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8 Romantic Getaways Near Omaha

January 12, 2021

Looking for a Romantic Getaway near Omaha?

Choose from a variety of locations that are not too far from Omaha. Explore a new destination, go on an adventure, and create new memories!

Pictured: Yankton, South Dakota

>> Looking for more ideas? Find more Fun Places to Rent Cabins near Omaha here!

Please Note: As things continue to change during this time, it is always a good idea to verify details, hours of operation, and any requirements or procedures for guests before visiting. Thank You!

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, the website will earn a commission in you click through and make a purchase. As an Airbnb Associate, we earn a commission if you book using the links below.

 

Romantic Getaways Near Omaha

The Cabin at Honey Creek (Airbnb)

Peru, Nebraska (1:20 minutes from Omaha)

2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath

Cute and cozy summer getaway about 30 minutes from Indian Cave State Park. 

Find Out More
 

Gordon Room – Oft’s Bed & Breakfast

Bennington, Nebraska

Stay in a spacious room in a historic house that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Find Out More

 

Graham’s Treehouse Tree Cabin (Airbnb)

Easton, Kansas (just North of Kansas City)

2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath

Majestic rustic treehouse located on 32 wilderness acreage. Enjoy forest walking trails and a koi / goldfish pond.

A second Serenity Creek Treehouse is also available nearby. 

Find Out More about Graham’s Treehouse Cabin

Find Out More about Serenity Creek Treehouse

 

Kottage Knechtion Treehouse B&B for 2

South Sioux City, NE (about 1.5 hours from Omaha)

2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · Half-bath

18 feet in the air nestled between 2 beautiful cottonwood trees sits this amazing Adult treehouse, built with reclaimed repurposed materials. The view captures our spectacular Nebraska sunrises as well as the sunsets while overlooking 5 acres of detailed landscaping. They have a beautiful lower deck for enjoying the perfect Nebraska evenings or mornings as well as an upper small deck amongst the squirrels and amazing breeze.

Find Out More

 

Kimberly Creek Retreat

30010 Kimberly Drive, Ashland, NE

Kimberly Creek Retreat offers a range of glamping cabins, pods and geo-domes in 22 acres of secluded woods. Activities include everything from hiking to hayrack rides.

See Reviews Here

Find Out More

 

Lewis and Clark Resort

Yankton, SD (about 3 hours from Omaha)

The perfect spot for family weekend getaways, weddings, reunions, and more. Big or small groups welcome. Beachfront and 27 miles of bike trails await you. 24 modern rooms, 17 modern cabins, and a 4,000 Square foot lodge.

See Reviews Here

Find Out More

 

Lied Lodge

Nebraska City, Nebraska (about 1 hour from Omaha)

Relax in nature-inspired surroundings with a beautiful lodge and grounds. Activities nearby include Arbor Day Farm, Arbor Lodge Mansion, Apple House Market, and more. 

See Reviews Here

Find Out More

 

Sheah Blue Vineyard – Vineyard Cottage

Near Crab Orchard, Nebraska (about 1.5 hours South of Omaha)

2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom

Guest Cottage on a 34 acre private lake. Roam the vineyard property, flower gardens, and shore line, enjoy a nightly fire pit by the water, and take in the beautiful sunsets.

Find Out More

 

Find More Experiences Near Omaha

  • Fun Places to Rent Cabins Near Omaha
  • Perfect Camping Spots Near Omaha
  • Day Trips Near Omaha
  • Road Trips Near Omaha

Find More Romantic Getaways here!

  • Romantic Getaways in Michigan
  • Romantic Getaways in Ohio

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Travel

Visiting Grand Island with Kids

June 30, 2020

A couple years ago, we were looking to go on a Weekend Road Trip close to Omaha. With Grand Island a little less than 2.5 hours from Omaha via I-80, it was a perfect destination to explore with kids!

Special thanks to Visit Grand Island for partnering with us by providing passes and hotel accommodations for our visit.

 

Stuhr Living History Museum

The Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer invites visitors to immerse themselves in a Living History Experience. The mission of Stuhr Museum is to “preserve and portray the inspiring era of the pioneer townbuilder who settled the first communities in Nebraska.”

 

Take a walk through Railroad Town and explore life as it was in 1897. Visit with costumed historians who are in the homes and businesses in town engaging in the activities of their day, ready to answer questions and help visitors understand life in the 19th century.

 

One of our favorite stops was the Tinsmith Shop. A very skilled tinsmith shared how he made each item in the shop inviting the kids to help him with various steps. As a retired schoolteacher, he was excellent in helping the kids learn while also sharing interesting facts about life in 1897.

