Family Fun in Omaha

Your local resource for family-friendly activities and events in Omaha.

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MORE Earth Day 2012 Discounts and Freebies!

More Discounts and Freebies are available for Earth Day!

Be sure to check out even more at Earth Day 2012 Events, Activities, Freebies, and Discounts and don’t miss all of the Upcoming Family Fun Events!

  • Westlake Ace Hardware – Free Tree Sapling for the first 100 customers at your local Westlake on Saturday, April 21st.
  • Earth Week at Mulhall’s (Omaha) – Print this coupon for a Free premium quart 4.5″ herb or vegetable plant.  Coupon valid 4/20-4/27/12.
  • Kellogg’s – You can get a Kellogg’s reusable shopping bag when you purchase any two Kellogg’s cereals or Pop Tarts.  This offer expires 9/30/12 or while supplies last.

How are you celebrating Earth Day this year?

 

Upcoming Family Fun Events 4/19-4/29

There are a multitude of free or inexpensive fun family activities coming up both locally and nationally to enjoy!  It is always a good idea to verify with the business before visiting.  See these and other free or inexpensive family friendly events in Omaha Attractions (many recently added!) and in the Event Calendar!

Be sure to also visit:
Local

Going Green with the Omaha Public Library – 4/20-4/29

  •  Celebrate Spring with Eco-Friendly Events, April 14-April 29, 2012, at various Omaha Public Libraries.  Click on link for event descriptions, dates, and times (Click on ‘Green’ under Upcoming Events in center of website or view the calendar in top right corner.)

International Jumping Horse Show Equine Expo- 4/20-4/21

  • 9:30am-6:30pm at the CenturyLink Center, Omaha.  The International Event is a premier indoor equestrian show jumping sporting competition providing fun activities to engage and entertain families.  Some events require a ticket, but the Equine Expo is free to the public.  This will have exhibits that provide education on all aspects of horses and the sport, a petting zoo, a living historical timeline from the Calvary days, and many others.

Go Green with Your Grocery Shopping at HyVee, 90th and Center – 4/20

  • 3-6PM.  Learn how to reduce your carbon footprint when shopping for your family. Pick up a copy of your Hy-Vee dietitian’s tips for “greener” shopping in observance of Earth Day, April 22nd.

FREE Car Seat Safety Check – 4/21

  • 9am-12pm at Boys Town National Research Hospital, 139th and Pacific.  Receive assistance from nationally-certified child passenger safety technicians while learning how to correctly install and use your child’s safety seat or booster seat.

Free Family Fun Fest – 4/21

  • 9-11am, Papillion-LaVista High School, 402 E. Centennial Road, Papillion, NE.  For Kids: Bounce Houses, balloons, face painting, the “Bug Guy”, and the Omaha StormChasers.  For Parents: Parent resources from many Sarpy County area businesses, including freebies and coupons.  Sponsored by the Papillion LaVista School District.
  • 11am-6pm in Elmwood Park.  The free event features exhibit booths, children’s activities, demonstrations and short speaker sessions, plus live music from top local bands and food from area vendors.  All activities are designed to educate and inspire attendees to live green and healthy at home and at work.

Free General Admission to the Joslyn Art Museum – Saturdays, 10am-noon

  • Enjoy FREE general admission, Saturdays, 10 am–noon.  Additional charge for some special exhibitions.  Joslyn Art Museum’s Peter Kiewit Foundation Sculpture Garden is open year-round from 7 am to 11 pm each day, and admission is free.

Family Skate at Motto McLean Ice Arena – 4/21, 4/28

  • Saturday, April 21st and 28th, 12-2pm. Family Skate at Motto McLean Ice Arena (inside Hitchcock Park- 45th x Q). Only $10 for a family of four, and $3 for each additional person. This includes admission, skate rentals, popcorn, and drink.
  • Fun-filled, FREE events for children and families! Join us on select Sunday afternoons throughout the year, as we present special events that highlight traveling exhibitions and Joslyn’s collection!  April 22nd features the exhibition To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures from the Brooklyn Museum.
  • Bring a canned/non-perishable food item to Werner Park and receive one free McDonald’s Berm ticket. 1 per canned non-perishable item. Fans are encouraged to bring more. Food will be donated.
  • 1-4pm.  Hummel joins with PBS Kids to explore the outdoors. Come discover the senses, make a nature journal, explore plants, animals, insects, environments, and participate in bird nest building.  Free fun for the whole family!
  • This event will feature races at Wilderness Park, an afternoon celebration in Antelope Park, an evening of native seed planting at Pioneers Park Nature Center and Earth Night at the Rococo Theatre.

