Events

Welcome to Mission: Astronaut, a hands-on experience where visitors learn about space exploration, the technology that makes it possible, how it benefits life on Earth, and more through astronaut training challenges. Each section presents interactive tasks that require an astronaut’s mindset to solve and focus on engineering, physics, teamwork, and fun!

Experience stories, creative movement, music and more. Explore the early literacy skills of singing, playing, reading, talking and writing in each storytime! Children of all ages are welcome; storytimes will be tailored for the age of the children present. At this storytime, we will learn about fire safety with a local firefighter and even see a fire truck!

Get fit with fun as the Amazing Athletes guide you through a variety of active activities. Then, nurture your muscles and your mind with a healthy snack and a fun craft activity!

Meet Ms. Rachel at the La Vista Community Center for Pre-K Play! She visits them once a month for a special activity. In May they will be having a balloon party. This activity is only for toddlers ages 0 to 4.

Join OPL at the Gene Leahy Mall for storytime! Storytime is geared toward preschoolers, but all ages are welcome to join in the fun. Rain or shine, we'll be there! They will be under the big white pavilion.

A hilarious group of Big Canvas improvisers brings short-form improv for the whole family to the Blackstone district every 2nd Friday. Each show is a new adventure you don’t want to miss!

Celebrate World Collage Day with us! Join in and get inspired by four different collage mini workshops led by Omaha-based artists. Each activity will not only encourage you to use your hands to create something new, but will also invite you to examine your own family and explore local history. 

Over / Under is a series of free outdoor community weaving sessions held at nontraditional arts sites in Omaha, Nebraska, using found, foraged, and repurposed materials. Visit the Picnic Terrace in Heartland of America Park to begin your weaving journey!

Join OPL as we celebrate children around the world for DIA. We’ll take a look at the children and the culture of Japan with kamishibai, Japanese paper theater. This traditional method of Japanese storytelling combines beautiful illustrations with dramatic narration. A representative of the Japan Outreach Initiative will present kamishibai, answer questions, and tell us a little about children in Japan.

Hair up!!  Are you ready to let your creativity run wild? Make your own sand art bottle that looks like a troll! Let's make colorful and quirky masterpieces together!   It's a FREE all ages event. First come, first serve while supplies last

In this family-friendly presentation we will learn about the resources Nebraska Wildlife Rehab provides to our local wildlife, how it pertains to individual patients such as Gretna's own Cake Bandit Opossum, and what we can all do as a network to aid our nature neighbors. While no opossums will be present, there will be chocolate cake.

Let's dig into the joy of gardening! Miss Tina will start with some fun garden-themed stories before guiding little ones through an exciting craft activity. Young minds are sure to grow and bloom!

Bennington Library Out and About Storytime at Lake Cunningham Entrance #1

In order for curious minds to bloom, it is essential to plant a love of reading at a young age. Join OPL at Lauritzen Gardens for stories that celebrate gardens, plants, insects and more, and discover the joys of nature, movement, music, and literature. Storytime is geared for preschoolers, but all ages are welcome. Lauritzen Gardens will offer free admission to families who attend this storytime.

Get ready to craft, explore, and survive in a whole new way!! Join for a block-busting sensory bottle event that will transport you into a pixelated world of sensory!! Explore the textures of creeper-green rice, Magnetic Brick Blocks, bouncy rubber game controllers, Steve's mining ax, and much more!! Can you spy with your little eye 5 cool objects from the game?!

A hilarious group of Big Canvas improvisers brings short-form improv for the whole family to the Blackstone district every 3rd Friday. Each show is a new adventure you don’t want to miss!

Visit a state park for Free Fishing and Park Entry Day on May 17th! Enjoy a Saturday of fishing or state park activities without the need to purchase a fishing or park entry permit for the day.

The Bob Bruner Memorial Fishing Derby at Fremont Lakes SRA for fun, food and fishing! Local radio stations, volunteers and civic groups will be on hand to provide food, prizes, as well as loaner fishing tackle, bait and instruction.