 

It was fascinating to watch the authentic old tools being used and how creative and skilled they were in making various cups, lunch buckets, and more. He also helped my kids make a bit of tinsel for the Christmas tree.

 

In the Mercantile Shop, visitors can browse a variety of items and candies. This young man engaged my kids in a fun popular game in one of the houses!

 

Visitors can walk through several homes full of authentic furniture and decorations, including bedrooms, children’s toys, kitchenwares, a dumbwaiter, and more, with historians eager to help answer any questions visitors have.

 

My kids were fascinated with the Fire Station!

 

The Stuhr Museum has over 60 historic and recreated structures, including this Post Office, Blacksmith Shop, Bank, Telephone Exchange, and Silver Dollar Cafe – perfect for lunch or a refreshing drink.

 

After Railroad Town, follow the circular drive to the Rural Schoolhouse and Church, 1893 Farmstead, Taylor Ranch, and Pawnee Earth Lodge. The Visitors Center is in a beautiful building – they were preparing for a wedding while we were there!

 

Be sure to stop by the Antique Farm Machinery and Auto Exhibit! It is FULL of unique cars and farm machinery and equipment. Kids will enjoy following the signs just for them helping explain fun facts.

 

I remember going to the Stuhr Museum when I was younger, walking along the boardwalks and exploring Railroad Town. It was fun to share this experience now with my children!

 

Photo provided by The Stuhr Museum

Special events take place year round including the 4th of July celebration, Christmas Past & Present event, Memorial Day event, Cowboy Night, Prairie Princess Party and others.

 

Island Oasis Waterpark

We love Waterparks and Grand Island’s Island Oasis Water Park is a perfect place to cool off on a warm summer day!

With a variety of waterslides, amazing lazy river (one of the best we have experienced!), and wave pool, it was a day full of fun!

Read more about our visit to Island Oasis Water Park here!

 

More Fun Sites to Explore

Stolley Park is a beautiful park in the middle of the city. Kids will love Kids Kingdom castle-like park, and can take a train ride on Stolley Park Railroad.

 

Mormon Island State Recreation Area offers swimming, camping, fishing, and picnic areas.

 

A fun restaurant that recently opened in Grand Island, Kinkaider Brewing Co. offers delicious food, a fun atmosphere, and extensive beer choices in the Railside Area in downtown Grand Island.

 

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Special thanks to Visit Grand Island for providing lodging during our visit at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites.

With an indoor pool and free delicious breakfast (and yummy cinnamon rolls!), the centrally located Holiday Inn Express & Suites offers a wonderful family-friendly stay.

 

Upon check-in, we were given a free box of Thanks-A-Lot Girl Scout Cookies! What a treat, and an example of how Holiday Inn Express goes above and beyond to make sure their guests feel welcome.

 

The cozy lobby welcomes guests upon their arrival.

 

Comfortable beds and a clean room provided a great rest after a busy day.

 

Both kids and adults loved the pool!

 

Fun Stops Along the Road Trip from Omaha

We love the Nebraska Passport Program! It is like a scavenger hunt across our beautiful state showcasing attractions, shops, plazas, and more.

There are several Passport stops between Omaha and Grand Island (including the Stuhr Museum!), with a few more if you want to venture on to Kearney.

 

The Hastings Museum was a nice surprise offering 3 levels of exhibits with several interactive activities for kids. It is the largest municipal museum between Chicago and Denver, featuring a planetarium and the history of Kool-Aid, the famous soft drink invented in Hastings.

Additionally, with our Omaha Children’s Museum Membership, we were granted FREE Admission to both the Hastings Museum and the Edgerton Explorit Center (below) with their Reciprocal Membership Program (as of June 2017. See list of currrent participating museums here).

 

The Edgerton Explorit Center, located in Aurora, NE, offers a variety of hands-on learning experiences for kids of all ages.

 

Special Events in Grand Island

Grand Island provides an excellent destination to view the Sandhill Crane Migration every Spring.

The Nebraska State Fair is held annually in August at Fonner Park in Grand Island.

 

Be sure to stop by Visit Grand Island to help plan your next trip to this fun city!

 

Disclosure: Special thanks to Visit Grand Island for providing hotel accommodations, and passes to the Stuhr Museum and Island Oasis Waterpark for our visit. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

 

Filed Under: Family Fun Tagged With: Travel

15 Exciting Road Trips from Omaha

June 26, 2020

Looking for a little getaway with your family?

Choose from a variety of Road Trip ideas that are not too far from Omaha. Explore a new destination, go on an adventure, and create new memories with your family!

