Omaha Archives

Markman Pumpkin Patch

September 2, 2020

Markman Pumpkin Patch, located at 120th & Military, is a small, family-friendly, and popular local farm where you can purchase pumpkins and gourds.

It is one of the Pumpkin Patches included in our Omaha Area Pumpkin Patch Guide!

We love coming here every season and finding the perfect pumpkin, and kids love playing on the playground.

What started out with just a few pumpkins has grown to become a part of many local families Fall traditions!

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Huge selection of small pumpkins, with more brought in all season!

We love the wide variety and selection full of various colors, sizes, and shapes.

Early in the season, families can go out in the field to find their perfect pumpkin.

Later in the season, tractor loads of more pumpkins and gourds are brought in.

Additionally, families can add to their Fall decor with corn stalks and hay bales.

We love this large pumpkin – perfect for a Fall photo!

Reader Tips

If you have a wheelbarrow or wagon, bring it along. This way you don’t have to wait for an empty one.
Bring gloves and some kind of cutting tool if you want to go in the fields to cut your own pumpkins and gourds.
Bring cash (credit cards not accepted).
– Thanks Diana for these tips!

Markman Pumpkin Patch

Location: 120th & Military

Dates: Opens around mid-September each year, usually 9 a.m. – dusk.

Cost: No admission fee. You pay for the pumpkins and gourds you purchase. (Credit cards not accepted.)

Find more Fall Fun:

The Sunflower Farm Near Omaha Families will Love

August 17, 2020

Imagine a beautiful field full of bright Sunflowers with a path where families can walk and take pictures!

Make a visit to Pam Nelson Produce, a Sunflower Farm near Omaha that families will love!

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

Watch more about the experience at the Sunflower Farm at Pam Nelson Produce!

We loved walking through the beautiful Sunflowers!

Walk through the Sunflower Maze and get up close for some pictures!

Visitors can purchase some sunflowers and bring them home with you!

More Fun on the Farm

Guests can also visit the farm animals!

Duck races, climb on hay bales, dig in the giant sand pile, plus ride on a hayrack ride, and little tractor ride for the kids!

Plus, guests can still pick strawberries, or visit their market for a variety of fresh produce!

Find More Fun:

Ditmars Orchard – Perfect Stop Near Omaha

July 31, 2020

Apple Cider Donuts… Lemonade Slushies… Fresh Produce… Special Events… Family Fun… can all be found in the beautiful surroundings at Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard.

Located just North of Council Bluffs, Ditmars Orchard offers a perfect day trip from Omaha!

See more about all the fun you can have at Ditmars here!

SUNFLOWERS

Stroll through the Sunflower fields for a picturesque view!

With butterflies fluttering all around you, visitors can walk among the Sunflowers and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery!

U-PICK FRESH PRODUCE (& in-store, too!)

Depending on the season, guests can pick apples, peaches, strawberries, pumpkins and more!

SPECIAL TREATS

Their Apple Cider Donuts are delicous!

Visit the indoor cafe to pick up produce, lunch, or a lemonade slush!

As a vineyard, Ditmars also offers a variety of wines. Guests can take a “FLIGHT” and taste a sample of their wines, a glass to enjoy in the scenery of the orchard, or a bottle to take home.

KIDS PLAY AREAS

Kids will love the playsets, swings, climbing on the tires, and special area just for them!

BEAUTIFUL SCENERY

These new seating areas are perfect for enjoying a treat from the cafe or a glass of wine, while enjoying the beautiful surroundings!

SPECIAL EVENTS

Ditmars offers special events throughout the year, including Movie Nights, Various Bands, and our favorite event – the Hot Air Balloon Festival in the Fall!

Depending on the season or special event, admission is charged.

Find out more about Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard here to plan your visit!

Find More Fun:

NEW Outdoor Discovery Adventure at 4 Area State Parks and Recreation Areas

July 21, 2020

Nebraska Game and Parks has launched a NEW discovery adventure at Venture Parks!

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has launched an outdoor discovery adventure at its Venture Parks system, a network of four parks nestled in the Platte River Valley between Omaha and Lincoln.

This adventure was designed to take participants to all four parks — Eugene T. Mahoney and Platte River state parks and Louisville and Schramm Park state recreation areas — to discover six of their unique gems and find the answers to clues revealed in the app.

Participants will need to download the Geocaching Adventure Lab mobile app to access coordinates to the six parks’ gems. Users should search for Nebraska Game and Parks: Venture Parks Adventure or use the QR code found here: labs.geocaching.com/goto/NGPCVentureAdventure.

The adventure can be completed in a day, with some extra time to play, such as fish, hike or explore outside. A low to moderate amount of walking is required to complete the course. A park entry pass is required for vehicles entering the parks and can be purchased online at OutdoorNebraska.org.

