NOTE: This page is updated almost daily.
Spring is here! I’m happy to say more things to do in Omaha are taking place outdoors, including free outdoor movies. There are plenty of family-friendly performances (indoors), as well as FREE events, festivals, exhibits and more to keep your family busy exploring Omaha.
Read on for the best of what to do in Omaha right now, and in the next few weeks and months:
Celebrate CB
When: May 11-19; highlights include Celebrate CB Parade (May 19, 10:30 a.m.)
Where: Activities at Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park on the Council Bluffs side of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, and in Bayliss Park
Cost: FREE
Teen Food & Fun
When: May 18, 3:15 to 5 p.m.
Where: Omaha Public Library W. Dale Clark (Main) branch, 215 S. 15th St.
Cost: FREE
Ice Cream Floats – Teens
When: May 19, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Omaha Public Library Florence Branch, 2920 Bondesson St.
Cost: FREE
Famous Blackstone Reuben Dinner
When: May 21, 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30)
Where: Max & Joe’s Tavern & Tasting Room (enter via The Crescent Moon Alehouse), 3576 Farnam St.
Cost: $40 per person & includes copy of the book “100 Things To Do In Omaha Before You Die”
Full STEAM Ahead
When: May 22, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Omaha Public Library Benson Branch, 6015 Binney St.
Cost: FREE (ages 8-12)
2018 Big 10 Baseball Tournament
When: May 23-27
Where: TD Ameritrade Park Omaha, 1200 Mike Fahey St.
Cost: TBD
Trivia Night
When: May 23, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Where: Kros Strain Brewing Co., 10411 Portal Road, suite 102, La Vista, Neb.
Cost: FREE (kids are welcome in the Kros Strain party room, I checked)
Night Market
When: May 25, June 29, July 27, Aug. 31, and Sept. 28, 6 to 10 p.m.
Where: Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, 31st Avenue and Farnam Street
Cost: FREE
Starlight Movie “Coco”
When: May 25, 8:45 p.m.
Where: Sumtur Amphitheater, 11691 S. 108th St. Papillion, Neb.
Cost: FREE
Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start to summer in Omaha, with a lot of Omaha’s most popular free concerts and movies series beginning. Read 100+ free movies and concerts in Omaha this summer for details.
Loessfest 2018
When: May 25-28; highlights include Movie in the Park: “The Incredibles” (May 25, 9 p.m.), Disney Movie Night Featuring Choo Choo Soul (May 26, 6 p.m.), Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons (May 26, 7:30 p.m.), Omaha Symphony and Fireworks For Freedom (May 27, 8 p.m.), and Movie in the Park: “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (May 28, 9 p.m.)
Where: Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park, on the Council Bluffs side of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
Cost: FREE
Summer Reading Program Kickoff Party
When: May 25, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Omaha Public Library W. Dale Clark (Main) Branch, 215 S. 15th St.
Cost: FREE
Out & About Storytime: Benson Park Goodwill
When: May 25, 10:30 a.m.
Where: Benson Park Goodwill, 4805 N. 72nd St.
Cost: FREE
Out & About Storytime: Do Space
When: May 25, 10:30 a.m.
Where: Do Space, 7205 Dodge St.
Cost: FREE
Night Market
When: May 25, June 29, July 27, Aug. 31 and Sept. 28; 6 to 10 p.m.
Where: Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, 31st and Farnam streets
Cost: FREE
Ninjas on the Run Family Fun Run
When: May 26, 9 a.m.
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St.
Cost: FREE
Kids On The Block Puppet Shows
When: May 26, 11 a.m.
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St.
Cost: Included with admission, which is $12 for children and adults; $11 for seniors; FREE for members and children under 24 months
Summer Reading Program Kickoff Party
When: May 26, 1 to 3 p.m. (Elkhorn, Benson, Willa Cather, Florence, Abrahams, Swanson, Saddlebook, Washington, A.V. Sorensen, South Omaha)
Where: Omaha Public Library various branches
Cost: FREE
“Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secrets of the Sewer”
When: May 26 through Sept. 2
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St.
Cost: Included with museum admission, which is $12 for kids and adults, $11 for seniors, and FREE for members and kids younger than 2
“Children’s China: Celebrating Character, Culture & Confuscius
When: May 26 through Aug. 19
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St.
Cost: Included with museum admission, which is $12 for kids and adults, $11 for seniors, and FREE for members and kids younger than 2
Helicopter Day
When: May 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum, 28210 W. Park Highway, Ashland, Neb.
Cost: $12, adults; $6, children
Out & About Storytime: Wenninghoff Farms
When: May 30, 10 a.m.