Pictured: Yankton, South Dakota

>> Looking to stay closer to home? Find many exciting Day Trip Ideas from Omaha here and 11 Fun Places to Rent Cabins near Omaha here!

 

** Please Note: As things continue to change during this time, it is always a good idea to verify details, hours of operation, and any requirements or procedures for guests before visiting. Thank You!

 

2020 SUMMER FAMILY FUN & ROAD TRIP GUIDE

 

Exciting Road Trips from Omaha

Explore Southern Minnesota

Southern Minnesota

Adventure awaits just a quick road trip away in Southern Minnesota! Take in the vast history with 119 historic sites. Explore the 23 state parks and enjoy time on the water with our various lakes, waterfalls, rivers, and waterparks!

More Information

Visit Columbus, NE, and Platte County

Columbus, NE

Looking for family fun? Well, look no further! Visit, play, eat and stay in Columbus and Platte County.

VISIT a handful of our historical monuments, and picnic areas.
PLAY at one of our numerous parks or shop our historic downtown boutiques.
EAT at one of our “Only in Platte County” restaurants/food trucks or sports bars.
STAY at our local campgrounds, wander our recreation trails and enjoy breathtaking views at the lakes.

Centrally located between Lincoln, Grand Island and Omaha, we are excited to welcome you to Platte County and the Columbus Area! Come check out all we have to offer.

More Information

Lewis and Clark Resort

Yankton, SD

The perfect spot for family weekend getaways, weddings, reunions, and more! Big or small groups welcome! Beachfront and 27 miles of bike trails await you! 24 modern rooms, 17 modern cabins, and a 4,000 Square foot lodge.

More Information

Visit Yankton

Yankton, SD

Distance yourself from the crowds and take in our fresh air while you kick back and relax at the lake. A setting like ours is good for the mind, body and soul, and Yankton offers a little something for everyone.

More Information

Visit Cass County

Cass County, NE

Cass County is a popular destination for families seeking serenity, entertainment or adventure. Discover why outdoor lovers, history buffs, wine enthusiasts and specialty shoppers are visiting Cass County like never before.

More Information

 

NEBRASKA

Grand Island, NE

(Approx. 2.5 hours from Omaha)

  • Grand Island is great destination with kids with top attractions including the Stuhr Museum, Stolley Park, Mormon Island State Recreation Area, and the Island Oasis Water Park in Grand Island.

 

Kearney, NE

(Approx. 2:50 from Omaha)

  • The Sandhill Crane Migration is an amazing site every Spring!

 

Nebraska City, NE

(Approx. 1 hour from Omaha)

  • Nebraska City is known for its Fall AppleJack Festival, but offers a fun day trip or road trip throughout the year. Families will love exploring the Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure or a stay at the Lied Lodge. 
  • Venture over to Iowa to Waubonsie State Park for a beautiful view and great hiking. 

 

Royal, NE

(Approx. 3 hours from Omaha)

  • Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park is a fascinating Natural Landmark located right here in Nebraska!
  • See complete skeletons of barrel-bodied rhinos, three-toed horses, llama-like camels, and sabre-tooth deer that were entombed in volcanic ash 12 million years ago. These skeletons are preserved for an amazing viewing and discovery experience!

 

IOWA

Altoona, IA

(Approx. 2:30 from Omaha)

  • Adventureland Park

 

Okoboji, IA

(Approx. 3:00 from Omaha)

  • Live the lake life while visiting Okoboji with kids!

 

Storm Lake, IA

(Approx. 2:15 from Omaha)

  • With a fun indoor and outdoor waterpark, King’s Pointe Waterpark Resort offers picturesque views right on Storm Lake.

 

Waterloo, IA

(Approx. 4 hours from Omaha)

  • Lost Island Waterpark – named one of the best waterparks in the country!
  • Where to Stay and What to Do Near Lost Island Waterpark

 

KANSAS/MISSOURI

Kansas City, KS and Kansas City, MO

(Approx. 3 hours from Omaha)

  • 5 Free Things to Do at Crown Center and Union Station, Kansas City

 

  • Free Things to Do in Kansas City at Christmas

 

  • Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun

 

  • 5 Reasons to Love Oceans of Fun

 

  • Visiting Worlds of Fun with Kids

 

  • Amazing WinterFest Holiday Experience at Worlds of Fun

 

  • 6 Tips for First Time Visitors to Great Wolf Lodge

 

  • 7 Ways to Save at Great Wolf Lodge

 

LONGER WEEKEND TRIPS FROM OMAHA

COLORADO

Colorado Springs, CO

(Approx. 8.5 hours from Omaha)

  • Visiting Colorado Springs with Kids

 

MINNESOTA

Minneapolis / St. Paul

  • Visiting the Twin Cities with Kids

 

  • Fun at Mall of America and Nickelodeon Universe

 

MISSOURI

St. Louis

  • 8 of the Best Places to Visit in St. Louis with Kids

 

  • Where to Stay in St. Louis with Kids

 

 

Have fun!

