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Free Fall Family Activities in Omaha

I love Fall in Omaha!  Perfect weather, changing colors, Football, Halloween events, Pumpkin Patches, Hayrack Rides, and campfires all make wonderful family memories.  What do you love most about Fall?

Enjoy these free or inexpensive family attractions and events this Fall in Omaha!

Concerts

Especially for Kids

  • Rec’s Kids Clubhouse is a year-round youth program for kids 6-12 that encourages active healthy lifestyles through crafts, games and sports, swimming, drama, special events and field trips.  It is held every day after school, with extended hours when school is out.
  • Nature Nook at Hummel Park Nature Center – Join us for class to learn about bugs, trees, and animals while doing a craft, singing songs, and exploring outside!  All ages welcome.  Every Wednesday and Thursday 10:00-10:45am, September 5th – December 20th.  Fee: $1.00 drop in per child (2 and older).
  • Jr. Adventure Club at Hummel Park Nature Center – Every Saturday morning, staff will lead kids in a variety of adventures that include hiking, games, stories, crafts, and more!  All ages welcome.  Saturdays 10:30-11:15am, September 8th – December 22nd.  Fee: $1.00 drop in per child (2 and older).

Farmer’s Markets 

Fall Festivals and Special Events

  • Museum Day Live! – 9/29 – Free Admission to Participating Museums with ticket
  • First Friday Old Market – Held the first Friday of each month, 6-9pm, First Friday is a free event celebrating local creativity in Omaha’s most historic neighborhood.
  • Food Day Omaha – 10/21, 9am-1pm, at the Omaha Farmers Market at Aksarben Village

Outdoor Activities at Gene Leahy Mall  – Mondays – Thursdays, 5/7-9/27

  • 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

Special Events at Pumpkin Patches

  • Vala’s Pumpkin Patch – September 21st and 23rd – Military Appreciation Day.  Show your active military ID and each family member will receive a discounted admission price of $7.39 per person ($6.00 off the General Admission price).
  • Camp Fontanelle Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze – October 21st – Toys for Tots – Bring a girls or boys new toy valued at $5 or more and get free admission!  One toy = one free admission.  Marines will receive toys 2-5 pm.

Storytimes

Fall Printables

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

Do you have a Free Fall Activity to add?  Please leave a comment below and I will add it the list!

Other helpful resources:

Omaha Area Pumpkin Patches and Fall Festivals

A pumpkin patch with overlay text that reads, Omaha Area Pumpkin Patches and Fall Festivals.

Visit updated Omaha Area Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes, and Fall Festivals here!

It is that time of year!  Cooler temperatures.  Changing colors.  Pumpkin patches, apple orchards, corn mazes, hayrack rides, and Fall Festivals have become a favorite Fall tradition for many local families.  There are so many to choose from in the Omaha and surrounding areas with something for everyone.  As always, it is a good idea to verify with the business before visiting.

If you know of any locations not on this list, or available discounts or coupons, please leave a comment below and I will add it to the list.  Enjoy!

See also:

 

Arbor Day Tree Farm Adventure

Where:  2611 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410 (Directions)

Contact: (402) 873-8717, [email protected]

When: Open daily.

Hours:  Monday–Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm, Saturday: 9:00 am – 6:00pm, Sunday: 10:00am – 6:00pm

Admission:  Adults $6.50, Children aged 3–12 $4.50, Children 2 and under FREE (includes a tree seedling to plant at home and your choice of a tree identification guide or children’s activity guide)  Buy Tickets Online here.

Highlights:  Includes 260 beautiful acres to enjoy.  Here you can climb a treehouse 50 feet high, hike miles of scenic nature trails, pick apples at apple orchards, walk through corn maze, enjoy the Discovery Ride, or stay at the Lied Lodge.