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES:

Baker’s Candies – A Delicious Stop Near Omaha

June 25, 2020

$A stained glass sign that reads Baker\'s Candies on the storefront glass window.$

Halfway between Omaha and Lincoln in Greenwood, NE, you will find Baker’s Candies- Nebraska’s Largest Candy Outlet. Founded in 1987, Baker’s is Nebraska’s largest chocolate manufacturer.

It is a fun day trip from Omaha or a stop on your way to Lincoln!

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$A store filled with baskets of candy on display at Baker\'s Candies.$

If you have been to Baker’s in the past, you’ll be in for a treat because they just recently expanded into a brand new building that is bigger and better! My family and I recently went to check it out.

$A store filled with candy displays at Baker\'s Candies.$

When you first walk in, you are hit with the fantastic smell of chocolate, friendly workers, and an inviting storefront.

$A large candy display on against a wall with a sign that reads Baker\'s Candies.$
Baker’s is most well known for their Chocolate Meltaways!

Their meltaways are world-famous, and for many, synonymous with the state of Nebraska. “Meltaways” is the most accurate description because their chocolates are so decadent and smooth, they truly melt in your mouth.

Their chocolates are individually wrapped, and the shiny colored foil wrapping signifies what flavor the chocolate is. They are so delicious, it feels simply impossible to just have one.

$A Jelly Belly candy display at Baker\'s Candies.$

$A wooden display rack of candy at Baker\'s Candies.$

The variety of goodies feels endless. There were candies at Baker’s that I hadn’t seen since my own childhood.

$A refrigerator in a store filled with beverages at Baker\'s Candies.$

While my kids were all about the candy, it was the wide variety of flavored sodas that sucked my husband and I in. There were obscure flavors like Grass, Butter and Dirt. Then other flavors that seemed too good to be true like Cookie Dough and Birthday Cake.

$A large case filled with chocolates at Baker\'s Candies.$

We were all tempted by the goodies in their chocolate case. Options like meltaway bars, truffles, and clusters collectively had our mouths watering.

$A sign that reads \"Less is More Unless it\'s chocolate\" at Baker\'s Candies.$

Their prices are very affordable, making it even more tempting to over-indulge.

It’s a true Nebraska gem, not to be missed! Suffice it to say we know the full depths of feeling like “kids in a candy store” after visiting Baker’s.

See more Day Trips near Omaha here!

Baker’s Candies Outlet Store

Address: 831 S Baker St; Greenwood, NE 68366

Directions: The exact half way point between Lincoln and Omaha on Hwy 6.

Hours: Visit their FAQ’s page for the Outlet Store hours.

$A collage of images of Baker\'s Candies.$

Brooke Wheeler is married with 3 children. She is a stay-at-home mom who lives in the Omaha area. She shares about family, fun, food, fashion, and more, on her Instagram page.

2020 Omaha Summer Fun List

June 20, 2020

$An image of Family Fun in Omaha\'s Summer Bucket List.$

[Click on the image for a larger copy that links to each guide for further details!]

PLEASE NOTE: In 2020, not all of these events or activities are happening this Summer. As things continue to change during this time, it is always a good idea to verify details before visiting.

Create the BEST Summer with this Omaha Summer Fun List!

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

Omaha Summer Fun Guides

Beautiful Butterfly Bench Project in Papillion – Now with Map!

June 10, 2020

This year, Papillion is celebrating its 150th anniversary with many events.

Throughout the Summer, see the beautiful “Wings Over Papillion” Butterfly Bench Public Art Project with uniquely painted butterfly benches throughout Papillion!

This is one of the Free Activities this Summer and one of the items on the Summer Fun Checklist!

Papillion 150 is the community’s celebration of 150 years, 1870-2020.

Enjoy a wonderful family-friendly activity exploring around Papillion. Several of the benches are located in the downtown area, with several within walking distance around the library.

“Wings Over Papillion” Butterfly Bench Public Art Project features the work of a variety of artists. who were invited to submit their creative ideas. Some highlight Papillion’s history and culture, while others showcase colorful and inspiring designs.

Additionally, large butterfly murals which are part of The Butterfly Effect, will be created throughout Papillion.

Visitors are invited to take a fun picture in front of one of the Social Butterfly Installations. Text the picture to 402-215-2464 and they will make a donation on your behalf to the Papillion Community Foundation and other selected community organizations.

Post your picture with the following hashtags: #papillion150 #butterflyeffect #socialbutterfly

More Butterfly Benches can be found at Halleck Park, Papillion Landing, and various other places around Papillion.

A map of all bench locations is now available here!

Find out more about the Papillion 150 celebration or follow Papillion 150 on Facebook.

TIP: Be sure to stop by Graley’s Creamery & Confections, a favorite place for ice cream!

Find More Fun:

Nebraska’s Great Park Pursuit

June 4, 2020

Registration is now open for the Nebraska Great Park Pursuit, a FREE outdoor adventure throughout Nebraska.

Now through October 31, 2022, participants can visit up to 20 local, state or federal parks and follow the clues to find the posts.