 

Find More Helpful Resources:

Things to Do with Kids in Omaha |Family Fun in Omaha     
     

 

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Travel

Family Fun at Arbor Day Farm & Lied Lodge in Nebraska City

October 9, 2019

This post was sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation. One of our contributors, Joanna, recently visited Arbor Day Farm and Lied Lodge with her family!

Looking for a quick family getaway?

Just an hour drive from Omaha, Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City offers one-of-a-kind experiences to keep the entire family entertained! The NEW Treetop Village opened this fall and is worth the trip itself, but you’ll also want to make sure you check out the Nature Explore Classrooms, the Discovery Ride, and the unique shopping and dining options available onsite. Click here to book your own family getaway today!

Many thanks to Arbor Day Farm who is a Featured Listing in our Omaha Area Pumpkin Patch Guide and Omaha Area Apple Orchard Guide.

 

Get a glimpse of all of the Family Fun you can have at Arbor Day Farm here!

 

 

Arbor Day Farm’s Tree Adventure kept my kids busy for hours! They loved building, climbing, and making music in the Nature Explore Classroom. This area is fun and accessible to kids of all ages, so it will definitely be a crowd pleaser for any family!

 

The Tree Adventure has lots of little “extras” to keep kids engaged. Mine loved following the tracks on the ground, guessing which animal they belonged to, and then checking the signs to see if they were correct. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled because there are also several stops along the path with fun play equipment like a slide and zip-line!

 

Treetop Village was at the top of our bucket list, and it did not disappoint! Our entire family loved scaling the various kinds of rope bridges and checking out each of the eleven treehouses. Book now to check out Treetop Village for yourself!

I think we all agreed that the WonderNet (think GIANT trampoline) was a highlight of the weekend! I’m not sure our kids have ever seen their parents jump like that before!

Just remember to wear closed-toed shoes! Also know that if you exit the course via slide or platform, you will need to start over at the beginning. On a busy day, this could mean waiting in line again.

 

The Discovery Ride was one of my personal favorites! It was very interesting to hear about the history of the property and J. Sterling Morton while taking a wagon ride through the beautiful Arbor Day Farm forest. It was also a great opportunity to rest our legs for a bit and grab a quick snack (some delicious apples of course)!

 

Speaking of apples, we couldn’t turn down a chance to head into the orchard and pick a bag for ourselves. We nabbed a hayrack ride out to the rows with the ripest apples and found some beauties!

 

Apple House Market was the most adorable (and tastiest) stop of our weekend. We ate an amazing BBQ lunch at Porter’s and grabbed some chocolate dipped caramel apples and wine as gifts for some family back home.

 

After adventuring through the trees, we were ready to relax and unwind at the gorgeous Lied Lodge and Conference Center. The nature-inspired hotel is an easy walk from Arbor Day Farm and offers the most spectacular views of the property. My kids were most impressed with the delicious breakfast buffet at Timbers and the Olympic-sized indoor pool!

Lied Lodge and Arbor Day Farm were a perfect pair for a fun family getaway! Start planning your trip today!

 

Filed Under: Family Fun Tagged With: Travel

Where to Stay and What to Do Near Lost Island Waterpark

September 3, 2019

Waterloo, Iowa, is a vibrant little city about 2 hours northeast of Des Moines.

It is home to Lost Island Waterpark, recently named one of the best waterparks in the country! Read all about our visit and be sure to add a visit to your Summer Bucket List!

Special thanks to Experience Waterloo for partnering with us by providing accommodations so that we can share all about our fun experience with you!

 

Where to Stay Near Lost Island Waterpark

We stayed at the Hampton Inn Waterloo Cedar Valley, a wonderful hotel with spacious rooms. It’s close proximity to Lost Island Waterpark was ideal, as well as many restaurants.

 

Our family stayed in a 2 bedroom suite, with very comfortable beds, and a spacious area with a sofa, television, desk, and chair.

 

The bathroom was very large and accommodating!

 

This room also included a microwave, fridge, and extra sink. This was a great space to make our lunches for the day!

 

The lobby was spacious, and the breakfast area offered a variety of seating options, which was open throughout the day and offered a great place to people to work, if needed.

