Events

What were living conditions like for soldiers and prisoners of war during the American Revolution? Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with the Omaha Public Library! This year they’re celebrating the ways America has changed over the last 250 years through a year-long lecture series. Each month we’ll offer a different presentation from local experts on American history, culture, or experience.

Join OPL for a Mario Kart World tournament. They will be playing the game on the Nintendo Switch 2. This is a free program for ages 13-18. Registration is required

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.

Dragons, heroes, magical worlds, and epic quests! In this interactive workshop, young writers will learn how to create their own fantasy graphic novel story. Participants will invent characters, build imaginative worlds, and write the first page of their own comic adventure. Perfect for kids who love fantasy, storytelling, and comics! This is a free event for children ages 8-12. Registration is required

Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and join us for 30 minutes of stories, songs, and dancing with ballerinas from American Midwest Ballet! Most appropriate for kids ages 5 years old and younger and an adult companion. In the event of inclement weather this program will be moved to the Library.

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.

Discover the fascinating process of fossilization! Join us to explore the layers that entombed the dinosaurs and construct an edible model of their burial. This is a free event for children. 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.

Get ready for a roaring good time! In this hands-on musical experience inspired by Dinosaurumpus!, kids become the musicians as they explore the many ways percussion instruments make sound—shaking, scraping, and striking along with the story. Guided by a staff member from the Omaha Symphony, young participants will stomp, chomp, and make music together while discovering how rhythm brings this dino-filled tale to life.

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.

Join GPL and Whispering Roots to learn knife skills and chop up some tasty salsa. Learn about gardening, and plant some seeds to take home and make salsa from your own garden! Registration required.

What is a raptor? Find out in this up close and personal encounter with Fontenelle Forest's educational raptors. *This program includes live animals*

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.

Dinosaur Egg Hunt at the Bennington Library

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.

Join OPL for a special program featuring the book Harry and Hot Lava by Chris Robertson! At the conclusion of the story, children will jump and hop their way through an obstacle course using various surfaces. Go as fast as you can, but don’t fall in because…the Floor is Lava! This is a free event for children 4+.

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.

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

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.