Markman Pumpkin Patch

September 2, 2020

Markman Pumpkin Patch, located at 120th & Military, is a small, family-friendly, and popular local farm where you can purchase pumpkins and gourds.

It is one of the Pumpkin Patches included in our Omaha Area Pumpkin Patch Guide!

We love coming here every season and finding the perfect pumpkin, and kids love playing on the playground.

What started out with just a few pumpkins has grown to become a part of many local families Fall traditions!

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Huge selection of small pumpkins, with more brought in all season!

We love the wide variety and selection full of various colors, sizes, and shapes.

Early in the season, families can go out in the field to find their perfect pumpkin.

Later in the season, tractor loads of more pumpkins and gourds are brought in.

Additionally, families can add to their Fall decor with corn stalks and hay bales.

We love this large pumpkin – perfect for a Fall photo!

Reader Tips

If you have a wheelbarrow or wagon, bring it along. This way you don’t have to wait for an empty one.
Bring gloves and some kind of cutting tool if you want to go in the fields to cut your own pumpkins and gourds.
Bring cash (credit cards not accepted).
– Thanks Diana for these tips!

Markman Pumpkin Patch

Location: 120th & Military

Dates: Opens around mid-September each year, usually 9 a.m. – dusk.

Cost: No admission fee. You pay for the pumpkins and gourds you purchase. (Credit cards not accepted.)

Find more Fall Fun:

The Sunflower Farm Near Omaha Families will Love

August 17, 2020

Imagine a beautiful field full of bright Sunflowers with a path where families can walk and take pictures!

Make a visit to Pam Nelson Produce, a Sunflower Farm near Omaha that families will love!

Watch more about the experience at the Sunflower Farm at Pam Nelson Produce!

We loved walking through the beautiful Sunflowers!

Walk through the Sunflower Maze and get up close for some pictures!

Visitors can purchase some sunflowers and bring them home with you!

More Fun on the Farm

Guests can also visit the farm animals!

Duck races, climb on hay bales, dig in the giant sand pile, plus ride on a hayrack ride, and little tractor ride for the kids!

Plus, guests can still pick strawberries, or visit their market for a variety of fresh produce!

Find More Fun:

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Ditmars Orchard – Perfect Stop Near Omaha

July 31, 2020

Apple Cider Donuts… Lemonade Slushies… Fresh Produce… Special Events… Family Fun… can all be found in the beautiful surroundings at Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard.

Located just North of Council Bluffs, Ditmars Orchard offers a perfect day trip from Omaha!

See more about all the fun you can have at Ditmars here!

SUNFLOWERS

Stroll through the Sunflower fields for a picturesque view! (Check their website or Facebook page to see when the Sunflowers are in bloom!)

With butterflies fluttering all around you, visitors can walk among the Sunflowers and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery!

U-PICK FRESH PRODUCE (& in-store, too!)

Depending on the season, guests can pick apples, peaches, strawberries, pumpkins and more!

SPECIAL TREATS

Their Apple Cider Donuts are delicous!

Visit the indoor cafe to pick up produce, lunch, or a lemonade slush!

As a vineyard, Ditmars also offers a variety of wines. Guests can take a “FLIGHT” and taste a sample of their wines, a glass to enjoy in the scenery of the orchard, or a bottle to take home.

KIDS PLAY AREAS

Kids will love the playsets, swings, climbing on the tires, and special area just for them!

BEAUTIFUL SCENERY

These new seating areas are perfect for enjoying a treat from the cafe or a glass of wine, while enjoying the beautiful surroundings!

SPECIAL EVENTS

Ditmars offers special events throughout the year, including Movie Nights, Various Bands, and our favorite event – the Hot Air Balloon Festival in the Fall!

Depending on the season or special event, admission is charged.

Find out more about Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard here to plan your visit!

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Visiting Grand Island with Kids

June 30, 2020

A couple years ago, we were looking to go on a Weekend Road Trip close to Omaha. With Grand Island a little less than 2.5 hours from Omaha via I-80, it was a perfect destination to explore with kids!

