The weekend is almost here, and there are many free (or almost free) fun family activities both locally and nationally to enjoy! 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 Local Events
- There will be wild entertainment and special animal presentations for all ages. See how many red, white or blue animals you can find. Event activities are free to Omaha’s Zoo members or with regular paid Zoo admission.
Nebraska Shakespeare on the Green – 6/21-7/8
- Outdoor, professional productions of Shakespeare’s plays at Elmwood Park, beginning at 8pm. Free Admission.
- Julius Caesar – June 21-24, July 6, 8
- The Comedy of Errors – June 28-30, July 1, 5, 7
- Held the first Friday of each month, 6-9pm, First Friday is a free event celebrating local creativity in Omaha’s most historic neighborhood. They also offer free parking and free rides on Ollie the Trolley, 6-9pm. Nebraska at the Market, 1215 Leavenworth, is generously offering their 60 parking spaces for free. Park there and start your walking tour or hop aboard the trolley to circulate the neighborhood.
- The rainbow will be displayed twice daily this summer, depending on weather conditions (Please be advised that events may be cancelled due to unforeseen cloud coverage.) Check here for daily schedule.
Splash Bash in LaVista – 7/8
- Free admission to the LaVista Municipal Swimming Pool, live DJ, free hot dogs, fun games and prizes! Sunday, July 8th, 1-4 pm.
- The Omaha Children’s Museum and Westroads Mall invite you to play. learn. together. at the Westroads Mall Kid’s Club, held on the first Wednesday of every month from 10:30am – 11:30am on the Upper Level near the Children’s Play Area (except for this month when it will be held July 11th). July 11th will feature Whiz Bang Super Science Show.
- FREE, Fun Events All Summer Long! Bring your family and enjoy Summer Nights on Wednesday evenings at the Kroc Center, 6:30-8pm. Meet new people and have fun with your children while enjoying a new free activity each week. Kroc Center members and non-members are all invited to join the fun!
- 7/11 Community Picnic & Welcome for our new Lieutenants – bring a dish to share
- Shadow Lake Towne Center offers Kids Club, a FREE hour of fun for children. A different activity is featured in a different store / restaurant each month.
- 7/12 – Make your own sundaes at Freddy’s Frozen Custard. Please note: Reservations are required for this event, as space is limited. Call the Management Office at 402.537.0046 for reservations.
- The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission sponsors Family Fishing Events across the state where people of all ages can learn to fish! Look for the Family Fishing Trailer where loaner rods and reels, bait, and fishing instruction are available free to participants.
- July 12th – August 16th. Thursdays, Venue opens at 5 PM, Concert starts at 7 pm.
- An annual celebration of all things train and track. Although not free, it is a wonderful deal with purchase of an All Aboard Pass for $15/family (max. 2 adults + $5 each addl. adult) which includes admission and transportation to all locations – Joslyn Art Museum, Durham Museum, Lauritzen Gardens, Union Pacific Railroad Museum, RailsWest Railroad Museum, and the Historic General Dodge House.
Free Family Fishing – Hanscom Park, 7/14, 9am-12pm
- GO FISHING OMAHA provides free family fishing and fun! Be sure to pack plenty of water, sun screen, and lunch. Poles, worms, and other equipment provided!
- Bring your kids and golf for free! There will also be free hot dogs, chips, pop, bounce house, and climbing wall.
Highlights of Upcoming National Events
- Home Depot offers FREE kid’s workshops on the first Saturday of each month, from 9am-12pm. They are designed for children ages 5-12. Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety. All participants will receive a Kids Workshop Apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement.
Bass Pro Shop Family Summer Camp – 6/9-7/15
- Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from June 9 – July 15th, 1-5pm. Free Activities including Casting Targets, Shooting Range, and Shooting Arcade. Free Photo (Saturdays and Sundays only). Free S’mores Cookout (Saturdays only 6-7pm, while supplies last). Schedule and activities may vary by location.
- Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, from now through July 28th. Each day, they will be focusing on a different country and doing a special craft. Most of the projects are free, except for a few that require a purchase. Each program is from 1-4pm, or while supplies last, and is geared for ages 3 and up. It is always a good idea to verify with your favorite location before visiting.
- Lowe’s offers free Build and Grow clinics every other Saturday at 10am and Sunday at 2pm. 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.
- Jul 14, 2012, Saturday – Kung Fu Panda Spinning Attack 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Jul 15, 2012, Sunday – Kung Fu Panda Spinning Attack 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM
Which event are you most looking forward to this weekend?