Family Fun in Omaha

Your local resource for family-friendly activities and events in Omaha.

2018 Summer Camps

FREE July Fun

FREE Summer Fun

50+ Things to Do

Omaha Discounts

Living History Experiences in Nebraska and Iowa

Living History Experiences offer a unique look into the past, with a variety of fun activities for families. Enjoy several in Nebraska and Iowa!

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Living History in Nebraska

Special Event: Living History at SAC Aerospace Museum – Saturday, June 9, 2018 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

  • The Museum will offer several history tours at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. and guests will see historic characters throughout the Museum in period appropriate uniform. Characters include General LeMay who was considered to be the father of Strategic Air Command; Rosie the Riveter known for her “We Can Do It” support of the defense industry during WWII; and the Berlin Candy Bomber who gained fame for dropping candy to German children during the Berlin airlift from 1948 to 1949.
  • Included in Museum general admission and free for members. Admission costs are $12 for adults, $11 for seniors or military, $6 for youth ages 4-12, and children 3 and under are free. The Museum is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.

 

Fort Atkinson State Historial Park (pictured above) – 201 S 7th St., Fort Calhoun, NE

  • Living history demonstrations take place periodically throughout the summer and fall with reenactors portraying fur traders, coopers, blacksmiths, carpenters, tinsmiths, weavers and other period trades. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the reenactors.
  • Generally, these are held on the first weekend of each month during the Summer. Check schedule here under “Living History Demonstrations.”
  • Kids love interacting and learning how butter is made, visiting the blacksmith shop, hearing the cannon, and trying their hand at weaving. Occasionally they have a scavenger hunt for the kids.
  • The events are free. Visitors will need a daily or annual Nebraska State Park Permit.

 

 

Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer – Grand Island, NE

  • The Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer invites visitors to immerse themselves in a Living History Experience. 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.
  • Admission charged.

 

Wessels Living History Farm – York, NE

  • The Wessels Living History Farm is a real, working farm, with chores to do every day and opportunities to do some hands-on learning. Farm life of the 1920’s is relived on fifteen acres, complete with a fully furnished farm house, country church, country school, post and beam barn, out house, granary and more.
  • Admission charged.

 

Indian Cave State Park – Shubert, NE

  • History buffs will enjoy the restored schoolhouse and general store from the old river town of St. Deroin, where old-time crafts are demonstrated during living history weekends throughout the summer and fall.
  • Visitors will need a daily or annual Nebraska State Park Permit.

 

Living History in Iowa

Living History Farms – Urbandale/Des Moines, IA

  • Living History Farms is an interactive outdoor museum which educates, entertains and connects people of all ages to Midwestern rural life experiences. Visit with many characters throughout the experience.
  • Admission charged.

 

Amana Colonies

  • The seven villages of the Amana Colonies offers visitors the opportunity to step back from today’s busy pace, meet artists, sample hearty foods, visit historical buildings, shop, and more.

 

2018 Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun Discounts

Find Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun Discounts in Kansas City, that offers a full day of excitement for the whole family!

Read more about 5 Reasons to visit Oceans of Fun and Tips for Visiting Worlds of Fun with Kids!

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

Please Note: These promotions and ticket availability can change at any time. It is always a good idea to check for updates before visiting. Also note that some of the links below are affiliate links. Meaning, your price does not change, but I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase.

 

2018 Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun Discounts

Everyone Pays Kids Price – Valid online through June 17, 2018

  • Pay Kids Price and save $22 off the front gate when you buy online and visit by June 17, 2018.

 

Public Safety and Military Appreciation Days – August 6-10, 2018

  • Worlds of Fun wants to honor all police, correction officers, firefighters, EMTs, and active, reserve, retired and veteran members of the military with free admission and discounts on tickets.
  • Visit the park Monday August 6 through Friday August 10 and receive complimentary admission by presenting your qualifying ID, plus get a discount on admission tickets for family as well. Present your official, professional photo I.D. at any Worlds of Fun or Oceans of Fun Front Gate ticket window August 6 – 10, 2018, and receive free admission.
  • Eligible professionals only will receive complimentary admission and a discount on admission tickets for up to six (6) members of their immediate family, at $26 + tax each.