Special thanks to Visit Grand Island for partnering with us by providing passes and hotel accommodations for our visit.

Stuhr Living History Museum

The Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer invites visitors to immerse themselves in a Living History Experience. The mission of Stuhr Museum is to “preserve and portray the inspiring era of the pioneer townbuilder who settled the first communities in Nebraska.”

Take a walk through Railroad Town and explore life as it was in 1897. Visit with costumed historians who are in the homes and businesses in town engaging in the activities of their day, ready to answer questions and help visitors understand life in the 19th century.

One of our favorite stops was the Tinsmith Shop. A very skilled tinsmith shared how he made each item in the shop inviting the kids to help him with various steps. As a retired schoolteacher, he was excellent in helping the kids learn while also sharing interesting facts about life in 1897.

It was fascinating to watch the authentic old tools being used and how creative and skilled they were in making various cups, lunch buckets, and more. He also helped my kids make a bit of tinsel for the Christmas tree.

In the Mercantile Shop, visitors can browse a variety of items and candies. This young man engaged my kids in a fun popular game in one of the houses!

Visitors can walk through several homes full of authentic furniture and decorations, including bedrooms, children’s toys, kitchenwares, a dumbwaiter, and more, with historians eager to help answer any questions visitors have.

My kids were fascinated with the Fire Station!

The Stuhr Museum has over 60 historic and recreated structures, including this Post Office, Blacksmith Shop, Bank, Telephone Exchange, and Silver Dollar Cafe – perfect for lunch or a refreshing drink.

After Railroad Town, follow the circular drive to the Rural Schoolhouse and Church, 1893 Farmstead, Taylor Ranch, and Pawnee Earth Lodge. The Visitors Center is in a beautiful building – they were preparing for a wedding while we were there!

Be sure to stop by the Antique Farm Machinery and Auto Exhibit! It is FULL of unique cars and farm machinery and equipment. Kids will enjoy following the signs just for them helping explain fun facts.

I remember going to the Stuhr Museum when I was younger, walking along the boardwalks and exploring Railroad Town. It was fun to share this experience now with my children!

A group of people walking in a parade at Stuhr Museum

Photo provided by The Stuhr Museum

Special events take place year round including the 4th of July celebration, Christmas Past & Present event, Memorial Day event, Cowboy Night, Prairie Princess Party and others.

Island Oasis Waterpark

We love Waterparks and Grand Island’s Island Oasis Water Park is a perfect place to cool off on a warm summer day!

With a variety of waterslides, amazing lazy river (one of the best we have experienced!), and wave pool, it was a day full of fun!

More Fun Sites to Explore

Stolley Park is a beautiful park in the middle of the city. Kids will love Kids Kingdom castle-like park, and can take a train ride on Stolley Park Railroad.

Mormon Island State Recreation Area offers swimming, camping, fishing, and picnic areas.

A fun restaurant that recently opened in Grand Island, Kinkaider Brewing Co. offers delicious food, a fun atmosphere, and extensive beer choices in the Railside Area in downtown Grand Island.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Special thanks to Visit Grand Island for providing lodging during our visit at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites.

With an indoor pool and free delicious breakfast (and yummy cinnamon rolls!), the centrally located Holiday Inn Express & Suites offers a wonderful family-friendly stay.

Upon check-in, we were given a free box of Thanks-A-Lot Girl Scout Cookies! What a treat, and an example of how Holiday Inn Express goes above and beyond to make sure their guests feel welcome.

The cozy lobby welcomes guests upon their arrival.

Comfortable beds and a clean room provided a great rest after a busy day.

Both kids and adults loved the pool!

Fun Stops Along the Road Trip from Omaha

We love the Nebraska Passport Program! It is like a scavenger hunt across our beautiful state showcasing attractions, shops, plazas, and more.

