagle aviary. Hiking trails also available.
  • Platte River State Park – Enjoy the park’s picturesque waterfall, scenic hiking and biking trails, and two observation towers that allow those who climb to the top a spectacular view of both the Platte River and Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, which is just across the river.

 

Hwy 75 [South toward Nebraska City and Indian Cave]

  • Nebraska City is a favorite place to visit during the Fall and is popular for their apple picking, and experiencing the Tree Adventure at Arbor Day Farm.
  • Cross over into Iowa to visit Waubonsie State Park.
  • Indian Cave State Park is a popular camping spot, with beautiful overlooks and hiking trails.

 

Loess Hills National Scenic Byway

  • The Loess Hills National Scenic Byway passes through a unique land formation that is up to 15 miles wide and about 200 miles long from north of Sioux City, Iowa to near St. Joseph, Missouri.
  • For inspiration and ideas, visit 5 Stops for a Fall Foliage Tour of the Loess Hills and 9 Best Fall Color Views in the Loess Hills.

 

Find more Fall Fun in Omaha:

Filed Under: Family Fun Tagged With: Omaha

Omaha Halloween Events for Teens

October 10, 2019

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Looking for Omaha Halloween Events for Teens? Find a variety of fun Halloween activities for teenagers coming up!

Find more Halloween Fun in our FREE Halloween Events Guide and Full Omaha Halloween FUN Guide!

Join our growing community and keep updated on Omaha family-friendly events and activities and Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!

 

Please Note: It is always a good idea to verify the information with the business before visiting, as details may change.

Halloween Events for Teens in Omaha

10 Haunted Houses in Omaha and Other Scary Attractions

  • Find many Haunted Houses in Omaha and other Scary Halloween Attractions locally and in the surrounding area!

 

Tween Hangout (Ages 10-15): Scary Story Read-Aloud – Oct. 10 (5:30 – 6:30 p.m.), FREE

  • Librarians will be reading aloud from some of their favorite scary stories and books. Snacks will be provided.
  • Location: South Omaha Library, 2808 Q St., Omaha, NE.

 

Teen Halloween Gaming – Oct. 18 (2 – 4 p.m.), FREE

  • Prepare for Halloween by playing a variety of spooky games, such as One Night Ultimate Werewolf and Betrayal at the House on the Hill, in the Saddlebrook Young Adult Room. Snacks will be provided.
  • Location: Saddlebrook Branch, 14850 Laurel Ave., Omaha, NE.

 

Nailed It!: Edible Eyeballs – Oct. 26 (2 – 3 p.m.), FREE [REGISTER]

  • Try to make your best edible eyeball using various ingredients like rice krispies and frosting in this Nailed It or Failed It challenge. Grades 6-12.
  • Location: A.V. Sorensen Branch, 4808 Cass St., Omaha, NE.

 

Durham After Dark – Oct. 29 (5 – 8 p.m.), Included with regular admission

  • Enjoy spooky stories with Nebraska StoryArts, a dance party complete with glow sticks, a zombie flash mob, and more.
  • Please note: Although this event is open to all ages, the recommended age is 8+.
  • Location: The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St., Omaha, NE.

 

Haunted Omaha: Tales of the Paranormal – Oct. 29 (7 – 8 p.m.), FREE

  • Jamie from Midwest Paranormal History Tours shares some of the macabre legends, lore, and facts of our city. If you love history, true crime, and the paranormal, this event is for you. (The stories and legends in this presentation are rated PG-13.)
  • Location: Milton R. Abrahams Branch Library, 5111 N. 90th St., Omaha, NE.

 

Fort Omaha Halloween History Tour for Teens – Oct. 30 (7:30 – 9 p.m.), $20 [REGISTER]

  • *Ages 13 – 17. Spend an evening discovering the haunted history of Fort Omaha. At a relaxed pace, this interactive walking tour will guide you through nearly the entire campus (approximately one mile). During the session, they will focus primarily on the more sinister stories from the Fort’s past, including the numerous accounts of paranormal experiences that have been reported over the years. Meet your tour guide, Jamie Nestroyl, at the gazebo on the Parade Ground to start this haunted history tour.
  • Tickets are $20. Reservations must be made in advance. Purchase tickets here.

 

Tween Hangout (Ages 10-15): Haunted Candy Land/Diversión para niños y niñas edades 10-15: Casa de Dulces Embrujada – Oct. 31 (5:30 – 7 p.m.), FREE

  • In honor of Halloween, play a room-sized, spooky version of the board game Candy Land. Costumes are encouraged.
  • Location: South Omaha Library, 2808 Q St., Omaha, NE.

 

Find More Halloween Fun!

     

Filed Under: Family Fun Tagged With: Halloween, Omaha

Family Fun at Arbor Day Farm & Lied Lodge in Nebraska City

October 9, 2019

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This post was sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation. One of our contributors, Joanna, recently visited Arbor Day Farm and Lied Lodge with her family!

Looking for a quick family getaway?

Just an hour drive from Omaha, Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City offers one-of-a-kind experiences to keep the entire family entertained! The NEW Treetop Village opened this fall and is worth the trip itself, but you’ll also want to make sure you check out the Nature Explore Classrooms, the Discovery Ride, and the unique shopping and dining options available onsite. Click here to book your own family getaway today!

 

Get a glimpse of all of the Family Fun you can have at Arbor Day Farm here!

 

Arbor Day Farm’s Tree Adventure kept my kids busy for hours! They loved building, climbing, and making music in the Nature Explore Classroom. This area is fun and accessible to kids of all ages, so it will definitely be a crowd pleaser for any family!

 

The Tree Adventure has lots of little “extras” to keep kids engaged. Mine loved following the tracks on the ground, guessing which animal they belonged to, and then checking the signs to see if they were correct. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled because there are also several stops along the path with fun play equipment like a slide and zip-line!

 

Treetop Village was at the top of our bucket list, and it did not disappoint! Our entire family loved scaling the various kinds of rope bridges and checking out each of the eleven treehouses. Book now to check out Treetop Village for yourself!

I think we all agreed that the WonderNet (think GIANT trampoline) was a highlight of the weekend! I’m not sure our kids have ever seen their parents jump like that before!

Just remember to wear closed-toed shoes! Also know that if you exit the course via slide or platform, you will need to start over at the beginning. On a busy day, this could mean waiting in line again.

 

The Discovery Ride was one of my personal favorites! It was very interesting to hear about the history of the property and J. Sterling Morton while taking a wagon ride through the beautiful Arbor Day Farm forest. It was also a great opportunity to rest our legs for a bit and grab a quick snack (some delicious apples of course)!

 

Speaking of apples, we couldn’t turn down a chance to head into the orchard and pick a bag for ourselves. We nabbed a hayrack ride out to the rows with the ripest apples and found some beauties!

 

Apple House Market was the most adorable (and tastiest) stop of our weekend. We ate an amazing BBQ lunch at Porter’s and grabbed some chocolate dipped caramel apples and wine as gifts for some family back home.

 

After adventuring through the trees, we were ready to relax and unwind at the gorgeous Lied Lodge and Conference Center. The nature-inspired hotel is an easy walk from Arbor Day Farm and offers the most spectacular views of the property. My kids were most impressed with the delicious breakfast buffet at Timbers and the Olympic-sized indoor pool!

SPECIAL DISCOUNT CODE: Use Coupon Code: FAMILYFUN to receive 10% off an overnight stay! It can only be used when booking online, and the code is good until December 30, 2019.

Lied Lodge and Arbor Day Farm were a perfect pair for a fun family getaway! Start planning your trip today!

 

Filed Under: Family Fun Tagged With: Travel

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