Halloween in Omaha

Halloween In Omaha {Updated With 2019 Events}

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After years of adding Halloween events to my monthly events roundups, it’s time to just give Halloween its own post. Here’s a list of events celebrating Halloween in Omaha including Halloween movies, trunk or treats and free activities involving all-things-pumpkin. Most of these Omaha Halloween activities are kid-friendly, but at the end of the post, I included Halloween bar events and concerts. 

NOTE: This post was first published in 2018 and is now updated with 2019 Halloween events. If you know of an event to add, please let me know at ohmyomaha@gmail.com!

A roundup of Halloween events in Omaha including costume balls, trunk or treats, movies, and more ways to celebrate. Updated with 2019 activities in Omaha! #Halloween #haunted #Omaha #Nebraska

Kid-friendly & Teen Halloween Events in Omaha

Cobweb Castle, through Oct. 31 during museum hours, Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St., included with regular museum admission

The Great Pumpkin Celebration, Oct. 19-31 at various times, Cabela’s, 12703 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Neb., FREE

Halloween Family Storytime, Oct. 31, 9:30 a.m., Omaha Public Library Millard branch, 13214 Westwood Lane, FREE

Full Fledged Family Friendly Halloween, Oct. 31, 4 to 8 p.m., Full Fledged Brewing Co., 40 Arena Way, Council Bluffs, Iowa, FREE

Krocktober Carnival, Oct. 31, 4:30 to 6 p.m., Omaha Kroc Center, 2825 Y St., FREE

Tween Hangout (Ages 10-15): Haunted Candy Land, Oct. 31 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Omaha Public Library South Omaha branch, 2808 Q St., FREE

La Vista’s Community Center Safe Night, Oct. 31 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., La Vista Community Center, 8116 Parkview Blvd., La Vista, Neb.

Trunk-or-Treat, Oct. 31, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Bellevue Christian Center, 1400 Harvell Drive, Bellevue, Neb., FREE

Adults-Only Halloween Events in Omaha

Need an excuse to dress up? Here are some events you’re not going to want to bring the kids to:

Haunted Cemetery Tours, Sept. 15 through Nov. 3, Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m., tours are with Ollie the Trolley, $30

Halloween Masquerade, Oct. 31 from 3 p.m. to midnight (music starts at 8 p.m.), Red Lion Lounge, 3804 Farnam St.

Halloween Wine & Spirit Gallery with Jess Coleman, Oct. 31 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., 14229 Pacific St., $50

BlueBarn’s Porchyard Series: “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” Oct. 31 from 7 to 9 p.m., BlueBarn Theatre, 1106 S. 10th St., FREE

Wobbleween, Oct. 31 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., Karma Nightclub, 1421 Farnam St., $5 with costume and $10 without a costume; $5 minor fee

Annual Halloween Throwback Party, Oct. 31 from 9 p.m. to midnight, The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St., $7 in advance and $10 at the door (event is 18+)

Haunted Houses in Omaha

Camp Fear, Riverwest Park, 23301 West Maple Road, Elkhorn, Neb., open Sept. 13 through Oct. 31, price depends on the attraction.

Gateway of Chaos, Mills County Fairgrounds, Malvern, Iowa, opening TBD

Madness Haunted House, 1751 Madison Ave., Council Bluffs, Iowa, open Sept. 13 through Nov. 1

Mystery Manor, 716 N. 18th St., open Sept. 13 through Oct. 31, $14 (save $2 if purchased online; fast pass is $25)

Ranch of Terror and “Darkness” The Hayride Experience, Bellevue Berry Farm and Pumpkin Ranch, 11001 S. 48th St., opening TBD

Scary Acres, 17272 Giles Road, open Sept. 13 through Oct. 31, $10-11 for each attraction or $25 for a combo of all three (get a speed pass to the front of the line additional $5/attraction or $10 for the combo pass)

The Shadow’s Edge, 3457 S. 84th St., open Sept. 20 through Oct. 31, $14 (Wednesdays-Sundays) and $7 (Mondays & Tuesdays)

Haunted House, Oct. 26, 1 to 5 p.m., Omaha Public Library Millard branch, 13214 Westwood Lane, FREE (registration required)

Keep this list updated! Know of any Halloween events in the Omaha Metro area happening in 2019 that aren’t on this list? Leave a comment with the details or email ohmyomaha (at) gmail (dot) com.

Fall in Omaha means tons of Halloween events. This list includes haunted houses, Halloween movies, trunk or treats and other special Halloween activities. The list includes 21+ Halloween events. #Halloween #Omaha #Nebraska #hauntedhouse

Want more ideas?

These aren’t necessarily Halloween events, but they’re great fall activities:

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Vala’s Scavenger Hunt

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A day at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch in Gretna, Neb., is not enough to see and do all the free activities. I’ve tried. There’s plenty to do just walking around and stumbling on fun activities. But, if you’re a regular at Vala’s or a season pass holder, here’s the Vala’s Scavenger Hunt to spice up your next visit.

Vala's Pumpkin Patch in Gretna, Nebraska
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the area and it’s only open about 45 days a year!

