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The Standing Bear Lake Playground offers a unique play experience for kids of all ages. The playground features childhood classics like a slide and swings but also includes ropes and various climbing structures for open-ended play.

The canoe and various animal figures invite kids to create their own play scenarios and stretch their imaginations. And don’t worry about burning off that extra energy; the equipment offers plenty of opportunities to run, jump and climb!

Beyond being a fun change from your standard play structure, the scenery at Standing Bear Lake can’t be beat. Pack a lunch and enjoy the view from the picnic shelter or bring the bikes and take advantage of access to over three miles of trails!

Tip: Bring your sand toys for a fun surprise. Kids can dig for fossils and artifacts! Just make you cover them back up so someone else can excavate them next!

Location: Standing Bear Lake and Recreation Area Entrance 4, 6404 N. 132nd Street, Omaha. (off 132nd at Entrance 4 into Standing Bear Lake)

See More Favorite Parks and Playgrounds here!

Find More Fun:

• Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in Omaha
• Outdoor Fun

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Calling all expert gnome spotters!

Lauritzen Gardens has been overrun with roaming gnomes and you can join in a Scavenger Hunt to help find them all! You’ll spot these mischievous little characters (25 in all!) nestled between the trees of the arboretum with only their pointy hats and long beards giving away their sneaky hiding places!

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Special gnome signage will lead you through the grounds to make sure you stay hot on their tracks, but be sure to stay on the path as to not disturb the gardens.

You can also follow along a kid-friendly StoryWalk of the book Go BIG or Go Gnome as complete your hunt. It’s a perfect way to keep kids of all ages excited and engaged!

Once your scavenger hunt is finished, hang out in the “Gnome Zone” for fun games like ring toss, bags, connect four, kerplunk and checkers. Make sure to take a moment to gnome yourself and snap a picture at the photo station!

Tips: It took my children and I just over an hour to complete the scavenger hunt. I suggest wearing tennis shoes as portions of the trail are wood chips. The arboretum is located directly across from the model train exhibit, so it’s a great opportunity to make a quick pit stop at a kid favorite!

What: The Great Gnome Escape

Where: Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha. Gnome figurines are hidden throughout the wooded arboretum

When: June 1 – September 2, 2019.

Cost: Adults: $10 + tax; Children ages six to 12: $5 + tax; Free for Lauritzen Gardens Members and Children younger than six years of age.

Find Out More: http://www.lauritzengardens.org/; (402)346-4002

Members of the Omaha Public Library can also check out a Family Pass to visit, and for children who complete the Summer Reading Program, they receive a pass to visit also!

Upcoming Events:

Hanging with our Gnomies
On June 20 and August 1, the gardens will be open at night from 6-9pm for guests 21 and older.

World Record Attempt
On August 9 guests are invited to help break the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people dressed as garden gnomes. Start perfecting your best garden gnome “look” now!

Find More Summer Fun:

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[Click on the image for a larger copy that links to each guide for further details!]

Create the BEST Summer with this Omaha Summer Fun Bucket List!

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Omaha Summer Fun Guides

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Celebrate National Donut Day on Friday, June 7, 2019, with these fun specials at participating locations!  YUM!!!

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Please Note: It is always a good idea to verify with your favorite location before visiting.

Where to Get Free Donuts for National Donut Day

Dunkin Donuts

Free classic donut of your choice with the purchase of any beverage. Good all day on National Donut Day, Friday, June 7, 2019, at participating locations while supplies last.

Krispy Kreme

On Friday, June 7, 2019, receive 1 free donut of your choice. No purchase necessary. Available only at participating shops across the U.S. and Canada.

LaMar’s Donuts

17202 Audrey St, Omaha

In celebration of National Donut Day on Friday, June 7, 2019, LaMar’s Donuts is offering each guest one FREE donut.  No purchase necessary. (*Offer does not include specialty donuts.)

The Green Spot Omaha

1110 S 71st St, Ste K, Omaha

Bring your pup into TGS to celebrate National Donut Day. They will have donuts for pet parents and doggy donuts for your four-legged companions, FREE while supplies last.

Other Donut Day Specials

Pettit’s Pastry

502 North 16th, Omaha

Pettits Pastry is celebrating 65 years of making donuts. 65 cents for glazed donuts on National Donut Day June 7th.

More Fun in Omaha

• FREE Summer Fun in Omaha
• 50+ Things to Do in Omaha this Summer

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On Tuesdays this Summer, visit The Durham Museum after 5 p.m. for $5!

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From Memorial Day to Labor Day, admission for all ages will be just $5 after 5 p.m. on Tuesdays.

On Tuesday nights, the Durham Museum stays open until 8p.m., giving guests the opportunity to visit later. Normally, regular admission is $11 for adults, $8 for seniors and $7 for children 3-12. During this promotion, all admission levels will be granted the $5 admission and children 2 and under remain free.

