Omaha Family Fun Guide - Summer 2024

Family Fun Guide

OMAHA AREA SUMMER 2024

FEATURING:

Summer Camps Guide

Water Fun!

Splash Pad Bingo

Hydrant Parties Link

Community Celebrations

Kid Activities:

Word Search

Crossword Puzzle

For us, summer can seem very busy and restless. It is also full of a lot of joyful activities. Packing in as much play as possible can make it difficult to find the time to relax. With good planning there are many ways to help you and your family find room to breathe, and to be mindful.

We all love knowing about all the available options. This summer there is no shortage of entertainment to keep us busy around the area. The Family Fun In Omaha magazine is packed full of fun things to do.

We hope that this issue provides all of those “stay-busy” options you’re looking for, but also some

ideas for escape and relaxation. No matter what your family’s summer fun desires are, we hope to help. Do not forget to take calm walks through nature, find quiet mornings to fish, sit by a lake, or find a solitary place for a family picnic.

Since there’s often far too much to cover in a single magazine issue, please check out our website and our social media forums for more fun things to do this summer.

– Family Fun In Omaha Team

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: DISCLAIMER:

©2024 Family Fun in Omaha. All rights reserved. We are not responsible for errors and omissions or changes since publication. Reproduction in whole or in part granted only by written permission of the publisher.

SUMMER CAMPS GUIDE

Looking for a lot of fun at a variety of Summer Camps in and around the Omaha area?

Create, discover, explore, perform, plan, and make more memories this summer with the many area summer camps!

Summer camps are a great way to keep your kids active, having fun, and learning while school is out of session. There are camps with themes for every age and interest. You are sure to find one for your child.

Be sure to visit the online guides. There you can search by: Type of Camp, Age of Campers, and the Date Range of Camp.

Browse through this updated guide to find the perfect Summer Camp.

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Rose Theater Summer Camps

Turn up the spotlight on Omaha youth! Students at The Rose Theater summer camps will work on their acting chops, belt out show tunes and kick up their heels at The Rose’s state-of-the-art educational arts facility. Students interested in performing arts summer camps and classes can enroll in acting, musical theater, dance and production camps.

College for Kids and Teens Summer Exploration

Metropolitan Community College offers College for Kids and College for Teens courses that bring fun and learning to children ages 5-18. Kids and teens can take classes that focus on art, culinary, engineering, science, robotics, STEM and more. Courses are offered at multiple locations within Omaha and our four county service area.

DISCOUNT CODE: C4KT2024, $5 off, EXP: 8/9/24

YMCA of Greater Omaha Summer Day Camp

YMCA camps offer kids aged 5-12 years (must have attended Kindergarten) a fun, safe & engaging environment where they will find friends, plus a sense of belonging & accomplishment. Parents can rest easy knowing their child is learning every day, all while having a great time. Sign up for 1 or 2 weeks or the whole summer! Sign up Feb. 1 for members and Feb. 5 for non members.

Sing Omaha Music Camps

Three show choir camps for grades 3-12, our summer show choir camps are preparatory/growth experiences for students in a low-pressure environment.

Music Explorers is for ages 6-9 and promises to be a fun and exciting exploratory experience, lots of fun for all! Sign up by April 1 and save!

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Elkhorn Esports Summer Academy

The Elkhorn Esports summer camp is designed for kids who love video games and are also looking to build skills in their favorite game, create connections, and compete in a fun team environment. Each day also features cool off-screen activities to create awareness and interest in the technologies and careers within the esports ecosystem.

Sign up opens Feb 15.

Summer Adventure Camp at Lauritzen Gardens

Exciting adventures await campers 5-12 years old! Lauritzen Gardens is a giant outdoor learning lab, where hands-on experiences in nature and outdoor activities are supplemented with crafts, games, snacks, and in-class lessons. Choose from six full-day camps with fun themes that connect children to nature, build life skills, and foster an appreciation for the environment.

McGuigan Arts Academy Rock ‘n’ Palooza

Explore the music of great rock bands such as Queen, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Davis Bowie and more! Explore acting through improvisation and scene work! Get messy and create outside the box through drawing and painting!

Full Day & Half Day Options.

Nebraska Dance is your best bet for amazing Summer Dance Camps forage 3 through 12th grade. From 3-day M/W/F camps with half-day times, to our brand new 5 day all day camp available as well! Camps are offered at both of our locations. Activities include dancing, crafts, snacks and tons of fun! Don’t miss our Boutique Ballet performing “Alice in Wonderland”.

Nebraska Dance

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Quest Forward Summer Exploration

Quest Forward Summer Camp will be offering four camps this year. Camp goers will have fun in Filmography, Photography, Digital Media Marketing, and Outdoor Science. Students will use industry tools to create fun projects that they can be proud of!

