Summer Archives

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

10+ Super Fun Water Balloon Games with Kids!

June 26, 2019

Water balloons are so much fun and perfect for Summer! Try out these super fun Water Balloons Games and Activities with Kids!

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

Water Balloons Games with Kids

Obstacle Course – Designate an area for the obstacle course and lay water balloons randomly all over the ground. Kids line up on one side and try to run from one side to the other without stepping on and breaking any balloons. Make area smaller and move balloons closer together, and try again. Keep decreasing the obstacle course area until the entire area is almost completely filled with balloons!

Water Balloon Piñata – Fill water balloons and hang them for some serious fun!

Catch – Partners stand close facing each other and take turns throwing water balloon back and forth, taking a step farther away each time. Alternative: Lather up your hands with dish soap for some slippery fun!

Learn and Play with Water Balloons – educational games with water balloons including color sorting, number racing, and math target

Races / Contests–
- relay race with balloon on masking tape roll, toilet paper tube, cup, or on spoon
- try to carry the most balloons
- carry the balloons and run the fastest
- throw the balloon the farthest
- throw the balloon through a hula hoop
- Be creative!

Water Balloon Target Practice

Rolling water balloons down the slide and another person at the bottom tries to catch it – my son loved this!

Angry Birds Water Balloon Game – inspired from the popular video game

Hot Potato

Sponge Balls – a great alternative to water balloons

Easter Egg hunt using water balloons

Water Balloon Games – Many more ideas for playing with water balloons, including many ideas with teams

Water Balloon Towel Toss – This looks like so much fun!

Visit Water Balloon Games for Kids at Fantastic Fun and Learning for many more ideas!

Looking for more ideas to stay cool, save money, and have fun? Be sure to also see 10 Free Activities to Beat the Heat!

Offutt AFB Air & Space Show 2018: Helpful Tips for Visiting!

August 6, 2018

A fighter jet sitting on top of a runway at the Offutt AFB Air & Space Show.

One of my favorite events of the summer is the Offutt AFB Air & Space Show! This FREE event will be held August 11 & 12, 2018. Gates open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

I love hearing the sound of the aircraft overhead, walking through various amazing aircraft on the ground, and watching my children’s amazement and joy while sitting in a huge helicopter!

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

PLEASE NOTE: Details are subject to change. Please check with the the Offutt AFB Air & Space Show website and Facebook page for latest updates. security guidelines, and parking information.

Offutt Air Show Schedule

This FREE event will be held August 11 & 12, 2018. Gates open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Each day includes Static Display Viewing, USAF Raptor Band performances, and a Military Working Dog Demo.

Click here for Schedule and Order of Flying Acts (Flying Acts beginning around Noon until 4 p.m. (approximately)).

Follow the Offutt AFB Open House and Air Show Facebook page for updates.

Highlights at the Offutt Air Show

Visitors can walk through awesome Static Displays like the EA-18 Growler and some of the Fightin’ Fifty-Fifth’s fleet and many more, and visit with Airforce personnel.

Enjoy amazing Aerial Demonstrations each day from 12 – 4 p.m. (approx) including Rifle Airshows, Gregory W Colyer/Ace Maker Airshows, and the U.S. Air Force F-35 Heritage Flight Team. The headliners this year are the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II demo teams!

UPDATE: Additionally, the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber will appear as a flying display both days!

Additionally, visit with several Exhibitors (click on Exhibitors tab).

Offutt Air Show Parking

Visitors are strongly encouraged to use the FREE & convenient shuttle services that are available in various locations in Bellevue (click on ‘Off Base Parking and Shuttle info’) including:

Southroads Mall
Bellevue East High School
Bellevue West High School
Bellevue University
& more

** Be aware of security restrictions/prohibited items prior to boarding bus. Nothing can remain on buses and patrons are subject to search upon entering installation.**

Please be patient, as there can be long lines during peak hours or at the conclusion of the day’s events.

There also is limited parking available at the base (Click on ‘On Base Parking’). Be prepared to walk a bit to the gate, or ride a shuttle which is also available from the parking areas to the gates starting at 10 a.m. Limited Handicapped parking will be available close to Air Show ramp entrance (follow signs).

Find Directions here.

Security

The security requirements in place at the Air Show are for our safety. All individuals and vehicles entering the base are subject to search. Please be patient as it might take a little longer during peak hours. You may leave and re-enter as needed, but you will have to go through the security checkpoint again.

No Coolers, Backpacks (including camelbak water sources), tote bags, large camera bags, large purses, weapons, Unmanned Aerial Systems, or Scissors.

Pets are NOT allowed on the Air Show grounds and cannot be left in vehicles in any of the Air Show parking lots. The heat generated from the cement tarmac is unsuitable for pets. Please plan accordingly.