2012 Green Bellevue, Earth Day Celebration and Run – 4/22

  • 1:00pm, Everett Park.  Free to the public!

Mud Pies at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center

  • Children ages 5 and younger with accompanying adult can explore nature activities through interactive stations. A different natural science topic is introduced each week. $2 member/$3 non-member.  It is held every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday during the school year from  9:30 – 11:30 am.
  • 9am-5pm.  Don’t miss a TREEmendous Arbor Day Celebration – a fun weekend dedicated to trees. Enjoy tree tours and tree-themed educational activities.  The first 100 households each day will receive a FREE tree seedling.  Admission and activities are FREE.
  • Local food from Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota farmers held on Saturdays, 8 am to 1 pm, Rain or Shine.
  • 10-3pm at the Upper Level & North East Parking Lot of Westroads Shopping Center.  Free, interactive, educational, and family friendly event which will offer safety tips and lessons on a variety of topics. The event will also offer free child ID kits, free bike helmets (ages 5-12 accompanied by an adult), minor bicycle repair, free t-shirts for kids to design, a Drug Administration Enforcement prescription drug take-back station (bring in your unused or unneeded medications), face painting, clowns, balloons, and many more hands-on activities.  We went to this event last year and my kids loved it!
  • 11am-2:30pm, UNO Caniglia Field.  Join us for tons of family fun activities: Bounce Houses, Zumba, Relay Races, Obstacle Courses, and more! The first 200 kids receive a free bike helmet provided by the Children’s Hospital & Medical Center and the first 600 kids receive a free YMCA drawstring bag full of goodies!  Event will be held rain or shine.
  • 11am-1pm at Saddlebrook Library.  Join us for a fun-filled and eco-friendly spa day!  We’ll make green body scrubs and dream pillows, learn about massage and enjoy a light lunch.  This program is limited to 12 daughters (ages 9 and up) and their mothers.  As of this posting, there were only a few spots left.  Click on the link above to register.
  • 1-4pm at the Sarpy County Historical Museum, 2402 Clay St., Bellevue.  Bring the whole family for a May Day Celebration. Make a May Day Basket and other fun activities. Meet the Maypole Queen, Kimberly Daniels, the 2012 Mrs. Nebraska. Free admission all day and open to the public.
National Events
  • Come have some outdoor fun during our FREE Kids Challenge Weekend! The following activites will be going on Saturday April 21st and Sunday April 22nd from 12pm – 4pm.  Casting Buckets, Archery Range, Life Jacket Races, Sleeping Bag Challenge, Cloth Braided Snake and Arrow Head Crafts, and Knot tying activity. After completing all challenges have a chance to win some prizes (while supplies last).  Event available in all locations except Branson, Miami, and Islamorada.
  • Free Entrance into National Parks April 21st – 29th.
Michaels Store Events – 4/21, 4/22
  • Body Art Make-It Take-It – Sat, April 21st, 1-3pm – Have some fabulous fun with body paint. Ages 3 and up. While supplies last.
  • Earth Day Tote Make-It Take-It, Sun, April 22nd, 1-3pm – Decorate a trendy tote for Earth Day. Ages 3 and up. While supplies last.
  • Enjoy preschool storytime every Tuesday and Thursday at Barnes and Noble stores nationwide. Times and dates may vary. Please verify with your local store before visiting.  In Omaha, Storytime is at 11am at the Oakview store.
  • Storytimes are held every Tuesday from 11-11:30am.  Time and Date may vary by store.  Please call your local store to confirm.
  • 10-11am.  Lowe’s offers free Build and Grow clinics every other Saturday at 10am. Bring the kids to any Lowe’s store to build fun projects. This is recommended for children in grades 1st-5th.  Check availability and register soon, as these tend to fill up fast!
CC image courtesy of Mrs. Gemstone

Lowe’s Free Build and Grow Clinics – 4/28 and 5/12

Lowe’s offers FREE Build and Grow clinics every other Saturday at 10am.  Bring the kids to any Lowe’s store to build fun projects!   This is recommended for children in grades 1st-5th. The upcoming activities are:

Saturday 4/28/12 – Terrarium

Saturday 5/12/12 – Picture Frame Planter – now this looks cute!