The breakfast was more than your typical hotel breakfast, with amazing smoothies that we all loved!

 

When we look for hotels, we always pick one with an indoor pool, which offers a great place to wind down with the kids after a busy day.

Visit Hampton Inn Waterloo Cedar Valley when planning your next trip to the Waterloo, Cedar Valley area or when you are planning a visit to Lost Island Waterpark!

 

What to Do Near Lost Island Waterpark

Waterloo is part of a larger metropolitan area known as the Cedar Valley, which includes the cities of Cedar Falls, Evansdale and Hudson.

The beautiful scenery along the Cedar River provides the perfect backdrop for the amphitheater!

 

Near the amphitheater, is this fantastic playground and splash park that kids will love!

 

Waterloo is home to several museums, including Bluedorn Science Imaginarium, Grout Museum of History & Science, and Phelps Youth Pavilion, and interactive children’s museum.

The John Deere Tractor and Engine Museum offers Free admission, and is a great stop on your visit.

 

Courtesy of Experience Waterloo

 

Enjoy a variety of outdoor recreation with beautiful parks and trails nearby.

During the Summer, you can also catch an Waterski Show! Visit their website for the schedule.

When coming to the Waterloo area, be sure to visit Experience Waterloo for everything you need to plan a wonderful and memorable vacation!

 

Find More Fun:

  • Lost Island Waterpark in Iowa – A Perfect Summer Destination for Families!
  • Day and Weekend Trips from Omaha
  • Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in Omaha
  • 15+ Midwest Outdoor Waterparks
  • 10 Midwest Indoor Waterparks

Filed Under: Family Fun, Travel Tagged With: Travel

Lost Island Waterpark in Iowa – A Perfect Summer Destination for Families!

August 15, 2019

Looking for a FUN, exciting waterpark in the Midwest, with many thrilling rides to choose from?

Lost Island Waterpark in Waterloo, Iowa, has been named one of the best Waterparks in the country, and on our first visit recently, we discovered why!

Looking for ideas of Where to Stay and What to Do while visiting Lost Island Waterpark? Visit here for many ideas.

Special thanks to Experience Waterloo for partnering with us by providing tickets so that we can share all about our fun experience with you!

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

 

Watch and see all about the fun your family can experience at Lost Island Waterpark!

Lost Island Waterpark –  Exciting Family Fun!

Lost Island Waterpark features 14 major slides, a lazy river, wave pool, and 3 children’s play areas!

Even with that much to offer, it was compact and so guests did not have to walk far between attractions – which we loved!

 

Lost Island Waterpark with many exciting slides and attractions to choose from, has recently been named one of the best waterparks in the country by USA Today!

 

Thrilling Water Coaster

This was our all-around favorite ride! We have never seen anything like it before.

This hydromagnetic water coaster, Wailua Kupuawith – with only a handful of its kind in the world, brings you up and down many thrilling hills, through tunnels, with excitement throughout!

 

Favorite Family Slides

The Calypso Cascade was another family favorite!

Each raft can hold up to 5 people, as you swish and splash down the slide!

This slide also has a conveyor belt which carries up the big yellow rafts up to the top for you!

 

Another family favorite, Emerald Adventure & Jade Rapids, are completely enclosed waterslides, where you can ride down on a single or double tube.

 

The Tangerine Tempest, or the toilet bowl as my kids called it, was so much fun!

Riders go down a steep slide and then swish around 2-3 times in the bowl, before continuing down the rest of the slide!

 

Exciting Thrill Rides

We have never seen a waterpark ride like the Molokini Crater before!

Guests ride on a 2-person or 4-person raft down a steep slide into a large funnel, and then ride side to side until they go through a waterfall at the end – we heard lots of screams of excitement!

 

Race against your family and friends on the Tá Katipo!

Guests ride down face first on a mat, through an enclosed tube, then down the open lanes!

 

The Lost Souls Slide is one of the extreme slides! Riders will shoot down this speed slide for a quick exhilarating drop!

 

Fun Kiddie Areas

Perfect places for the little ones to splash, slide, play, and climb!

Starfish Cove, Blue Iguana Lagoon for Kids, and Tahiti Village offer a variety of smaller sized slides, waterfalls, and colorful areas for younger kids to have fun!

 

More Family Fun

The Wave Pool, Tsunami Bay, is always a popular spot for many visitors!

Guests can grab a free tube and ride the waves or sit by the zero entry for a more relaxing experience!

 

The Lazy River is always a guest favorite to rest and relax in between exhilarating rides!

With a variety of free tubes to choose from, guests will love floating down the Kailahi River, enjoying the beautiful surroundings, and cool water.