This is subject to change. Please refer to this page for up-to-date Security information (click on Security Rules).

What To Bring

Visitors can bring transparent water bottles and Chairs (may carry them in the case they come in but will be asked to take it out for inspection upon entry).

Good walking shoes are recommended. For little ones, many people have also brought headphones since it can be loud.

Small purses and Diaper/Breast Feeding Bags are allowed, but are subject to approval and search by gate security. [Backpacks or other large bags and coolers of any size are NOT allowed.]

With typical August weather, it can feel very hot on the tarmac. Remember sunscreen, hat or sunglasses for you and your kids, and personal umbrellas.

Food and souvenirs are available for purchase at many Vendors (click on Food).

More FAQ

See answers to more Frequently Asked Questions here.

Looking forward to another Amazing Air Show!

Omaha Helpful Resources

Omaha Photo Scavenger Hunt for Kids

May 30, 2014

Let’s have a little fun! How well do you and your family know Omaha and the surrounding area?

Look through each picture and try to guess where each one is located. Invite your friends and family to participate to see who can figure out the most pictures! The answers are listed at the end of the post. Some are easier than others, but all show the fun and diversity our wonderful city offers!

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$A close up large pinwheel sculptures at the Omaha Children\'s Museum for the Omaha Photo Scavenger Hunt for kids.$

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$A sculpture of a man holding an umbrella at Children\'s Hospital for the Omaha Photo Scavenger Hunt for kids.$

Ready for the answers? How did you do?

Answers:
1) Joslyn Art Museum’s Sculpture Garden 2) Fontenelle Forest 3) Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge 4) Outside T.D. Ameritrade Park on 10th& Cuming 5) Infield at the Zoo 6) Papillion Days Parade 7) Pioneer Courage Park 8) Stinson Park in Aksarben Village 9) Lake Zorinsky 10) Lauritzen Gardens 11) Lawrence Youngman Lake 12) Strategic Air & Space Museum 13) Two Rivers State Park 14) Wildlife Safari Park 15) Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium 16) CenturyLink 17) The Durham Museum 18) Omaha Children’s Museum 19) The Rose Theater 20) Children’s Hospital

Helpful resources for families in Omaha:

I am excited to participate in a Summer Blog Hop with other local bloggers! Check them out for more Summer Fun:

Bolton Carley’s Blue Jeans and Bologna’s Tips to Rock an Old-Skool Cool Summer 2014

Coolest Mommy’s Summer Fun For All Ages

Haute Bauble’s A 30-Something’s Guide to Omaha Boutique Shopping

LPO Beauty’s Beauty Products for Summer Travel

Midwest Mammas’ 15 Things to Do in Omaha Metro This Summer

Oh My Omaha’s Water Fun In Omaha For Every Budget

The Walking Tourists – Summer Reading – The Humming Bird Way Book Review/Giveaway

Positively Angel’s Western Iowa & Nebraska Summer Fun

Travel Tips: Saving Money and Traveling with Kids

July 25, 2012

Even though the summer is winding down, many people are taking one last vacation before the school year starts. Here are some helpful tips for saving money and traveling with kids to make the trip easier and more enjoyable.

How to Save on Travel

Sign up to receive emails on daily deal sites with discounts in the city you will be visiting such as Groupon, Living Social, or local programs specific to that city like Daily Deal Omaha. I know many people are hesitant about using these deal sites for travel – the key is to do your research on the hotel, tour, or attraction on sites like TripAdvisor.comto make sure that it comes highly recommended, and ask questions to clarify what is or is not included in the deal.
- Hint: If you do not plan to participate in all activities that are part of the deal, ask if you can exchange one activity for another. Most hotels and travel companies would be very happy to work with you. We have used both Groupon and Living Social for travel deals and have been extremely happy, saved a lot of money, and found the hotels and travel companies very easy to work with.

Volunteer to give up your seat on oversold flights in exchange for a voucher for future travel. Before giving up your seat, confirm that you have a seat on a later flight, ask for a meal voucher if your wait is long, and make sure you understand the conditions and amount of the voucher you will be receiving. Recently, when we were travelling for my husband’s work (one and only work trip), we volunteered to get ‘bumped’ on our flight because it was too full. We only had to wait two hours, and the airline gave us a voucher for a meal, and a voucher for future travel of $400 each!

Browse through many restaurants in the location you will be visiting at Restaurant.com and purchase $25 gift certificates for only $10. Or, even better, wait for special promotions where you can purchase $25 gift certificates for as low as $2!

Check out the Reciprocal Membership Programs for Zoos and Museums. If you are a member of your local zoo or museum, you often can participate in reciprocal programs with other similar locations around the country for free or discounted admission!

Many museums and attractions offer special discounted times or free nights. Visit their websites or facebook pages to find out when these special discounted times are.

