Summer is here! Check out this list for upcoming kid-friendly activities, exhibits, stage shows, and more happening in the Omaha Metro Area in July 2019 (and beyond!). Ready for summer festivals in Omaha and surrounding communities? Those are on the list, too!
Looking for all the free concerts like Jazz on the Green and free outdoor movies this summer? There are too many to list here, so visit this post: 100+ Free Summer Movies In Omaha (and Concerts).
NOTE: This page is updated weekly.
How to read this post: The first events listed are things to come in chronological order, followed by all the on-going events like exhibits or shows that have already opened. Everything is in Omaha, unless otherwise noted in the address. The post ends with weekly activities at recreation centers and libraries (you may want to call ahead to make sure it is happening the day you plan on visiting).
Moon Landing Celebration
When: July 14-20
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St.
Cost: Included with museum admission, which is $13 for children and adults, $12 for seniors, and FREE for kids under 2 and members
Telescopes and Prairie Skies
When: July 19, 7 to 10 p.m.
Where: Wildlife Safari Park, 16406 292nd St, Ashland, Nwb.
Cost: $10 per person (pre-registration requested)
Big Canvas Presents BC Universe Improv
When: July 19 and 20, 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7)
Where: Apollon Art Space, 1801 Vinton St.
Cost: $10
Teddy Bear Clinic
When: July 20, 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St.
Cost: Included with museum admission, which is $13 for children and adults, $12 for seniors, and FREE for kids under 2 and members
Apollo 11 Moon Landing 50th Anniversary Celebration
When: July 20, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, 28210 West Park Highway, Ashland, Neb.
Cost: Included with museum admission, which is $12, adults; $11, military/seniors; $6, kids (ages 4-12); and FREE, kids 3 and under.
Big Play Saturday – Donuts & Dinos!
When: July 20, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Fat Brain Toys, 16909 Burke St., Suite 131
Cost: FREE
“SPACE: Humanity’s Longest Journey”
When: July 20 through Sept. 15
Where: Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, 28210 West Park Highway, Ashland, Neb.
Cost: Included with museum admission, which is $12, adults; $11, military/seniors; $6, kids (ages 4-12); and FREE, kids 3 and under.
Butterfly Tea Party
When: July 21, noon to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Apollon Art Center, 1801 Vinton St.
Cost: $15 (recommended for ages 3-8)
Hamiltunes: An American Singalong
When: July 22, 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St.
Cost: FREE
Sixth Annual Omaha Under the Radar Festival
When: July 24-27
Where: Various venues in Omaha
Cost: $25, day pass; $50, full pass; $100, VIP pass; individual events are $10 each
Gretna Days
When: July 25-28 (carnival July 25 & 26, fireworks on July 26 at 10:15 p.m., kiddie parade July 27 at 8 a.m.)
Where: Various locations in Gretna, Neb.
Cost: FREE
Kerfulffle’s “Firefly: A play for the very young”
When: July 26-Aug. 4; performances are Fridays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Outrspaces, 1258 S. 13th St.
Cost: $10 (pay-what-you-can pricing is available, just ask)
Wildlife Safari Family Campouts
When: July 26 (Prairie Walkers), Aug. 9 and 10 (Perseid Meteor Shower), Aug. 24 (Creek Walkers), and Sept. 7 and 27 (monarch tagging); overnights
Where: Wildlife Safari Park, 16406 292nd St, Ashland, Nwb.
Cost: $40 per person
Night Market
When: July 26, Aug. 30 and Sept. 27, 6 to 10 p.m.
Where: Midtown Crossing at Turner Park, 31st Avenue and Farnam Street
Cost: FREE
The Color Run 5K Omaha
When: July 27, 8 a.m.
Where: CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St.
Cost: $29.99-$54.99
2nd Annual Nebraska Asian Festival
When: July 27, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Lewis & Clark Landing on the Omaha side of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge in downtown Omaha
Cost: $8, adults; FREE, kids 12 and under
Family Safari Tent Camp
When: July 27; and Aug. 2 and 16; overnight
Where: Lied Jungle at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, 3701 S. 10th St.