Where: Wenninghoff Farms, 6707 Wenninghoff Road
Cost: FREE
Teen Oreo Taste Test Challenge
When: May 31, 1 to 2 p.m.
Where: Omaha Public Library A.V. Sorensen Branch, 4808 Cass St.
Cost: FREE
Kids Escape Room Lock-In
When: May 31, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Omaha Public Library Charles B. Washington Branch, 2868 Ames Ave.
Cost: FREE (ages 7-11, registration required and includes pizza)
Elkhorn Days Family Fun Night
When: June 1, 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Common Ground Community Center, 1701 Veterans Drive, Elkhorn, Neb.
Cost: FREE
Taste of Omaha
When: June 1-3
Where: Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark Landing
Cost: FREE
“Disney’s Newsies”
When: June 1-17; performances are Fridays, 7 p.m., and Saturdays & Sundays, 2 p.m.
Where: The Rose, 2001 Farnam St.
Cost: $20 for members and $27 for non-members (main floor), and $15 for members and $22 for non-members (balcony)
Starlight Movie “Disney’s Beauty & The Beast”
When: June 1, 9 p.m.
Where: Sumtur Amphitheater, 11691 S. 108th St., Papillion, Neb.
Cost: FREE
Tip: Looking for more kid-friendly and FREE movies this summer? Read this post: 100+ free summer movies in Omaha (and summer concerts).
Summer Kick Off Party
When: June 2, 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Saddlebrook Comm Center, 14850 Laurel Ave.
Cost: FREE
Rock on the River featuring Taxi Driver
When: June 2, 7 p.m.
Where: Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park (Council Bluffs’ side of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge)
Cost: FREE
Monday Night at the Movies – “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”
When: June 4, sunset
Where: Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, 31st and Farnam streets
Cost: FREE
Leader Reader Story Time
When: June 6, 11:45 a.m.
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St.
Cost: Included with museum admission, which is $12 for kids and adults, $11 for seniors, and FREE for members and kids younger than 2
“Francis Gary Powers’ U-2 Display” Opening, Living History & Tours
When: June 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum, 28210 W. Park Highway, Ashland, Neb.
Cost: Included with admission, which is $12, adults; $11, seniors or military; $6, children ages 4-12; and FREE, children ages 3 and younger
Rock on the River featuring The Confidentials
When: June 9, 7 p.m.
Where: Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park (Council Bluffs’ side of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge)
Cost: FREE
Monday Night at the Movies – “Black Panther”
When: June 11, sunset
Where: Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, 31st and Farnam streets
Cost: FREE
Starlight Movie “Wonder Woman”
When: June 13, 9 p.m.
Where: Sumtur Amphitheater, 11691 S. 108th St., Papillion, Neb.
Cost: FREE
Tip: Looking for more kid-friendly and FREE movies this summer? Read this post: 100+ free summer movies in Omaha (and summer concerts).
College World Series Opening Day Celebration
When: June 16 (Team practices & autographs, 9:10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Fan Fest, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Parade of Teams, 8:30 p.m.; and Opening Ceremonies, 8:45 to 10 p.m.; LOCASH concert, 9:30 p.m.)
Where: TD Ameritrade Park, 1200 Mike Fahey St.
Cost: FREE
Rock on the River featuring Ecstatic
When: June 16, 7 p.m.
Where: Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park (Council Bluffs’ side of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge)
Cost: FREE
Know of a family-friendly event in Omaha (or nearby) that’s not on this list? Email me details at ohmyomaha (at) gmail (dot) com. Thanks!
Starlight Movie “Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle”
When: June 22, 9 p.m.
Where: Sumtur Amphitheater, 11691 S. 108th St., Papillion, Neb.
Cost: FREE
Tip: Looking for more kid-friendly and FREE movies this summer? Read this post: 100+ free summer movies in Omaha (and summer concerts).
Monday Night at the Movies – “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure”
When: June 25, sunset
Where: Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, 31st and Farnam streets
Cost: FREE
Starlight Movie “Despicable Me 3″
When: June 29, 9 p.m.
Where: Sumtur Amphitheater, 11691 S. 108th St., Papillion, Neb.
Cost: FREE
Tip: Looking for more kid-friendly and FREE movies this summer? Read this post: 100+ free summer movies in Omaha (and summer concerts).
Family-Friendly Exhibits & Shows Ending Soon
These exhibits, events, and performances have already opened and have set dates for ending. It’s still good to call ahead before going, just to be sure the museum or venue isn’t closed for an unusual reason the day you intend to visit.