Special Events: September 15-16: Applejack Festival in Nebraska City

 

Bellevue Berry Farm and Pumpkin Ranch

Where: 11001 South 48th Street, Bellevue, NE  68133 (just off of S. 48th Street between Cornhusker & HWY 370 – Directions)

Contact: 402-331-5500, [email protected]

When: September 23rd for daytime hours, September 28th for evening hours, through October 31st

Hours: Mondays- closed except Columbus Day 10 a.m – 8 p.m., Tues-Thursday- 10am till 8pm, Fri- Saturday- 10am till 6pm (daytime) 6pm-11pm (nighttime), Sundays- 10am till 6pm (daytime) 6pm-10pm (nighttime)

Admission: Daytime admission is $6/person weekday, $8/person weekend with kids 2 and under free.  This includes everything the farm has to offer plus a hayrack ride.  Check website for evening packages.

Highlights: Old West ghost town, tree house, Ranch of Terror Haunted House, pumpkin picking, Pirate Caves, train ride, corn maze, pirates swing, and Pirate Ship.  The kids will enjoy How the West Was fun play area featuring a fun barn, slides, zip lines, climbing nets and swings.  See answers to your Frequently Asked Questions here.

New this year: Visitors can enjoy a new Carnevil Area (full of games and halloween fun).

 

Bloom Where You’re Planted Pumpkin Patch

Where:  911-108th Street, Avoca, Nebraska 68307 (35 miles south of Omaha, Directions)

Contact:  (402) 267-4104, [email protected]

When:  Sept. 15 – Oct. 28, 2012

Hours:  Fridays 1-6 p.m.  Saturdays & Sundays 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Admission:  $4.75/person (includes tax). Ages 2 & under FREE.

Highlights:  Enjoy family fun at this pumpkin patch and educational farm with activities including Hayrides, Nature Trails, Farm Animals, Corn Box, Play Areas, and Swings in a beautiful seasonal setting.

Special Events: Sept. 22 – Military Family Day. FREE admission to military personnel and their immediate family when presenting a valid military ID, plus Doggy Day (10/6), Ag Day (10/13), Goblin’s Egg Hunt (10/27), and Halloween Party (10/28).

*** Read the Review of our fun visit to Bloom Where You’re Planted Pumpkin Patch!

 

Camp Fontanelle Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze

Where:  9677 County Road 3, Fontanelle, NE 68044 (Directions)

Contact: General Hotline: (402) 478-4294, Phone: (402) 478-4296, [email protected]

When:  Sunday September 16, 2012 – Sunday November 4, 2012

Hours:  Saturdays and Sundays: 1 pm to 7 pm

Admission:  Children ages 3-11 $4.00, Adults ages 12+ $6.00, Cash or Check Only

Discounts / Coupons:  Coupon available by completing this form.

Highlights:  Farm animals, campfires, sandbox, hayride, trikes, and jumping pillow.

Special Events: Movie nights, Haunted maze, and Toys for Tots

 

Ditmar’s Orchard and Vineyard

Where:  19475 225th Street Council Bluffs, Iowa (Directions)

Contact: 712-256-7053, [email protected]

Hours:  Tuesday – Thursday: 10AM-6PM, Friday – Saturday: 10AM-8PM, Sunday: 11AM-5PM.  CLOSED MONDAYS

Admission:  Wristbands are $4 for children and $2 for adults.  Wristbands are required for access to the kids activities at Ditmars Orchard.

Highlights:  From their website, “Experience good old-fashioned outdoor fun at the Orchard.  Of course, coming to pick fruit and pumpkins is always a favorite activity, but we also offer several fun attractions that will entertain “kids” of all ages.”  Highlights include a 5-acre Corn Maze, Mini Maze, Prarie Ponies, Tractor rides (available on weekends only), corn box, and playground.  Check out a review here from a local family!