This scavenger hunt is great for groups. I know this since I did a version of it during a work outing recently. I’ve altered it some, but the fun tasks and hard-to-find items are all the brainchild of two Omaha Children’s Museum colleagues, Amy and Grace. It’s great when you work with such creative people!

Related post: 5 Must-Try Food At Vala’s Pumpkin Patch

Vala’s Pumpkin Patch Scavenger Hunt

This scavenger hunt is specific to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and the unique things found there, so it won’t work at other pumpkin patches. That said, if you think you know Vala’s, this hunt is going to prove you wrong!

Oversized chicken piano at Vala's Pumpkin Patch in Nebraska
Sure, the Henway Piano is easy to find, but good luck finding everything else on the Vala’s Scavenger Hunt,

Here are a few suggestions for the Vala’s Scavenger Hunt. You don’t have to use these rules, but they helped with our hunt:

– Teams must stick together to complete the scavenger hunt. Splitting up is not allowed.

– Set a time limit. Our time limit was strict, and any team that arrived late was docked 25 points for each minute past the end time. This kept things pretty fair.

– Make sure at least one member on each team has a phone with a lot of storage space for the photos and videos.

Download the Vala’s Scavenger Hunt

Headed to Vala's Pumpkin Patch this fall? Get the free printable scavenger hunt to try! #Omaha #Nebraska #pumpkinpatch

Download the scavenger hunt here! This is free to use for personal use. Please do not reshare this on any other site without my permission.

If you go

Vala’s Pumpkin Patch

Where: 12102 S. 180th St., Gretna, Neb.

When: Opened seasonally starting mid-September through Oct. 31, Sundays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Website

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Omaha Symphony’s Halloween Shows + Giveaway

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The Omaha Symphony is getting into the Halloween spirit this season, presenting two shows themed around Halloween. I’m pretty psyched about both of them – but I have to tell you, the second one is a perfect show for the whole family. 

Symphony new logo

The first one is “Scary Movie Music” this Saturday. You’ll hear the thrilling, chilling music from “Beetlejuice,” “Bride of Frankenstein,” “Harry Potter,” “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and more. Cool, right?

This isn’t for youngsters, mind you. There won’t be any visuals accompanying the songs, but given the titles of some of the movies included, you’ll be replaying scary scenes in your head as the music is played.

You’re encouraged to come in costume. This would be a fun night out with friends!

The show you’ll want to bring your kids to see: 

Symphony Spooktacular Logo copy

On Sunday, Oct. 26, families will want to attend the annual “Symphony Spooktacular.”

This year, magician Keith West will be a part of the show!

Magician Keith Brandy will be in the Omaha Symphony's "Symphony Spooktacular" on Oct. 26, 2014, at the Holland Center.
Magician Keith West and his assistant will be in the Omaha Symphony’s “Symphony Spooktacular” on Oct. 26, 2014, at the Holland Center.

 

I brought both kids last year (they were 2 and almost 4 at the time) and it was fun! Read my review and see instrument petting zoo pictures here.

The show starts at 2 p.m., but you want to arrive early to enjoy the hands-on activities in the lobby. Kids are encouraged to wear costumes, after all, the musicians will be in costumes, too. There will be a little trick or treating following the show. 

The Spooktacular is part of the Omaha Symphony’s Family series, kid-friendly shows in the daytime (LOVE that) that are short enough for most attention spans. I find toddlers will need a break before the end of the show, though. Each show that I’ve attended have been engaging and entertaining without dumbing a single thing down for kids. My 4-year-old has sat through every one he’s attended.

 

If you go

“Scary Movie Music”

When: Saturday, Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St., Keiwit Hall

Purchase tickets

 

“Symphony Spooktacular”

When: Sunday, Oct. 26, 2 p.m. (Tip: Arrive early and pick seats before doing the activities. If you have a young kid, you’ll want an aisle seat for easy exits)

Where: Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St., Keiwit Hall

Purchase tickets

 

Giveaway!

Want to see “Symphony Spooktacular”? Omaha Symphony has provided four tickets for one lucky reader to attend the show on Oct. 26! Giveaway ends Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 11:59 p.m. Prize is valued at $48.

Enter using the Rafflecopter form below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I was not compensated by Omaha Symphony for writing this post. Omaha Symphony provided the giveaway tickets. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

Review: Symphony Spooktacular – The Kids Sat Still!

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Mooch and the cello.
Mooch and the cello.

My kids went to a symphony concert and sat through almost all of it. I know!

OK, this wasn’t just any symphony concert. Omaha Symphony put on its annual “Symphony Spooktacular” on Sunday – an hour-long production that catered to the tastes of antsy youngsters in itchy costumes. Farley was enthralled for the entire show. Unexpectedly, Mooch sat through most of it (only two potty breaks). This is a huge step for the 2-year-old.

Have you ever gone to any of shows in the symphony’s Family Series? I think I’m sold on these. For the cost, you can’t beat the intro to orchestral music.

