Events

Come enjoy dusk at the Forest as we learn about fireflies, including the ones in your own backyard! As night settles over the forest, we'll discuss firefly life cycles, how they communicate, adaptations, and much more! Join us for an evening strolling the boardwalk, learning about nature's very own fireworks. Please bring a flashlight or headlamp, or borrow one of ours on a first-come, first-served basis. Hiking to view fireflies will be easy-to-moderate on the boardwalk and surrounding trails.

Bring a blanket and join us for a half hour of musical fun with Lori Lynn @ Bayliss Park. Most appropriate for kids 5 years old and younger and an adult companion. In the event of inclement weather this program will be moved to the Library.

Join OPL at different parks and places for storytime, featuring stories, creative movement, music and more. Storytime is geared toward preschoolers, but all ages are welcome.  In July, learn about birds.

Join for an interactive look into the world of wildlife rehabilitation with our friends from Nebraska Wildlife Rehab. Learn what the team at NWR does, what it takes to become a wildlife rehabilitator, and how animals end up needing care in the first place. Explore each step of the rehabilitation journey—from intake and treatment to release back into the wild. This engaging program is perfect for anyone curious about animal care and the important work of helping injured wildlife. This program is for patrons 6+. Registration is required.

July Theme: Experiments! Get ready to get a little messy! This summer we’re keeping our STEM skills sharp and our hypotheses ready with kid’s experiments. Experiments will use simple household items, may vary depending on age range, and come with all necessary safety equipment. If weather allows, a portion of the program will take place outside.

Enjoy a different activity or craft each week under the big picnic shelter in Peterson Park. Drop in anytime. Recommended for Grades PreK and up. No library card or registration required.

Let's make some music! Brains will grow and smiles will shine as kids work together to make some awesome music with Miss Kerry from Kindermusik with Overton Music Studios!

Something went wrong on a paleontology dig, and your team has been transported back to the age of the dinosaurs! You’ll need to work together to solve clues and puzzles hidden in the cave and your field gear to activate the portal device and “return home”. Can you escape the prehistoric world or will you be stuck with the dinosaurs forever? Registration is required.

Professor Pippy P. Poopypants has captured best friends Harold and George! Captain Underpants needs your help to save them. You’ll have to work together to solve clues and puzzles themed around the Captain Underpants series by Dav Pikey to save Harold and George before time runs out. Do you have what it takes to be a hero like Captain Underpants? Registration is required.

We might need a bigger boat…or at least a bigger bingo card! Bring your friends or family to celebrate Shark Week with bingo. No prior knowledge of sharks is required to enjoy the game. This is a free event for adults and children ages 5 and older. Registration is required.

Have you ever wondered how thunderstorms are made? Or why tornadoes are so destructive? Let's learn all about the weather with our friends for the National Weather Service office!