Spark Adventure Camps

Spark Adventure Camps are parttime week long STEAM based camps for grades 1st-8th. They will offer fun hands-on learning experiences that include art, engineering, science, technology, claymation, podcasting and much more. All 11 camps are located at Millard North Middle School. Registration is open now and space is limited.

Challenge Island Omaha Northwest Camp

Sail Away on Slimetopia® 3: Slime Chefs on Deck™, Launch into Mission Space, or Rollerblade to Island Doll Camp. Add SteinerAMA’s exciting Personal Armor series to discover Slime Movement, Navigating Threats in the Cosmos, and Doll Movements in Self-Defense for added fitness & fun! Screen-free STEM fun to expand your elementary students’ imaginations!

DISCOUNT CODE: FFIO15 15% 4/15/24

Find a summer filled with joy, laughter, and music for your little ones!

Our Kindermusik summer camps are all about YOUR child’s magical journey through music, offering a delightful mix of rhythm, movement, and creative expression. Come once a weekend enrich their summer with the joy of music at Kindermusik with Overton Music Studios.

Kindermusik (Music & Movement)

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Bloom Summer Camps

Are you looking for an activity for your child that is positive, safe, and encourages development? Sign up at Bloom for summer dance camps or weekly classes!

- Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Acro, Cheer, Contemporary, Musical Theater and more!

- Three Locations: Northwest Omaha (Blondo), Southwest Omaha (Oakview), and Elkhorn.

Campers entering grades 1-6 are invited to register for one or more week-long sessions. Each camp week will include traditional summer camp activities of arts & crafts, swimming, and games, along with special activities and field trips based on that week’s theme.

With fun and affordable camps ranging from wizards to LEGOs, The Durham is serving up a one-of-a-kind experience that sparks the imagination. NEW THIS YEAR, an animal-themed camp inspired by Dr. Jane Goodall, the focus of our summer exhibition! Half-day and full-day programs are available for 1st-5th graders. To fit busy schedules, before and after-camp care is available.

Creighton Prep has teamed up with US Sports Camps/Nike Sports Camps to offer an exciting lineup of summer fun! Designed for boys and girls from pre-k through ninth grade, camps meet daily. With morning and afternoon sessions, you can select multiple camps to attend.

The Durham Museum Summer Camp

Bluejay Summer Kids Camp

Creighton Prep Summer Camps

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Girl Scouts of America

At Girl Scout Camp, the possibilities are endless. You’ll be amazed at what outdoor experiences can do to develop her confidence to take on new challenges. Day, overnight and weekend camps await you!

Register for a Girl Scout Camp valued at $25 or more and receive your membership for FREE! This offer is available to all non-member girl-identifying youth grades K-12.

Mid-America CouncilBoy Scouts of America

During scout camps, youth can experience the great outdoors, meet new friends, gain confidence, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Summer camp experiences include activities like STEM, nature, games, aquatics and MORE! Camps vary by date and location. Please visit: www.mac-bsa.org for more information.

BENSON PARK

7002 MILITARY AVE, OMAHA, NE 68104

SPLASH PAD BINGO

2707 REDICK AVE, OMAHA, NE 68112

FONTENELLE PARK 4405 FONTENELLE BLVD, OMAHA, NE 68104

KOUNTZE PARK 1920 PINKNEY ST, OMAHA, NE 68110

BOB KERRY PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

705 RIVERFRONT DR, OMAHA, NE 68102

4405 CARTER LK SHR DR, OMAHA, NE 68110

PARK 5724 S 41ST ST, OMAHA, NE 68107

3104 JEFFERSON ST, OMAHA, NE 68107 WESTWOOD HEIGHTS PARK

PARK 100 PEARL ST, COUNCIL BLUFFS

6502 HARTMAN AVE, OMAHA, NE 68104 SEYMOUR SMITH PARK

6802 HARRISON ST, OMAHA, NE 68127 UPLAND PARK

OUGH PARK 4573 N 138TH ST, OMAHA, NE 68164

12334 SELDIN DR, OMAHA, NE 68144 FAIRMOUNT PARK E GRAHAM AVE & PARK ENTRANCE ST, COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA 51503

COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS

La Vista Days

May 31st–June1st

A new take on the La Vista annual community festival.

Friday – Free concert, Fireworks, & Drone Show

Saturday – Parade, car show, community cookout, and family fun festival.

Elkhorn Days

June 6–9th

Elkhorn Days is an annual celebration of the Elkhorn, NE, area that takes place the 2nd weekend of June each year. The event includes the area’s largest parade, live music, vendor booths, kids and family activities, Corn Hole and 3-on-3 basketball tournaments, a car show, and much more!