Special Events: September 7-9: Fields of Flight Hot Air Balloon Festival; September 22-23: Midwest Winds Kite Fliers

 

Gifford Farm Fall Festival 

Where:  700 Camp Gifford Road, Bellevue, NE 68005

Contact: (402) 597-4920

When:  Saturday, October 6, 10AM – 4PM; Sunday, October 7, 11AM – 4PM

Admission:  $5 includes hay rack ride and Gifford Farm programs.  All proceeds go towards Gifford Farm Missouri River Flood fund.

Highlights:  Enjoy a day of old fashioned fun on the farm!  Friendly farm animals, games, raffle prizes, pony rides, hay rack ride, food and much more!  Come and play in our brand new Outdoor Nature Classroom, too!

Kimmel Orchard

Where:  5995 G Rd, Nebraska City, NE 68410 (Directions)

Contact: (402) 873-5293, [email protected]

When:  Now through November 15, 2012

Hours:  Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00

Highlights:  U-pick or pre-picked apples.  Applejack Festival, September 14-16th.

 

Martin’s Hillside Orchard

Where:  2024 Ashland Road, Ceresco, NE  (about 45 miles west of Omaha, Directions)

Contact: 402-665-2140

Hours:  Fall Hours (Sept 4-end of Oct) Tues- Sat – 10 am-6 pm, Sundays – Noon-6pm

Admission:  Orchard Entry Fee – $4/person; $15/family (Under 2 yrs free).  Cash or check only.

Highlights:  Pick your own fruit, butterfly garden, discovery trail, corn maze, gourd cave, straw tower, tire mountain, bear tunnel, tractor trike track, corn tepee, climbing fort, tire swing, and wagon rides.

 

Pioneer Trail Orchard and Pumpkin Patch

Where:  21534 Chestnut Rd, Council Bluffs Ia 51503  (Directions)

Contact:  (712)366-1505, [email protected]

Hours:  Wednesday through Thursday – 5 pm to 9 pm, Friday – 5 pm to 10 pm, Saturday – 10 am to 10 pm, Sunday – noon to 7:00 pm

Admission:  Admission $5.00 per person, age 2 and under free

Highlights:  Pick Your Own Pumpkin Patch, Haunted House & Barn, Hay Rack Rides, Play Areas for the Kids, plus more.

 

Pooley’s Pumpkin Patch

Sadly, Pooley’s will not be open for the 2012 season.

 

Roca Berry Farm

Where:  16531 S 38th St, Roca, NE 68430 (South of Lincoln, Directions)

Contact:  (402) 421-2255, [email protected]

When:  Open daily Sept. 22nd – Oct. 31st

Hours:  9am – 7pm

Admission:  Weekday: $6.50/person (Kids Under 18 months FREE Mon-Fri), Weekend: $9.00/person (Kids Under 2 FREE on Weekends)

Highlights:  Farm Animals, 2 Trike Trails, Life-size Candyland Game, Bunnyville, Hayrack Ride to the Pumpkin Patch, Roca Berry Express Trackless Trains, Howling Hill 40 ft. Fun Slide, Corn Maze, Jumping Pillows, Racing slide, Prairie Dog Show, and Puzzle Mazes.

New this year: Apple House, New Roca 500, New Western Theme Trike Trail, Duck Races

 

Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze

Where:  3935 Hwy 133, Blair, NE 68008 (Directions)

Contact:  402-426-2295, [email protected]

When:  Friday, September 14 – October 31, 2012

Hours:  Monday – Thursday: 10am-3pm; Friday – Saturday: 10am-10pm; Sunday: 10am-7pm

Admission:  General Pack $7, Bones Pack $13, Monster Pack $18.  Special pricing after dark.  See details here.

Highlights:  Corn Maze, Hayrack Ride, Mad Cow Ride, Eerie Trail, Petting Zoo, and Bounce Castle.

 

Vala’s Pumpkin Patch

Where:  12102 South 180th Street, Gretna, NE 68028 (South of Highway 370 on 180th Street – Directions)

Contact:  (402) 332-4200, [email protected]

When:  Friday, September 21st through Wednesday, October 31st, 2012

Hours:  Open 9am to 9pm Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday.  Open 9am to 10pm every Friday, & Saturday.