Cost: $100 per person (children must be at least 4 years old; tents required)
GO! Kids Gym Summer Bash
When: July 27, 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: Go Kids’ Gym, 4223 S. 120th St.
Cost: $5, annual membership holders, and $12 for non-members
Taste of La Vista
When: July 27, 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: Central Park, 7648 Edgewood Blvd., La Vista, Neb.
Cost: FREE
Benson Days
When: July 27 & 28 (parade on July 27 at 10 a.m., street festival on July 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Where: Benson neighborhood along Maple Street
Cost: FREE
Fairytale Ball
When: July 27, 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St.
Cost: $20 for members and $35 for non-members; purchase tickets to both the Royal Highland Ball and Fairytale Ball and get combo tickets to attend both for $30 for members and $60 for non-members. Purchase tickets here.
Sarpy County Fair
When: July 31 through Aug. 4
Where: Sarpy County Fair & Rodeo, 100 Main St., Springfield, Neb.
Cost: FREE (rides and other activities are additional fee)
Billy McGuigan’s “Rock Twist”
When: Aug. 2-18; performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Where: Omaha Community Playhouse
Cost: $42
Valley Days
When: Aug. 9-11 (parade is Aug. 10 at 10 a.m.)
Where: Various locations in Valley, Neb.
Cost: FREE
“Pokenon Themed Performance, Art & Dinner”
When: Aug. 9-25; performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Where: Apollon Art Space, 1801 Vinton St.
Cost: $20 in advance; $25 at the door (includes light snacks)
Family Sleeping Bag Safaris “Snoozing Under The Sea”
When: Aug. 10; overnight
Where: Scott Aquarium at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, 3701 S. 10th St.
Cost: $48 per person (children must be at least 4 years old)
Arrows to Aerospace in Bellevue
When: Aug. 16 & 17 (parade on Aug. 17 at 10 a.m.)
Where: Washington Park in Olde Towne Bellevue, Neb.
Cost: FREE
“PAW Patrol LIVE: The Great Pirate Adventure:
When: Aug. 17 and 18; performances are at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day
Where: Orpheum Theater, 809 S. 16th St.
Cost: $21.25 – $134.25
Millard Days
When: Aug. 20-25 (parade is Aug. 24 at 11 a.m.)
Where: Andersen Park, 13625 Cottner St.
Cost: FREE
Dundee Day
When: Aug. 24
Where: 50th Street and Underwood Avenue
Cost: FREE
Zoo Pre-Campers Experience
When: Aug. 31; 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, 3701 S. 10th St.
Cost: $25 per person, FREE for children under 12 months old
Midtown Crossing Car Show
When: Sept. 1, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, 3110 Farnam St.
Cost: FREE
World O! Water
When: Sept. 7, noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Wehrspann Lake at Chalco Hills Recreation Area, 8901 S. 154th St.
Cost: FREE
Exhibits & Shows Ending Soon
Don’t miss your chance to see these Omaha events, performances or exhibits that have a set end date!
Omaha Symphony Visits Storytime
When: Through July 18; July 2 at 10:30 a.m. (South Omaha), July 8 at 10:30 a.m. (Millard), July 9 at 10 a.m. (Abrahams), July 10 at 10:30 a.m. (Willa Cather), July 11 at 3 p.m. (Elkhorn – registration required), and July 18 at 10:15 a.m. (Benson)
Where: Various locations, including several Omaha Public Library branches
Cost: FREE
Teen Lock-Ins
When: Through July 19; Nerf Lock-In June 28 from 6 to 9 p.m. (Benson), Gaming Lock-In June 28 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. (Abrahams), Escape Room Lock-In July 12 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. (Washington), Nerf Lock-In July 13 from 7 to 10 p.m. (Millard), and Science Fiction Lock-In July 19, 6 to 9 p.m. (Benson)
Where: Various Omaha Public Library branches
Cost: FREE (permission slip from a parent and registration are required)
“Into the Woods”
When: Through July 20; performances are Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 8 p.m.