Friday – Fantasy Drone Show

Saturday – Parade

Celebrate with many surrounding communities and enjoy their fun activities. Many of the events are free – and definitely fun!

Check out our Community Celebrations page for more details and celebrations, we will be updating it all summer long.

Bennington Daze May 31st–June1st

Friday – Community Picnic & Fireworks

Saturday – Parade, BBQ Contest, Street Dance, Farmers Market

Sunday – Fire Station Food & Fun

SummerFest at River’s Edge June7th

Fourth annual SummerFest at River’s Edge it is FREE and packed with summery fun you won’t want to miss!

The Drone Show: At dark (around 9:30 p.m.) Fantasy Drone Shows will light up the sky with 200 drones for a dazzling display unlike anything you’ve seen before!

New This Year: The Kiewit Luminarium will be at SummerFest! Play with interactive ‘exhibits’—portable versions of exhibits inside the Luminarium.

Location: Tom Hanafan Park – 4200 Avenue B, Council Bluffs, IA 51501

COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS

Springfield Days

June 7–9th

Hometown parade, kiddie parade, kid’s games, beer garden, and fireworks!

Annual John C. Fremont Days

July 12–14th

Parade, Balloon Glow and Watermelon

Feed, Car Show, Rodeo, Beer Garden, BBQ Contest and more!

Full Schedule TBD

Gretna Days

July 24–28th

Friday – Fireworks

Sunday – Community Picnic in the park

Saturday Night – dance in Village Square

Full Schedule TBD

Benson Days

June 27–28th

Saturday – Pancake Feed, Parade

Sunday – Benson Bike Ride, Yoga in the Park, Kickball Tournament

More Activities & Full Schedule are TBD

Papillion Days

June 12–16th

The 77th Annual Papillion Days celebration! Register to be a vendor, purchase carnival wristbands, or view a full schedule of events through the link below.

2024 Parade Theme: Red, White, & Blue

Heartland Hope Mission Block Party – June 22nd

Come celebrate with Heartland Hope at Heartland Hope Mission’s annual Block Party at 11am-2 pm at 2021 U Street. This free event includes waterslides, a bounce house, music, outdoor games, delicious free food, giveaways from local vendors, firetruck tours, a sports camp for kids and so much more! Come with your family and invite your friends.

Take the cue, it’s true, there are lots of fun things to do at the Heartland Hope Mission Block Party!

Location: Heartland Hope Mission 2021 U St, Omaha, NE

Millard Days

Aug 20–25th

Carnival, Beer Garden, and Live Music

Saturday – Parade

Sunday – Family Fun Day: Face Painting, Balloon Animals, Kids Tractor Pull, Ice Cream Social

Location: Andersen Park 13625 Cottner St., Omaha, NE

COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS

Dundee Day

Aug 24th

A family-friendly street festival celebrates and highlights the Dundee neighborhood with a parade, 5k run, art and craft vendors, book sale, pancake breakfast, food trucks, live music and spoken word, live art drawing, and beer garden.

Schedule TBD

Plattsmouth Harvest Festival Sept 5–8th

Now in its 93rd year, the Plattsmouth Harvest Festival is the oldest, continuous harvest festival in Nebraska.

Fun for the whole family, the 4-day event begins with the Coronation of the King and Queen on Thursday evening.

Friday includes carnival rides, Kiddie Parade, Pep Rally, Talent Show, Little Tuggers contest and Bingo.

Saturday includes Bike Races, Little Tuggers, Music & Entertainment, Cake Walk, Cow Drop contest, and the Grand Parade.

Sunday features Fly-In Breakfast, Horseshoe Tournament and, to close out the event, a free Community Picnic. Lots more to see and do the first weekend after Labor Day in September on and around Plattsmouth’s Historic Main Street

OUTSIDE THE METRO

May 24-25th – Annual Tivoli Fest Elk Horn, IA

June 12-15th – Ice Cream Days Le Mars, IA

June 12-22nd – NEBRASKAland Days North Platte, NE

June 15th – Kinderfest 2024 Manning, IA

June 19-23rd – Homestead Days Beatrice, NE

June 28-30th – Des Moines Art Festival Des Moines, IA

July 12-14th – Annual Wayne Chicken Show – Wayne, NE

July 17-22nd – Pottawattamie County Fair – Avoca, IA

July 27th – Kites and Castles at Lake MacConaughy – Ogallala, NE

Aug 8-18th – Iowa State Fair

Des Moines, IA

Aug 16-18th – Kool-Aid Days: Sharkleberry Fun – Hastings, NE

Aug 23-Sept 2nd – Nebraska State Fair Grand Island, NE

Sept 20-22nd – Pufferbilly Days Boone, IA

Sept 20-21st – Tri-City BBQ Fest Denison, IA

Answers on page 22