 

Military Discount

  • Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun are pleased to offer a Military Discount off the Front Gate admission price to military members and their families.

 

Your Local Bank or Credit Union

Members can receive discounted tickets to Adventureland. The following have posted their promotions online.

 

Purchase Tickets Online

  • Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun occasionally offers discounted tickets if you purchase them online, including the option to purchase special tickets after 4 p.m. (cannot be used on Saturdays).

 

Two-Day Ticket Online

  • If you are planning to visit more than 1 day this Season, it might be a good idea to look into the Two-Day Ticket option. It is valid any 2 days at Worlds of Fun during the 2018 public operating season through October 28, 2018. Days of use do not need to be consecutive. Admission must be used by the same person on both visits. Oceans of Fun is included in all Worlds of Fun admissions between May 25 and September 3, 2018. Not valid for WinterFest.

 

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2018 Omaha Summer Fun Guides

     

 

2018 Adventureland Discounts

Looking for a fun trip from Omaha? Adventureland offers an extensive waterpark and a variety of rides, with several for the little ones. Find discounts to Adventureland below!

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

Please Note: These promotions and ticket availability can change at any time. It is always a good idea to check for updates before visiting. 

 

2018 Adventureland Discounts

EMS Workers, Firefighters, and Police Officers – July 3, 4, 5, 2018

  • EMS Workers, Firefighters, and Police Officers can visit Adventureland Park July 3, 4, or 5, 2018, free of charge with proper identification (see here for details on identification). Discount tickets can be purchased for family members.

 

AAA Discount

  • Show your AAA card at the front gate prior to buying a ticket and receive a $2 discount. Discount not valid for off-season/special events.

 

Military Discount

  • Simply show your military ID at the front gate and you can buy up to 6 tickets at $35 each.

 

Coupons

  • From the Adventureland website – Coupons are usually available at Iowa HyVee, Taco John’s and Casey’s. These coupons are subject to supply availability.
  • When making a purchase online, enter the coupon code during the checkout process. (Current 2018 coupon code: HV2018TX)
  • When making a purchase at the front gate you may present either the physical coupon(s) OR the digital image of the coupon on your smart phone prior to completing your purchase.

 

Veridian Credit Union (limited availability)

  • Note: Please verify ticket availability before visiting. 
  • Stop by Veridian Credit Union to purchase tickets for $38/each (cash). You do not have to be a member to purchase the tickets.
  • Find locations here.

 

Des Moines Metro Credit Union

  • Note: Please verify participation and ticket availability before visiting. 
  • Adventureland tickets are available for $38 all summer long at DMMCU. This is a discount of $7 for regular tickets and $3 for youth and senior tickets. Tickets are available in their lobby Monday-Friday during regular business hours. If you are not a member of DMMCU, you can buy tickets, but cash is the only payment method available.

 

Your Local Bank or Credit Union

Members can receive discounted tickets to Adventureland. The following have posted their promotions online.

 

Second-Day Tickets

  • You may purchase second day tickets prior to entering the park on your first day. Be sure to show your first day’s tickets at the ticket booth before surrendering them to enter the park.
  • You must purchase these tickets prior to entering the park on your first days visit. Second day tickets are valid only the next consecutive day. Second day tickets can be purchased at the front gate for $25.00 per person for all ages 4 and older.
  • Second day tickets are fully refundable if you decide not to visit the park the following day. Second day tickets can also be purchased on our website in advance as a package with first day tickets.

 

Season Pass

  • If you plan to visit several times during a season, consider a Season Pass. Season pass holders get free parking, a full refund on water park tubes, as well as discounts in the park and at the Adventureland Inn. You can see a full list here.

 

Find More Fun:

 

2018 Omaha Summer Fun Guides

     

 

Visiting Colorado Springs with Kids

Special thanks to Colorado Springs CVB for sponsoring this article to help us share all about the family fun in Colorado Springs! Many of the photos have been provided by the Colorado Springs CVB.

 

A few years ago, we took an amazing trip to Colorado Springs, Colorado, located about 8.5 hours from Omaha, and 1 hour South of Denver.