Where: Sumtur Amphitheater, 11691 S. 108th St., Papillion, Neb.
Cost: $18, VIP; $14, reserved; and $10, general admission
Llama Llama Visits Storytime
When: Through July 20; July 15 at 10:30 a.m. (Millard), July 16 at 10:30 a.m. (Washington), July 17 at 10:30 a.m. (Main), July 18 at 10:30 a.m. (Stinson Park, 2285 S. 67th St.), July 19 at 10:30 a.m. (Willa Cather), and July 20 at 10:30 a.m. (Sorensen)
Where: Various Omaha Public Library branches
Cost: FREE
“Beauty and the Beast”
When: Through July 28; performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Where: Ralston Performing Arts Centre, 8989 Park Drive, Ralston, Neb.
Cost: $20, adults; $18, students/seniors
Storytime with Scotty
When: Wednesdays through July 31, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St.
Cost: Included with museum admission and FREE for members
Fossil Fridays
When: Fridays through Aug. 9; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Crafts, Giveaways and Raffle; 10:30 a.m., Guided Exhibit Tour; 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Dino-Themed Game
Where: The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St.
Cost: Included with museum admission and FREE for members
“Garth Williams: Illustrator of the Century”
When: Through Aug. 11
Where: Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St.
Cost: FREE
Kids Dream Summer Film Series
When: Through Aug. 14; shows are Sunday, Monday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. “The Lego Movie 2” (June 16, 17 & 19), “The Lorax” (June 23, 24 & 26), “A Dog’s Way Home” (June 30, July 1 & 3), “Smallfoot” (July 7, 8 & 10), “Hotel Transylvania 3” (July 14, 15 & 17), “Despicable Me” (July 21, 22 & 24), “Wonder Park” (July 28, 29 & 31), “Dr. Seuss The Grinch” (Aug. 4, 5 & 7) and “How to Train Your Dragon 3” (Aug. 11, 12 & 14)
Where: Participating Marcus Theaters including Village Pointe, Majestic and Twin Creek
Cost: $3 (download two free tickets here)
“Chica”
When: Through Aug. 24
Where: El Museo Latino, 4701 S. 25th St.
Cost: $5, general admission; $3.50, children (K-12); FREE for children under 5 years old and members
“Re*Purpose”
When: Through Aug. 24
Where: KANEKO, 1111 Jones St.
Cost: FREE
“Enchanted Kingdom”
When: Through Sept. 1
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St.
Cost: Included with admission, which is $13 for children and adults, $12 for seniors, and FREE for members and children younger than 24 months
“Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family”
When: Through Sept. 1
Where: The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St.
Cost: Included with museum admission and FREE for members
“Attic Adventures”
When: Through Sept. 1
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St.
Cost: Included with admission, which is $13 for kids and adults, $12 for seniors, and FREE for members and children 24 months and younger
“The Great Gnome Escape: A Family Scavenger Hunt”
When: Through Sept. 2
Where: Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St.
Cost: Included with admission and FREE for members
“The Art of Seating: 200 Years of American Design”
When: Through Sept. 8
Where: Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St.
Cost: $10 for general public adults; $5 college students with ID (tickets for
those with a UNMC student ID are free); free for members and youth ages 17 and younger. Special Thursday pricing (4–8 p.m.): $5 for general public adults.
Farmers Market Council Bluffs
When: Thursdays through Sept. 26, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: First Avenue by Bayliss Park in Council Bluffs, Iowa
Cost: FREE
Omaha Farmers Market – Old Market
When: Saturdays through Oct. 12, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: 11th and Jackson streets
Cost: FREE
Omaha Farmers Market – Aksarben Village
When: Sundays through Oct. 13, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 67th and Center streets
Cost: FREE
“HUIPILES, Indigenous Textiles from Guatemala”
When: Through Oct. 26
Where: El Museo Latino, 4701 S. 25th St.
Cost: $5, general admission; $3.50 for kids grade K-12; FREE for kids under 3 and members
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
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)
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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. Inquiries at ohmyomaha@gmail.com
