Last weekend, my family joined Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch for their opening weekend festivities! We always look forward to visiting all of our favorite classic attractions as well as exploring the newest additions. It was the perfect start to another season of fall fun!

Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch is part of our Omaha Area Pumpkin Patch Guide. We are grateful for their invitation for Joanna, one of our writers, and her family to visit Skinny Bones to experience all of the new attractions, and share them with you. 

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See more about Skinny Bones here!

We hit up the jumping pillows and giant Frankenslides first. My kids loved racing down the double slides to see who could reach the bottom fastest.

Next up was getting FREE spooky face paint and sampling some of Skinnybones’ homemade fudge. Spoiler alert: it’s delicious and totally impossible to choose just one flavor to buy!

The corn pool is a fan favorite, and I’m pretty sure mine could “swim” in there for hours. The dump trucks and bulldozers are a fun addition too!

Skinny Bones has two options for corn mazes, and with all three of my kids in tow, we opted for the Pee Wee Maze this trip. There is an adorable walking storybook to keep kids engaged, and the path loops around to keep the journey short and sweet! The path is cleared and accessible for kids of all ages as well as strollers.

Right by the corn mazes is a brand NEW Skinny Bones attraction: Tornado Alley! My little ones were a little apprehensive to go inside, but once the wet and wild tornado simulation started, they were hooked! Definitely leave time to check it out on your next visit!

Another highlight was getting to try out the Jack-O-Shooters! One free shot is included with each paid admission. None of us hit any of the targets, but luckily we have all season to practice!

We were so excited to meet Skinnybones’ adorable crew of goats, chickens and donkeys. Feed is available for purchase for the petting zoo animals.

My kids loved hopping aboard the Mad Cow Ride! Little ones can pick from an assortment of cleverly named “cow carts” and take a spin around the farmyard.

Skinny Bones is known for their absolutely amazing Kettle Corn, and it was a welcome treat to snag a bag for the trip home!

Find even more about Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch from our previous visit, including information about their amazing scavenger hunt in the corn maze!

Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch makes a great family getaway and has something for everyone! There’s plenty of autumn fun left to experience, so we’ll be back soon. Our fall won’t be complete until we make a trip back to roast some s’mores!

Find More Fall Fun:

• 16 of the best Pumpkin Patches
• 10 Apple Orchards in the Omaha Area
• 30+ Things to Do this Fall in Omaha
• FREE Fall Fun

Members of Omaha Public Library will soon be able to check out a FREE Pass to Fontenelle Forest!

Omaha Public Library (OPL) (search for availability here) is joining Bellevue and Council Bluffs public libraries in a new initiative with Fontenelle Forest to offer free Forest admission to library members.

We love visiting Fontenelle Forest and enjoying many of the resources the Omaha Public Libraries offer, and are very excited about this new partnership!

How It Works

Each of OPL’s 12 locations will have day passes available (one per day/per location) for check-out year-round to adults ages 18+ who are Douglas County residents or have a non-resident paid membership to OPL.

Passes are good for one-time admission on the day of the week designated on the pass. Each pass admits two adults and children from their household.

Individuals should check out the pass for the day they are interested in visiting Fontenelle Forest.

Only one pass may be issued per library card and customer.

Passes must be returned to any OPL location within five days of check-out. Unreturned or late passes will be subject to a $5 replacement fee.

How to See Which Passes are Available

To see which OPL locations have passes available for the day of the week you’re interested in visiting, visit omahalibrary.org. You may also call any OPL branch location to check availability.

Douglas County residents who do not have a library card may find more information about how to get a card at omahalibrary.org/get-a-library-card or by visiting their local branch.

Fontenelle Forest is the second community organization to offer free admission through Omaha Public Library. A similar partnership with Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium was announced in May 2017.

For more information, call or visit your neighborhood OPL branch location, or visit omahalibrary.org.

Find out more about the programs with the Bellevue and Council Bluffs Public Library here!

More Library Partnerships

• Durham Museum
• Lauritzen Gardens
• Omaha Zoo & Aquarium
• Omaha Children’s Museum

Find More Omaha Fun:

• FREE Things to Do in Omaha
• Hiking with Kids in Omaha
• Top 10 Things to Do in Omaha with Kids
• Indoor Playgrounds and Activities

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

The Omaha Children’s Museum has been a family favorite of ours for years, and after countless trips exploring every inch of the museum, we have discovered many hours of fun and helpful tips along the way!

Whether you’re a first time visitor or are just looking for something new to experience on your next museum trip, we’ve got you covered!

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

Lockers/Strollers

Coat racks and locker rentals are available inside the main entrance to the left of the front desk. The museum is fully stroller compatible, but for your convenience, stroller parking is available near the Wiggle Room in the Imagination Playground. Use the elevator immediately outside the Imagination Playground for stroller access to the second floor.