I remember going there as a child, and was so excited to take my own family and kids. It was even better than I remember, and is still considered one of our favorite family vacations!

Experience the magnificent beauty of the mountains together with a multitude of family-friendly things to do, and enjoy Colorado Springs as a perfect vacation destination for families!

 

Garden of the Gods

A must-see on any visit to Colorado Springs is Garden of the Gods. This beautiful park is filled with walking paths that take you right up close to the magnificent red rock formations. Both the park and Visitor & Nature Center are free and open to the public.

 

The Perkins Central Garden Trail is a 1 1/2 mile paved trail that is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Additionally, there are 15 miles of trails in the park to explore the beauty of this geological wonder. Love to hike? See 5 easy hikes for kids in Colorado Springs here!

 

Be sure to stop by the Visitor & Nature Center for a picturesque-view of Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, and to pick up a free map with all of the hiking and biking trails in the area. While there, we asked which hikes would be best for our young children.

 

Rock climbing is permitted in the park (Guests must fill out the free registration form), and it was amazing to watch the climbers!

 

A perfectly-framed photo of Pikes Peak!

 

Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak offers a stunning backdrop to the city of Colorado Springs!

Reach the summit and experience the mountain up close by ascending the scenic Pikes Peak Highway, a spectacular (and occasionally intense) drive that winds its way up the mountain. Visitors can also try cycling or hiking to reach the top!

 

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Built into the side of a mountain, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was another favorite stop on our trip to Colorado Springs. Kids will love the interactive exhibits, and hand-feeding the giraffes. Families will enjoy seeing the wide variety of animals surrounded by a stunning view!

 

Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center

If you love the Olympics, be sure to visit the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center. They offer year-round 1-hour guided tours of the OTC facilities, with a video presentation followed by a walking tour of the Complex. It was fascinating to see the facilities and learn about the athletes, and even watch some of them train!

 

Cave of the Winds Mountain Park

At Cave of the Winds Mountain Park, explore the caves and choose from 3 cave tours including a Lantern tour!

 

For a unique adventure, try the Wind Walker Challenge Course. Once harnessed, visitors will climb over steel beams, ropes and ladders, all over the Williams Canyon!

 

More to See in Colorado Springs

The U.S. Air Force Academy is free and open to visitors daily. Guests can visit several outlooks that include the Falcon Stadium, a beautiful chapel, and a museum honoring Air Force personnel.

Train lovers of all ages will enjoy the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad, with a scenic and informative 45-minute trip.

 

For help in planning your vacation to Colorado Springs, visit the Colorado Springs CVB to order a free Visitors Guide, and discover more ideas of things to do, including Unique Attractions and Family-Friendly Itineraries!

 

Special thanks to Colorado Springs CVB for sponsoring this article to help us share all about the family fun in Colorado Springs! Many of the photos have been provided by the Colorado Springs CVB.

 

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Visiting the Twin Cities with Kids

Special thanks to The Roseville Visitors Association for partnering with us and hosting our stay so that we can share all about the fun things there are to do in Roseville and the Twin Cities!

 

If you are planning a trip to the Twin Cities, Roseville, MN, is the perfect hub for all of your fun adventures! Located within minutes of Minneapolis and St. Paul (just 10 minutes from both downtowns), it’s close proximity to attractions and restaurants make it the perfect destination on your next vacation to the Twin Cities!

 

Science Museum of Minnesota

A highlight of our trip, the Science Museum of Minnesota is full of hands-on, engaging exhibits, perfect for the whole family!

 

Visit multiple floors to experience interactive exhibits including The Mississippi River, The Human Body, Experiment Gallery, Math Moves, and more.

 

Throughout the day, enjoy presentations led by enthusiastic leaders, on a variety of engaging topics, with experiments and audience participation.

 

Our favorite exhibit at The Science Museum of Minnesota, Sportsology had several interactive exhibits that allowed you to test your skills with those of collegiate and professional athletes.

 

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

We loved our visit to the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory! At the time of writing, it was FREE Admission (donations welcome.)

 

The flowers in the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory were stunning and brought a wonderful sense of Spring in the middle of Winter.