Admission:  Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays – $9.99/person.  Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays – $13.29/person.  Ages 2 and under are FREE to enter Vala’s.  Purchase tickets online here.  Season Passes are also available for $29.00/person.

Discounts / Coupons:  Pinpoint Rewards (an awesome free discount and rewards program in Omaha) has been running special Vala’s promotions all season.  Follow Pinpoint Rewards on Facebook for details.

SUPERPASS: You may also purchase tickets to Vala’s at any No Frills Supermarket or Bag ‘N Save in the greater Omaha area.  These “SUPERPASSES” are $13.29 each and contain a coupon for $2.50 off a pumpkin and a “Vala Buck” for $1.00. Total value of the SUPERPASS is $16.79! For a listing of store locations, go to www.nofrillssupermarkets.com.

Check Vala’s Event Calendar for Military Appreciation Days, Girl Scout Days, and other special discounts.

Highlights:  One of the best Pumpkin Patches in the country is right here in Gretna!  This family business is a favorite fall tradition.  Enjoy 49 attractions and 3 live shows daily, including Pig Races, Pumpkin Chuckin’ Cannon Show, Hayrack Rides, Barnyard Adventure Ride, Peddle Cars, Pumpkin Mine, Storybook Barn, 3-Acre Corn Maze, Applewood Play Area, Spook Shed, and the popular Great Pumpkin Jump.  Plan to spend an entire day here, and try to arrive early.  Great fun for the entire family!

Also see Helpful Tips for Visiting Vala’s and What’s New in 2012!

 

Wenninghoff’s Farm and Pumpkin Patch

Where: 6707 Wenninghoff Road, Omaha, NE  68122  (Corner of Wenninghoff Road and Sorensen Parkway – Directions)

Contact: 402-571-2057, [email protected]

When: Last weekend in September – October 31st

Hours: Saturday & Sunday: 10 am-7 pm; Monday-Friday: 9 am-7 pm.  *Hayrides do not run during school hours unless field trips are scheduled.

Admission: $6 per person includes ALL activities plus a hayride, petting zoo, corn maze & playground

Highlights:  From their website, “At Wenninghoff’s, the fall season is not about wicked witches, blood thirsty bats, or spooky goblins. It’s about the simple things in life like the fall harvest and having good old-fashioned, “playin’-in-the-dirt” kind of fun.”  This is a great place for younger kids and their families.  Some of the activities include a Dress Up Barn, Hula Hoop Toss, Bean Bag Toss, Hay Bale Climbing, Animals, Combine Slide, Tractors, and a fun Corn Maze.

 

If you know of any locations not on this list, or available discounts or coupons, please leave a comment below and I will add it to the list.  

What are your favorite activities to do at the pumpkin patch?  

Travel Tips: Traveling with Kids on an Airplane

Pink and blue suitcases with overlay text that reads, Travel Tips: Traveling with Kids on an Airplane.

We recently returned from a vacation, and were surrounded by many children who did exceptionally well on the plane ride.  Another family was visibly nervous about this trip, since the last time they traveled, people around them had asked to move!

Here are some tips to help your kids (and you!) have a pleasant and enjoyable trip on a plane:
  • For airline travel with kids, pack DVDs, books, toys without a lot of small parts, and their favorite stuffed animal or blanket.
  • Suckers and sippy cups are great for take off and landing to help with their ears.  
  • During layovers, walk around the airport as much as possible.  
  • Pack a few surprises (fruit snacks, extra books, etch-a-sketch, coloring pages, etc.) to pull out when they are getting restless.  
  • If possible, plan nap time during the flight.  Always a bonus if this works out!
  • Try to space out toys and snacks throughout trip.  
  •  Although tempting, be careful not to unload all of your snacks, books, and surprises even before you get on the plane.  Walk around the terminal, play silly and active games, and save the sedentary activities when the kids have to be buckled in.
  • Try to relax and enjoy flying with your children!  Do you remember the first time you flew on a plane?  Enjoy the joy and wonder of flying for the first time through the eyes of your kids and everyone will have a much happier experience!
Interested in more travel tips?  Be sure to visit:

 

Have you traveled with kids successfully?  What helpful tips have worked for you?

