Omaha Area Family Fun Guide - Fall 2023

WELCOME!

Time to start opening the windows to allow in the fresh autumn air.

This summer has passed quickly and our kids have just gone back to school. Fall is one of our favorite times of the year so we are excited to get out and enjoy it again. We hope you will, too.

We are very pleased to bring you the 2023 fall issue of our Omaha area family fun guide with new attractions, as well as timeless ones. Omaha possesses a wide array of family fun for all ages, and families.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY:

FamilyFuninOmaha.com

Facebook.com/FamilyFuninOmaha

Instagram.com/FamilyFuninOmaha

Join

We've tried to capture the best of Omaha and the surrounding area within these pages.

Take your family out, pick some apples and pumpkins. Go on a hayride and have some marshmallows by the bonfires. Explore and experience the fall colors and fresh air on area hiking trails.

Check out our road trip guide full of ideas for family fun getaway. Let's get out and enjoy the fall season!

DISCLAIMER:

©2023 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.

32ND ANNUAL FORT OMAHA INTERTRIBAL POWWOW

Week of September 23 | 1-7:30 P.M. FREE and Open to the Public!

Join in the 32nd Annual Fort Omaha Intertribal Powwow. The powwow will be held on Sept. 23 from 1:00-7:30 p.m.

Celebrating Native American cultures, the powwow honors the traditional dance, music, artistry, oral history and foods of various tribes across Nebraska and the surrounding region including Omaha, Ponca, Santee Sioux and Winnebago.

Visit mccneb.edu/powwow for more information.

5 TIPS FOR EASING THE BACKTO-SCHOOL TRANSITION

(Family Features)

Balancing schedules, supplies shopping, meal planning and more can make the backto-school season one of the most hectic times of the year. Keeping stress at bay may be a little easier when you put a plan in place the entire family can follow.

Remember, making the transition as smooth as possible requires a team effort. Help make a new academic year easier on your little ones (and yourself) with these hacks.

START YOUR ROUTINES

Getting your kids into their school day routines may be a massive undertaking, but it’s often helpful to start weeks before the first bell rings. Set those alarms and encourage kiddos to treat each morning as if they’re going to class. In the evenings, practice prepping backpacks and outfits just as you would during the school year, and ensure children are going to sleep at the times they should on school nights.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

SIMPLIFY SCHOOL LUNCHES

Prepping lunchboxes to send to school doesn’t need to be a time-consuming affair. In fact, it can be one of the easiest parts of your routine with prepackaged options that help make packing lunches a breeze. Seek out solutions that help simplify the process like Kemps Smooth Cottage Cheese, a first-of-its-kind snack for kids made with 4% whole milk and blended with real fruit to create a smooth and creamy texture without the curds. Available in four-packs of 4-ounce cups in fun flavors like Mixed Berry, Strawberry and Strawberry Banana, it’s a healthy, convenient and versatile solution with probiotics and no high-fructose corn syrup. Plus, it’s high in protein to keep kids feeling full and focused throughout the school day.

PREP THE NIGHT BEFORE

Stressful mornings can lead to less productive days. Instead, simplify mornings as much as possible by packing backpacks, prepping lunches and planning outfits in the evenings to save yourself time once that alarm goes off. Plus, you may be lesslikely to forget essentials like homework assignments or permission slips when you’re not in a rush.

SERVE NUTRITIONAL AFTER-SCHOOL SNACKS

Skip the temptation to stock the pantry with sugary grab-andgo treats. Instead, encourage good nutritional choices for your children after a day of learning by offering them healthier snacking solutions. For example, pairing cottage cheese with crackers or fresh fruit provides a protein punch without the added sugar of less healthy snack choices to keep little tummies full until it’s time for a family meal.

CREATE A FAMILY CALENDAR

The school year certainly isn’t the only time that calendars feel like they’re bursting at the seams, but the addition of after-school activities, field trips, parent-teacher conferences and more can be overwhelming if you’re not prepared. Find a scheduling solution that works for your family, whether it’s a dry-erase board in a mudroom or magnetic calendar on the fridge. Stay on top of upcoming events and activities by sitting down together once a week (or more) to write down everyone’s commitments and track important dates.

To learn more and find fun recipes, visit Kemps.com.

This year’s featured listings:

ARBOR DAY FARM

2611 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE

With 260 acres, Arbor Day Farm is a top spot for fall fun. Experience the one-of-a-kind Treetop Village, pick apples and pumpkins, explore the farm, and enjoy fall treats including caramel apples, fresh-pressed cider, apple pie & more. Purchase tickets in advance at arbordayfarm.org. Read more about our recent visit here!