Check availability and register soon, as these tend to fill up fast!

See these and other family friendly events in Omaha Attractions, Kids Programs and in the Event Calendar!

Upcoming Family Fun Events 4/13-4/22!

Here are many fun family activities coming up both locally and nationally to enjoy!  It is always a good idea to verify with the business before visiting.  See these and other free or inexpensive family friendly events in Omaha Attractions and in the Event Calendar!

Be sure to also visit:
 Local

Free General Admission to the Joslyn Art Museum – Saturdays, 10am-noon

  • Enjoy FREE general admission, Saturdays, 10 am–noon.  Additional charge for some special exhibitions.  Joslyn Art Museum’s Peter Kiewit Foundation Sculpture Garden is open year-round from 7 am to 11 pm each day, and admission is free.

Family Skate at Motto McLean Ice Arena – 4/14, 4/21

  • Saturday, April 14th and 21st, 12-2pm. Family Skate at Motto McLean Ice Arena (inside Hitchcock Park- 45th x Q). Only $10 for a family of four, and $3 for each additional person. This includes admission, skate rentals, popcorn, and drink.
  • Includes over 300 exhibitors promoting healthy, holistic lifestyle choices; over 50 educational demonstrations, presentations and workshops; all new senior living expo; natural food dining experiences; and sports and fitness clinics for kids.  Free admission.
  • On Sunday, April 14th, 11am-5pm, attend this Free Bass Class taught by Bass Pro Shops Pro Staff anglers Mike Langford and Dave McCoy to learn how to choose and set up the right rods, reels and tackle for all Bass techniques.  Pre-registration is required as class size is limited to 50 guests. Class will be held in the Lodge Room at Uncle Buck’s grill at the Council Bluffs store. Please e mail Jim Gross, Fishing Manager at jagross@basspro.com to sign up or for more information.
  • Bring your favorite stuffed animal to Omaha’s Zoo and Aquarium for repair and care on Saturday, April 14 and Sunday, April 15, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Your animal will go through a checkup including X-rays, heartbeat, ear and eye exams and if needed, a trip to the Emergency Room. There will be music and activity stations for everyone to enjoy.  Event activities are free to Omaha’s Zoo and Aquarium members, children ages 3-11 with a stuffed animal or with regular paid Zoo admission.
  • Bring any robot to the Strategic Air and Space Museum on Saturday, 4/14, from 12-5, and receive FREE admission!
  • April 15, 5:30-8:00pm – Special evening for children with Autism and their families. The museum has worked with the University of Nebraska Medical Center to create an appropriate environment. Sponsored by Autism Action Partnership, this event is free for autistic children and their families!
  • Children ages 5 and younger with accompanying adult can explore nature activities through interactive stations. A different natural science topic is introduced each week. $2 member/$3 non-member.  It is held every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday during the school year from  9:30 – 11:30 am.
  • Fun-filled, FREE events for children and families! Join us on select Sunday afternoons throughout the year, as we present special events that highlight traveling exhibitions and Joslyn’s collection!  April 22nd features the exhibition To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures from the Brooklyn Museum.
National Events
  • Lowe’s offers free Build and Grow clinics every other Saturday at 10am. Bring the kids to any Lowe’s store to build fun projects. This is recommended for children in grades 1st-5th.  Check availability and register soon, as these tend to fill up fast!  (Hint: You may want to register now for the April 28th Clinic!)
  • Enjoy preschool storytime every Tuesday and Thursday at Barnes and Noble stores nationwide. Times and dates may vary. Please verify with your local store before visiting.  In Omaha, Storytime is at 11am at the Oakview store.
  • Storytimes are held every Tuesday from 11-11:30am.  Time and Date may vary by store.  Please call your local store to confirm.
  • Come have some outdoor fun during our FREE Kids Challenge Weekend! The following activites will be going on Saturday April 21st and Sunday April 22nd from 12pm – 4pm.  Casting Buckets, Archery Range, Life Jacket Races, Sleeping Bag Challenge, Cloth Braided Snake and Arrow Head Crafts, and Knot tying activity. After completing all challenges have a chance to win some prizes (while supplies last).  Event available in all locations except Branson, Miami, and Islamorada.

