Family Fun in Omaha

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10 Things to Do Over Fall Break in the Omaha Area

Looking for fun things to do with your kids over Fall Break in Omaha?

Enjoy these 10 Fun Things to Do to have a fantastic Fall Break! Find many more ideas here in 30+ [OUTDOOR] Things to Do this Fall!

Join our growing community and keep updated on Omaha family-friendly events and activities and Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!

 

10 Things to Do Over Fall Break in the Omaha Area

1. Many FREE Events

 

2. Visit a Pumpkin Patch

 

3. Go Apple-Picking at an Omaha Area Apple Orchard

 

4. Visit Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City + NEW Treetop Village

 

5. FREE Halloween Events in Omaha

Free Halloween Events in Omaha | Family Fun in Omaha

 

6. MORE Halloween Events!

 

7. TreeRush Adventures at Fontenelle Forest

  • Experience zip lines, rope obstacles, moving walkways, and many other exciting challenges through the beautiful treetops – so much FUN for the whole family! TreeRush Adventures at Fontenelle Forest

 

8. Go on a Drive to See the Best Scenic Areas and Places to See Fall Colors Near Omaha

 

9. Venture to one of the Area Haunted Houses & Scary Attractions

 

10. Go on a Hike

 

11. Find many more ideas here in 30+ [OUTDOOR] Things to Do this Fall!

 

Have a wonderful Fall season!

It is always a good idea to verify the information with the business before visiting.

Other helpful resources:

 

Camp Fontanelle Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze – Great Family Fun!

Camp Fontanelle Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze

Camp Fontanelle Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze, located just north of Fremont, Nebraska, offers great family fun every Fall.

We recently spent a fantastic Fall day visiting Camp Fontanelle. We first visited the area filled with all kinds of yard games including toilet seat tic-tac-toe and ladder golf. The kids loved the bounce house, sandbox, trike track, and petting zoo full of animals!

A fun hayrack ride took us on a tour of the beautiful camp, with the driver stopping along the way describing the history and showing us special points of interest. We were dropped off right by the jumping pillow, which is always a favorite for kids!

The MAiZE

Camp Fontanelle Corn Maze-13

The highlight of our visit was the Corn Maze. The kids loved the challenging scavenger hunt with seven stations hidden around the huge maze. We were happy with the 3 we found, since they were all hidden very well! At the beginning, be sure to ask for the Passport which gives you clues to help you find your way around the maze.

Zip Lines

Camp Fontanelle Zipline

NEW in 2013: Ride a Zip Line through the trees! What a fun adventure for older children and adults! $10 for 2 rides. 2-6 p.m. on Saturdays & Sundays.

Dates and Hours

Camp Fontanelle is open from September 15 to November 3, 2013.

  • Saturdays and Sundays: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 19, Friday, October 25, and Saturday, October 26: 7 – 10 p.m. – Haunted

Admission

  • Children 3-11: $4.00
  • Adults 12+: $6.00
  • Cash or Check Only

Special Events

  • October 20: Toys for Tots,  2 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Every person bringing a new toy with a value of at least $5.00 will receive a free pass into the corn maze!
  • October 20: Search For Treats, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Bring your candy bag and search for goodies as you try to conquer the maze.
  • October 26: 4th Annual Wilderness 5k run/1 mile walk
  • Movie Nights Oct. 19, Oct. 25 & Oct. 26, at dusk (6:45ish)
  • Haunted-Oct. 19, 25 & 26: 7 -10 p.m.

Discounts

Print this coupon toward $1 off maze admission, a pony ride, a game of laser tag, or the zip line!

Looking for savings nationwide? Download valuable coupons for Corn Mazes, Pumpkin Patches and Fall Family Activities across the country!

Disclosure:  I am a Moms Connect member of US Family Guide, and in exchange for my participation in sharing information, discount offers, and giveaways for family-friendly attractions, US Family Guide has provided passes for my family. See disclosure and privacy policy here.

Bloom Where You’re Planted Farm: Wonderful Family Fun!

Bloom Where You're Planted

Today, we welcome Sarah H. as a Guest Contributor to Family Fun in Omaha!

Our family had a wonderful day at Bloom Where You’re Planted Pumpkin Patch in Avoca, NE. We visited the family owned & operated Pumpkin patch on a gorgeous September day. It was about a 45 minute drive to Avoca, but the autumn scenery along the way made the drive quite pleasant.

We began our visit on the playground – there are several fun play areas that are perfect for younger visitors. There were also several rows of hay bales for climbing, which both my 3 year old and 13 year old enjoyed. One even had a slide and we all took turns going down!

Bloom Where You're Planted - 1     Bloom Where You're Planted-2

Another definite highlight of the farm was the family sized tire swing. We had a great time being able to swing together – my son’s favorite was spinning, while my daughter enjoyed bumping into the support posts. For those not into the rough & tumble action of the tire swing, there is a regular swingset, as well as a porch style swing.

The hayrack ride – always a popular pumpkin patch activity – runs twice an hour. We took a short but lovely drive out to the field, where most of the pumpkins were already off the vines (a huge plus for me, since those pumpkin vines are always prickly!!) The kids each picked out a pumpkin – one orange, one white, and we headed back to the main part of the farm.