2023 OMAHA AREA PUMPKIN PATCH GUIDE

Our 2023 Omaha Area Pumpkin Patch Guide is here! Discover the Best Pumpkin Patches near Omaha, and find where you can pick pumpkins, explore corn mazes, and go on hayrides near you!

NELSON PRODUCE FARM

23301 Deer Ridge Rd, Valley, NE

Autumn comes with an exhilarating excitement and crisp fall air at the farm! Pumpkin picking, hayrack rides, and our GIANT hay pyramid are just a few of the highlights along with over 50 varieties of Pumpkins! Make sure you grab an apple cider slushie, apple nachos, donuts and a warm drink made with homemade syrups and a donut from the Coffee Barn in our indoor market!

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT AREA PUMPKIN PATCHES HERE!

FAMILYFUNINOMAHA.COM/OMAHA-AREA-PUMPKIN-PATCHES/

3 BEE FARMS

14922 535th Street, Griswold, IA

Enjoy a short drive to 3 Bee Farms for exciting family fun. We have hayrides, pumpkin patch, corn maze, food, fall decorating items and great family fun activities for the whole family.

MARTIN’S HILLSIDE ORCHARD

2024 Ashland Rd, Ceresco, NE

Martin’s is the place to pick your own apples each fall. Lots of fun kid’s activities with wagon rides on the weekends. Caramel apples, cider slush, and a pumpkin patch, too. Simply, the best little orchard around!

ROCA BERRY FARM

16531 S 38th St, Roca, NE 68430

Visit Lancaster County's largest pumpkin patch, located just south of Lincoln, NE. We have fun activities for all ages. Open daily 9am to 7pm with activities closing at 6:30pm. Less than an hour drive from Omaha. Visit our 4 haunted attractions and over 60 attractions. Don't forget our delicious funnel cakes and apple donuts.

VALA’S PUMPKIN PATCH AND APPLE ORCHARD

12102 S. 180th Street, Gretna, NE

Vala’s Pumpkin Patch is one of the best pick-your-own farms in the nation. It spans 400 acres and includes 55 acres of pumpkins, 30 acres of apples, 25 food locations, 4 live shows and 50+ attractions. Find tips, discounts, and what’s new in 2020 here!

OMAHA AREA

APPLE ORCHARD GUIDE

Apple picking in Omaha is a favorite Fall tradition. Choose from a variety of apple orchards in the Omaha area! Some of the apple orchards only offer apple picking, while others have fall festivals with many other activities in addition to pick-your-own apples.

This year’s featured listing:

ARBOR DAY FARM

2611 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE

With 260 acres, Arbor Day Farm is a top spot for fall fun. Experience the one-of-a-kind Treetop Village, pick apples and pumpkins, explore the farm, and enjoy fall treats including caramel apples, fresh-pressed cider, apple pie & more. Purchase tickets in advance at arbordayfarm.org. Read more about our recent visit here!

3 BEE FARMS

14922 535th Street, Griswold, IA

Enjoy a short drive to 3 Bee Farms for exciting family fun. We have hayrides, pumpkin patch, corn maze, food, fall decorating items and great family fun activities for the whole family.

MARTIN’S HILLSIDE ORCHARD

2024 Ashland Rd, Ceresco, NE

Martin’s is the place to pick your own apples each fall. Lots of fun kid’s activities with wagon rides on the weekends. Caramel apples, cider slush, and a pumpkin patch, too. Simply, the best little orchard around!

TO ANY OCCASION

(Culinary.net)

It’s almost impossible to beat the combination of sweet fruit and decadent desserts. This delicious recipe for Apple Cake highlights the crisp fruit but also the cinnamon sugar-flavored pastry. It’s luscious but doesn’t overdo it on the sweet meter with just the right mix of flavors.

The cake is baked with the apples inside as the middle layer, which creates a moist, finished product. The apples are gooey, baked in a cinnamon sugar coating, making them a sweet and light complement to the perfectly baked cake.

Start by mixing the apples with cinnamon and, of course, sugar. Set the mixture aside. Now it’s time for cake. First, mix all the dry ingredients together then mix in the wet ingredients.

The secret to this cake is creating layers that will hold up. Pour half of the batter into a

round springform pan first then add apple mixture and top it all with the rest of the cake batter.

Finally, for a little extra sweetness, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar over the top of the cake before baking.

Once baked, this cake can be drizzled with icing (if you’d like) to make it an even more delightful treat to satisfy any sweet tooth.

This cake is perfect for any get-together, families looking for an after-dinner indulgence or anyone who just loves fruity desserts. It’s delectable enough for fancy occasions, but also simple enough to make at home for just a couple.

With fluffy cake layers and a soft apple center, this cake does it all. Not to mention the drip of icing at the end that all but guarantees everyone will be asking for seconds.