There are several Passport stops between Omaha and Grand Island (including the Stuhr Museum!), with a few more if you want to venture on to Kearney.

The Hastings Museum was a nice surprise offering 3 levels of exhibits with several interactive activities for kids. It is the largest municipal museum between Chicago and Denver, featuring a planetarium and the history of Kool-Aid, the famous soft drink invented in Hastings.

Additionally, with our Omaha Children’s Museum Membership, we were granted FREE Admission to both the Hastings Museum and the Edgerton Explorit Center (below) with their Reciprocal Membership Program (as of June 2017. See list of currrent participating museums here).

The Edgerton Explorit Center, located in Aurora, NE, offers a variety of hands-on learning experiences for kids of all ages.

Special Events in Grand Island

Grand Island provides an excellent destination to view the Sandhill Crane Migration every Spring.

The Nebraska State Fair is held annually in August at Fonner Park in Grand Island.

Be sure to stop by Visit Grand Island to help plan your next trip to this fun city!

Disclosure: Special thanks to Visit Grand Island for providing hotel accommodations, and passes to the Stuhr Museum and Island Oasis Waterpark for our visit. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Baker’s Candies – A Delicious Stop Near Omaha

June 25, 2020

$A stained glass sign that reads Baker\'s Candies on the storefront glass window.$

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.

It is a fun day trip from Omaha or a stop on your way to Lincoln!

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$A store filled with baskets of candy on display at Baker\'s Candies.$

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.

$A store filled with candy displays at Baker\'s Candies.$

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

$A large candy display on against a wall with a sign that reads Baker\'s Candies.$
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.

$A Jelly Belly candy display at Baker\'s Candies.$

$A wooden display rack of candy at Baker\'s Candies.$

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

$A refrigerator in a store filled with beverages at Baker\'s Candies.$

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.

$A large case filled with chocolates at Baker\'s Candies.$

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

$A sign that reads \"Less is More Unless it\'s chocolate\" at Baker\'s Candies.$

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.

See more Day Trips near Omaha here!

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.

$A collage of images of Baker\'s Candies.$

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.

2020 Omaha Summer Fun List

June 20, 2020

$An image of Family Fun in Omaha\'s Summer Bucket List.$

[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 List!

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Omaha Summer Fun Guides

Beautiful Butterfly Bench Project in Papillion – Now with Map!

June 10, 2020

This year, Papillion is celebrating its 150th anniversary with many events.

Throughout the Summer, see the beautiful “Wings Over Papillion” Butterfly Bench Public Art Project with uniquely painted butterfly benches throughout Papillion!

This is one of the Free Activities this Summer and one of the items on the Summer Fun Checklist!

Papillion 150 is the community’s celebration of 150 years, 1870-2020.

Enjoy a wonderful family-friendly activity exploring around Papillion. Several of the benches are located in the downtown area, with several within walking distance around the library.

“Wings Over Papillion” Butterfly Bench Public Art Project features the work of a variety of artists. who were invited to submit their creative ideas. Some highlight Papillion’s history and culture, while others showcase colorful and inspiring designs.

Additionally, large butterfly murals which are part of The Butterfly Effect, will be created throughout Papillion.

Visitors are invited to take a fun picture in front of one of the Social Butterfly Installations. Text the picture to 402-215-2464 and they will make a donation on your behalf to the Papillion Community Foundation and other selected community organizations.

Post your picture with the following hashtags: #papillion150 #butterflyeffect #socialbutterfly

More Butterfly Benches can be found at Halleck Park, Papillion Landing, and various other places around Papillion.

A map of all bench locations is now available here!

Find out more about the Papillion 150 celebration or follow Papillion 150 on Facebook.

TIP: Be sure to stop by Graley’s Creamery & Confections, a favorite place for ice cream!

Find More Fun:

Nebraska’s Great Park Pursuit

June 4, 2020

Registration is now open for the Nebraska Great Park Pursuit, a FREE outdoor adventure throughout Nebraska.

