NOTE: This page is updated weekly.
Spring is here! Check out this list for upcoming kid-friendly activities, exhibits, stage shows, and more happening in the Omaha Metro Area in May 2019. Ready for summer festivals in Omaha and surrounding communities? Those are on the list, too! Looking for all the free concerts and free movies this summer? There are too many to list here, so visit this post: 100+ Free Summer Movies In Omaha (and Concerts).
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).
Salute To Summer Festival
When: May 23-26 (carnival is May 23-26, fireworks on May 24 at dusk, parade on May 25 at 1 p.m.)
Where: Various locations in La Vista, Neb., including Central Park, City Hall and Community Center
Cost: FREE
Family Sleeping Bag Safaris “Snoozing Under The Sea”
When: May 24, June 21, July 5 & 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)
“Enchanted Kingdom”
When: May 25 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
Running With Legends Fun Run
When: May 25, 9 a.m.
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St.
Cost: FREE (does not include admission to the museum)
Escape Room For Grades 2-6
When: May 25, 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Omaha Public Library Florence branch, 2920 Bondesson St.
Cost: FREE (pre-registration required)
Captain Underpants and Dog Man Party
When: May 25, 2 to 3 p.m.
Where: Omaha Public Library South Omaha branch, 2808 Q St.
Cost: FREE
Camel & Ostrich Races
When: May 26, 2 to 6 p.m.
Where: Horsemen’s Park, 6303 Q St.
Cost: $5, adults; kids admitted FREE
Summer Reading Program Kickoff Parties
When: May 31 and June 1 ; May 31, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Elkhorn and Main); June 1, 1 to 3 p.m. (Washington, Sorensen, Millard, Saddlebrook, Florence, Benson, South Omaha, Swanson, Abrahams and Willa Cather)
Where: Various Omaha Public Library branches
Cost: FREE
Wildlife Safari Family Campouts
When: May 31 (Frogwatch USA), June 8 (fireflies), June 21 and 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: May 31, June 28, 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
Taste of Omaha
When: May 31 through June 2
Where: Lewis & Clark Landing and Heartland of America Park in downtown Omaha
Cost: FREE
Castlepalooza: A Free Community Festival
When: June 1, 3 to 9 p.m.
Where: Joslyn Castle, 3902 Davenport St.
Cost: FREE
Royal Highland Ball
When: June 1, 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.
Family Safari Tent Camp
When: June 1, 8, and 28; July 13 and 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)
Gateway To The West Days
When: June 6-9
Where: Various locations around Blair, Neb.
Cost: FREE
Kids Funfare
When: Thursdays, June 6-27, 10 a.m.
Where: Regency Court, 120 Regency Parkway
Cost: FREE
Springfield Days
When: June 7 and 8 (parade on June 8 at 2 p.m, Springfield’s Got Talent Show on June 8 at 5 p.m..)
Where: Springfield, Neb.
Cost: FREE
Bennington Daze
When: June 7-9 (parade is June 8 at 11 a.m., street dance is June 8)
Where: Various locations in Bennington
Cost: FREE
Carter Lake Parade & Festival
When: June 8
Where: Carter Lake, Iowa
Cost: FREE
“Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family”
When: June 8 through Sept. 1
Where: The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St.
Cost: Included with museum admission and FREE for members
Aviation STEM Day & Pancake Breakfast – Ages 11-18
When: June 8, 8 a.m. to noon
Where: Millard Airport, 12916 Millard Airport Plaza
Cost: TBD
Curious George Visits Story Time
When: June 8-14 ; June 8 at 10:30 a.m. (Willa Cather), June 10 at 10:30 a.m. (Abrahams), June 11 at 10:30 a.m. (South Omaha), June 12 at 10:30 a.m. (Main), June 13 at 10:15 a.m. (Benson), and June 14 at 10:30 a.m. (Florence)
Where: Various Omaha Public Library locations
Cost: FREE
Teen Poetry Workshop, Featuring Louder Than a Bomb Artists
When: June 8, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Omaha Public Library Millard branch, 13214 Westwood Lane
Cost: FREE (registration required; for grades 8-12)
A Dump Truck Visits Storytime
When: June 10, 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Omaha Public Library Millard branch, 13214 Westwood Lane
Cost: FREE
Interstellar Crafts & Activities
When: June 11, 10:15 a.m. to noon
Where: Omaha Public Library W. Dale Clark Main branch, 215 S. 15th St.