Bloom Where You're Planted-3

I don’t think it’s possible to visit a pumpkin patch without sampling some fall snacks and Bloom Where You’re Planted did not disappoint! We headed over to the Schoolhouse Café and tried what their website refers to as their “famous homemade frosted sugar cookie”. Believe me – the cookies lived up to the hype!

Bloom Where You're Planted-4

After refueling, we wandered around in the Pumpkin Barn & Gift Shop. They have a fun and eclectic collection of items, as well as popcorn and additional snacks in the gift shop. In the Pumpkin Barn, we found a wide variety of pumpkins and gourds on display. My favorite part was their use of real Radio Flyer Wagons to transport your pumpkins while on site – so cute!

Bloom Where You're Planted-5     Bloom Where You're Planted-6

While at the farm, we also enjoyed the Rubber Duck Races, Word Scavenger Hunt (we didn’t “officially” participate in this activity, but found it fun to spot the words placed around the farm) and the Gourd Garden. My three year old son especially liked all the open space that he had to run around – and the multiple play areas. My 13 year old daughter enjoyed petting the horses and was pleased to find the perfect white pumpkin that she plans to paint.

Admission is $5.00/person (including tax) and children 2 and under are free. Bloom Where You’re Planted is open on Fridays from 1 – 6pm and Saturdays & Sundays from 10am – 6pm until October 31, 2013. We had a great time visiting and think your family will, too!

Disclosure: Many thanks to Sarah for being a guest contributor, and to Bloom Where You’re Planted Farm who provided the passes to facilitate the review. They are a Featured Omaha Area Pumpkin Patch. 

NET Presents Peg + Cat – New Animated Show + Giveaway

Peg+Cat

A new animated children’s show will debut October 7 at 10 a.m. on NET!

Show Description:

Peg + Cat is new animated preschool series that follows the adorable, spirited Peg and her sidekick Cat as they embark on adventures and learn foundational math concepts and skills. Co-creators Billy Aronson (Rent, Postcards from Buster) and Jennifer Oxley (Little Bill, The Wonder Pets!) have teamed with The Fred Rogers Company to bring young viewers a new way to experience math through Peg and Cat’s relatable, and often hilarious, adventures.

Every half-hour episode of Peg + Cat will feature two stories, each an eleven-minute adventure in which Peg and Cat find themselves thrust into an unexpected math word problem. Peg and Cat’s adventures take them through worlds of infinite possibilities — from farms to purple planets, from 16th-century Verona to New York’s Radio City Music Hall, from a land of pirates to a prehistoric valley — demonstrating that math is everywhere.

Show Schedule: 

The show will air on NET-1 and NET-HD Monday – Friday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The show will also air Sunday on NET-1 and NET-HD at 8 a.m.

Web Content:

PBS Kid has a new website for the show available here. The site contains games, video and information for parents & teachers about the show!

Want to see a sneak peek? PBS Kids has three sneak peek videos here.

NET will also begin a new schedule starting October 7. Here are a few highlights:

  • Peg + Cat joins the schedule at 10 a.m. CT Monday – Friday
  • Thomas and Friends joins the schedule Monday – Friday at 12:30 p.m. CT
  • A number of old favorites, including Martha Speaks, Wild Kratts and others are moving times!

Giveaway: Win A Peg + Cat Prize Pack!

One Family Fun in Omaha reader will win a Peg + Cat Prize Pack including:The Chicken Problem

Here is a description for The Chicken Problem book:

Full of humor, refreshingly original characters, and math problems that young readers will be clamoring to help solve, The Chicken Problem is an ideal addition to the home or classroom. Left-brained Peg and her right-brained pal, Cat, are enjoying a picnic on the farm with Pig. However, when someone leaves the chicken coop open and the chicks run-a-muck, it’s up to Peg and Cat to use their math skills to help solve their poultry predicament.

TO ENTER:

  • Simply enter through Rafflecopter below by signing in with your Facebook account or with your name and email address.
  • Earn additional entries as described.

THANK YOU FOR ENTERING AND GOOD LUCK!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY ENDS: Friday, October 11, 2013, 11:59pm, CST.  

OTHER: Entrants must be 19 or older and located in the US only.  The winner will be selected using Rafflecopter and notified via email.  Winner must respond within 48 hours to claim their prize, or another winner will be chosen.  Duplicate entries will be deleted.

Disclosure: Many thanks to NET who provided the prize pack for the giveaway. All opinions are my own. See disclosure and privacy policy here.  This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Other Helpful Resources:

Roca Berry Farm: Win A Family Four-Pack!

Roca-bannerAd300x250

Every October, thousands of fun-seekers journey to Roca Berry Farm to pick their own pumpkins, go on hay rack rides, and enjoy over 30 activities including:

  • NEW – Fort Where Am I, a fun-filled maze!
  • Farm Animals
  • 2 Trike Trails
  • Life-sized Candyland Game
  • Bunnyville
  • 3 Little Pigs
  • Roller Racers
  • Duck Races
  • Hayrack Ride to the Pumpkin Patch
  • Roca Berry Express Trackless Train (weekends)
  • Corn Maze
  • Jumping Pillows
  • Racing slide, plus more!