Affordable Fall Activities for Teens

A turtle swimming underwater with a group of fish.

Today, I am very happy to feature our First Guest Post on The Spirit of Saving!  We welcome Jen of Liv, Laugh, Love.

With school starting in the metro area, most family budgets are focused on school clothes, supplies, and various after school activities including sports and clubs. Teenagers want to have some leisure time to spend with their family and friends. Parents want to be able to allow their teens to have fun without breaking the bank. Here are a few things to enjoy in the Omaha area without busting your wallet.

Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

Omaha boasts one of the premiere zoos not only in the country but the world. The newly remodeled entrance and aquarium are attracting new visitors and seasoned veterans.

Some of the highlights include the Skyfari, a ski lift ride that takes visitors across the zoo, the Desert Dome and Kingdom of the Night featuring the albino alligator and other swamp animals, the tropical atmosphere of the Lied Jungle, soaring butterflies in the Butterfly Pavillion, and more.

The zoo is open year-round with extended summer hours from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (buildings are open until 6 p.m.) through August 19. Through October 31, the hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (buildings until 6). Hours change to 10 a.m..-4 p.m. beginning November 1 (buildings until 5).

Admission to the zoo can be expensive for a large group. Children are $9, and adults (age 12 and up) are $13.50. However, household memberships are only $99 for two adults and up to six children in the same household. For even a small family, this pays for itself very quickly.

Beginning in 2010, memberships now include free admission to the Lozier IMAX theater (regular price $5.50 per person). The theater is a state-of-the art facility, featuring 3D movies including the popular To the Arctic (now showing).

Offutt Air Force Base Defenders of Freedom Air Show

Every August, Offutt Air Force Base in the Bellevue area puts on a free Open House and Air Show. This year, the show will take place on August 25-26. Highlights include the USAF A-10 Heritage Flight and Team Aerostars. Several planes are available to walk through. Spectators are welcome to bring food drink, chairs, and cameras, but everything is subject to a security check. There are beverages and food available for purchase. Visit the website for a complete listing of performers and events.

The Old Market

The Old Market is the premiere place for tourists and residents alike.

In Omaha’s downtown shopping area, teens can browse eclectic shops, find flavorful foods, and see some of the best people watching spots in the area.

An old favorite, Ted and Wally’s  at 11th & Jackson, is the perfect place to get an ice cream cone or shake for around $5. Voted best of Omaha for ice cream, the homemade flavors change daily. Even plain vanilla will make you a fan for life.

People of all ages can spend hours looking at the antiques and old school candy treats at the Hollywood Candy store in the Fairmont Antiques and Mercantile building on 12th & Jackson. You don’t have to spend a dime to take entertaining pictures in front of retro car fenders or watch a family friendly movie in the Fairmont Antique’s Movie Theatre playing all day on Saturdays and Sundays.

Omaha Farmer’s Market

The downtown area is also home of the Omaha Farmer’s Market, from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Saturdays through October 14.  Taking up several streets in the downtown area, the Market is an affordable way to enjoy a Saturday stroll. Check out free entertainment as local residents play instruments and sing on the cobblestone street corners. Feel free to drop some change in a guitar case or two.