Learn about nature and enjoy a view of the Canyon Ponds in this unique educational facility. Our naturalists will have activities set out for guests to enjoy. Round Rafts are the perfect water craft for floating around in a pond. Layers of rock can tell a story about geological events of the past. Discover and learn about fossils of the outcrop that date back to 350 million years ago!

The event, is open to the public and free to attend. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes and take part in the scheduled activities. “It’s an opportunity for students, families, and the community to come together, have fun, and connect over the things they love.” The event will include Trivia Panel, Raffle and Prize Drawings, Craft Activities, Vendors, Photo Opportunities, Combat Demonstration, Marial Arts Weapons Demonstration, Painting Workshop, Cosplayers, and more.
The event will also feature special guests, including Ghostbusters of Nebraska, Star Wars 501 Legion, Brutus and more. Guests will be available for photos and meet-and-greets during the event. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance to secure priority entry. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows. The event is free, and attendees should review the BU Library Comic Con rules and regulations.

Over / Under is a series of free outdoor community weaving sessions held at nontraditional arts sites in Omaha, Nebraska, using found, foraged, and repurposed materials. Visit the Picnic Terrace in Heartland of America Park to begin your weaving journey!

Enjoy the timelessness of painting “en plein air,” an inspiring way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the outdoors as you capture it on canvas. Supplies are provided; however you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. Join Metropolitan Community College at the Lakeside Amphitheater at Heartland of America Park for this artistic experience.

Get ready to wiggle and giggle with Bluey!! Dance, twirl, and pop bubbles with your favorite blue pup!! Let's make memories that will have us saying 'yippie, yi, yay!' all day long. Don't miss out on this pawsome party, mate! This is a free all ages event.

Join on an expedition to the deep! Miss Jill will read a sea-themed story. Then, she'll guide little explorers through an exciting maritime craft activity. Plus, there will be mermaids, bubbles, and of course, sidewalk chalk! Stop on by and dive on in

Unleash your creativity and get ready to customize your own adorable Calico Critter Keychain! Choose your favorite critter and dazzle it up with a funky bead strand! Perfect for hanging on your purse or backpack, this cutie-pie will be your stylish sidekick everywhere you go! Join for this fun-filled event for just $10 upon arrival. Open to all ages.

Join OPL as we celebrate children around the world for DIA. We’ll take a look at the children and the culture of Japan with kamishibai, Japanese paper theater. This traditional method of Japanese storytelling combines beautiful illustrations with dramatic narration. A representative of the Japan Outreach Initiative will present kamishibai, answer questions, and tell us a little about children in Japan.

Looking for something to do with your little ones? Join us Friday May 23rd, 2025 from 10AM-1PM at Mahoney Park Shelter #1 in Lincoln (first shelter near the entrance of the park) for a fun-filled morning of outdoor exploration designed for infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children. There will be a nature discovery area, live animals, a wildlife habitat station, and a nature crafts station. Quality time in nature has several benefits for young children. This includes increasing creativity, problem-solving skills, plus intellectual, social and physical development. Adults benefit from more outdoor time too! So, let’s make the most of this time in our local environment.

Aloha  from Experiment 626!! Get ready to mix up some Hawaiian blue slime with mix-ins and a stitch charm!! This is a FREE, all ages event!! First come, first serve while supplies last!

Join OPL as we engage in digital storytelling through exciting STEM and coding activities with our new community partner Snapology! While children are exploring robotics, coding, and design challenges using LEGO® bricks and technology, they are learning new skills and having fun! This is a free event for kids 6-12.

Join at the La Vista Community Center for our Last Day of School Celebration. They’ll be serving up delicious root beer floats to help you celebrate the start of summer in style. It's the perfect way to unwind, have fun, and make the most of the first day of your summer break. Don’t miss out on this sweet treat!

A hilarious group of Big Canvas improvisers brings short-form improv for the whole family to the Blackstone district every 4th Friday. Each show is a new adventure you don’t want to miss!

Sofia's Play Garden Members Preview. Reserve a time slot!

Park Naturalists will teach visitors about Nebraska reptiles and amphibians with live animal ambassadors. This program is free. A valid state park vehicle permit is required for entry.