If your hotel does not offer free breakfast, bring along breakfast such as cereal in ziploc bags and bowls and spoons. Buy milk when you get there. Growing up, we did this on every family vacation, which was very helpful with a family of 6!

Browse through local blogs in the city you are visiting which list Free Activities, special promotions, helpful tips, or an event calendar to help plan your trip. Each week, The Happy Housewife posts links to several blogs/websites that list fun and inexpensive (or free) things to do in their local area.
- If you are planning a trip to Omaha, at Family Fun in Omaha you can find Upcoming Free Family Events, Free Family Activities in Omaha, Omaha Attractions, Event Calendar, Helpful Tips and Reviews, plus more!

Helpful Tips for Traveling with Kids

Pack a lunch and stop at a park with a playground to let the kids run around. On a recent road trip, we stopped several times at playgrounds, and this made all the difference!

Prepare a small bag for each child of toys, books, games, sticker books, etc., suggests Danielle from Find Time for Fun. She prints off coloring sheets and workbooks, and has her kids use the tops of two small rubber maid containers as desks. (She also suggests sticking with colored pencils and bringing along a sharpener.) And, remember to set some papers and coloring books aside for the drive home.

My favorite tip from Danielle is to burn a family music CD. She suggests using a combination of songs that each person likes. The mixture is nice because then you are not listening to Barney (or whatever cartoon) for 30 minutes straight!

Take a cooler…or two recommends Omaha Area Kiddie Fun. “We went to Chicago, road-trip style, every year when I was growing up – we always had a cooler filled with items to make sandwiches and plenty of drinks! Food and drink right there at our hands – no extra stops, no extra spending.”

Money Saving Mom has a great suggestion for how to pack an Emergency Box. We usually do not go to this extent, but a package of wipes is always very handy to clean up all sorts of messes!

Check out these great Free Printable Travel Games and More Travel Games for Kids!

See more wonderful Travel Tips on Pinterest including this extensive and helpful post – 25 Tips for Travel with Kids!

Are you traveling by airplane? Be sure to visit Travel Tips: Traveling with Kids on an Airplane for helpful hints!

How have you saved money on a trip? What helpful tips can you share for traveling with kids?

Save on Travel: Reciprocal Membership Programs

July 24, 2012

$A close up of an Omaha Children\'s Museum sign with overlay text that reads, Save on Travel, Reciprocal Membership Programs for Zoos and Museums.$

Did you know that when you purchase a membership to a local zoo or museum, it often includes participation in a reciprocal program with free or reduced admission to similar locations around the country? On a recent trip this summer, we were able to visit a couple zoos and children’s museums for signicantly reduced admission! As always, it is best to call ahead to verify participation and admission discounts.

Association of Zoos and Aquariums Reciprocal Admissions Program

Members of local AZA-accredited zoos or aquariums will receive free or discounted admission to AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums nationwide. It is a good idea to become familiar with the Reciprocal Admission Rules before your visit. See the complete list of 2012 partipating zoos and aquariums here.

*Please note: “The number of visitors admitted with a family membership may vary and parking may not be included. In addition, participating institutions located in close geographic proximity to each other are not required to offer free or discounted admission to each other’s members in order to participate in AZA’s Reciprocal Admissions Program.” As always, it is best to call ahead to verify.

Omaha: Members of the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium receive reciprocal privileges (50% off admission) to OVER 100 zoos across the country!

ASTC Travel Passport Program

More than 250 Science and Technology Museums across the country offer reciprocal discounts through the Association of Science and Technology Center. The Travel Passport Program entitles visitors to free GENERAL ADMISSION (does not include special exhibits). See current participating science centers and museums here.

Restrictions: “Science centers and museums located within 90 miles of each other are excluded from the program unless that exclusion is lifted by mutual agreement, although, science centers/museums may create their own local reciprocal free-admission program. Also, to receive Travel Passport Program benefits, you must live more than 90 miles away ‘as the crow flies’ from the center/museum you wish to visit.” As always, it is best to call ahead to verify.

Omaha: Omaha Children’s Museum Members who have a Family, Grandparent, Patron and Educator membership receive reciprocal discounts through this program.

Association of Children’s Museums

The ACM Reciprocal Program is a voluntary network of ACM member museums open across the U.S. and Canada that reciprocate free or discounted admission to one another’s members that hold premium family memberships. Find a participating ACM Children’s Museum here using online search pages. Those museums that have a red R button indicates that they participate in the ACM Reciprocal Program network. The Association of Children’s Museums is changing this program in April 2013, rather than free admission, admission will be discounted. As always, it is best to call ahead to verify.

Omaha: Omaha Children’s Museum Members who have a Patron membership also receive reciprocal discounts through this program.

See also:

What are other reciprocal membership programs do you participate in?