Breakfast is practically free as you have a complimentary delicious slice of bread from The Great Harvest Bread Company, try some ranch cheese nuggets from Jisa’s Premium Farmstead Cheese, and sample some salsa from Graddy’s . These are just a few of the vendors that frequent not only the downtown market, but the Aksarben Village Sunday Market as well. Hours for the market off of 67th and Pine are 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Conagra Foods Ice Rink

Towards the end of the fall, Conagra Foods on 10th St., opens a temporary ice rink on its campus. Admission is only $5, and proceeds go to the Food Bank for the Heartland. Skaters must sign a liability waiver that can be downloaded online or at the rink. Teens under 19 must have a parent signature. Additional food and monetary donations to the Food Bank are accepted on site.
The rink is open from mid-December through the end of the month. Check the site for updated hours and dates this December.

When you or your teen has a moment this Fall, check out some of these fun, affordable activities in the Omaha area. New events and places often come up in this growing community, so be sure to check back to The Spirit of Saving or Liv, Laugh, Love for more great ideas!

Jen Schneider is a mom, stepmom, wife, teacher, and freelance writer. She writes a blog named after her daughter, “Liv”, at livlaughloveblog.blogspot.com.

 

Travel Tips: Saving Money and Traveling with Kids

Pink and blue suitcases with overlay text that reads, Travel Tips: Traveling with Kids on an Airplane.

Even though the summer is winding down, many people are taking one last vacation before the school year starts.  Here are some helpful tips for saving money and traveling with kids to make the trip easier and more enjoyable.

How to Save on Travel
  • Sign up to receive emails on daily deal sites with discounts in the city you will be visiting such as Groupon, Living Social, or local programs specific to that city like Daily Deal Omaha.  I know many people are hesitant about using these deal sites for travel – the key is to do your research on the hotel, tour, or attraction on sites like TripAdvisor.comto make sure that it comes highly recommended, and ask questions to clarify what is or is not included in the deal.
    • Hint: If you do not plan to participate in all activities that are part of the deal, ask if you can exchange one activity for another.  Most hotels and travel companies would be very happy to work with you.  We have used both Groupon and Living Social for travel deals and have been extremely happy, saved a lot of money, and found the hotels and travel companies very easy to work with.
  • Volunteer to give up your seat on oversold flights in exchange for a voucher for future travel.  Before giving up your seat, confirm that you have a seat on a later flight, ask for a meal voucher if your wait is long, and make sure you understand the conditions and amount of the voucher you will be receiving.  Recently, when we were travelling for my husband’s work (one and only work trip), we volunteered to get ‘bumped’ on our flight because it was too full.  We only had to wait two hours, and the airline gave us a voucher for a meal, and a voucher for future travel of $400 each!
  • Browse through many restaurants in the location you will be visiting at Restaurant.com and purchase $25 gift certificates for only $10.  Or, even better, wait for special promotions where you can purchase $25 gift certificates for as low as $2!
  • Many museums and attractions offer special discounted times or free nights.  Visit their websites or facebook pages to find out when these special discounted times are.
  • If your hotel does not offer free breakfast, bring along breakfast such as cereal in ziploc bags and bowls and spoons.  Buy milk when you get there.  Growing up, we did this on every family vacation, which was very helpful with a family of 6!
Helpful Tips for Traveling with Kids
  • Pack a lunch and stop at a park with a playground to let the kids run around.  On a recent road trip, we stopped several times at playgrounds, and this made all the difference!
  • Prepare a small bag for each child of toys, books, games, sticker books, etc., suggests Danielle from Find Time for Fun.  She prints off coloring sheets and workbooks, and has her kids use the tops of two small rubber maid containers as desks.  (She also suggests sticking with colored pencils and bringing along a sharpener.)  And, remember to set some papers and coloring books aside for the drive home.
  • My favorite tip from Danielle is to burn a family music CD.   She suggests using a combination of songs that each person likes.  The mixture is nice because then you are not listening to Barney (or whatever cartoon) for 30 minutes straight!
  • Take a cooler…or two recommends Omaha Area Kiddie Fun.  “We went to Chicago, road-trip style, every year when I was growing up – we always had a cooler filled with items to make sandwiches and plenty of drinks!  Food and drink right there at our hands – no extra stops, no extra spending.”
  • Money Saving Mom has a great suggestion for how to pack an Emergency Box.  We usually do not go to this extent, but a package of wipes is always very handy to clean up all sorts of messes!