Exhibits

• Art Smart Center
• Charlie Campbell Science Center
• Fantastic Future Me
• Imagination Playground
• S.T.E.A.M. Cave
• Tinker Lab
• Walker Tire Service Center
• Zooland
• Special Exhibits

Food

Depending on the length of your visit, you may want to consider having a snack or lunch at the museum. A variety of reasonably priced food options are available for purchase upstairs at the Rainbow Cafe. You are also welcome to pack food and enjoy it at the picnic tables outside, in the dining area immediately to the left of the main entrance, or upstairs near the Rainbow Cafe. Both levels have a microwave for guest use as well as high chairs for the littlest eaters.

Extras

Your museum entrance fee gets you access to all of the great exhibits, but you may want to consider budgeting just a bit more fun money for the carousel and train. Both rides are extra which can be purchased at the kiosk on the second floor, the front desk, or the Rainbow Cafe.

The Ball Room is one of our favorite places to play!

Older Children

There is truly something for everyone at the Omaha Children’s Museum, but if you are bringing older children, you’ll definitely want to stop by the Tinker Lab, Charlie Campbell Science Center, and the S.T.E.A.M. Cave. These areas offer opportunities to explore more challenging concepts and use real tools to build and create.

Younger Children

Omaha Children’s Museum has great accommodations for their younger guests. All restrooms have changing tables and a private, family restroom is available immediately outside of the Imagination Playground.

The Wiggle Room is designed especially for children three and under. You will find puzzles, blocks, and a variety of pretend play items for your little one to explore in a safe, calm environment. If your child finds themselves overwhelmed and in need of a break, the Family Room is a perfect place to settle down on a couch and read a book.

Babies

Visiting the museum is a breeze with babies! The building is very stroller-friendly and all restroom facilities include changing tables. You’ll definitely want to stop in the Wiggle Room which is equipped with soft, cushioned flooring perfect for tummy time or new sitters. Plus the wall of mirrors is especially appealing to little ones!

Breastfeeding mothers who want a quiet, private space to nurse are welcome to use the Nurture Room located within the Family Room.

Special Events

Omaha Children’s Museum has many special events scheduled throughout the year such as themed nights and seasonal celebrations. Take a look at the museum calendar to plan your museum trip with some extra family fun!

Helpful Tips when Visiting the Omaha Children’s Museum

Outdoor Attractions

The fun starts before you ever step foot into the museum! You’ll definitely want to leave some time to visit the Grass Patch, OCM’s outdoor playground. It features slides, climbing features, and plenty of green space to run around! You can also grab a book from the little free library to read on a shady bench.

Be sure to stop at the model fire truck right outside the museum’s main entrance. Kids love climbing all over and giving it a “test drive.” It’s also one of my favorite places to get photo opp!

If you plan to visit the Splish Splash Garden, you might want to throw a towel and a change of clothes in the car. The mini splash pad adjacent to the parking lot is the perfect way to end a summer day at the museum!

Messy Areas

We all know that kids are 100% washable, but if you’re looking to avoid potential messes there are just a couple of areas to be aware of. There is a face paint station and paint window in the Art Smart Center; however, in my experience the face paint washes off easily and my kids’ clothes have always come clean.

The water table in the Imagination Playground is also an area to watch for. If you’re concerned about clothing getting wet, the museum has waterproof aprons available for kids to use!

Join for Member Hours Perk

Member hours are my favorite part of my Omaha Children’s Museum membership. That extra hour of play at the beginning of each day is a game changer! The museum is much quieter and it’s easier for my little ones to navigate the exhibits. If membership isn’t in the cards for you, I recommend coming after lunch when many museum guests are clearing out to make it home for naps.

Daily Program Schedule

Upon arrival make sure you take a look at the video boards displayed throughout the museum. That’s where you’ll find special programming for the day such as Science or Bubble Shows, Storytime, and Character meet and greets. I usually snap a photo with my phone so I can easily reference the schedule throughout our visit.

There’s always something new to explore at Omaha Children’s Museum. I hope this guide helps you make the most out of each and every visit! Enjoy!

Omaha Children’s Museum

Location: 500 South 20th Street Omaha, NE 68102

Parking: Free parking is available in the lot south of the museum. While summer hours are in effect from Memorial Day to Labor Day, overflow parking is available across the street at Liberty Elementary School. There is also metered parking available on the surrounding streets.

Find out more about Admission Cost and Hours, Special Events, and Special Exhibits here!

Find More Fun Here:

• Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in Omaha
• Indoor Playgrounds & Activities

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

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!

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

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: