Fun this Winter at the Omaha Children’s Museum + Giveaway! (ENDED)

January 17, 2017

Enjoy exciting exhibits, special events, and a fun Star Wars event this Winter!

Exciting Exhibits

Imagination: Celebrating 40 Years of Play – Now open through April 15, 2017

Play with the favorites from the past 40 years including popular items from Itty Bitty City, Once Upon a Farm, and Construction Zone: Return of the Bulldozer. Enjoy fun activities including an Obstacle Course, Giant Operation Game, Combine, Mini Basketball Court & Soccer Field, Dentist Office, and more!

Block Party – Opening Jan. 21 – April 9

Build, stack, and create cities in this new special exhibit including Read & Build Story Times!

The Ball Room is one of our favorite places to play!

Special Events

First Friday Family Date Nights

Held on the First Friday of each month now through April, the museum stays open late for families to play! The theme for the next one on Friday, February 3, 5 – 8 p.m. is Candyland, where children can travel through a life-size Candyland game, and more! First Friday Family Date Night activities are included with regular museum admission or membership.

FREE Events (Registration Required. Museum admission is not included.)

Yoga with Youngins – Wednesdays (9:15 – 10 a.m.)
January 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22

A certified children’s yoga instructor will teach yoga to children, ages 6 weeks to 18 months, (and their special adult) in a fun, relaxed and positive atmosphere.
This class is FREE, but requires registration online as space is very limited. Museum admission is not included. Limited availability for each session. Ages 6 weeks – 18 months. One adult per child is required. Must bring personal yoga mats. Mats are not provided.

Advanced Baby & Me Sign Language – Thursdays (9:15 – 10 a.m.)
January 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16

Come learn baby sign language together every Thursday morning by a trained instructor. This class is recommended to adults who’ve already taken the museum’s Baby and Me Sign Language or another introductory class.
Free to all Members and Non-Members. Museum admission is not included. Limited Availability for each session. One adult per child is required. Registration is for one session only. Multiple registrations for additional sessions is allowed. Participation in each session is recommended.

Coming this April – Dinner on the Dark Side

Do you have a big Star Wars fan in your house? Get ready for Dinner on the Dark Side, a special Omaha Children’s Museum event, featuring Star Wars themed food and activities includes all-ages Jedi Training sessions, a 501st Legion costume exhibition, and interaction with costumed characters.

Dinner on the Dark Side
Saturday, April 22
6 to 9 p.m.

Tickets are $35 for non-members, $30 for members. A limited number of tickets will go on sale. The ticket on-sale date will be announced soon.

Giveaway: Win A Family Pass to the Omaha Children’s Museum! (ENDED)

One Family Fun in Omaha reader will win a Family admission pass that admits up to four people for one visit to the Omaha Children’s Museum (Value $48).

This giveaway has ended. Many thanks to all who entered! Congratulations to Sarah S.!

GIVEAWAY ENDS: Sunday, January 22, 2017, 11:59 p.m., CST.

OTHER: Entrants must be 19 or older and located in the US only. The winner will be selected using random.org and notified via email. Winner must respond within 48 hours to claim their prize, or another winner will be chosen. Only one entry (+ bonus entries) per person. Duplicate entries will be deleted.

Disclosure: Many thanks to the Omaha Children’s Museum who provided the Family Pass for the giveaway, and provided my family with a Family Membership in exchange for sharing about the fun events and activities they offer. See disclosure and privacy policy here. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Omaha Kroc Center Exciting Pool Updates + Giveaway (ENDED)

January 9, 2017

Many thanks to the Omaha Kroc Center for being an advertising partner and for providing the Family Pass for the giveaway!

The Omaha Kroc Center provides a variety of fun classes, camps, exercise programs, gymnasium, family recreation pool, and more!

Exciting Pool Renovations

We love the pool at the Kroc Center, and are excited for the new renovations that will make it even better! Plus, enjoy special events including Inflatable Friday, Kids Kayak Racing, Sunday Funday in the Pool, and Family Splash Party!

The tentative schedule for the pool renovation is the pool will be undergoing construction mid-January, closing the first week of February, and it will open back up again around April 1st.

If families want to take one last slide down the yellow slide, they will want to visit in January! Then their NEW 2 1/2 story slide that takes sliders on a trip outside the building and back in again will be completed sometime in the new year 2017 (tentatively in June or July.)

January Membership Special

This year join the Kroc Center January 2-31, and pay $0 for your Registration Fee AND your 7th month is FREE! (A savings of up to $110!)

Membership Benefits include:

Access to the following during open scheduled hours: Aquatic Center including Lap Pool and Family Recreation Pool areas; Health & Fitness Center including cardio fitness and free weight area; Gymnasium basketball courts and indoor turf field; Game Room and common areas.
Two Free Fitness Coaching/Evaluation Sessions.
Discounted rates for KidZone, an on-site child care service for up to two hours per visit.
Access to complimentary Group Exercise classes including Cycling, Yoga, Zumba® and more.
Complimentary Aquatic exercise classes for adults and seniors.
Discounted rates on most Kroc classes and youth day camps.
Complimentary homework help after school for students ages 8 and up.
and more!

Find out more about the January Membership Special here!

Giveaway: Win A Family Pass to the Omaha Kroc Center! (ENDED)

One Family Fun in Omaha reader will win a Family Pass (will admit up to 6 people) good for 1 free visit to the Omaha Kroc Center! The pass will be valid for the next 6 months. (Please note: The pool will be undergoing construction mid-January through April. It is recommended to call ahead to verify pool availability.)

This giveaway has ended. Many thanks to all who entered! Congratulations to Chareca B.!

GIVEAWAY ENDS: Sunday, January 15, 2017, 11:59 p.m., CST.

Disclosure: Many thanks to the Omaha Kroc Center who provided the Family Pass for the giveaway. See disclosure and privacy policy here. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Ragazzi’s Pizza: Delicious Food in a Family Atmosphere + Giveaway! (ENDED)

October 12, 2016

Many thanks to Ragazzi’s Pizza for inviting my family to visit the new Lakeside location for purposes of this review and for providing the giftcard for the giveaway!

Looking for a family-friendly restaurant with delicious food? Love pizza and are eager to try something new? Planning a party and searching for a place to host it?

Ragazzi’s Pizza offers all this and more and prides itself on a fast, casual dining experience. With 3 locations to choose from, families can enjoy delicious pizza, salads, pasta dishes, sandwiches, burgers, and a Kids Menu.

It was so fun talking with Jeff, the owner, to better understand his goals in building Ragazzi’s Pizza. At the new location in Lakeside, he purposefully created a comfortable space where families can share a meal together without the distraction of TVs. He focuses on creating delicious meals, full of flavor, and excellent service.

For Starters

Their Bruschetta is wonderful, and is included in many other menu selections including Bruschetta Chicken Over Angel Hair Pasta, Bruschetta Chicken Sandwich, and a Chicken Bruschetta with Pesto Pizza!

One of Ragazzi’s signature items are their Pepperoni Knots. I think my kids could have eaten an entire meal of these! Melt in your mouth with gooey cheese goodness made these a favorite.

Delicious Pizza and More

Our family loves pizza, and this was some of the best we have had! The flakiness of the crust is similar to a croissant, and the flavors blend well together. This Pizza Bianca with alfredo sauce, roasted chicken, artichoke hearts, and fresh spinach was amazing, and I love the thinly sliced chicken!

On Tuesdays, enjoy a Special: Buy one 12″ pizza, get one free! (Dine in or carry out. Not valid with any other offer.)

A friend recommended this Ragazzi’s Chopped Salad, and I am so glad she did! The avocados and creamy basil dressing make this an item I will definitely order again on a future visit.

This Lil’ Slice of Heaven lives up to its name! Filled with baked angel hair pasta, alfredo sauce, and topped with smoked provolone, this unique pasta dish was very filling and flavorful.

Save Room for Dessert!

Top off your meal with the sweet Peanut Butter Pie, the perfect combination of Peanut Butter and Chocolate. This was voted a favorite by my kids.

A Cinnamon Roll for dinner? Absolutely! So flaky and delicious, it was a perfect addition to our delicious meal.

Family-Friendly Environment – FREE Party Rooms, too!

3 Ragazzi’s Pizza Locations

NEW: 16909 Lakeside Hills Plaza (NW Corner of 168th & Maple)
15475 Ruggles St (near 156th & Maple)
Ralston: 5170 S 72nd Street Ralston, NE

FREE Party Rooms Available and Catering Available

Do you have a Birthday Party, Office Gathering, Holiday Party, or Baby Shower coming up? Ragazzi’s Pizza offers Free Party Rooms for up to 65 people in Ralston and 100 at Maple! Plus, they cater, too!

Be sure to Follow Ragazzi’s Pizza on Facebook for fun giveaways, specials, and more!

Giveaway: Win a $25 Giftcard to Ragazzi’s Pizza! (ENDED)

One Family Fun in Omaha reader will win a $25 giftcard to Ragazzi’s Pizza!

This giveaway has ended. Many thanks to all who entered! Congratulations to Gina W.!

GIVEAWAY ENDS: Sunday, October 23, 2016, 11:59 p.m., CST.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Ragazzi‘s Pizza who invited us for a meal and provided the giftcard for the giveaway. See disclosure and privacy policy here. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Shrek The Musical at The Rose Theater + Giveaway! (ENDED)

September 27, 2016

The Rose Theater’s 2016-2017 Season continues with another wonderful production! I am very excited to see this show with my family, and watch this wonderful story come to life on stage!

Everyone’s favorite ogre is back and bigger than ever in Shrek The Musical (TYA), the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning hit film by DreamWorks Animation.

“This version of Shrek The Musical, which has been adapted specifically for young audiences, demonstrates a unique lens and way of telling the Shrek story,” says Rose Artistic Director Matthew Gutschick, referring to the production’s TYA designation. (Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) scripts are slightly condensed version of the Broadway show that are just as entertaining as the original but easier for younger theatergoers to sit through.)

Shrek The Musical is recommended for families of children ages five and up. The show is approximately 70 minutes long without an intermission.

Shrek The Musical at The Rose Theater

When: Sept. 30 through Oct. 16, 2016

Performances: Fridays at 7 p.m, and Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. (Oct. 2 and 9 only). The 2 p.m. show on Saturday, Oct. 8 will be interpreted for people who are deaf or hard of hearing; the 5 p.m. show on Saturday, Oct. 8 is designated as sensory-friendly, with special accommodations made for families attending with a child on the autism spectrum.

Tickets for Shrek The Musical are $20. Discount ticket vouchers are available at all area Hy-Vee stores. Members of The Rose receive four free tickets to the production, but the public is advised that Rose memberships are limited, and are close to selling out; The Rose does not expect memberships to be available for purchase beyond the production of Shrek The Musical.

Call: The Rose Box Office at (402) 345-4849.

Giveaway: Win a 4-pack of Tickets to any 5 p.m. Show of Shrek The Musical at The Rose Theater! (ENDED)

One Family Fun in Omaha reader will win a 4-pack of tickets to a 5 p.m. show of Shrek The Musical (subject to availability). Shrek The Musical runs Sept. 30 through Oct. 16, 2016, with performances on Fridays at 7 p.m., and Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. (Oct. 2 and 9 only).

This giveaway has ended. Many thanks to all who entered! Congratulations to Monica S.!

GIVEAWAY ENDS: Thursday, September 29, 2016, 11:59 p.m., CST.

OTHER: Entrants must be 19 or older and located in the US only. The winners will be selected using random.org and notified via email. Winners must respond within 24 hours to claim their prize, or another winner will be chosen. Only one entry (+ bonus entries) per person. Duplicate entries will be deleted.

Disclosure: Many thanks to The Rose Theater who provided the tickets for the giveaway. See disclosure and privacy policy here. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

BaconFest Omaha brings Food and Fun and lots of Bacon + Giveaway! (ENDED)

August 16, 2016

Many thanks to the Omaha Kroc Center for sponsoring this article and for providing the family pass for the giveaway!

Love bacon and family-friendly fun? Enjoy both together in a FUN atmosphere at BaconFest Omaha, with all proceeds going to the Kroc Center Scholarship Program!

UPDATE: Construction Sale right up until BaconFest on September 18th!

Tickets for Adults are now $15.00/ea
Tickets for Children are $5.00/ea (same as before)
Family Passes are now $30.00/ea
Military Adult Tickets are now $10.00/ea

Also the event is being moved completely inside the building! No need to worry about rain, heat, etc! Climate controlled Bacon!!

The Kroc Center is proud to present the 4th Annual BaconFest Omaha! Entertainment, Games and Lots and LOTS of Bacon! A celebration of bacon in all its tasty forms and a fundraiser for the Omaha Kroc Center!

BaconFest Omaha includes:

Bacon tastings
Chef Competition
Games
Bounce Houses
Bacon
Kid-friendly Crafts
Bacon
Pony Rides
Family Fun
Shopping
Face Painting
A FREE pass to the Omaha Kroc Center to use at a later date
And More Bacon!

BaconFest Omaha

Location: Omaha Kroc Center, 2825 Y Street, Omaha

Date: Sunday, September 18, 2016 • 1 – 5 p.m.

Tickets: $25 – Adult, General Admission | $5 – Kids Ages 5-12 | Free for kids 4 & under

Special Family Deal: ~~$50~~ Family Value Pack – 2 adult and 2 youth tickets! (Now $30!)

All proceeds benefit the Kroc Center Scholarship Program!

Find Out More

For more information about BaconFest or to become a Sponsor, Volunteer, Have a Vendor Booth or compete in the Bacon Cookoff, visit the website at OmahaKroc.org/BaconFest.

Giveaway: Win a Family Pass (two adults and two children) to BaconFest Omaha!

One Family Fun in Omaha reader will win a Family Pass (two adults and two children) to BaconFest Omaha on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, 1 – 5 p.m. at the Omaha Kroc Center.

This giveaway has ended. Many thanks to all who entered! Congratulations to Lonna C.!

GIVEAWAY ENDS: Sunday, August 28, 2016, 11:59 p.m., CST.

Disclosure: Many thanks to the Omaha Kroc Center for sponsoring this post and for providing the family pass for the giveaway. See disclosure and privacy policy here. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Grand Re-Opening of 8 Family Fare Supermarkets in Omaha + Giveaway (4 Winners)! (ENDED)

July 17, 2016

Many thanks to Family Fare for sponsoring this post and for providing the prizes for the giveaway.

Enter to WIN $25 Giftcard to Family Fare Supermarkets below – 4 Winners!

Grand Re-Opening July 20th at 8 Locations

Eight newly remodeled Family Fare Supermarkets in the Omaha metro area are set to open on July 20, 2016, with Grand Re-Opening events!

The stores were rebranded from No Frills and Bag ‘N Save supermarkets. Simultaneous ribbon-cutting ceremonies will take place at each location at 10 a.m.

The Eight Family Fare Supermarkets celebrating their grand re-openings are located at:

5110 S. 108th Street Omaha NE 68137
14444 W. Center Road Omaha NE 68144
2650 N. 90th Street Omaha NE 68134
3003 N. 108th Street Omaha NE 68164
3026 S. 24th Street Omaha NE 68108
1801 Valley View Dr. Council Bluffs IA 51503
7402 N. 30th Street Omaha NE 68112
1510 Harlan Dr. Bellevue NE 68005

Store guests are invited to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony at their nearest Family Fare location, then shop the store and discover the new amenities and product offerings, which include the lowest everyday prices on fresh and organic produce, new lower prices on more than 4,000 store products and locally supplied meats from the heart of beef country.

Special Events July 20-23, 2016

Grand re-opening events will include daily giveaways, food samples and surprise and delight offerings throughout the stores, with an emphasis on summer produce and local and living well products.

Daily highlights for the grand re-openings:

Wednesday July 20, 2016

Ribbon Cutting! (Ceremonies begin at 10:00 a.m.)
Daily Prize! FREE Grill & Tender Ridge grilling package ($300 value)
Free insulated cooler bag to the first 100 customers beginning at 10:30 a.m.!
Bridgeford Bass Pro Fishing Team Appearance (autographs/coupons)
- 14444 W. Center Road (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.), outside in the parking lot

Thursday July 21, 2016

Daily Prize! (3) $100 VISA gift cards
Kretschmar Rib Fest
Bridgeford Bass Pro Fishing Team Appearance (autographs/coupons)
Kretschmar Country Concert (Cole Porter Band)
Deli promotion
- 5110 S. 108th Street (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.), outside in the parking lot
- 14444 W. Center Road (3 p.m. – 7 p.m.), outside in the parking lot
Oscar Mayer Wienermobile (sampling/coupons)
- 2650 N. 90th Street (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.), outside in the parking lot
- 3003 N. 108th Street (3 p.m. – 6 p.m.), outside in the parking lot

Friday July 22, 2016

Daily Prize! (2) $200 Living Well gift package
Cookies BBQ Sauce Grill Wagon w/ Smithfield Meats (sampling/coupons)
Oscar Mayer Wienermobile (sampling/coupons)
- 3003 N. 108th Street (11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.), outside in the parking lot
- 1801 Valley View Dr. (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.), outside in the parking lot
- 7402 N. 30th Street (3 p.m. – 6 p.m.), outside in the parking lot

Saturday July 23, 2016

Daily Prize! $300 Private Label summer gift wagon
Cookies BBQ Sauce Grill Wagon w/ Smithfield Meats (sampling/coupons)
Oscar Mayer Wienermobile (sampling/coupons)
- 3003 N. 108th Street (11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.), outside in the parking lot
- 14444 W. Center Road (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.), outside in parking lot
- 5110 S. 108th Street (3 p.m. – 6 p.m.), outside in the parking lot

Super Sweepstakes

Store guests who shop with their yes Rewards Card between July 20 and the end of August will automatically be entered into the Super Sweepstakes. One lucky winner will win the grand prize- a four-night getaways and two tickets to the 2017 Pro Football Championship in Houston, Texas on February 5, 2017! Two first-prize winners will receive free groceries for a year.

Giveaway: Win $25 Giftcard to Family Fare Supermarkets – 4 Winners!

Four Family Fun in Omaha readers will each win a $25 Giftcard to Family Fare Supermarkets!

This giveaway has ended. Many thanks to all who entered! Congratulations to Denise M., Ashley B., Nicole L., and Elizabeth T.!

VISIT THESE LOCAL BLOGGERS FOR MORE CHANCES TO WIN!

An Apel A Day – ends 8/4/16

Coolest Mommy’s Coolest Thoughts – ends 7/31/2016

The Gastronom – ends 7/30/16

Hostess at Heart – ends 7/26/16

Life with The Frog – ends 7/25/16

Liv, Laugh, Love – ends 8/3/2016

Midwest Mammas – ends 7/24/16

Mom Saves Money – ends 8/1/2016

OTHER: Entrants must be 19 or older and located in the US only. The winners will be selected using random.org and notified via email. Winners must respond within 48 hours to claim their prize, or another winner will be chosen. Only one entry (+ bonus entries) per person. Duplicate entries will be deleted.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Family Fare Supermarkets for sponsoring this post and for providing the gift certificates for the giveaway. See disclosure and privacy policy here. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Family Fun All Summer with Kroc Center Summer Membership Special + Giveaway! (ENDED)

May 16, 2016

Many thanks to The Salvation Army Kroc Center for sponsoring this post and for providing the prize for the giveaway.

Summer will be here soon and you can enjoy Family Fun all Summer at The Kroc Center! Save with a special Summer Membership Special that gives your family (up to 6 people!) access to all member benefits: fitness & aquatics areas, drop-in classes, and program and day camp discounts!

→ Plus, one lucky reader will win a Summer Household Membership – Enter to win below!

The Kroc Center Summer Household Membership

The Kroc Center’s Summer Household Membership is good for up to 6 people, with no registration fee! Just pay one flat fee of $160.00 (no joining fee!) and a family of up to 6 (sharing the same residence) can enjoy all the Kroc Center has to offer all summer long!

The Kroc Center Summer Family Membership is a FLAT FEE, limited-time household membership for Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend (5/31/16 – 9/4/2016). (Note: The Kroc Center is closed on Monday, May 30th-Memorial Day and Monday, September 5th-Labor Day).

Your Family Membership includes access to:

Two Swimming Pools
101 Cardio & Strength Training Machines
Free-Weight Area
Multi-Activity Gymnasium
Art Studio
Pottery Studio
Game Room
Computer Lab
Indoor Turf Arena
Discounted Camp Kroc Day Camp Rates
FREE Drop In Group Exercise Classes
FREE Drop In Aquatic Group Exercise Classes
Something for everyone in the family!

Come in for a Free Tour anytime!

Upcoming Special Events at The Kroc Center

Check out these FUN Special Events coming up at The Kroc Center:

Sunday Funday in the Pool – Every Sunday 1 – 5:30 p.m. FREE to Members
Inflatable Friday – Every Friday 4 – 7:30 p.m. FREE to Members
Kidz Kayak Racing – Every Saturday, 2 – 4 p.m. Ages 8-12; FREE to Members
Family Splash Party – Every 3rd Friday of the Month, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. FREE to Members

Visit The Kroc Center Calendar to see these events and more!

A great membership option for large families or extended families – of up to 6 people sharing the same residence. Please note: All household members over the age of 19 are required to provide proof of residence that matches that of the primary household member. Proof of residence must be provided when the membership is activated. Please bring acceptable identification with you to expedite the process. Member Benefits Include: Use of the Fitness Center, Aquatics, Gymnasium, Computer Lab, Game Room and more all housed in a beautiful facility with high quality equipment and programs. Free access to numerous drop-in classes and activities each week for individuals of all ages. Complimentary Fitness Evaluations, Balance Assessments and workout programs. Plus a discount on select classes, child care, and programs.

Visit the Omaha Kids Calendar for current events, and be sure to Follow Family Fun in Omaha on Facebook to keep updated on the latest Omaha fun!

Giveaway: Win A Summer Household Membership to The Kroc Center!

One Family Fun in Omaha reader will win a Summer Household Membership to The Kroc Center (value $160)!

Please Note: No Cash Back, No Cash Value, Non-Refundable, Non-Transferable, May not be used for past purchases, Taxes Due Upon Redemption (Approximately $11.20). Certificate expiration date: 9/4/2016.

This giveaway has ended. Many thanks to all who entered! Congratulations to Carly K.!

Disclosure: Many thanks to The Salvation Army Kroc Center for sponsoring this post and for providing the prize for the giveaway. See disclosure and privacy policy here. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

FREE Imagination Movers Concert at Loessfest + Giveaway! (ENDED)

May 15, 2016

Disclosure: Many thanks to Loessfest and The Imagination Movers for sponsoring this post and for providing the prize for the giveaway.

Experience an entire week of FREE events at Loessfest, May 28 – June 5 at Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park!

One of the highlights is the FREE Imagination Movers Concert, part of opening night “Riverfront Block Party” on May 28!

This high-energy, interactive show starring Rich Collins, Scott Durbin, Dave Poche, and Scott “Smitty” Smith features their most crowd-pleasing tunes and inspires lots of audience participation to “jump up, get down, stand up and turn around!”

Riverfront Block Party at Loessfest – Saturday, May 28

Featuring Imagination Movers and Inside Out

The party starts at 5 p.m. at Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park with Bounce Houses, food, train ride, face painting and other fun activities.

The Imagination Movers take the stage at 7 p.m. for a free concert.

After the show, Inside Out will play on the BIG BIG BIG screen – this will be at dusk or about 9 p.m.!

Imagination Movers

The Imagination Movers began with the dream to create music that spoke to children along with a children’s television show. The Movers partnered with Disney in 2007 and filmed 75 episodes of their Emmy Award-winning series over three seasons. The show airs in more than 55 countries and they’ve sold half a million CDs and DVDs to date.

The Movers are currently developing an animated series “Super Movers” in partnership with Toronto-based 9 Story Media Group. The Movers are known as a high-energy, interactive live music act. Over the last decade they have entertained more than a million fans in North America, Europe and Asia. According to thousands of fan reviews on Ticketmaster.com, Imagination Movers ranks as the No. 1 rated major touring act for families.

Loessfest – May 28-June 5

Enjoy an entire week of FREE events at Loessfest including Kool and the Gang in concert, fireworks, movies in the park, Riverfront Block Party, + more! Loessfest will be held at Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park, on the Iowa side of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.

Saturday, May 28: The Run Loess Half Marathon and 5K, organized by the Council Bluffs YMCA, will kick off Loessfest at 8 a.m. Registration is required for the race, but there is no cost for spectators.
Saturday, May 28: Riverfront Block Party – Bring the family to the park at 5 p.m. for food and entertainment, bounce houses, train rides, face painting, and other fun activities, and at 7 p.m., Disney Junior’s Imagination Movers takes the stage for a free concert! At dusk, it’s time for the first movie in the park of the year: Disney Pixar’s Inside Out.
Sunday, May 29: Kool and the Gang with special guest Atlanta Rhythm Section – The free concert begins at 7 p.m.
Monday, May 30: Fireworks for Freedom Omaha Symphony Concert – The Omaha Symphony with Ernest Richardson, principal pops conductor, will present a free patriotic concert, Fireworks for Freedom, at 8 p.m. A fireworks show set to music will follow the performance.
Tuesday, May 31: Bike the Bluffs – Loessfest is hosting a 22-mile bicycle ride beginning at the river at Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park. The ride starts at 6 p.m., and will venture through the trails and through downtown Council Bluffs and back, with several optional stops along the way.
Wednesday, June 1: Movie in the Park: Raiders of the Lost Ark – This four-time Oscar Winning film will hit the big, big screen at Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park at 9 p.m.
Thursday, June 2: #ThrowbackThursday featuring The Return of Sprite Night – First, Sweet 98 DJs Hot Scott and Rockett will take us back to the 90s, then we’ll hop back two decades to the 70s with a free concert by The 70’s Show featuring all your favorite 70s music. The show begins at 7 p.m.
Friday, June 3 through Sunday, June 5: Taste of Omaha on the Riverfront – Taste of Omaha has established itself as the annual event bringing together a dazzling selection of great foods and culinary delights for people from throughout the region to taste, relax and enjoy as a family activity on the Riverfront.
Sunday, June 5: GOLFFEST – This unique event will offer prizes galore as golfers will play 27 holes on both Dodge Riverside Golf Course and Westwood Golf Course — registration fee required, call 712-328- 4660 — includes lunch and dinner. Spectators are welcome to watch the fun.
Every Night: Rays Interactive Light Environment – Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park features a “one-of- a-kind” interactive light display – Rays by artist Dan Corson – part of the Iowa West Public Art collection. Rays is a permanent exhibit at the Park with nightly displays – thanks to the Iowa West Foundation.

Parking is available on both sides of the river for all Loessfest events, including the parking lot just north of Harrah’s Casino and in Harrah’s parking garage. Please note, due to construction, there is no longer parking available or access to the park from the old Playland Park area off Avenue B, just east of the Great Lawn. To avoid traffic delays and to reserve your spot on the Great Lawn in the park, please consider carpooling and arrive early for Loessfest events.

Discover more Free Summer Activities in Omaha and find upcoming events in the Omaha Kids Calendar!

Keep updated on the latest Omaha fun and Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!

Giveaway: Win An Imagination Movers Prize Pack including Music from the Movers!

One Family Fun in Omaha reader will win an Imagination Movers Prize Pack including an autographed poster, mouse ears, stickers and a CD!

This giveaway has ended. Many thanks to all who entered! Congratulations to Lauren N. and Lisa L.!

Disclosure: Many thanks to Loessfest and The Imagination Movers for sponsoring this post and for providing the prize for the giveaway. See disclosure and privacy policy here. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

The Renaissance Festival of Nebraska at the Bellevue Berry Farm (May 7-8 and May 14-15) + Giveaway! (ENDED)

April 13, 2016

Disclosure: Many thanks to Bellevue Berry Farm for sponsoring this post and for providing the tickets for the giveaway.

Experience two different and unique weekends of jousting and medieval fun at The Renaissance Festival of Nebraska at the Bellevue Berry Farm, May 7 – 8 and May 14 – 15!

First Weekend: May 7-8

The first weekend kicks off with Highland Games of strength and skill and a battle of Vengeance and Honour, a hard-hitting and extreme joust between two rival knights. Weekend one also spotlights KC Renaissance Festival favorite Tricks of the Light, a fire, hoop, and dance troupe that seduces the senses with their rhythmic drumbeat and mesmerizing flame work.

Second Weekend: May 14-15

The second weekend brings a new roster of artisans, performers, and jousters! On May 14th and 15th all attendees will witness a jousting spectacle of pomp and ceremony during The Queen’s Champions, a royal celebration on the joust field full of grandeur and majesty. Attendees will marvel at the lance striking and sword smashing of this awesome horseback competition. The second weekend also boasts Bellajhara, a belly-dancing troupe new to the Renaissance festival, as well as the comedy antics and swordplay of Pass 4 Pirates.

Regional and National Performers

Both weekends offer regional and national performers ranging from fire dancers and jugglers to madrigal singers and comical jesters. There’s always a large food selection, adult beverages, original and unique merchandise, historical fun, hands-on activities, and free make-and-take crafts for the kids, provided by Nobbies.

“What has been fantastic to see developing as our festival has grown, is the variety of story lines that the festival characters are playing throughout the two weekends,” said co-producer Holly Gage-Hennecke. “We have the French Duke of Anjou and Lord Robert Dudley scheming against each other as both try to gain the hand of Queen Elizabeth I. In the Enchanted Forest the Unseelie Fairies are (reluctantly!) passing the reins of power to the Seelie Fae now that we are moving into springtime.”

“The entire village is alive with colorful characters, including pirates, mermaids, Musketeers, and familiar storybook personas, to name a few, who are acting out their tales of triumph and trial for everyone to see as we go about having a magical time here at Nebraska’s largest Renaissance Festival.”

The Renaissance Festival of Nebraska

Where: Bellevue Berry Farm

Dates: May 7-8 and May 14-15

Times: Festival hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (rain or shine).

Tickets: $12 for adults, $7 for children ages 3-12, and $10 for groups of 10 and more.

For More Information and Tickets: Visit BellevueBerryFarm.com or RenFestNebraska.com, or on Facebook at facebook.com/RenFestNE, or call 402-331-5500.

Giveaway: Win a 4-Pack of Tickets to The Renaissance Festival of Nebraska during the first weekend, May 7-8!

One Family Fun in Omaha reader will win a 4-Pack of Tickets to The Renaissance Festival of Nebraska! Tickets may be used for one visit during the first weekend May 7 or 8 at Bellevue Berry Farm.

This giveaway has ended. Many thanks to all who entered! Congratulations to Kristy W.!

Disclosure: Many thanks to Bellevue Berry Farm for sponsoring this post and for providing the tickets for the giveaway. See disclosure and privacy policy here. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Peter & The Starcatcher Opens at The Rose Theater + Giveaway! (ENDED)

December 3, 2015

Disclosure: Many thanks to The Rose Theater for providing complimentary tickets for my family in exchange for sharing about the show, and for providing the tickets for the giveaway!

Discover the story behind the legend of Peter Pan when Peter & The Starcatcher opens this weekend at The Rose Theater!

Peter & The Starcatcher serves as a prequel to the well-known tale of Peter Pan and explains how many of the elements of that story came to be. Find answers to these questions and more including How did Peter Pan become The Boy Who Never Grew Up? Where did Tinkerbell come from? How did Captain Hook lose his hand? One of my favorite stories growing up, I am excited to see the creativity and imagination in telling the story behind the story!

The play tells the story of an orphan who is wrangled onto a ship loaded with some mysterious crates filled with starstuff. He meets a 13-year-old Starcatcher Apprentice named Molly who has been charged with protecting the starstuff. Adventures abound as they are pursued by a mustachioed pirate captain named Black Stache and his sidekick, Smee. Along the way, Molly learns what it means to grow up and the nameless orphan is christened Peter Pan.

Simulating the creativity of children through play, a dozen actors playing more than 100 characters will perform on a sparse, deconstructed stage (even the exposed brick of the back wall of The Rose stage will be visible) which is transformed into a world of fantasy and whimsy through the clever use of props.

Peter & The Starcatcher at The Rose Theater

Dates: Dec. 4-27, 2015
(*No performance Friday, Dec. 25)

Times: Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

Ages: Best for ages 7+ | 2 hours with an intermission

Tickets: $25 main floor | $20 balcony. Members of The Rose receive discounted tickets to the production.

Call (402) 345-4849 or purchase online at www.rosetheater.org. Discount ticket vouchers are available at all area Hy-Vee stores and via a special purchase from Kid Cuisine. Reservations are required.

Find 30+ more family-friendly events this weekend and more in our Omaha Holiday Family Fun Guide!

Giveaway: Win 4 Tickets to Peter & The Starcatcher at The Rose Theater (2 Winners)! (ENDED)

Two Family Fun in Omaha readers will win 4 Tickets to Peter & The Starcatcher at The Rose Theater! (Reservations are required.)

This giveaway has ended. Many thanks to all who entered! Congratulations to Rebecca L. and Jennifer W.!

GIVEAWAY ENDS: Sunday, December 6, 2015, 9:00 p.m., CST.

Disclosure: Many thanks to The Rose Theater for providing complimentary tickets for my family in exchange for sharing about the show, and for providing the tickets for the giveaway! Photos taken by MJB Photography. See disclosure and privacy policy here. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.