The Zoo housed a variety of animals, including an indoor Tropical Encounter Exhibit. The kids loved the Zoo, which was the perfect size for an afternoon visit.

 

Mall of America and Other Favorite Attractions

A fun stop for any visit to the Twin Cities is the Mall of America. With 400+ Events held at Mall of America each year, there is always something fun going on!

 

Nickelodeon Universe, located in the middle of Mall of America, was a special treat for our family! With 27 fun-filled rides, including some we have never seen before at other parks, it was very fun-filled day.

Read more about all of the FUN at Mall of America and Nickelodeon Universe here!

 

Outdoor Fun

Minnesota is full of outdoor activities and experiences during all Seasons of the year. Minnehaha Falls in Minnehaha Park are stunning during the Winter, and I imagine equally amazing during the rest of the year!

 

As one can imagine, lakes are abundant in the Twin Cities. Even though it was Winter, there were people everywhere enjoying the outdoors, walking around the lakes, cross country skiing, and playing hockey.

 

 

The beautiful skyline!

 

Where to Eat in Roseville

The Country Inn & Suites in Roseville was centrally located to many delicious restaurants!

Our favorite restaurants in Roseville include La Casita, Lucky’s 13 Pub, and Pizza Luce.

Be sure to check out the Daily Specials at La Casita including a Taco Night and Kids Eat Free night!

Lucky’s 13 Pub provided a warm atmosphere, friendly wait staff, with a variety of menu options.

At Pizza Luce, the baked potato pizza was delicious, and my husband really enjoyed his Vegan sandwich.

 

We happened to find this perfect little diner in St. Paul, Snuffy’s Malt Shop, with delicious food. The malts and ice cream was outstanding, too!

 

Where to Stay in the Twin Cities

Roseville, Minnesota, is the perfect place to stay when visiting the Twin Cities! With less traffic and wonderful hotels and restaurants, it provides a perfect resting stop after a fun-filled day.

The Country Inn & Suites in Roseville was clean, family-friendly, with a friendly and helpful staff.

 

The rooms were spacious with a pull-out sofa, desk, seating areas, and 2 TV’s. This was perfect for our family of 4!

 

The beautifully decorated lobby welcomed visitors with a comfortable ambience.

 

This was a perfect spot to enjoy the delicious breakfast that was included every morning, or to relax and visit with friends after a long day.

 

My kids enjoyed the pool every night!

 

It’s the little things that make all the difference, and these delicious cookies in the front lobby were a perfect touch!

 

 

More Midwest Travel Resources: 

 

Special thanks to The Roseville Visitors Association for partnering with us and hosting our stay so that we can share all about the fun things there are to do in Roseville and the Twin Cities! Be sure to contact them for help planning your next visit. 

 

Fun at Mall of America and Nickelodeon Universe!

Special thanks to The Roseville Visitors Association for partnering with us and hosting our stay. Roseville, MN, is the perfect location for visiting and exploring all of the fun things to do in the Twin Cities!

 

A fun stop for any visit to the Twin Cities is the Mall of America! With 400+ Events, Nickelodeon Universe, the LEGO Store, and more, there is always something fun going on!

Planning a trip to Minneapolis and St. Paul? Discover fun things to do Visiting Twin Cities with Kids!

 

The sheer size is something to behold!

 

Nickelodeon Universe

Nickelodeon Universe, located in the middle of Mall of America, is the highlight of any visit to Mall of America!

 

The nation’s largest indoor theme park is filled with landscaping and is all under a ceiling that allows natural light in and so you feel like you are outside. Perfect for year-round fun in the middle of winter, or on a hot Summer day!

Two fun rides we had not seen before – The Brain Surge and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shell Shock (in the back)!

 

In the Ghost Blasters ride, each rider gets to shoot at various targets – see who can get the highest score!

 

One of the kids favorite shows when they were little, The Backyardigans!

 

The log ride is always a favorite, an I loved that I hardly got wet!

 

One of our favorite rides is the Avatar Airbender, designed like a skateboard!

 

With 27 fun-filled rides, including several we have never seen before at other parks, Nickelodeon Universe was very fun-filled day!