How have you saved money on a trip?  What helpful tips can you share for traveling with kids?

 

Save on Travel: Reciprocal Membership Programs

A close up of an Omaha Children\'s Museum sign with overlay text that reads, Save on Travel, Reciprocal Membership Programs for Zoos and Museums.

Did you know that when you purchase a membership to a local zoo or museum, it often includes participation in a reciprocal program with free or reduced admission to similar locations around the country?  On a recent trip this summer, we were able to visit a couple zoos and children’s museums for signicantly reduced admission!  As always, it is best to call ahead to verify participation and admission discounts.

Association of Zoos and Aquariums Reciprocal Admissions Program

Members of local AZA-accredited zoos or aquariums will receive free or discounted admission to AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums nationwide.  It is a good idea to become familiar with the Reciprocal Admission Rules before your visit.  See the complete list of 2012 partipating zoos and aquariums here.

*Please note: “The number of visitors admitted with a family membership may vary and parking may not be included. In addition, participating institutions located in close geographic proximity to each other are not required to offer free or discounted admission to each other’s members in order to participate in AZA’s Reciprocal Admissions Program.”  As always, it is best to call ahead to verify.

Omaha: Members of the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium receive reciprocal privileges (50% off admission) to OVER 100 zoos across the country!

ASTC Travel Passport Program

More than 250 Science and Technology Museums across the country offer reciprocal discounts through the Association of Science and Technology Center.  The Travel Passport Program entitles visitors to free GENERAL ADMISSION (does not include special exhibits).  See current participating science centers and museums here.

Restrictions: “Science centers and museums located within 90 miles of each other are excluded from the program unless that exclusion is lifted by mutual agreement, although, science centers/museums may create their own local reciprocal free-admission program.  Also, to receive Travel Passport Program benefits, you must live more than 90 miles away ‘as the crow flies’ from the center/museum you wish to visit.”  As always, it is best to call ahead to verify.

Omaha: Omaha Children’s Museum Members who have a Family, Grandparent, Patron and Educator membership receive reciprocal discounts through this program.

Association of Children’s Museums
The ACM Reciprocal Program is a voluntary network of ACM member museums open across the U.S. and Canada that reciprocate free or discounted admission to one another’s members that hold premium family memberships. Find a participating ACM Children’s Museum here using online search pages.  Those museums that have a red R button indicates that they participate in the ACM Reciprocal Program network.  The Association of Children’s Museums is changing this program in April 2013, rather than free admission, admission will be discounted.  As always, it is best to call ahead to verify.

Omaha: Omaha Children’s Museum Members who have a Patron membership also receive reciprocal discounts through this program.

See also:

What are other reciprocal membership programs do you participate in?

Helpful Map of Omaha Parks

Map of Omaha Parks

Are you looking for a park in Omaha to enjoy our beautiful weather?  The City of Omaha has a great map of all of the parks and playgrounds in the area.  You can zoom in and click on a tree icon to find out more information about each park, or search parks based on amenities here.

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

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I used it yesterday to find a beautiful park that we had never visited, and we loved it!  This summer, I think that will be one of our goals – to try a new park each week!

A large children\'s playground with overlay text that reads, \"Favorite Playgrounds in the Omaha Area.\"

Find many more parks and playgrounds in the Favorite Playgrounds in Omaha!

Welcome

Family Fun in Omaha

Family Fun in Omaha is your local resource for family-friendly activities and events in Omaha and beyond! We are a local family of 5 that loves finding new adventures and wants to help you enjoy all that Omaha and the surrounding area has to offer. We recommend starting here. Thank you for visiting!

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