See the trains and model train exhibit, visit the current special exhibit Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family June 8 – September 1, 2019, and enjoy the beauty of the Union Station!

2019 Omaha Summer Fun Guides

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Disclosure: Special thanks to Fun-Plex for partnering with us to help share this Discount and other Specials with our Family Fun in Omaha readers. See disclosure and privacy policy here. 

Who is ready for SUMMER! 

Celebrating their 40th Anniversary with an exciting Summer at Fun-Plex!

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Rockin’ Rapids, Free Tubes, and more!

Rockin’ Rapids Water Slide is the largest addition in park history!

At over five stories tall, and with 1,200 feet of sliding fun, Rockin’ Rapids is one of the tallest & longest slides of its kind in the country!

The water attraction features two tube slides collectively moving 3,000 gallons of water per minute. The first, a partially enclosed slide, features alternating bands of color in closed tunnel sections. Sheets of water drench riders as they blast through to the open-air portions of the slide. The second tube slide, which is fully enclosed, features dazzling translucent fiberglass that uses daylight to create a unique ride experience for visitors.

Plus, guests of Fun-Plex will enjoy FREE tubes during their visit

The Makana Splash AquaPlay Structure, Breaker’s Bay Swim-Up Bar, and Crazy Cars have all been successful additions to the park’s ambitious expansion efforts. Guests will love these latest attractions, as well as the classics like the Fun-Plex Speedway Go-Kart track and the Lazzzy River!

Twilight Discount Nights + Other Specials

Fun-Plex is celebrating its 40th Anniversary all summer with great Twilight Specials! Discover the best specials of the summer every Monday-Thursday from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.!

• Mondays (4 p.m. – 8 p.m.) – Play Like a Kid, Pay Like a Kid
• Tuesdays (4 p.m. – 8 p.m.) – Twilight Tuesdays
• Wednesdays (4 p.m. – 8 p.m.) – Supply Drive Wednesdays
• Thursdays (4 p.m. – 8 p.m.) – 4 for $40, 40-Year Celebration!
• ** Find out more including special terms and conditions here!

Plus, take advantage of more great events taking place this summer, including:

• Scout Day – Sunday, June 2nd
• Fathers Play Free – Sunday, June 16th – Get dad a day of fun in the sun for Fathers Day! Dads receive free admission with a paid admission.
• Military Appreciation Day – Thursday, July 4th – Fun-Plex appreciates the sacrifices our military member and their families have made for our country. All active duty and veterans receive free admission on Independence Day. Immediate family members receive $6 off the general admission and $4 off the junior/senior admission in the same transaction.

Special Events

Dive-In Movies will take place in June this summer! Join in on select Friday nights for fun flicks poolside! Float around in the wave pool or just pull up a lounger on the pool deck and enjoy a movie under the stars.

• The Greatest Showman – Friday, June 7th.
• Mary Poppins Returns – Friday, June 14th
• Little Mermaid – Friday, June 21st
• 18+ Only – Bohemian Rhapsody – Friday, June 28th

SunSets Summer Concert Series is back!

• The SunSets Live Music Series presented by Corona features live music from a variety of genres, all set in an idyllic summer scene; relaxing on the lazy river, chilling on the party patio, or bellying up to Nebraska’s only swim-up bar, Breakers Bay!
• Every Saturday in June and July at 7 p.m. $10 (ages 21+ only)

Visit Fun-Plex

Address: 70th & Q

Tickets: Purchase Tickets here.

Enjoy more Special Discounts and Twilight Nights this Season at Fun-Plex!

Disclosure: Special thanks to Fun-Plex for partnering with us to help share this Discount and other Specials with our Family Fun in Omaha readers. See disclosure and privacy policy here. 

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The new Schramm Education Center (formerly the Aksarben Aquarium) will have it’s Grand Opening on Saturday, May 18th!

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Visitors to Schramm State Recreation Area and the new Schramm Education Center can experience the new facility with:

• Newly renovated and expanded aquariums featuring Nebraska’s natural aquatic habitats – cool water streams, rivers, reservoirs and farm ponds. The total water in the four large tanks is 21,200 gallons (compared to the total water for the old aquarium at 7,000 gallons)
• Six smaller tanks focusing on some of Nebraska’s smaller, lesser-known fish species.
• A touch tank inviting visitors to feel a Pallid Sturgeon (tank is 2,200 gallons).
• Seventeen live animal tanks featuring Nebraska’s reptile and amphibian species including interactive digital signage focusing on each species.
• Educational nature center areas including a reading nook, maker’s space, bird watching area and pre-school play area, and learning stations focusing on insects, birds and nature.
• Bird wingspan exhibit inviting visitors to measure their “wingspan” against several Nebraska native bird species. And, a mammal exhibit inviting visitors to compare their size to that of numerous Nebraska mammals and learn about mammal adaptations.
• Interactive digital features including wayfinding map, touch screens focusing on the species of the area, interactive digital games including color-a-fish, lake stocking game and build-a-fish game.
• Virtual reality mountain biking experience where visitors will have the opportunity to “ride” the trails of local state park areas on an actual bike.

