Events

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.