Roca Berry Farm, located 10 minutes south of Lincoln, is open daily from now through October 31. RocaBerryFarm2For the thrill seekers, Roca Scary Farm is open on Friday and Saturday nights, and other select evenings after 5 p.m. (See full schedule here.)

Admission

  • Weekday: $7.00/person. Kids Under 18 months FREE Mon-Fri. No additional discounts or coupons can be used during these times.
  • Weekend: $9.50/person. Kids under 2 FREE on Weekends.
  • Weekend Group: $8.50/person
  • Roca Scary Farm: $16/person.  Not recommended for children under 10 years of age.

Giveaway: Win A Family Four-Pack to Roca Berry Farm!  

One lucky Family Fun in Omaha reader will win Four Passes to Roca Berry Farm!

Passes are good for daytime or nighttime admission for four people to Roca Berry Farm. Note: Nighttime activities (Scary Farm) only available October 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27. Nighttime activities not recommended for children under age 10. Expires October 27, 2013. See further details below.
RocaBerryFarm4

TO ENTER:

  • Simply enter through Rafflecopter below by signing in with your Facebook account or with your name and email address.
  • Earn additional entries as described.

THANK YOU FOR ENTERING AND GOOD LUCK!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY ENDS: Sunday, October 6, 2013, 11:59pm, CST.  

OTHER: Entrants must be 19 or older and located in the US only.  The winner will be selected using Rafflecopter and notified via email.  Winner must respond within 48 hours to claim their prize, or another winner will be chosen.  Duplicate entries will be deleted.

Passes are good for daytime or nighttime admission for four people to Roca Berry Farm. One time use only. One person per ticket. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Photocopies not accepted. No cash value. Cannot be used on food, pumpkins, or other purchases – good for admission only. Note: Nighttime activities (Scary Farm) only available October 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27. Nighttime activities not recommended for children under age 10. For hours, dates, activities, and more information, please visit RocaBerryFarm.com. Expires October 27, 2013.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Roca Berry Farm who provided the passes for the giveaway, and is a Featured Omaha Area Pumpkin Patch. All opinions are my own. See disclosure and privacy policy here.  This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Other Helpful Resources:

Free Fall Family Activities in Omaha 2013

Free Fall Fun in Omaha

I am very excited to be partnering with several local bloggers who are all sharing wonderful ways to celebrate Fall!

I love Fall in Omaha!  Perfect weather, changing colors, Football, Halloween events, Pumpkin Patches, Hayrack Rides, and campfires all make wonderful family memories.  What do you love most about Fall?

Enjoy these free or inexpensive family attractions and events this Fall in Omaha!

Keep updated on the latest Omaha fun by Following Family Fun in Omaha on Facebook or Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!

Fall Festivals and Special Events

  • Museum Day Live! – September 28 – Free Admission to Participating Museums with ticket (including Strategic Air & Space Museum)
  • First Friday Old Market – Held the first Friday of each month, 6-9 p.m., First Friday is a free event celebrating local creativity in Omaha’s most historic neighborhood.
  • Food Day Omaha – October 20, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the Omaha Farmers Market at Aksarben Village
  • Veteran’s Day at the Zoo – November 11 – Free gate admission to all veterans and their immediate families on Veteran’s Day.

Special Events at Pumpkin Patches

  • Toys for Tots at Camp Fontanelle – October 20 – Bring a girls or boys new toy valued at $5 or more and get free admission! One toy = one free admission. Marines will receive toys 2-4 p.m. (Also, search for treats in the maze from 2 – 4 p.m.)

Especially for Kids

Farmer’s Markets 

Omaha has several Farmers Markets, where local vendors sell fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods, and flowers.  ”Buy local and eat fresh.”

It is always a good idea to verify the information with the business before visiting.

Do you have a Free Fall Activity to add?  Please leave a comment below and I will add it the list!

Other helpful resources:

Discover many more ways to enjoy Fall in Omaha by visiting these other great local blogs!

Oh My! Omaha – Fall Foods in Omaha Restaurants

Yellow Mango Life – The best places for a fall run and fall fun runs in Omaha

Coolest Mommy’s Coolest Thoughts – Incorporating Fall into your family activities … making memories during Fall

Liv, Laugh, Love – Apple Jack Festival

The Walking Tourists – Vala’s Pumpkin Patch offers fun for all ages

Bolton Carley’s Blog – What’s your favorite season? quiz

LPO Beauty – Changing Up Your Look for Fall

Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze Review and Giveaway! – ENDED

Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch

Our family enjoyed a fun crisp September day at Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze, a family-owned and operated pumpkin patch outside of Blair, NE, on Highway 133.

We began our visit with the enjoyable 10-acre Corn Maze. The paths through the maze are very smooth and well-manicured, creating a fun and comfortable walk even with a stroller. We loved the challenge of the scavenger hunt, as we searched for 8 punch card stations hidden within the maze.  Find all 8, and you win a lucky prize! (Be careful, each hole punch is a different shape!)

I loved the excitement in my kids’ eyes upon finding each station. Even after 2 trips through the maze, we were not able to find #7, but thoroughly enjoyed the challenge (and the competitive side in me wanted to keep looking)!

SkinnyBones8           SkinnyBones7

Their New Pee Wee Corn Maze is a delightful path through the corn for the little ones.  It is short enough for them to run through on their own over and over again.

With tired little legs, we stopped for Face Painting, and then made our way to the Mad Cow Ride.  A barrel of fun awaits the kids as they venture around the farm yard behind the tractor.SkinnyBones2

The House of Mystery is not for the unbalanced at heart. A feeling of uneasiness may await you during your walk across the floor toward the other side.  Be sure to check out the golf ball as it appears to roll uphill!

As we made our way on the Hayrack Ride, we passed the pumpkin patch, which has a variety of pre-picked or pick your own pumpkins to take home.

The Eerie Trail was a fun path through the trees, but be sure to watch out for that thing in the box – it is mist-ifying! The kids also loved playing in the Corn Pool.

SkinnyBones6           SkinnyBones5

Our last stop was for a fun game in the Nerf Gun War Zone, designed by their youngest son.  Great for kids and kids-at-heart dodging around all of the obstacles!

Hours

  • Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Friday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Sunday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

*Friday nights from 6 p.m. -10 p.m. is Flashlight Night. Bring your own flashlight or buy one of ours. Great for families!

**Saturday nights from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. is Haunted Night. Live scarers move through the corn maze, anxiously awaiting their next victim. No flashlights allowed! (The corn maze is limited to 1 time per person.)

Admission

Costs below are per person and provide all-inclusive and unlimited access to all of the attractions.

  • Monday – Thursday: $10.00
  • Friday – Sunday: $13.00
  • Ages 2 years and under is Free.

Special Events

Saturday, September 28: 5K Adventure run and 1 Mile Crazy Costume run/walk. Proceeds will benefit American Cancer Society Relay for Life.

Giveaway: Win A Family Four-Pack to Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze!  

One lucky Family Fun in Omaha reader will win Four Passes to Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze! Winner will pick up passes at entrance of Skinny Bones.SkinnyBones1

TO ENTER:

  • Simply enter through Rafflecopter below by signing in with your Facebook account or with your name and email address.
  • Earn additional entries as described.

THANK YOU FOR ENTERING AND GOOD LUCK!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY ENDS: Sunday, September 29, 2013, 11:59pm, CST.  

OTHER: Entrants must be 19 or older and located in the US only.  The winner will be selected using Rafflecopter and notified via email.  Winner must respond within 48 hours to claim their prize, or another winner will be chosen.  Duplicate entries will be deleted.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze who provided the passes for my family and for the giveaway, and is a Featured Omaha Area Pumpkin Patch. Thanks also to my husband who helped to write the review. All opinions are my own. See disclosure and privacy policy here.  This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Other Helpful Resources:

Bloom Where You’re Planted Farm + Giveaway – ENDED

Bloom Where You're Planted

Are you looking for a pumpkin patch where you can experience many kid-friendly activities, fresh air, and beautiful scenery, in a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere?  Bloom Where You’re Planted Farm and Pumpkin Patch may be the perfect place for you!

Bloom Where You’re Planted Farm prides itself on offering many activities in a relaxing setting.  From their website:Bloom Where You're Planted

“We offer a big dose of fall fun with an emphasis on the agricultural side of autumn. We’re not a theme park–we offer lots of fresh air, wide open spaces, recreation and relaxation, all for the best price around and in a beautiful seasonal setting.”

We loved our visit last year, especially the scenic Hayride to the pumpkin patch, Farm Animals, Play Areas, Wheelbarrow Maze, Corn Pit, and Rubber Duck Races. The Family-Sized Tire Swing was my favorite!

I was impressed with how clean and well-kept it is.  We enjoyed a delicious lunch in the Schoolhouse Café, an historic one-room schoolhouse.  They also have a Pumpkin Barn and Gift Shop, and a nice room above the barn for Birthday Parties, Field Trips, and Group Outings.

Bloom Where You're Planted

Bloom Where You’re Planted Farm and Pumpkin Patch is open Fridays (1-6 p.m.) and Saturday / Sunday (10 a.m.- 6 p.m.) from September 21 – October 31, 2013. Admission is only $5.00/person (includes tax), and ages 2 & under are free.

It is located at 911-108th Street, Avoca, Nebraska 68307 (35 miles south of Omaha, Directions).

Giveaway: Win A Gift Certificate good for Four Admissions + Four Pumpkins at Bloom Where You’re Planted Farm!  

Bloom Where You're Planted

One lucky Family Fun in Omaha reader will win A Gift Certificate good for Four Admissions and Four Pie-sized Pumpkins at Bloom Where You’re Planted Farm! Valid September 21 – October 27, 2013, Fridays (1-6 p.m.) and Saturday / Sunday (10 a.m.- 6 p.m.).

TO ENTER:

  • Simply enter through Rafflecopter below by signing in with your Facebook account or with your name and email address.
  • Earn additional entries as described.

THANK YOU FOR ENTERING AND GOOD LUCK!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY ENDS: Sunday, September 15, 2013, 11:59pm, CST.  

OTHER: Entrants must be 19 or older and located in the US only.  The winner will be selected using Rafflecopter and notified via email.  Winner must respond within 48 hours to claim their prize, or another winner will be chosen.  Duplicate entries will be deleted.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Bloom Where You’re Planted Farm who provided the gift certificate for the giveaway, and is a Featured Omaha Area Pumpkin Patch. All opinions are my own. See disclosure and privacy policy here.  This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Other Helpful Resources:

Free Family Events this Weekend 10/25-10/28

The weekend is almost here!  Every Thursday, I post many free (or almost free) fun family activities to enjoy in Omaha and nationwide!  Be sure to visit the Event Calendar (or the calendar list view on the right of this page) for more information on ALL of the free activities coming up!  It is always a good idea to verify with the business before visiting.

Don’t miss:

Highlights of Upcoming Omaha Events

Omaha Public Library Halloween Events – 10/18-11/5
  • Many events including storytimes, parades, crafts and more at Omaha Public Libraries.
Halloween Event 2012 at Bass Pro Shop – 10/19-10/31
  • Halloween Photo Opportunity, Crafts, Trick or Treating, Grab an Apple Activity, Halloween Scavenger Hunt, Costume Parade.  See website for exact dates and times of all activities.
Halloween Safe Night and Fall Festival at Papillion-LaVista South High School – 10/25, 6:00-8:00pm
  • Events will include a costume contest, games, prizes, bounce houses and activities for all ages.  Admission is free with a canned or non perishable food item for one of the Sarpy County Food Pantries.
Halloween Trick-or-Treat at OneWorld Community Health Center – 10/26, 4:30-7:00pm
  •  Kids ages 12 and under can Trick-or-Treat in a fun and safe environment at OneWorld Community Health Center, 4920 South 30th Street (30th and L, in the  Historic Livestock Exchange Building).
Halloween Family Fun Night at your Local YMCA – 10/26
  • Council Bluffs YMCA – 10/26, 5:30-7:30pm – Games, musical chairs, and make and take crafts.  Friendly costumes welcome.  Free to the community!
  • Sarpy YMCA – 10/26, 6-7:30pm – Free to members, $10/family for non-members.  Trunk or Treat in the parking lot, followed by games and fun inside.  Sign-up ahead of time.
  • Maple Street YMCA – 10/26, 6:30-8pm – Free to members, $5/family for non-members.  A fun-filled Halloween party for all ages. Join us for games, crafts, and food. This year we have a new Trunk or Treat, too!
Monster Mash Bash at Oak View Mall – 10/26, 6-9pm
  • Kids and Parents – Come to Oak View Mall and Celebrate Halloween Inside!  Wear Your Costume and Trick or Treat Merchants throughout the Mall from 6-9 pm.  Treats, Dance Contest, Costume Contest, Craft Table, Watch a Movie.  We went to this last year and my kids loved it!
Westroads Mall Spooktacular Trick-or-Treat Event – 10/26, 6-8pm
  • Westroads Mall will give away Free Trick-or-Treat bags filled with candy, terrific retailer offers and a Free child admission pass to Rave Motion Pictures, while supplies last.  The line for the bags will form at the Food Court entrance on the lower level. Children will then be allowed to trick-or-treat inside the mall at the various participating retailers.  Also special appearances by McGruff and Johnny Justice, AAA Nebraska will provide safety tips and free face painting, and The Omaha Storm Chasers mascots Casey and Stormy will be on hand to visit with trick-or-treaters.
Omaha’s Great Pumpkin at Village Pointe – 10/27, 10am-2pm, 7-8pm
  • FREE Family Festival with Pumpkin Carving, Fun Kids’ Activities, and Professional & Celebrity Carvers.  Join Lutheran Family Services (LFS) at the Village Pointe roundabout where hundreds of pumpkins will be carved, making up Nebraska’s largest pumpkin sculpture, representing the children waiting for a home in Nebraska.  Be sure to come by that night at 7 pm when the tree of jack-o-lanterns will be lit up and remain lit through Halloween.
Halloween at Hummel Park Nature Center – 10/27, 10:30am-12:00pm
  • Join us for our Halloween Party!  Play the great pumpkin splash, search for spiders, paint pumpkins, and enjoy many other family friendly activities!  Costumes encouraged!  Fee: $1.00 drop-in.
Benson Boo Bash and Trick or Treat on Maple Street – 10/27, 10:30am-1pm
  • Come in costume to enjoy games and prizes, treats, popcorn, and bounce house at the Benson Community Center, 6008 Maple Street.  Bring your own treat bag to trick or treat to businesses.
Trick-or-Treat at Nebraska Furniture Mart – 10/27, 11am-2pm
  • Join us Saturday, October 27, from 11am-2pm in your favorite Halloween Costume for trick-or-treating throughout the store.
SPOOKTACULAR at Saddlebrook – 10/27, 1-3pm
  • Join the Community Center and Library for our Spooktacular Halloween event!  Bring the whole family to join us for storytime, crafts, and gym fun!
Halloween Meet and Treat – 10/27, 4-8pm
  • The Southeast Precinct (25th and Vinton Street) of the Omaha Police Department is hosting the Halloween Meet and Treat on Saturday, October 27th. This is an opportunity for kids to meet officers, and have a safe trick-or-treating experience.  Thanks Momaha!
Pigskin in the Park – 10/27, 7pm
  • Omaha’s Ultimate Husker Tailgate Party!  Cheer on the Huskers on a Giant 26 foot High Def Viewing Screen, and enjoy prizes and giveaways, fun for kids, and food and beverage specials from one of many great restaurants in Midtown Crossing. Coolers also welcome.  The park opens at 5.
Fall Folk Festival at Dee-sign Landscaping and Garden Center – 10/28, 12-4pm
  •  Fall Folk Festival will be held at Dee-sign North Nursery, 5602 Read St. (3 blocks N. Sorenson).  Free admission with Live music, bake sale, nursery garage sale, pumpkin painting, scavenger hunt, games, bouncy house, henna tattoos.  Halloween costumes encouraged.
Halloween Hoopla at Shadow Lake Towne Center – 10/28, 1-3pm
  • Kids, wear your Halloween costumes a few days early for a fun afternoon at Shadow Lake Towne Center!  Safe trick-or-treating at participating Shadow Lake Towne Center merchants displaying an owl in the front window, and free Hayrack rides.
Old Market Trick or Treat – 10/28, 1-4pm
  • Free fun for the entire family.  Get in costume and stroll the Old Market where participating merchants will be handing out treats.  Interact with strolling characters.  Music, activities, and storytelling sites will be located throughout the Old Market.  Maps will be available the day of the event at 11th & Howard information booth.  New this year…”Books Are Treats”.  FREE books are available to all on the Metro Transit Book Bus.
Halloween Fun Day at Village Pointe – 10/28, 2-5pm
  • Kids can wear costumes and join us in Center Court for fun Halloween games, face painting and candy for everyone.  Enjoy trick-or-treating at Village Pointe merchants with bright orange pumpkin signs in participating store windows.  Bring along a canned food donation to benefit the Food Bank for the Heartland or a donation of new or gently-used coats to be eligible for a drawing for a $25 Village Pointe Gift Card. All coats will benefit the Omaha Salvation Army.
Trick or Trunk in Aksarben Village – 10/28, 3-5pm
  • POWER 106.9 PRESENTS TRICK OR TRUNK!  Please come to Aksarben Village and Stinson Park to Trick or Treat out of NEW vehicles with your little ones.  There will be TRUNKS filled with candy on Mercy Road. Food and drinks from Jones Bros. Cupcakes, Godfather’s Pizza, Mojo Smokehouse and Ales, Wohlner’s, Kettle Corn etc. and Aksarben Cinema will be handing out surprises…all in Stinson Park.  There will be face painting and balloon twisters, bounce houses, hay rack rides and other activites for the children.

Highlights of Upcoming National Events

Lowe’s Free Build and Grow Clinic – 10/27, 10am
  • Lowe’s offers free Build and Grow clinics every other Saturday at 10am. Bring the kids to any Lowe’s store to build fun projects. This is recommended for children in grades 1st-5th. Registration opens a few weeks before each clinic’s date.
    • Creepy Keeper – Oct 27, 2012
Marcus Theatres POP 3D Family Film Series – 10/27, 10am; 10/28, 11am
  • Throughout October, Marcus Theatres is offering four weeks of family-friendly 3D movies for only $3!  The POP 3D Family Film Series will feature favorites Saturdays at 10am and Sundays at 11am.  Additionally, enjoy these concession specials: 46oz Popcorn or 14oz Sodas for Only $2 Each!  In the Omaha area, this includes 20 Grand, Twin Creek in Bellevue, and Village Pointe.
    • October 27-28: Journey 2

Planning Ahead

Halloween Story Time at Pottery Barn Kids – 10/30, 11am
  • Come dressed in costume for extra fun as we enjoy Halloween stories, activities, and more.
Halloween Storytime at Barnes and Noble Stores – 10/30, 11am
  • Join us for a not-so-haunting Halloween Storytime. Some of our favorite books are about monsters and pumpkins, as well as a few other not-so-spooky creepy crawlie things.
Trick-or-Treat at Pacific Street Hy-vee – 10/30, 4-6pm
  • Bring your little ghost or goblin in to trick-or-treat at your Hy-Vee on Pacific anytime between 4-6pm!  Frankenstein and his friends will be here to entertain and we will have an awesome backdrop set up where you can take some awesome pictures of the kids!
Toddler Trick or Treat with Sump Memorial Library, Papillion – 10/31, 9:45am
  • Enjoy a story or two and then trick or treat around the library and downtown merchants.  It’s a parade – costumes welcome!  Thanks Omaha Area Kiddie Fun!
City of LaVista Halloween Safe Night – 10/31, 5:30-7:00pm
  • Trick-or-Treating, Spook House and more!  Free hot dogs (courtesy of the La Vista Volunteer Fire Department).  Pumpkin Decorating Contest – Drop off entries at the Community Center 8 am-9 pm either Monday, October 29 or Tuesday, October 30.
Pumpkin Patch Party at Salvation Army Kroc Center – 10/31, 5-6:30pm
  • Free to All!  Come in costume and celebrate Halloween at the Kroc Center’s Pumpkin Patch Party!  Including a Pumpkin Push, Monster Pop Toss, The Creepy-Crawl, a kid-friendly meal & drink, and a keepsake Halloween photo for each family.  The first 100 kids (age 12 & under) get a free treat bag.
First Friday Old Market – 11/2, 6-9pm
Home Depot Free Kids Workshop – 11/3, 9am-12pm
  • Saturday, November 3, 2012 – Build a Turkey Napkin Holder for the holidays!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Free Family Events this Weekend 10/18-10/21

The weekend is almost here!  Every Thursday, I post many free (or almost free) fun family activities to enjoy in Omaha and nationwide!  Be sure to visit the Event Calendar (or the calendar list view on the right of this page) for more information on ALL of the free activities coming up!  It is always a good idea to verify with the business before visiting.

Don’t miss:

Highlights of Upcoming Omaha Events

Halloween Event 2012 at Bass Pro Shop – 10/19-10/31
  • Halloween Photo Opportunity, Crafts, Trick or Treating, Grab an Apple Activity, Halloween Scavenger Hunt, Costume Parade.  See website for exact dates and times of all activities.
Celebration of Mind Nebraska at the Strategic Air & Space Museum – 10/20, 10am-4pm
  • “Celebration of Mind” is a family event for those interested in the joy of thinking, playable art, problem solving, recreational math, and creativity.  Sponsored by The Strategic Air and Space Museum and Fat Brain Toys, this interactive event will feature presentations and entertainment, including ‘The Zip Code Man”, and over 15 different activities.  The event is free for the first 500 to register, and includes admission to the museum.  This sounds really cool!
  • ***UPDATE: Free admission for the first 500 attendees has been exceeded. You may still attend the Celebration of Mind by purchasing a standard admission the day of the event at the Strategic Air & Space Museum.
Mav Kids Halloween Party – 10/20, 11am-2pm
  • UNO Campus Recreation is hosting the annual Mav Kids Halloween Party in the HPER Building.  The Halloween bash features a haunted house, games, prizes and candy.  The event is free and open to the UNO community and general public.  They will be collecting canned food for the local shelves and towels and blankets for Town and Country Humane Society.
Toys for Tots at Camp Fontanelle Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze – 10/21
  • Toys for Tots – Bring a girls or boys new toy valued at $5 or more and get free admission!  One toy = one free admission.  Marines will receive toys 2-5 pm.
Food Day Omaha in Aksarben Village – 10/21, 9am-1pm
  • The Omaha Farmers Market at Aksarben Village has been extended one more week to help celebrate Food Day. The extended market will be from 9am to 1pm and have approximately 70 booths. In addition to the Farmers Market, there will be children’s activities, cooking demonstrations and more to teach attendees how to support sustainable farming and promotes safe, healthy foods. Join us for Food Day in a national effort to encourage Americans to “Eat Real.”

Highlights of Upcoming National Events

Marcus Theatres POP 3D Family Film Series – 10/20, 10am; 10/21, 11am
  • Throughout October, Marcus Theatres is offering four weeks of family-friendly 3D movies for only $3!  The POP 3D Family Film Series will feature favorites Saturdays at 10am and Sundays at 11am.  Additionally, enjoy these concession specials: 46oz Popcorn or 14oz Sodas for Only $2 Each!  In the Omaha area, this includes 20 Grand, Twin Creek in Bellevue, and Village Pointe.
    • October 20-21: Happy Feet Two

Planning Ahead

Halloween Safe Night and Fall Festival at Papillion-LaVista South High School – 10/25, 6:00-8:00pm
  • Events will include a costume contest, games, prizes, bounce houses and activities for all ages.  Admission is free with a canned or non perishable food item for one of the Sarpy County Food Pantries.
Omaha Public Library Halloween Events – 10/18-11/5
  • Many events including storytimes, parades, crafts and more at Omaha Public Libraries.
Halloween Family Fun Night at your Local YMCA – 10/26
  • Council Bluffs YMCA – 10/26, 5:30-7:30pm – Games, musical chairs, and make and take crafts.  Friendly costumes welcome.  Free to the community!
  • Sarpy YMCA – 10/26, 6-7:30pm – Free to members, $10/family for non-members.  Trunk or Treat in the parking lot, followed by games and fun inside.  Sign-up ahead of time.
  • Maple Street YMCA – 10/26, 6:30-8pm – Free to members, $5/family for non-members.  A fun-filled Halloween party for all ages. Join us for games, crafts, and food. This year we have a new Trunk or Treat, too!
Monster Mash Bash at Oak View Mall – 10/26, 6-9pm
  • Kids and Parents – Come to Oak View Mall and Celebrate Halloween Inside!  Wear Your Costume and Trick or Treat Merchants throughout the Mall from 6-9 pm.  Treats, Dance Contest, Costume Contest, Craft Table, Watch a Movie.  We went to this last year and my kids loved it!
Westroads Mall Spooktacular Trick-or-Treat Event – 10/26, 6-8pm
  • Westroads Mall will give away Free Trick-or-Treat bags filled with candy, terrific retailer offers and a Free child admission pass to Rave Motion Pictures, while supplies last.  The line for the bags will form at the Food Court entrance on the lower level. Children will then be allowed to trick-or-treat inside the mall at the various participating retailers.  Also special appearances by McGruff and Johnny Justice, AAA Nebraska will provide safety tips and free face painting, and The Omaha Storm Chasers mascots Casey and Stormy will be on hand to visit with trick-or-treaters.
Lowe’s Free Build and Grow Clinic – 10/27, 10am
  • Lowe’s offers free Build and Grow clinics every other Saturday at 10am. Bring the kids to any Lowe’s store to build fun projects. This is recommended for children in grades 1st-5th. Registration opens a few weeks before each clinic’s date.
    • Creepy Keeper – Oct 27, 2012
Marcus Theatres POP 3D Family Film Series – 10/27, 10am; 10/28, 11am
  • October 27-28: Journey 2
Omaha’s Great Pumpkin at Village Pointe – 10/27, 10am-2pm, 7-8pm
  • FREE Family Festival with Pumpkin Carving, Fun Kids’ Activities, and Professional & Celebrity Carvers.  Join Lutheran Family Services (LFS) at the Village Pointe roundabout where hundreds of pumpkins will be carved, making up Nebraska’s largest pumpkin sculpture, representing the children waiting for a home in Nebraska.  Be sure to come by that night at 7 pm when the tree of jack-o-lanterns will be lit up and remain lit through Halloween.
Halloween at Hummel Park Nature Center – 10/27, 10:30am-12:00pm
  • Join us for our Halloween Party!  Play the great pumpkin splash, search for spiders, paint pumpkins, and enjoy many other family friendly activities!  Costumes encouraged!  Fee: $1.00 drop-in.
Benson Boo Bash and Trick or Treat on Maple Street – 10/27, 10:30am-1pm
  • Come in costume to enjoy games and prizes, treats, popcorn, and bounce house at the Benson Community Center, 6008 Maple Street.  Bring your own treat bag to trick or treat to businesses.
SPOOKTACULAR at Saddlebrook – 10/27, 1-3pm
  • Join the Community Center and Library for our Spooktacular Halloween event!  Bring the whole family to join us for storytime, crafts, and gym fun!
Fall Folk Festival at Dee-sign Landscaping and Garden Center – 10/28, 12-4pm
  •  Fall Folk Festival will be held at Dee-sign North Nursery, 5602 Read St. (3 blocks N. Sorenson).  Free admission with Live music, bake sale, nursery garage sale, pumpkin painting, scavenger hunt, games, bouncy house, henna tattoos.  Halloween costumes encouraged.
Halloween Hoopla at Shadow Lake Towne Center – 10/28, 1-3pm
  • Kids, wear your Halloween costumes a few days early for a fun afternoon at Shadow Lake Towne Center!  Safe trick-or-treating at participating Shadow Lake Towne Center merchants displaying an owl in the front window, and free Hayrack rides.
Old Market Trick or Treat – 10/28, 1-4pm
  • Free fun for the entire family.  Get in costume and stroll the Old Market where participating merchants will be handing out treats.  Interact with strolling characters.  Music, activities, and storytelling sites will be located throughout the Old Market.  Maps will be available the day of the event at 11th & Howard information booth.  New this year…”Books Are Treats”.  FREE books are available to all on the Metro Transit Book Bus.
Halloween Fun Day at Village Pointe – 10/28, 2-5pm
  • Kids can wear costumes and join us in Center Court for fun Halloween games, face painting and candy for everyone.  Enjoy trick-or-treating at Village Pointe merchants with bright orange pumpkin signs in participating store windows.  Bring along a canned food donation to benefit the Food Bank for the Heartland or a donation of new or gently-used coats to be eligible for a drawing for a $25 Village Pointe Gift Card. All coats will benefit the Omaha Salvation Army.
Trick or Trunk in Aksarben Village – 10/28, 3-5pm
  • POWER 106.9 PRESENTS TRICK OR TRUNK!  Please come to Aksarben Village and Stinson Park to Trick or Treat out of NEW vehicles with your little ones.  There will be TRUNKS filled with candy on Mercy Road. Food and drinks from Jones Bros. Cupcakes, Godfather’s Pizza, Mojo Smokehouse and Ales, Wohlner’s, Kettle Corn etc. and Aksarben Cinema will be handing out surprises…all in Stinson Park.  There will be face painting and balloon twisters, bounce houses, hay rack rides and other activites for the children.

Have a wonderful weekend!

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Family Fun in Omaha is your local resource for family-friendly activities and events in Omaha! Created by a local Mom who loves finding new adventures with her family and wants to help you enjoy all that Omaha has to offer. We recommend starting here. Thank you for visiting!

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