 

We loved that Lost Island Waterpark also included a traditional pool area for some more fun!

The Blue Iguana Lagoon included a log walk, 2 slides, volleyball, basketball, and more!

 

Go Karts and Mini Golf

After a day of fun in the sun, for an additional fee, guests can ride the exciting Go Karts or play Mini Golf!

Monaleo’s Speedway is one of the longest go-kart tracks in the Midwest, while Monaleo Adventure golf features two challenging 18-hole courses in a picturesque setting!

Discover many more attractions at Lost Island Waterpark here!

 

Exciting NEW PLANS Ahead!

It was recently announced that Lost Island Waterpark will soon be adding an AMUSEMENT PARK!

Construction is expected to begin soon, with an anticipated opening in 2022.

 

Visit Lost Island Waterpark

Lost Island Waterpark

Location: 2225 E. Shaulis Road, Waterloo, IA (located 2 hours Northeast of Des Moines, approx. 4 hours from Omaha)

Hours: The waterpark is generally open Memorial Day Weekend through mid-August. The miniature golf and go-karts are open for a longer season. Visit their website for dates and hours.

Mascot: Lost Island has a Mermaid mascot, which surfaces in Blue Iguana Lagoon every Saturday and Sunday during the Summer. Watch for exact time postings at the front gate.

Other amenities: Cabanas are available for rental, and food and refreshments are available for purchase. Many beach chairs and umbrellas are scattered throughout the park.

Cost: Visit here for current prices.

Lodging and Other Things to Do Nearby: Visit here to ideas on where to stay and what to do near Lost Island Waterpark.

 

Visit Lost Island Waterpark for a memorable Summer Vacation!

 

 

Find More Fun:

  • Where to Stay and What to Do Near Lost Island Waterpark
  • Day and Weekend Trips from Omaha
  • 15+ Midwest Outdoor Waterparks
  • 10 Midwest Indoor Waterparks

Filed Under: Family Fun Tagged With: Travel

8 of the Best Things to Do at the Iowa State Fair

August 9, 2019

The Iowa State Fair is considered one of the best in the country with over 1 million visitors last year. Experience the amazing atmostphere, delicious food, fantastic entertainment, family fun, and more for a several days each August!

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

Best Things to Do at the Iowa State Fair

1. See the Baby Animals at the Animal Learning Center

Kids and adults alike will love seeing the baby animals throughout the Animal Learning Center! Staff are located throughout the area ready to answer questions as you watch the adorable animals. We also saw a baby ostrich!

 

These baby sheep are only 40 minutes old!

 

These piglets are less than 1 day old!

 

2. Little Hands on the Farm

At Little Hands on the Farm, younger children can become farmers at this free, hands-on exhibit. Children will love the interactive activities as they follow a path that includes a garden, grain bin, and apple orchard.

 

3. Butter Cow

The famous Butter Cow is one of the not-to-miss traditions of the fair. Each year, different characters surround the cow in the Agriculture Building.

 

4. Animals

Be sure to stop in the Cattle Barn, Horse Barn, Sheep Barn, and Pig Barn to see the livestock, with agricultural education stations throughout, and Livestock Shows daily. One of the awards of Biggest Sheep is pictured here!

 

5. Varied Industries Building

A nice stop for a place to cool off is a walk through the Varied Industries Building. Visit with a variety of vendors who are excited to share their free goodies with you.

 

6. Entertainment

Enjoy Free entertainment throughout the Fair, including concerts, shows, and the popular Bill Riley Talent Search. The Grandstand offers ticketed concerts with well-known bands and artists.

 

7. The Food

Choose from many amazing foods all lined up around the fair, including delicious Cheese Curds, fried everything, many foods on a stick, and desserts galore!

 

8. The Atmosphere

The Sky Glider is a relaxing ride and gives you a fantastic overview of the Fairgrounds.

 

The Big Slide was a Big Hit with many families!

 

Choose from 3 different areas of amusement park rides from attractions for the little ones to thrilling rides.

 

It was amazing how many people were there on the first day. We met a family from Virginia who had it on their Bucket List to visit the Iowa State Fair, and it did not disappoint. For many families, this has become an annual tradition!

 

The Iowa State Fair was so much fun and offered a variety of attractions, food, entertainment, animals, and more for a full day. It is clear why it has been named one of the best in the country!

Find out more about daily schedules, attractions, new foods each year, fairground map, and more at the Iowa State Fair website.

