One of the best places to see the beauty of the changing seasons in Omaha is Lauritzen Gardens.
Our most recent visit was over Labor Day Weekend. It was a busy place, since a donor ensured free admission to the gardens that weekend. It was my niece Sophie’s first visit, and Mooch would not let that child out of her sight.

I mean she really wouldn’t let Sophie out of her sight.
It was fun to compare that September visit to our May visit from this year. No place showed the most change than the Children’s Garden.
In May, it was just getting started for the season, so no corn maze, no sunflowers, not much really.
May

Children’s Garden in May

Farley in front of the cottage in the Children’s Garden in May.
Then September came and boom. Look at this place!
September

You need a tracking device if your kid runs too far ahead of you at the Children’s Garden in late summer/early fall.
Farley loved the sunflowers in particular.
May

The entrance to the sunflower forest in May.
September

Sunflower forest in September.
I think most adults will enjoy visiting regardless of season, but if you’re bringing kids, timing is big.
September

You can’t enjoy the corn maze if you go too early in the summer…for obvious reasons.
The Model Train Garden is a favorite and it’s only open May through October. Keep that in mind!
September

Model train garden in September.
I didn’t find much difference in that particular garden between our May and October visit (other than not all seven trains were operating).
While we were there, I saw a sign for an upcoming exhibit I know both kids are going to love: “Nature Connects 2: Art with LEGO® Bricks,” which will run Jan. 17 through April 26, 2015. We visited Nature Connects the first time it was here and the kids (and I) loved it. The indoor exhibit will feature 12 new displays!
Here’s a video from the first “Nature Connects” exhibit at Lauritzen Gardens, back in early 2013.
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On an unrelated topic: I’m trying out BodySculpt treatment by Venus Swan at Body Brite Omaha tonight. I’m pretty psyche not only for the claims that it helps slow the aging process, but because I hear it’s really relaxing.
Your turn: Have you tried a BodySculpt treatment? What did you think of it? How awesome were your results?
Cheri Loughlin
Wednesday 1st of October 2014
I've never toured Laurtizen Gardens. Now I've just got to go with camera in tow. I love your photo of the Sunflower Forest sign. The colors are so vibrant. Love it!
Kim
Wednesday 1st of October 2014
Thanks, Cheri! I think you'll be surprised at what all is at Lauritzen the first time you go.
nicole McDonald
Tuesday 30th of September 2014
Neat pictures. My kids would love thE Lego exhibit too.
Kim
Wednesday 1st of October 2014
The Lego sculptures at the first one were crazy elaborate. I can't wait to see what they create next!
Jen
Tuesday 30th of September 2014
I love Laurtizen Gardens! What a beautiful post. I don't think people think about going during the cooler months, but it's lovely!
Kim
Wednesday 1st of October 2014
Thanks, Jen!
Mardra
Tuesday 30th of September 2014
Beautiful! Aren't Sunflowers awesome?
Kim
Wednesday 1st of October 2014
I'm tempted to grow some in our yard next year.
Cynthia Cover
Tuesday 30th of September 2014
Love, Love, Love the model train with track built from branches. My kids were enthralled with it....and me too: Really great pics!
Kim
Wednesday 1st of October 2014
That train garden is mesmerizing, even for me, too!