Family Classics Retro Film Series
When: Through May 23; Sundays at noon and Mondays & Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Movies are “The Sound of Music” (May 13, 14 & 16), and “The Wizard of Oz” (May 20, 21 & 23)
Where: Participating Marcus Theaters, including Majestic Omaha and Village Pointe in Omaha, and Twin Creek in Bellevue, Neb.
Cost: $5
“Metamorphosis: From Reclaimed Plastics to Works of Art”
When: Through May 28
Where: Lauritzen Gardens, First and Bancroft streets
Cost: $10, adults; $5, children (ages 6-12); and FREE for children younger than 6 and members
“Wicked”
When: Through June 3, performances are Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 2 p.m. (May 17 only) and 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 1:30 and 7 p.m.
Where: Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St.
Cost: $44+
“American Adventure”
When: Through July 29
Where: The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St.
Cost: Included with admission, which is $11, adults’ $8, seniors; $7, children (ages 3-12); FREE for children 2 and younger
“Marcela Díaz: Contemporary Textiles”
When: Through Aug. 18
Where: El Museo Latino, 4701 S. 25th St.
Cost: $5, general admission; $4, college students; $3.50 students and seniors; FREE for children younger than 5 and active military
Omaha Storm Chasers Games
When: Through Aug. 30 (see schedule here)
Where: Werner Park, 12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion, Neb.
Cost: Tickets start at $9 for berm seating
Read 10 Things Families Will Love At Storm Chasers Games In 2018
Omaha Farmers Market (Downtown)
When: Through Oct. 13, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Omaha’s Old Market, 11th and Jackson streets
Cost: FREE
Weekly Activities For Families & Kids
These activities are on-going and held on the same day each week. Still, it’s a good idea to call ahead before going, just to be sure.
Toddler Tuesdays
When: Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. to noon
Where: Where: The Salvation Army Kroc Center, 2825 Y St. (gym or at the pool starting at 10:30)
Cost: FREE for members; non-members participate by paying a $4 activity fee for your toddler (age 9 months to 4 years) and the attending parent is FREE.
Crafty Tots
When: Wednesdays, 11 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Omaha Public Library Saddlebrook Branch, 14850 Laurel Ave.
Cost: FREE
Tots of the Town
When: Second Thursday of the month, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Shadow Lake Towne Center, 7775 Olson Drive, Papillion, Neb.
Cost: FREE
Story Time At Barnes & Noble
When: Fridays at 9:30 a.m. (Crossroads) and Saturdays at 11 a.m. (Crossroads and Oakview)
Where: Barnes and Noble at Crossroads, 7400 Dodge St., and Barnes and Noble at Oakview, 3333 Oakview Drive
Cost: FREE
Inflatable Fridays
When: Fridays, 4 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Salvation Army Kroc Center, 2825 Y St.
Cost: FREE to members; non-members pay daily entry fee of $5 per youth, $7 per adults
Family Fun Night
When: Fridays, 5 to 9 p.m.
Where: SkateDaze, 3616 S. 132nd St.
Cost: $11.99 (skate or play), $3.99 for non-skating parent
Hummel Hike Club
When: First Saturday of the month, 9 to 11 a.m.
Where: Hummel Nature Center, 3033 Hummel Park Road
Cost: FREE
Kids Craft Time
When: Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Mangelsen’s, 3457 S. 84th St.
Cost: $1
Second Saturdays Nature Program
When: Second Saturday of every month, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Heron Haven Wetland Sanctuary, 11809 Old Maple Road
Cost: FREE
Kidz Kayak Racing
When: Saturdays, 2 to 4 p.m.
Where: The Salvation Army Kroc Center, 2825 Y St.
Cost: FREE to members; non-members pay daily entry fee of $5 per youth, $7 per adults (for ages 8-12)
Arts for All
When: Saturdays, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Omaha South Public Library, 2808 Q St.
Cost: FREE (ages 8-12, registration required)
Sunday Funday
When: Sundays, 1 to 5 p.m.
Where: The Salvation Army Kroc Center, 2825 Y St.
Cost: FREE to members; non-members pay daily entry fee of $5 per youth, $7 per adults (for ages 8-12)
Family Fun & Fitness
When: Sundays, 1 to 6 p.m.
Where: SkateDaze, 3616 S. 132nd St.
Cost: $8 (skate rental is additional $4)
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I'm a mom, wife, writer & coffee addict. I love my hometown, Omaha, but cannot resist the thrill of travel. Life is best spent discovering the extraordinary at home and on the road. With any luck, I'll inspire you to think the same. 