Find

APPLE CAKE RECIPE

3 cups Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored and diced

3 teaspoons cinnamon

6 tablespoons, plus 2 cups, sugar, divided

3 cups flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup oil

4 eggs, beaten

1/4 cup orange juice

1 teaspoon vanilla

icing (optional)

Servings: 8-16

Heat oven to 350 F.

In medium bowl, mix apples, cinnamon and 5 tablespoons sugar until combined. Set aside.

In large bowl, mix flour, 2 cups sugar, baking powder and salt until combined. Form well in middle of mixture. Add oil, eggs, orange juice and vanilla; mix until blended.

In springform pan, pour half of batter. Add apple mixture. Pour remaining batter over apple mixture. Sprinkle remaining sugar over batter.

Bake 40-50 minutes, or until top is golden brown and tester comes out clean and dry.

Drizzle with icing, if desired.

MAKE MORNINGS A BREEZE WITH TIME-SAVING BREAKFASTS

(Family Features)

Mornings can be hectic enough with wake-up calls, preparing for work, getting the kids ready and so many other daily tasks. Add in the need (or desire, at least) for a nutritious breakfast, and starting a new day can feel downright exhausting.

Make your mornings easier with delicious, better-for-you meals you can make ahead of time using simple ingredients like Success Boil-in-Bag Tri-Color Quinoa, which offers a heat-safe, BPA-free and FDA-approved bag and is easily prepared in just 10 minutes. You don’t have to know how to pronounce quinoa to enjoy its light,

nutty flavor packed with protein and all nine essential amino acids.

As a good source of fiber, it’s a perfect solution composed of a medley of red, black and white quinoa that can make these Ham, Cheese and Zucchini Breakfast Cups a breeze. They’re an ideal on-the-go solution for weekday breakfast bites that fit your busy schedule.

Cook up a batch as part of your Sunday meal prep and enjoy a week’s worth of tasty, simple cups for the entire family. Once the combination of green onions, cheddar, ham, quinoa and more have been cooked and cooled, they can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Image Source: Success Rice

For a creamier, fruity, dairy-free option, these Quinoa Overnight Oats make for a satisfying breakfast you can grab from the fridge and take to the office. Loaded with whole grains, bananas, blueberries and pomegranate, they’ll provide the energy you need to get through the day while saving time in the morning.

These tasty treats can also last up to 1 week in the refrigerator, but remember to wait to add any crunchy toppings, honey or syrup until you’re ready to enjoy so those favorite ingredients stay fresh longer. Another pro tip: Once you’re done preparing your sweet, nutritious breakfast for the week ahead, divide evenly into four resealable to-go containers to make weekday mornings as easy as possible.

To find more weekday morning solutions using easy-to-make whole grains, visit SuccessRice.com.

HAM, CHEESE AND ZUCCHINI BREAKFAST CUPS

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Servings: 12

1 bag Success Tri-Color Quinoa

nonstick cooking spray

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded zucchini

1/2 cup diced ham

2 eggs

1/4 cup egg white

1/4 cup sliced green onion

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Prepare quinoa according to package directions. Preheat oven to 350 F.

Coat 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.

In large bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese, shredded zucchini, diced ham, eggs, egg white, sliced green onion, salt and black pepper. Mix well. Spoon batter into prepared muffin tin.

Bake 25 minutes. Cool 5 minutes then remove to wire rack to cool completely.

QUINOA OVERNIGHT OATS

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4

1 bag Success Tri-Color Quinoa

2 cups almond milk

1 cup quick-rolled oats

2 bananas, mashed

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup fresh blueberries

1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

Prepare quinoa according to package directions. Let cool completely.

In large bowl, combine almond milk, oats, bananas and cinnamon. Stir in quinoa and blueberries.

Cover and refrigerate overnight. Divide among four serving bowls and garnish with pomegranate seeds.

Tips: For added sweetness, drizzle with honey, maple syrup or agave syrup, to taste. For a grab-and-go breakfast, combine overnight oats mixture and divide in resealable, single-serving jars or containers. Seal and refrigerate overnight.

BEST DONUT SHOPS IN

NELSON PRODUCE FARM

23301 Deer Ridge Rd, Valley, NE

Autumn comes with an exhilarating excitement and crisp fall air at the farm! Pumpkin picking, hayrack rides, and our GIANT hay pyramid are just a few of the highlights along with over 50 varieties of Pumpkins! Make sure you grab an apple cider slushie, apple nachos, donuts and a warm drink made with homemade syrups and a donut from the Coffee Barn in our indoor market!