What to expect

Family Series shows start at the kid-friendly 2 p.m. time slot. An hour before the show starts, the lobby comes alive with activities based on the performance and the instrument petting zoo. Since this was a Halloween concert, there were spooky photo opps (including a fun photo booth). You might want to claim some seats before exploring the pre-show fun since it’s general admission. Tips: Don’t sit too close, no matter how much your kid begs, and aim for the center section for a good overall view of the orchestra. If your kid is likely going to need a potty break or a time out, claim the coveted aisle seat.

The petting zoo was crowded but my kids got to try their hand at a few instruments.

A trumpet-playing pirate. And by trumpet-playing, I mean he touched a trumpet and made no sounds.
A trumpet-playing pirate. And by trumpet-playing, I mean he touched a trumpet and made no sounds.

Don’t worry, they clean those things.

The show itself is short by performing arts standards, and not at all boring. It opened with “Thriller,” for crying out loud. Many musicians wore costumes (there was a fun little costume contest during the show). It was all visually appealing, with a little mood lighting, the colorful costumes, the personable conductor Ernest Richardson, and of course, just seeing the instruments themselves.

What kept the show entertaining for the young audience were “the extras”: The dancers, the martial artists (who did a “Star Wars” themed choreographed fight), and the Man in the Moon.

After the performance, the kids were invited to trick or treat in the lobbies of the Holland Center. It was a mad house.

Timing a potty break

Since the performance itself is so short, try to get your kids to go before it begins. The ushers stop you from returning to your seats during a song, so you will have to wait at the door until the song ends.

Will an adult like this?

I can’t vouch for the rest of the shows in the series, but the “Symphony Spooktacular” was a good show. I liked seeing my kids eyes light up when characters danced on stage, the “Whoa!” look on Mooch’s face during a particularly intense moment. Plus, I’m admittedly not able to sit through long symphonic performances, so one hour is good for me too. And everyone in my family liked the casualness of the day. Jeans are OK at shows like these.

If you want to go to the next show

“Mozart’s Missing Memory” is next in the Omaha Symphony Family Series. It is Jan. 19, 2014, at 2 p.m. at the Holland Center. Tickets are general admission for $12.

10 Omaha Parks and Rec Halloween Events

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Any of you regulars at Omaha Parks and Recreation Community Centers? They kind of get overlooked in our household, though that’s regrettable considering all they offer. Take Halloween for instance. The city sent me a list of everything planned for the next week – most of it is FREE – and it made me rethink my neglect. Maybe you and I ought to visit our neighborhood community center, eh?

Photo by Stunt of the Litter
Photo by Stunt of the Litter

Freaky Friday Halloween Party

A.V. Sorensen Center

Today, 6 to 9 p.m.

Ages 5 and under, $1; 6 -12, $5

Boo Bash

Benson Center

Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m

FREE

Halloween Skate

Motto McLean Ice Arena

Saturday, 12:15 to 2:15 p.m.

Fee $3

Spooktacular

Saddlebrook Center

Saturday, 1 to 3 p.m.

FREE

Trunk or Treat

Camelot Center

Saturday, 5 to 7 p.m.

FREE

Halloween Bash

Adams Park Center

Tuesday, 5 to 7 p.m.

FREE

Trunk or Treat

Montclair Center

Tuesday, 5 to 7 p.m.

FREE

Candy Bar Bingo

Camelot Center

Tuesday, 6 p.m.

FREE

Halloween Spooktacular

Florence Center

Wednesday, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

FREE

Halloween Party

A.V. Sorensen Center

Thursday, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Ages 5 and under, $1

For more information, visit www.cityofomaha.org/parks or call your nearest City of Omaha Community Center.

Omaha Haunted House Discounts

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There is no shortage of haunted houses in the Omaha area, which means you stand a good chance at not paying full price to go to one. Here are few of the Omaha haunted houses I came across that offered a discount:

Haunted Hollow

120th Street and Old Giles Road

Now open

Website

Discount: $1 off when you use this coupon

Mystery Manor

716 N. 18th St.

Now open

Website

Discount: BOGO on Wednesdays, Oct. 2, 9 and 16 from dusk until 10 p.m. (that’s buy one, get one free for those of you not in the couponing know)

Scary Acres

17272 Giles Road

Opens Oct. 1

Website

Discount: Coupons for $1 off and $2 off here

Discount 2: Bring 1 can of food and receive $1 off any single attraction. Up to $3 off with up to 3 cans of food on Combo Tickets. Please note: You may bring additional cans of food to “help feed the hungry” however they do not provide additional discounts. All discounts are one per person. Any and All discounts are ONLY offered Sunday – Thursday. Bring valid Military ID for $1 off any Single Attraction or $3 off Super Combo. Discount good for one person with ID only. Any and All discounts are ONLY offered Sunday – Thursday.

* No discounts on Fridays and Saturdays

The Shadow’s Edge

3457 S. 84th St. (outside Mangelsen’s)

Now open

Website

Discount: The website has a coupon page where you fill out a form and then you get a $2 off coupon good through Oct. 31 (can’t be used on Fridays and Saturdays, or combined with other offers). Mondays and Tuesdays, admission is reduced to $6.

Edited Oct. 2 at 3 p.m.

Do you have a favorite haunted house to go to in Omaha – or does your kid have a favorite?