 

The LEGO Store

The LEGO creations on top and in The LEGO Store are amazing! Be sure to walk around and view them from the store level, as well as the level looking down. The detail and size are incredible – this one pictured above is over 2 stories tall!

 

Kids will also love playing with a variety of LEGO pieces in a little play area in front of the store. Parents can get in on the fun, too!

 

More Fun at Mall of America

The Disney Store is a fun stop, with a small area with a video playing for kids to watch, and a little castle with an interactive mirror!

 

Stop in the Beef Jerky Experience to taste a variety of delicious and unique flavors of Beef Jerky!

 

In addition to Nickelodeon Universe, there are a variety of Entertainment Options including Moose Mountain Miniature Golf, Sea Life Aquarium, Crayola Experience, and more!

 

HELPFUL TIP: Take A Picture of Where you Parked

With the size of Mall of America, it is easy to forget where you parked. I took a picture on my phone to make it easier to remember!

 

Planning a trip to Minneapolis and St. Paul? Discover fun things to do Visiting Twin Cities with Kids!

 

 

More Midwest Travel Resources:

 

Special thanks to The Roseville Visitors Association for partnering with us and hosting our stay. Roseville, MN, is the perfect location for visiting and exploring all of the fun things to do in the Twin Cities! Be sure to contact them for help planning your next visit. 

 

2018 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Planning a vacation in 2018?

Keep in the mind the 2018 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks!

On the following days in 2018, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone.

Mark your calendar for these entrance fee–free dates in 2018:

  • January 15: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • April 21: First day of National Park Week
  • September 22: National Public Lands Day
  • November 11: Veterans Day

Find one of the 400 National Parks here!

 

Every Kid in A Park

Do you have a Fourth grader this year?

The Every Kid in a Park program provides all 4th grade students and their families with FREE admission to National Parks and other federal lands and waters for an entire year!

What a wonderful way to explore beautiful nature and get outdoors with your family!

 

More Helpful Resources:

 

Join our growing community of Email Subscribers and keep updated on the FUN EVENTS THIS WEEKEND plus more Omaha fun and Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!

 

Amazing WinterFest Holiday Experience at Worlds of Fun!

Enjoy A NEW Holiday Experience in 2017 at Worlds of Fun – WinterFest!

The minute you walk into WinterFest, you are immersed in the Holiday Spirit, surrounded by beautiful lights, a huge glistening Christmas tree, Holiday music, shows, songs, and even some snow!

This special Holiday experience is filled with family fun, activities, shows, rides, characters, and special moments that will create lasting memories.

Special thanks to Worlds of Fun in partnership with Blog Meets Brand and Cedar Fair for inviting my family to experience WinterFest, in order to allow me to share all about this fun new Holiday tradition!

 

Experience all the fun at Winterfest at Worlds of Fun!

 

Amazing NEW Holiday Experience

Immediately upon entering Worlds of Fun, you are greeted with dazzling lights and displays.

 

Families can take their photo with St. Nick and meet holiday characters like Jack Frost, the Sugar Plum Fairy, Candy Cane, Jingle Bell when they visit.

 

Love Santa and the ornament!

 

Holiday Lights Everywhere

Everywhere you look, twinkling lights, intricate displays, and many of the rides all decked out in sparkling lights.

 

The carousel is one of the first rides you see!

 

 

Beautiful Holiday Lights surround the park!

 

 

Charlie Brown Christmas Town

Planet Snoopy is transformed into Charlie Brown Christmas Town filled with giant colored light bulbs throughout the park. Many of the rides are open including Woodstock Gliders, Lucy’s Tugboat, and Peanuts 500!

 

Meet Charlie Brown and Snoopy at Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree Lot!

 

Meet the other Peanuts Gang, too!

 

Decorate Cookies at Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen

Choose from giant cookies that your kids will love to decorate! (Extra charge for this activity.)

 

Choose from frostings of a variety of colors, sprinkles, and toppings to decorate your cookie how you would like.

 

Mrs. Claus joins in the fun!