Additionally, visitors will be able to experience:

• Over five miles of amazing hiking trails and new interpretive trail signage explaining the area’s natural resources.
• The history of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission through exploring the historic canyon ponds and hatchery house where NGPC was started.
• Explore the Biologically Unique Landscape filled with flora and fauna native to the area.

After the Grand Opening Event, regular admission and Park Entry Permit required.

Grand Opening of Schramm Education Center (formerly Aksarben Aquarium) – Saturday, May 18 (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.), FREE Admission on this special day only!

• Free Admission on this day only – no park entry required.
• Guided tours of the building every half-hour.
• Location: 21502 West Highway 31, Gretna.

Find More Omaha Fun:

• FREE Summer Fun Guide
• Top 10 Things for Kids to Do in Omaha

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Enjoy many family-friendly events this Memorial Day Weekend 2019 in Omaha!

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 before visiting, as event details may change. 

Popular this Week: 2019 Omaha Summer Fun Guides

Things to Do in the Omaha Area over Memorial Day Weekend 2019

2) Salute To Summer Festival in La Vista – May 23 – 26

• Parade, Hot Wheels races, community cookout, fireworks, concert, family pool party, and more.
• See more Community Celebrations throughout the Summer here!

3) Be a Hero Bootcamp Family Event – May 24 (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.); FREE [REGISTER]

• Bring the kids and dress up like superheroes (optional) the day after school lets out to fly into summer with free games, face painting, balloon animals, bounce house (ages 5 & under), snacks, a brief (8-minute) superhero-themed tabata workout for all ages.
• Donations will be accepted towards Final Salute. This event is brought to you by Ms. Veteran America 2019 semi-finalist Kat Wagner, who is stationed at Offutt and will compete in the semi-finals in June in Las Vegas.
• Location: Offutt Youth Center, 2502 Roman, Hruska Blvd., Bellevue, NE.

4) Splash Pad OPENS at Shadow Lake Towne Center for the season – Friday, May 24, 2019 (11 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

• Discover 20+ Spraygrounds in the Omaha Area, with many opening on Memorial Day.

5) Take Aim at Summer at Platte River State Park – Friday, May 24 (4 – 8 p.m.), Daily or Annual Park Permit required

• Fun evening of archery and shooting sports.
• Location: Platte River State Park, Outdoor Heritage Education Complex, 14421 346th St., Louisville, NE.

6) Starlight Movie Series at Sumtur Amphitheater – Friday, May 24, FREE

• Be sure to confirm dates and times as they are subject to change.
• Enjoy free popular movies under the stars all summer long with pre-show entertainment before each movie. Gates and concessions open at 7:30 p.m. with movies starting at dusk. Movies and dates are subject to change. No outside food or beverages.
• Location: 11691 S. 108th St., Papillion.
  • Friday, May 24: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
• See more FREE Outdoor Movies all Summer here!

7) Running with Legends Fun Run with Omaha Children’s Museum – Sat. May 25 (9 a.m.), FREE Event (Admission to the museum is not included.) [REGISTER]

• The fun run is a short dash down 20th Street. Lining up for the fun run begins at 8:45 a.m. Children completing the fun run will receive a finisher’s medallion. Dressing up is encouraged! Register your family in advance.
• The special exhibit, Enchanted Kingdom opens that morning. Admission to the museum is not included.

8) Saturdays @ Stinson in Aksarben Village – Saturday, May 25, 2019 (7 – 10 p.m.), FREE

• Kids can play in the fountain and on the playground equipment. Face painting, balloon art, and bubbles available. Bring chairs or blankets.
• Location: Stinson Park, 2232 S. 64th St., Omaha, NE.
• See more FREE Concerts all Summer here!

9) Visit a local Farmers Market

• Choose from a variety of the best Farmers Markets in the Omaha area, many with special events and kids activities!

10) Kids Bowl Free

• Register your children for Kids Bowl Free and they will receive two free games every day all summer! (Shoe rental may be required.) Parents can purchase a family pass, if they wish, so they can bowl with their kids.

11) 2019 Nebraska Passport Program

• Imagine a scavenger hunt around the state to popular tourist attractions, unique restaurants, historical places, and locally owned businesses. Our favorite stops are to the hidden gems, some off the beaten path, that provide a unique way to explore in our own backyard. There are several locations in and around Omaha!

12) Special Discount to Fun-Plex which opens on May 25th! (weather permitting)

• SPECIAL DISCOUNT: **SAVE 25% on online day tickets through June 7th with our special code!!

13) Water Fun

• Some Pools and Waterparks open Memorial Day Weekend including Fun-Plex!

Find More SUMMER Fun in Omaha

We do our best to share current information in Family Fun in Omaha, but event details may change. It is always a good idea to verify the information before visiting.

Have a wonderful fun-filled weekend!