CC image courtesy of Per Ola Wiberg

Earth Day 2012 Events, Activities, Freebies, and Discounts!

Earth Day is coming up on April 22, 2012, and there are many activities, events, deals, and freebies to help celebrate!  Be sure to also check out Tax Day Discounts 2012, Upcoming Family Fun Events, and check back soon for Mother’s Day events and discounts!  (It is always a good idea to verify with the business before visiting.)

UPDATED: Be sure to check out even More Earth Day Discounts and Freebies!

Local Events
  • Earth Day Omaha 2012 –  Saturday, April 21, 2012, from 11am-6pm in Elmwood Park.  The free event features exhibit booths, children’s activities, demonstrations and short speaker sessions, plus live music from top local bands and food from area vendors.  All activities are designed to educate and inspire attendees to live green and healthy at home and at work.
  • Going Green with the Omaha Public Library – Celebrate Spring with Eco-Friendly Events, April 14-April 29, 2012, at various Omaha Public Libraries.  Click on link for event descriptions, dates, and times (Click on Green under Upcoming Events in center of website.)
  • Lincoln’s Earth Day event will be on April 22 and will feature races at Wilderness Park, an afternoon celebration in Antelope Park, an evening of native seed planting at Pioneers Park Nature Center and Earth Night at the Rococo Theatre.
  • Get involved in Keep Omaha Beautiful and help clean up a park, do yard work for an elderly citizen, or participate in one of their many programs!
National Events
  • Volunteer to help clean a park, do yard work for a neighbor, or plant a tree!
Activities
  • Sign up for Recyclebank – It is an easy way to earn points from home recycling or learning about different green actions that you can redeem for great rewards, including coupons, gift cards, and more. Find out more information about Recyclebank in Helpful Tools.
Freebies and Discounts
  • Target will be giving away a FREE reusable shopping bag on Sunday, April 22nd, at all stores, while supplies last.
  • Disney Store – On Sunday, April 22nd, bring in 5 plastic shopping bags to be recycled, and you will receive a FREE reusable shopping bag.  *Limit one bag per Guest, while supplies last. Excludes Outlet locations. 
Earth Day Books

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I will receive a commission if you purchase through these links. 

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CC image courtesy of woodleywonderworks

Kids Bowl Free All Summer Long!

Kids Bowl Free is a nationwide program that provides FREE hours of entertainment all summer long for your kids!  Register your children and they will receive two free games every day all summer!  Parents can purchase a family pass, if they wish, so they can bowl with their kids.  What a great way to be active and have fun with your kids all summer and build memories together!

CC image courtesy of Jonathan Keelty

Upcoming Family Fun Events 4/5-4/15!

Easter is almost here, and there are many fun family activities coming up both locally and nationally!  It is always a good idea to verify with the business before visiting.  See these and other free or inexpensive family friendly events in Omaha Attractions and in the Event Calendar!