 

Find More Fun:

  • Day and Weekend Trips from Omaha
  • Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in Omaha

 

Filed Under: Family Fun Tagged With: Travel

Copper Mountain Adventure Park Summer 2019 Savings

July 26, 2019

Heading to Colorado this Summer?

Copper Mountain’s Summer Activities let you enjoy the mountains with something for the entire family!

Race on Summit County’s only go-kart track, conquer the climbing wall or channel your inner ninja skills inside the Woodward WreckTangle.

We recently partnered with US Family Guide and Copper Mountain to experience all the fun in the Adventure Park, so that we can share all about it along with this Special Savings Offer!

Summer 2019 Special Offer

Receive Buy-One-Get-One Summer Day Activity Passes at Copper Mountain!

Purchase (1) one-day summer activity pass for $79 and receive the second for FREE! This deal is valid 06/14/19-09/15/2019. Find out more here!

Present This Coupon at the Ticket Window To redeem offer. Click here to see lodging options.

 

SUMMER ACTIVITY PASSES

Summer Activity Passes include:

  • (1) Rocky Mountain Coaster ride
  • (1) bungee jump
  • (1) go-kart session
  • (1) ride on the zipline
  • (1) pass through the Woodward WreckTangle
  • Unlimited Access to West Lake activities, scenic chairlift rides and mountain bike hauls, and the climbing wall!

 

Rocky Mountain Coaster

The Rocky Mountain Coaster was a blast to ride, over 5800 ft long through the tall pines with many twists and turns. Couple of words of advice: Lean into the turns and breaking is optional for a exhilarating ride.

The Rocky Mountain Coaster was amazing!

 

Woodward WreckTangle

Bring out the inner ninja in you. Have fun on the Woodward WreckTangle that challenges your strength and speed. Test your endurance as you climb up the ramp at the end!

 

Bungee Jump

How high can you jump, and how many flips can you perform?  You can experience both the the Quad Power Jump.

 

Climbing Wall

Soar to new heights with the climbing wall. Challenge a family member on who can make it to the top first.

 

Zipline Over the Lake

Fly through the air on the Zip Line over the lake! Get all the gear on and listen to the directions and safety talk, and then get ready to fly over the bumper boats and hydro bikes – watch out for the fountain spray!

 

Bumper Boats and Hydro Bikes

While on the lake, experience the hydro bikes and bumper boats! Be careful not to get caught under the fountain. The kids loved squirting water at each other and racing around the lake.

 

Go Karts

Race on Summit County’s only go-kart track, and find your speed as you race against family and friends.

 

Chairlift Ride

You can play early and ride in the afternoon with unlimited access to the scenic chairlift ride & bike hauls. It was a great view from the top.

Find out more about all the fun at Copper Mountain here!

We recently partnered with US Family Guide and Copper Mountain to experience all the fun in the Adventure Park, so that we can share all about it along with this Special Savings Offer!

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Travel

Copper Mountain’s Summer Activities 2019 + Discount!

June 26, 2019

Heading to Colorado this Summer?

Copper Mountain’s Summer Activities let you enjoy the mountains with something for the entire family!

Race on Summit County’s only go-kart track, conquer the climbing wall or channel your inner ninja skills inside the Woodward WreckTangle.

We are excited to partner with US Family Guide to bring you this special offer from Copper Mountain!

 

Summer Activity Passes

Summer Activity Passes include:

  • (1) Rocky Mountain Coaster ride
  • (1) bungee jump
  • (1) go-kart session
  • (1) ride on the zipline
  • (1) pass through the Woodward WreckTangle
  • Unlimited Access to West Lake activities, scenic chairlift rides and mountain bike hauls, and the climbing wall!

 

New for Summer 2019

Copper Kids Day Camp is available to kids ages 5-8. Available from June 10 – August 16, kids experience integrative programming combining the diverse elements of S.T.E.A.M. within a mountain environment to provide inspiration and unparalleled experiences for just $200 per week. Book now at CopperColorado.com.

 

Helpful Tips

  1. Kids Night Out on Fridays and Saturdays-5:30-10:00pm. Free when you spend $30 in the village
  2. Copper Campfire – Every Saturday night- roast s’mores, while you hear campfire-style family friendly guitarist.
  3. Summer Family Friendly Events Galore– including Mac and Cheese Fest + more

 

Copper Mountain Discount Offer

Receive Buy-One-Get-One Summer Day Activity Passes at Copper Mountain!

Purchase (1) one-day summer activity pass for $79 and receive the second for FREE! This deal is available all summer long in 2019!

Present This Coupon at the Ticket Window To Redeem Offer –  https://www.coloradokids.com/coupon.php?bid=11960&dealid=1944®ionid=75

 

We are excited to explore Copper Mountain – Read about our experience and see photos of the exciting attractions here!

