Events

Curiosity Crew is a dedicated STEM educational and experimentation time for kids of all ages (2-11). Each month we’ll have a Curiosity Crew theme that guides our learning and activities! Families are welcome to drop in, learn something new, and complete an experiment or activity as a group! June Theme: Dinos! Celebrate our summer reading theme and learn about types of dinosaurs and how their fossils were made.  Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

Curiosity Crew is a one-hour, hands-on STEM program for children ages 2-5 that blends play, exploration, and early learning! Stop by to learn about a topic and complete an activity!  June Theme: Dinos! Celebrate our summer reading theme and learn about types of dinosaurs and how their fossils were made. Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

This summer, join Ballet Des Moines and Friends for an afternoon and evening of joy, creativity, and community. Working together with statewide and local partners, Ballet Des Moines’ Transformations Tour includes an afternoon of dancing, art-making, music-making, and more. Family activities open at 5pm, with a free, professional ballet performance starting at 6:30

This event is held in conjunction with Iowa's FREE fishing weekend, which means a license is not required for Iowa residents. All other IDNR fishing regulations apply. Children must bring their own fishing pole and bait to join in the fishing derby fun. Some bait will be provided. A $3 per vehicle entry fee or Pottawattamie Conservation membership is required to participate.

Join OPL at The Joslyn for storytime, featuring stories, creative movement, music and exploration of a piece of art. Storytime is geared toward preschoolers, but all ages are welcome. This Storytime is part of The Joslyn's monthly Art-tastic Saturdays.

Bring your competitive spirit for Game Night Challenge. Couples, families, and friend groups can face off in crowd-favorite activities like Music Bingo, Trivia, and Karaoke—with prizes up for grabs. With lawn games, food trucks, drinks, and plenty of friendly rivalry, it’s a lively evening designed for laughter, bragging rights, and unforgettable summer memories.

Get to know the new OPL Do Space in our Skills Class! Each session will focus on learning a new skill, machine, or software. This session will focus on sewing machine basics, including the parts of the machine, getting set up, and basic stitches. After learning the basics, participants will work on creating a pillowcase! Register now for this 2-hour, hands-on program!

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 June, learn about turtles.

Curiosity Crew is a one-hour, hands-on STEM program for children ages 6-11 that blends play, exploration, and early learning! Stop by to learn about a topic and complete an activity! June Theme: Dinos! Celebrate our summer reading theme and learn about types of dinosaurs and how their fossils were made. Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

Unearth A Story: Animals from the Past: Journey back in time this summer as we look at how modern-day animal adaptations can help us uncover the truth about our past!

Get to know the new OPL Do Space in our Skills Class! Each session will focus on learning a new skill, machine, or software. This session will focus on sewing machine basics, including the parts of the machine, getting set up, and basic stitches. After learning the basics, participants will work on creating a pillowcase! Register now for this 2-hour, hands-on program!

Curiosity Crew is a one-hour, hands-on STEM program for children ages 6-11 that blends play, exploration, and early learning! Stop by to learn about a topic and complete an activity! June Theme: Dinos! Celebrate our summer reading theme and learn about types of dinosaurs and how their fossils were made. Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

Get ready to be a scientist AND an artist! In this workshop, you’ll meet a special soil bacteria called Streptomyces that makes a super cool color-changing pigment. Your mission? Use water and a set of tools to figure out how to pull the color out of the bacteria’s jelly-like home. Once you’ve cracked the code, the real fun begins! You’ll mix and experiment in test tubes to see the color shift and change right before your eyes. Then you’ll use your very own “bacteria ink” to paint a one-of-a-kind masterpiece to take home.

Bring your competitive spirit for Game Night Challenge. Couples, families, and friend groups can face off in crowd-favorite activities like Music Bingo, Trivia, and Karaoke—with prizes up for grabs. With lawn games, food trucks, drinks, and plenty of friendly rivalry, it’s a lively evening designed for laughter, bragging rights, and unforgettable summer memories.

Unearth A Story: Animals from the Past: Journey back in time this summer as we look at how modern-day animal adaptations can help us uncover the truth about our past!

Curiosity Crew is a one-hour, hands-on STEM program for children ages 2-5 that blends play, exploration, and early learning! Stop by to learn about a topic and complete an activity!  June Theme: Dinos! Celebrate our summer reading theme and learn about types of dinosaurs and how their fossils were made. Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

Curiosity Crew is a dedicated STEM educational and experimentation time for kids of all ages (2-11). Each month we’ll have a Curiosity Crew theme that guides our learning and activities! Families are welcome to drop in, learn something new, and complete an experiment or activity as a group! June Theme: Dinos! Celebrate our summer reading theme and learn about types of dinosaurs and how their fossils were made.  Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

Join OPL at “Once Upon a Time at the Castle,” a storytime and wildlife adventure in the enchanted gardens. Storytime will feature stories, creative movement, music and more. After storytime, learn about the real creatures we read about through live wildlife interactions and activities. This month we will learn about snakes.

Curiosity Crew is a one-hour, hands-on STEM program for children ages 2-5 that blends play, exploration, and early learning! Stop by to learn about a topic and complete an activity!  June Theme: Dinos! Celebrate our summer reading theme and learn about types of dinosaurs and how their fossils were made. Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

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.

With Special Guests Nat and Alex Wolff.

Get to know the new OPL Do Space in our Skills Class! Each session will focus on learning a new skill, machine, or software. This session will focus on the introductory 3D modeling skills. Participants will be able to get to know the software Tinkercad and start their 3D printing journey!  Register now for this 2-hour, hands-on program.

Unearth A Story: Animals from the Past: Journey back in time this summer as we look at how modern-day animal adaptations can help us uncover the truth about our past!

Curiosity Crew is a one-hour, hands-on STEM program for children ages 6-11 that blends play, exploration, and early learning! Stop by to learn about a topic and complete an activity! June Theme: Dinos! Celebrate our summer reading theme and learn about types of dinosaurs and how their fossils were made. Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

Join Omaha Public Library for an engaging, curated evening of storytelling! This special event celebrates talented storytellers of all ages, showcasing creativity, imagination, and the power of sharing stories.

Curiosity Crew is a one-hour, hands-on STEM program for children ages 6-11 that blends play, exploration, and early learning! Stop by to learn about a topic and complete an activity! June Theme: Dinos! Celebrate our summer reading theme and learn about types of dinosaurs and how their fossils were made. Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

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. Rain or shine, we'll be there!

Bring your competitive spirit for Game Night Challenge. Couples, families, and friend groups can face off in crowd-favorite activities like Music Bingo, Trivia, and Karaoke—with prizes up for grabs. With lawn games, food trucks, drinks, and plenty of friendly rivalry, it’s a lively evening designed for laughter, bragging rights, and unforgettable summer memories.