Cost: FREE
Exotic Animals with Gifford Farms
When: June 11, 1:30 to 2:15 p.m.
Where: Omaha Public Library Willa Cather branch, 1905 S. 44th St.
Cost: FREE
Jeff Quinn Magic Show
When: June 11-14; June 11 from 1 to 2 p.m. (Florence), June 12 from 1 to 1:45 p.m. (Saddlebrook), June 13 from 1 to 2 p.m. and from 3 to 4 p.m. (Elkhorn), June 14 from 1 to 2 p.m. (Sorensen)
Where: Various Omaha Public Library Florence branches
Cost: FREE
“Re*Purpose”
When: June 11 through Aug. 24
Where: KANEKO, 1111 Jones St.
Cost: FREE
Papillion Days
When: June 12-16 (parade is June 15 at 2 p.m.; fireworks TBD)
Where: Various locations in Papillion, Neb.
Cost: FREE
Storytime with Scotty
When: Wednesdays, June 12 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
Papio NRD: Owls
When: June 13, 2 to 3 p.m.
Where: Omaha Public Library Abrahams branch, 5111 N. 90th St.
Cost: FREE
Fossil Fridays
When: Fridays, June 14 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
International Day
When: June 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Omaha Public Library Millard branch, 13214 Westwood Lane
Cost: FREE
Zoo Pre-Campers Experience
When: June 14, July 12 and 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
Nerf Lock-in
When: June 14, 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Omaha Public Library Benson branch, 6015 Binney St.
Cost: FREE (must pre-register and have signed parental permission slip; for ages 12-18)
Rise Of The Tyrants – A Family-Focused Presentation
When: June 15, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St.
Cost: Included with museum admission and FREE for members; registration is required
Princess Workshop
When: June 29, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Board and Brush, 539 N. 155th Plaza
Cost: $25
Ralston Independence Day Celebration
When: July 3 and 4 (parade is July 4 at 1 p.m., fireworks on July 4 at dusk)
Where: Ralston, Neb.
Cost: FREE
Fremont Days
When: July 12-14
Where: Various locations in Fremont, Neb.
Cost: FREE
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)
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
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.
Valley Days
When: Aug. 9-11 (parade is Aug. 10 at 10 a.m.)
Where: Various locations in Valley, Neb.
Cost: FREE
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
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
Loessfest
When: Aug. 30 through Sept. 1
Where: Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park on the Council Bluffs side of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
Cost: FREE
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
Family-Friendly Things To Do: Exhibits & Shows Ending Soon
“American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith”
When: Through June 23 (opening day activities are March 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Where: The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St.
Cost: Included with museum admission, which is $11 for adults; $8 for seniors; $7 for children (ages 3-12); and FREE for members and children age 2 and under
Forever Young Family & Children’s Series – Springtime in Paris!
When: Through June 27; “The Red Balloon and White Mane” (April 18); “A Cat in Paris” (April 20, 21, 25, 27 and May 2); “Triplets of Belleville” (May 4, 5, 9, 11, 12 & 16); “Ernest & Celestine” (May 18, 19, 23, 25, 26 & 30); “Hugo” (June 1, 2, 6, 8, 9 & 13); “Small Change” (June 15, 16, 20, 22, 23 & 27)
Where: Film Streams at Ruth Sokolof Theater, 1340 Mike Fahey St.
Cost: $10, adults; $7.50, seniors/teachers/military/bike; and $2.50 for kids ages 12 and younger
“Garth Williams: Illustrator of the Century”
When: Through Aug. 11
Where: Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St.
Cost: FREE
“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
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