Visitors can participate in one of 2 ways:

Download the mobile app, which includes a map of locations. At each park, follow clues to find the post and take a picture of the silver/metal post icon via the app.
Another option is to print off impression sheets from the website for the location you wish to visit. Follow the clues to find the post, make a nature impression on the paper, and send it in.
Find out more about how to get started here!

Entry into prize drawings is based on the number of impressions/entries collected. The more you collect, the more chances you have to win!

There are a few near Omaha and Lincoln! See all the locations here.

Pair this up with the FUN Nebraska Passport program for a adventurous day!

Find More Fun

Parking Lot Cinema Drive-In Movie Coming to Marcus Theatres Twin Creek this Summer!

May 19, 2020

$A sign that reads, \"Parking Lot Cinema\"$

Marcus Theatres® welcomes Parking Lot Cinema to its Twin Creek Theatre for the Summer Season!

This special version of a Drive-in Movie starts Friday, May 22, 2020!

PLEASE NOTE: As things continue to rapidly change during this unusual time, it is always a good idea to verify details before visiting.

ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE:

Consumers in the Omaha area looking for a way to enjoy some outside entertainment are in luck!

Marcus Twin Creek Cinema will begin showing a double feature from its parking lot this Friday through Monday for Memorial Day weekend, then weekly during the summer movie-going season.

The experience is comparable to the nostalgic drive-in, but on a smaller scale. A set of guidelines has been established for everyone’s safety – starting with ticket purchase, which is completely online.

A 42-foot screen is attached to the outside of the Twin Creek Cinema building.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

To create less touchpoints between associates and guests, tickets must be purchased online – either through the Marcus Theatres app or website (www.MarcusTheatres.com) – and cash purchases will NOT be an option while on site.

The first film starts around 9 p.m. (sundown), followed by a 15-minute intermission and then the second movie. Entry to the lot is permitted at 7:30 p.m.

Upon arrival, theatre associates will check in guests by viewing tickets, provide instructions for online concession orders and will direct vehicles to designated parking spots. People and vehicles will be asked to maintain proper social distancing. As with a traditional drive-in, vehicles are guests’ seats for the show.

MOVIE SCHEDULE:

Movies will change weekly. Visit here for movies and schedules!

CONCESSIONS/FOOD ORDERING:

Concessions, soda and food can be purchased three ways – online (in advance), on the app or via phone by calling the theatre.

A handout with complete instructions will be provided upon entry to the lot
Orders will be picked up by guests from a designated area
Food service will end 30 minutes after the start of the second feature

OTHER HELPFUL INFO:

Time –The first film starts at sundown (approximately 9 p.m.), followed by a 15-minute intermission and then the second movie.

Cost – $20 per carload

Safety Precautions – Low-contact procedures, social distancing, frequent cleaning, sanitizing stations and welcoming face masks are all part of the approach

Rules – Guidelines for enjoying the drive in have been established for everyone’s safety. Check them out here.

Purchase Tickets and Find More Information: Find out more about this exciting new venture and purchase tickets here!

More Family Fun

Exciting Challenges Await at TreeRush Adventures at Fontenelle Forest!

May 16, 2020

Looking for an exciting and challenging adventure with your family?

Experience zip lines, rope obstacles, moving walkways, and other exciting challenges through the beautiful treetops at TreeRush Adventures at Fontenelle Forest!

Please Note: The health and safety of the community is their top priority. Updates includes Advanced Reservations highly recommended, guests requested to wear masks, and community gloves are no longer provided. You are welcome to bring protective gloves from home that fully cover your hands or they offer them for sale. Find out about these guidelines and more here including new procedures in response to the current situation.

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

See what all the excitement is about!

Exciting Challenges at TreeRush Adventures

All of the courses begin on one main platform where a staff member will double check your equipment before you begin your adventure.

Choose from a variety of difficulty levels with 2 Yellow Courses, 2 Green Courses, 2 Blue Courses, and 2 Black Courses!

Each course involves a variety of challenges plus a Zipline or 2 that allows you to fly through the trees!

We started with the 2 Yellow Courses, which we loved! They were a perfect start to learn how to use the equipment and practice with the trolley for the Ziplines!

Then we tried the harder of the Green courses. It was definitely more difficult, with 2 challenges that really tested your strength and balance.

We then did the second Green Course, with fun obstacles, swinging challenges, and exciting ziplines!

TreeRush Adventures is now offering a Night Climbing Experience! For tickets and information about night climbing go to TreeRush.com. (image courtesy of TreeRush Adventures)

Safety and Preparation

Upon arriving at TreeRush Adventures, guest begin on the platform where all of the gear is put on.

Then the staff led step-by-step directions on how to use the equipment, with safety as their #1 priority. Each participant was able to practice using their equipment on 2 ‘courses’ that were very near to the ground, with a staff member watching and able to answer any questions.

We felt completely safe throughout the entire experience. Several children needed to be assisted when they slipped from obstacles and were not able to get back on them (including my own), and it was very impressive how the staff was very encouraging and patient as they helped them get back onto the obstacle.