Have a great time!

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Travel

Where to Stay when Visiting St. Louis

June 8, 2019

If you are looking for a FUN family-friendly vacation, St. Louis is the perfect destination!

St. Louis offers so many fun things to do, from the amazing Gateway Arch and interactive Museums, to a fantastic Zoo, interesting farm, and the most unique indoor/outdoor playground with slides, caves, and tunnels that your kids will LOVE!

We are so grateful to partner with Explore St. Louis and Drury Inn & Suites on our recent vacation to help us share all about this exciting Midwest Destination!

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

 

Where to Stay in St. Louis

When you are looking for a family-friendly hotel in St. Louis, with a lot of extras including Free Breakfast, 5:30 Kickback, and popcorn each night, Drury Inn & Suites offers fantastic hospitality and is a perfect place to stay!

Be sure to visit 8 of the Best Places to Visit in St. Louis with Kids when planning your trip!

 

Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch

Look at this view from the Observation Deck!

If you are looking for a wonderful hotel near the Arch, the Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch is the perfect place to stay!

We loved sitting out here relaxing each evening high above the plaza, with a beautiful view of the Gateway Arch. It was mesmerizing the see the colors change as sunset fell.

On the morning of our scheduled time for the tram to go up the Arch (it is recommend to schedule these in advance as they often sell out!), we just walked out the front door of our hotel right to the Arch entrance. It was wonderful not having to worry about parking!

 

The pool is right next to the Outdoor Observation Deck! It also includes 2 hot tubs for the adults to relax.

 

The beautiful lobby is very different than your standard breakfast area. With a variety of seating options, it was perfect for the Free Breakfast each morning, and the 5:30 Kickback each evening.

It offered a wonderful place for gathering to share a meal, or to talk about the days plans.

 

Many Drury Hotels offer Free Breakfast each morning full of a variety of options, as well as their signature 5:30 Kickback each evening!

Tacos, pasta, chicken strips, a variety of soups and chili, baked potato bar, salad, nachos, and more were rotated each night and provided a delicious meal each evening. Adults also received complimentary drinks each night!

It was very nice to come back to the hotel after an exciting day exploring, and eat dinner and relax for the evening.

 

2 Room Suite with 2 Queen Beds

While there, we stayed in a spacious 2-Room Suite with 2 Queen Beds, a living area with a desk and pull-out couch, and nice bathroom.

This deluxe two-room suite features two rooms separated by a door, with two queen beds in the bedroom, a pull-out queen sofa sleeper in the living room and a TV in each room. The microwave and refrigerator are a necessity when traveling with kids!

The Suites are so nice to be able to spread out and have a separate bedroom!

 

Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Brentwood

We also stayed at Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Brentwood, which is a perfect location when visiting Forest Park, St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Science Center, and The Magic House.

 

The Indoor / Outdoor Pool and hottub are perfect for relaxing and for the kids playing at the end of the day.

 

2 Room Suite with 1 King Bed

Here we stayed in a 2 Room Suite with 1 King Bed, living space, pull-out couch, desk, and bar.

This deluxe two-room suite features two spacious rooms separated by a door, with one king bed in the bedroom, a pull-out queen sofa sleeper in the living room and a TV in each room.

I felt spoiled staying in a Suite, and it was very nice to have a separate bedroom and living space!

 

One of the best things about staying at Drury Hotels was that we felt that each employee went out of their way to make sure we were having a wonderful stay.

From the welcome desk, to the dining area, to the pool, each staff said hello and asked if we needed anything and were happy to help with whatever we needed.

 

Wonderful Extra Perks

Guests at these Drury Hotels enjoy FREE Hot Breakfast and 5:30 Kickback which included a variety of options for dinner, plus drinks for adult guests each night.

This was fantastic and delicious as we enjoyed tacos, pasta, hot dogs, soup, salad, and more every night!

 

Additionally, popcorn and pop were also available each night in both locations – A perfect snack at the end of a busy day!

 

With the wonderful hospitality, perfect locations, spacious rooms, fun pools, and extra benefits including Free Breakfast and 5:30 Kickback, Drury Hotels are a wonderful option when looking for a hotel in St. Louis or in various cities where your travels may take you.

 

For More Information on Visiting St. Louis:

  • 8 of the Best Places to Visit in St. Louis with Kids
  • Explore St. Louis
  • Drury Inn & Suites

>> SEE ALSO: Day and Weekend Trips from Omaha!

 

 

Filed Under: Family Fun, Travel Tagged With: Travel

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