Help us celebrate slippery, slimy, wonderful worms! This special storytime will feature books and songs all about wiggly worms. At the conclusion of storytime, stay and observe real worms! If real worms make you squirm, don’t worry, worm themed crafts will be available. All supplies included. While supplies last. Registration is 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 @kindermusikomaha!

Join OPL staff at different parks and places for storytime, featuring stories, creative movement, music and more. Storytime is geared toward preschoolers, but all ages are welcome. Rain or shine, we'll be there!

Join Bennington Public Library on the patio at Cup & Cone in Bennington for Out & About Storytime

While observing and painting you will learn basic water techniques such as: controlling water (wet on wet, wet on dry), blending, and how to paint from observation. Overall, visitors will have fun, unwind, and enjoy the flowers. All levels welcome, supplies are limited. Visit the Arrival Plaza at Lewis and Clark Landing for this event.

Look for the Family Fishing Trailer, where loaner rods and reels, bait and fishing instruction are available free to participants. Fishing Instructors are also available to provide helpful tips and answer questions. This is the perfect opportunity for people of all ages who have never been fishing or haven’t fished for years to learn.

Hats off to a fun afternoon of getting creative!! Customize your very own trucker hat with patches and fabric markers!! Fashion Designers of all ages are welcome! $10 per participant upon arrival of the event! Supplies are limited, we recommend coming early to secure a spot

Join Nebraska Game and Parks for a one-of-a-kind guided hike as we search for the secretive and often misunderstood reptiles and amphibians that share our Nebraska landscapes. From sunbathing snakes to chorus frogs calling from the wetlands, we’ll uncover the hidden lives of these unique creatures!

Rotating schedule of free instructor-lead wellness classes sure to get you moving. This Week’s Activity: Sculpt BootCamp

Beep Beep! Join for Touch-A-Truck where kids will have the opportunity to climb aboard, honk horns, and meet the friendly professionals who operate these amazing machines. In addition to the vehicles, there will be face painting, balloon animals, interactive activities, food trucks, and more. They will also be implementing a "No Horn Hour" from 11am-12pm for children with auditory sensitivities. No horns or sirens will be used during this time.

A summer reading celebration. They'll have an inflatable obstacle course, face painting, a balloon artist, henna tattoos, a visit by the Stormtroopers from the 501st Legion, cake & other treats.

Poop, vomit, slime, and even more amazing disgusting topics will be explored as we learn about some of the grossest (and coolest) animal traits. Join OPL and educators from the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium to learn about mammal digestion and discover why scientists use poop to track animal migration patterns.

In June, they will learn about snakes.

Join for 30 minutes of singing and musical fun with Lori Lynn from Overall Buddies! This program is most appropriate for kids ages 5 and younger and an adult companion. In the event of inclement weather, this program will move to Library Meeting Room A.

Dive into an underwater adventure as we create our very own Ocean Sensory Bins!! Delve into the smooth, prickly, gritty textures of sea creatures, coral reef, sand and water!! This is a FREE all ages event! First come, first serve, while supplies last.

Kick off the summer by learning all about the Reading Dragons Program, created by the Dover Public Library! We'll have snacks, play cards, and have a craft available.

Stormy -- the mascot for the Omaha Storm Chasers baseball team -- will visit for a special storytime. Children of all ages are welcome. Experience stories, creative movement, music and more. We explore the early literacy skills of singing, playing, reading, talking and writing in each storytime.

Just how do instruments make sound? In this storytime with the Omaha Symphony’s education team, we’ll explore pitch and vibration in this interactive program centered around Mary and her Little Lamb (and Llama!). Designed for students ages 3-7, all ages are welcome in this musical adventure.

Hiyah! Premier Martial Arts is going to turn our toy store into a dojo! Your little warrior will have a blast learning basic martial arts and self-defense skills, as well as techniques to improve concentration, self-discipline, respect, and confidence.

All ages. Ages 10 and under need an adult with them. While supplies last.

Are you in your beaded bracelet era? Join OPL to make these widely popular statement pieces! Use polymer clay beads, letter beads and more to bedazzle your own bracelet or make one for a friend. This is a free event and is suggested for kids aged 7-14. Registration is required