Additionally, at the North Pole Post Office, Santa’s elves have dressed up a special space to write letters to Santa. At Sally’s Christmas Crafts, Sally Brown has set up her own special section in the park for all of her friends to enjoy her holiday craft activities. She welcomes all children aged 12 and under to create their own special memories including ornaments, greeting cards to take home as a souvenir from WinterFest.

 

More Special Treats

Many restaurants are open, with fun new names!

 

You can purchase a special WinterFest cup and refill it with delicious Hot Chocolate!

 

Browse through many Holiday shops, including the Artisan Alley, a local showcase of 30+ local artists offering hand-made collectibles and special gifts for your holiday shopping list.

 

More Holiday Fun!

We loved our favorites the Prowler Roller Coaster (especially fun at night where you can see all of the bright lights!) and the Autobahn Bumper Cars!

Le TaxiTour is transformed into the 12 Days of Christmas!

 

The Worlds of Fun Railroad is transformed into the WinterFest Express!

 

Enjoy multiple shows throughout WinterFest, including the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony with snow!, Charlie Brown’s Christmas Spectacular, and more Live Entertainment!

 

One of our favorite rides at WinterFest – Woodstock Gliders!

 

Enjoy special Holiday Ice Skating! (Sessions are $15 and includes ice skates and guides for beginner skaters.)

 

Warm bonfires invite you to warm up on the colder nights.

 

Truly amazing spectacle everywhere you look!

 

WinterFest at Worlds of Fun is a wonderful way to celebrate the Holidays with your family!

 

WinterFest at Worlds of Fun

Select Nights: November 24 – December 30, 2017
Find out more about Tickets here!

 

 

Where to Stay

Looking for a place to stay while visiting Worlds of Fun? (Special thanks to Worlds of Fun and Candlewood Suites for providing our hotel stay.)

Candlewood Suites Kansas City Northeast is located directly across the street, and provides easy access to the park! The staff was very welcoming and friendly, and helped to answer any questions we had.

 

Enjoy very comfortable beds, a perfect kitchenette, and business space for your needs.

 

This indoor pool is perfect for the kids or to relax after a day in the park.

 

 

The view of Worlds of Fun from our room!

 

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post brought to you by Worlds of Fun in partnership with Blog Meets Brand and Cedar Fair. Additionally, hotel provided by Candlewood Suites and Worlds of Fun. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Visiting Grand Island with Kids

This Summer, 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.

 

FREE Admission Sunday, July 30, 2017

Celebrate the Stuhr Museum’s 50th Anniversary Celebration with FREE Admission, Noon – 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 30, 2017.

The day will also include the “Painting the Legacy of Nebraska” exhibit and a FREE ice cream social in Railroad Town at 2 p.m.

 

Eclipse Event – Monday, August 21, 2017, FREE Admission

The “Gem Over the Prairie” Eclipse Viewing event will provide the perfect venue for viewing the Solar Eclipse. Viewing glasses will be provided free (while supplies last). This event is free and open to the public.

Visitors are welcome to stay after the eclipse and visit Railroad Town and the Stuhr Building.

 

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

The Total Solar Eclipse on August 21, 2017 (the first total eclipse in the U.S. since 1979) crosses directly over the city of Grand Island. Enjoy many activities including the “Gem Over the Prairie” Eclipse Viewing event at the Stuhr Museum.

Additionally, 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. 

 

Island Oasis Water Park in Grand Island

Our visit to Island Oasis Water Park was one of our stops on our fun visit to Grand Island. Special thanks to Visit Grand Island for providing tickets for our visit. See more about Visiting Grand Island with Kids here!

 

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

 

Two fun speed slides for the brave!

 

One of the best lazy rivers we have visited! It was long, flowed along nicely, with several water features along the way. Very fun for the whole family!

 

The Island Oasis Water Park included a variety of waterslides to choose from.

 

Large pool area, with climbing structures, basketball hoops, and a wave pool!

 

Loved the Zero entry and tiny waterslide in the kiddie area!

 

Several umbrellas provided shaded seating with a sandy beach for kids to play in.

 

The Island Oasis Water Park offered fun for all ages!

 

See more about Visiting Grand Island with Kids including the Stuhr Living History Museum here!

 

See more Midwest Outdoor Waterparks here!

 

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

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