Local
  •  First Friday Family Date Night – Friday, April 6, 4-8 pm.  Star Wars theme
  • Held the first Friday of each month, 6-9pm, First Friday is a free event celebrating local creativity in Omaha’s most historic neighborhood.
  • Peony Park Hy-Vee – Join us for our annual Easter Egg Hunt 4/7/12.  Ages 2-4 at 9 am, Ages 5-7 at 10 am, Ages 8-11 at 11 am.
  • Hy-Vee (156th & Maple) – 4/7/2012 from 2pm – 6pm.  Join us for this year’s Easter Egg Hunt! There will be 3 age divisions for kids to hunt for treasures.  Hot dogs and pictures with the Easter Bunny will also be available for kids of all ages.
  • Find a part-time or summer job at the 7th annual Teen Job Fair at the Mutual of Omaha Dome, 33rd and Dodge, this Saturday, April 7th, from 10-2.  Employers will be on hand to accept applications and conduct interviews.  Informational workshops will also be offered.  Bring your résumé, social security number, black pen, and dress properly for on-site interviews.  Great opportunity!
  • Saturday, April 7th, 1:15-3:15pm, and Saturday, April 14th, 12-2pm.  Family Skate at Motto McLean Ice Arena (inside Hitchcock Park- 45th x Q). Only $10 for a family of four, and $3 for each additional person. This includes admission, skate rentals, popcorn, and drink.
  • Enjoy FREE general admission, Saturdays, 10 am–noon.  Additional charge for some special exhibitions.  Joslyn Art Museum’s Peter Kiewit Foundation Sculpture Garden is open year-round from 7 am to 11 pm each day, and admission is free.
  • Children ages 5 and younger with accompanying adult can explore nature activities through interactive stations. A different natural science topic is introduced each week. $2 member/$3 non-member.  It is held every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday during the school year from  9:30 – 11:30 am.
  • Children’s Hospital and Medical Center is sponsoring FREE Parenting U Classes and Webinars to help with various challenges parents face while raising children to be safe and healthy. Experts will discuss a new topic and answer questions each week from preparing for a new baby to talking with your teenager. I have personally participated in these sessions and found them to be very helpful!  They are held Tuesday evenings from 6-7pm, at the Glow Education Center, 3rd Floor, Children’s Hospital and Medical Center. Space is limited, and so you must register in advance. Food is provided, and childcare is available if needed.
  • Shadow Lake Towne Center offers Kids Club, a FREE hour of fun for children.  A different activity is featured in a different store / restaurant each month.  Register early since these tend to fill-up quickly!
  • April 15, 5:30-8:00pm – Special evening for children with Autism and their families. The museum has worked with the University of Nebraska Medical Center to create an appropriate environment. Sponsored by Autism Action Partnership, this event is free for autistic children and their families!
National Events

Michael’s Events – 4/7

  • Saturday, 4/7, 1-3pm – Mini Egg Free Make-It Take-It – Celebrate the hoppiest of holidays with this fun, customizable egg.  (While Supplies Last / Ages 3 and up.)
  • Home Depot offers FREE kid’s workshops on the first Saturday of each month, from 9am-12pm. They are designed for children ages 5-12.  Saturday, April 7th – Build a Window Bird Feeder.
  • Enjoy preschool storytime every Tuesday and Thursday at Barnes and Noble stores nationwide. Times and dates may vary. Please verify with your local store before visiting.  In Omaha, Storytime is at 11am at the Oakview store.
  • Storytimes are held every Tuesday from 11-11:30am.  Time and Date may vary by store.  Please call your local store to confirm.
  • Lowe’s offers free Build and Grow clinics every other Saturday at 10am. Bring the kids to any Lowe’s store to build fun projects. This is recommended for children in grades 1st-5th.  Check availability and register soon, as these tend to fill up fast!  (Hint: You may want to register now for the April 28th Clinic!)

CC image courtesy of pennuja

Omaha Children’s Museum Upcoming Events

The Omaha Children’s Museum is a wonderful place for children to play, learn, and explore!  Check out these upcoming events:

  • First Friday Family Date Night – Friday, April 6, 4-8 pm.  Star Wars theme!
  • Autism Nights – April 15, 5:30-8:00pm – Special evening for children with Autism and their families. The museum has worked with the University of Nebraska Medical Center to create an appropriate environment. Sponsored by Autism Action Partnership, this event is free for autistic children and their families!

See these and other family friendly events in Omaha Attractions and in the Event Calendar!

The Aquarium at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo Opens Today – Special Member Mornings 4/6-4/15!

The Aquarium opens today at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo beginning at 10:30am.  From April 6-15, Zoo members can get in for a special sneak peek at 8am as part of their Member Mornings!  It opens at 9am for all other visitors.  They have recently changed their name to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, and if you have purchased a Zoo membership, it includes the Aquarium.  I cannot wait to see it!

Check out other family friendly events in Omaha Attractions!

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Family Fun in Omaha is your local resource for family-friendly activities and events in Omaha! Created by a local Mom who loves finding new adventures with her family and wants to help you enjoy all that Omaha has to offer. We recommend starting here. Thank you for visiting!

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