Events

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.

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.

Celebrate National Hot Dog Day with the City of La Vista! Join for a picnic-style event filled with food, fun and summertime vibes. They’ll be serving up free hot dogs along with a side of yard games and space to relax with friends and family. Pack a blanket or lawn chair, then kick back and fill up on food and summer sunshine!

Every Thursday join in the Curiosity Lab, as we explore science with hands-on activities and experiments. *Participants should be prepared to get messy*

With hands-on access to Cricut’s easy-to-use (and free) Design Space software and a variety of Cricut cutting machines, learn how to design, cut, and customize greeting cards for all occasions. All materials are provided. Participants are invited to bring their own craft supplies and embellishments, as well.

The Metro's homegrown comics and pop culture expo. O Con Expo returns to the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs this Friday through Sunday for a weekend packed with pop culture fun. Meet celebrity guests, catch films at the Omaha Film Festival Pop-Up Cinema, browse unique vendors, and don't miss what might be the cutest attraction of all—the Corgi Room on Sunday! Best of all, kids 12 and under get in free with a paying adult.

Become the best babysitter you can be! Training will include a babysitting guidebook, basic first aid, and age-appropriate practices for caring for infants, preschoolers, toddlers, and school age youth. The clinic is taught by Nebraska 4-H Extension staff. This is a free program for ages 11 and up. Registration is required 

Calling all dino-designers; get ready for an adventure millions of years in the making! Unleash your inner sculptor and join us to make a clay dinosaur. After your prehistoric pal is built, you can give them a voice by writing a thrilling mini-adventure about their life in the wild! No experience needed—just bring your imagination! All materials are included, while supplies last. This is a free event for children ages 8-12. Registration is required.

Calling all dino-designers; get ready for an adventure millions of years in the making! Unleash your inner sculptor and join us to make a clay dinosaur. After your prehistoric pal is built, you can give them a voice by writing a thrilling mini-adventure about their life in the wild! No experience needed—just bring your imagination! All materials are included, while supplies last. This is a free event for children ages 8-12. Registration is required.

Jeff Quinn is roaring into our library with "Jurassic Magic", a dinosaur-themed Summer Reading Program magic show that's fun for all ages

They're celebrating 50 years of summer fun at Katelman Water Park, and you're invited! Special Hours: The pool will be open 2 - 8 p.m. on Friday, July 17, so we can keep the celebration going into the evening. Live Music, Birthday-Themed contests and prizes, and yard games.

Laugh and be dazzled by Jeff Quinn's amazing magic (and silly antics)! All ages invited. No library card or registration required. Bring chairs or a blanket. NOTE: This event takes place at the Gretna Crossing Park Amphitheater. Please dress for the weather. Rain location is Gretna United Methodist Church, 11457 S. 204th St.

Calling all gamers! Have a blast learning how to code while building robotic games to test your code. You will learn about sequencing commands, value and sensor inputs, and loops. This month you will create a robo mantis. 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.

After seasons of paint, pressure, and pure creativity… ArtBattle Omaha returns for Season 4. New artists. New energy. Same high-stakes creation live, timed, and in front of a crowd.

Travel back to the 1920s with Murder at the Juice Joint – an old-fashioned whodunnit in the magnificent setting of the Arbor Lodge Mansion. Solve clues, look for evidence, and break the case while mingling with new friends. Participants will receive a character to portray as they arrive at Arbor Lodge Mansion. Dress as a flapper or gangster or select from our props. $35/person. Space is limited.