Now through October 31, 2022, participants can visit up to 20 local, state or federal parks and follow the clues to find the posts.

Visitors can participate in one of 2 ways:

Download the mobile app, which includes a map of locations. At each park, follow clues to find the post and take a picture of the silver/metal post icon via the app.
Another option is to print off impression sheets from the website for the location you wish to visit. Follow the clues to find the post, make a nature impression on the paper, and send it in.
Find out more about how to get started here!

Entry into prize drawings is based on the number of impressions/entries collected. The more you collect, the more chances you have to win!

There are a few near Omaha and Lincoln! See all the locations here.

Pair this up with the FUN Nebraska Passport program for a adventurous day!

Find More Fun

Beautiful Hikes and Scenery at Hitchcock Nature Center

May 30, 2020

One of our favorite places to hike near Omaha is definitely Hitchcock Nature Center!

With the beautiful scenery, variety of difficulty in hikes, and close proximity to Omaha, it is a favorite to visit!

It is recommended to pick up a trail map to help plan your visit!

Park Admission: Daily charge per vehicle, payable with exact change or check at the gate.

Located in Honey Creek, IA, it is short drive from Omaha.

Find out more about Hitchcock Nature Center here!

Families with young children will love the Boardwalk on Hawk Ridge Trail.

The scenery is spectacular along the ridge!

Bring along a picnic lunch for the day!

The boardwalk can be walked down and back, or you can choose to continue on to make a loop via the Hawk Ridge Trail, Goshawk Trail, and Shea Way.

Another favorite trail is the scenic Fox Run Ridge Trail that provides a beautiful panaromic view!

We love that there are so many interconnecting trails, and so each visit, you can take a different route!

Kids will love climbing the Observation Tower where you can see the Omaha skyline!

Another favorite trail, perfect for younger children is the Hohneke Trail on the Northern end of the park, by the campground!

Plan your visit and find out more about Hitchcock Nature Center here!

Find More Fun Here:

Exciting Challenges Await at TreeRush Adventures at Fontenelle Forest!

May 16, 2020

Looking for an exciting and challenging adventure with your family?

Experience zip lines, rope obstacles, moving walkways, and other exciting challenges through the beautiful treetops at TreeRush Adventures at Fontenelle Forest!

Please Note: The health and safety of the community is their top priority. Updates includes Advanced Reservations highly recommended, guests requested to wear masks, and community gloves are no longer provided. You are welcome to bring protective gloves from home that fully cover your hands or they offer them for sale. Find out about these guidelines and more here including new procedures in response to the current situation.

See what all the excitement is about!

Exciting Challenges at TreeRush Adventures

All of the courses begin on one main platform where a staff member will double check your equipment before you begin your adventure.

Choose from a variety of difficulty levels with 2 Yellow Courses, 2 Green Courses, 2 Blue Courses, and 2 Black Courses!

Each course involves a variety of challenges plus a Zipline or 2 that allows you to fly through the trees!

We started with the 2 Yellow Courses, which we loved! They were a perfect start to learn how to use the equipment and practice with the trolley for the Ziplines!

Then we tried the harder of the Green courses. It was definitely more difficult, with 2 challenges that really tested your strength and balance.

We then did the second Green Course, with fun obstacles, swinging challenges, and exciting ziplines!

TreeRush Adventures is now offering a Night Climbing Experience! For tickets and information about night climbing go to TreeRush.com. (image courtesy of TreeRush Adventures)

Safety and Preparation

Upon arriving at TreeRush Adventures, guest begin on the platform where all of the gear is put on.

Then the staff led step-by-step directions on how to use the equipment, with safety as their #1 priority. Each participant was able to practice using their equipment on 2 ‘courses’ that were very near to the ground, with a staff member watching and able to answer any questions.

We felt completely safe throughout the entire experience. Several children needed to be assisted when they slipped from obstacles and were not able to get back on them (including my own), and it was very impressive how the staff was very encouraging and patient as they helped them get back onto the obstacle.