THE DAPPER DOUGHNUT

16827 Q St., Omaha, NE

68135

DONUT HAVEN

13807 P St., Omaha, NE 68137

HOLLY’S HEALTHY HOLES

Online bakery & delivery with local pick-up or delivery

LAMAR’S DONUTS & COFFEE

17202 Audrey St., Omaha, NE 68136

OLSEN BAKE SHOP

1708 S. 10th St., Omaha, NE 68108

PETTIT’S PASTRY

502 N. 16th St., Omaha, NE 68102

SPUDNUTZ

920 N 204th Ave, Elkhorn, NE

SQUARE DONUT

15825 W. Maple Rd. Omaha, NE

SUNRIZE DONUTS

17676 Welch Plz., Ste. 7, Omaha, E 68135

WINCHELL’S DONUT HOUSE

2905 S. 120th St., Omaha, NE 68144 8412 W. Dodge Rd., Omaha, NE 68114

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THE BEST AREA DONUT SHOPS HERE!

Crossword Puzzle

FALL CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS DOWN

[2] The season that comes after Summer.

Across Down

[5] What you wear to stay warm in the fall.

[2] The season that comes after Summer.

[1] The season where crops are gathered.

[1] The season where crops are gathered.

[3] The red, orange, and yellow things that fall from trees.

[5] What you wear to stay warm in the fall.

[6] What you say when you're gathering candy on Halloween night

[6] What you say when you're gathering candy on Halloween night

[8] In the fall, some animals prepare for winter by gathering and storing these tasty treats.

[8] In the fall, some animals prepare for winter by gathering and storing these tasty treats.

[3] The red, orange, and yellow things that fall from trees.

[4] A liquid made from pressed apples that is often enjoyed in the fall.

[4] A liquid made from pressed apples that is often enjoyed in the fall.

[7] A family holiday in November.

[7] A family holiday in November.

[9] A sport where people kick a ball into a net to score points.

[9] A sport where people kick a ball into a net to score points?

[10] An orange vegetable.

[10] An orange vegetable.

Solve the following puzzle based on the clues given!

BLOOM DANCE STUDIO

Three Locations: Blondo (156th & Blondo), Elkhorn (204th & Dodge), Oakview (144th & Center)

PARENTS! Are you looking for an activity for your child that is positive, safe, and encourages development? Join us for dance at Bloom!

For Ages 2 - Adults • Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Acro, Contemporary + more!

Join us at Bloom where we help create CREATIVE, CONFIDENT and COURAGEOUS children as they grow in their passion for dance!

Types of Programs Offered: Dance and Acro

CHEER ATHLETICS OMAHA

14620 Gold Coast Road Ste 460, Omaha, Nebraska 68138

Cheer Athletics Omaha offers a one of a kind birthday celebration! With birthday parties available for all ages, this state of the art facility is a must for birthday parties! Celebrate your birthday with The Best of the Best's staff while using trampolines, spring floors, the beautiful lobby and so much more. Have a custom request? Just ask! Let's Celebrate!

BT SWIM AND DIVE SCHOOL

400 Happy Hollow Blvd, Omaha, NE

BT Swim and Dive School offers many group and individual lessons to choose from.

We offer:

• Pre-School group lessons ages 3 & 4

• Beginner group lessons ages 5-12

• Intermediate group lesson ages 5-12

• Advanced group lessons ages 5-12

• Swim and Dive ages 5-14

• US Swim Team - youth

• US Masters Swim Team

• AAU Dive Team

• Private Swim Lessons

• Private Dive Lessons

GIRL SCOUTS SPIRIT OF NEBRASKA

Multiple Locations

Fun with friends, new adventures, and making a difference. That’s Girl Scouts! Right now, Girl Scouts are learning about robots, hiking, dancing, painting murals, feeding the hungry, and changing the world. If you can dream it, we’ll help you do it. You’re invited to join a troop or group, or participate as an individual girl member. Multiple locations. Join today!

LAURITZEN GARDENS

100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE

Engaging nature-based group and individual learning experiences for children ages 3+ and creative family workshops too! Using our 100 acres of indoor and outdoor gardens as a classroom, you’ll dig, smell, touch, wander, wonder, observe, and create, while you cultivate an appreciation for the natural world and have fun! Programs are held year-round. Come grow with us!

MCGUIGAN ARTS ACADEMY

8708 Countryside Plaza, Omaha, NE

Our collaborative approach to theatre, art and music education creates an extraordinary space to explore creativity in bold, new ways! We offer year-round classes and camps from piano, violin, voice and guitar lessons to improv, scene study, painting and drawing classes. Our studio, located in Countryside Village is all about the freedom and confidence of creating!

NEBRASKA DANCE

Multiple Locations

Dance classes for children ages 18 months and up at two locations, recreational to competitive level. Nebraska Dance believes each child is created uniquely- with God-given temperaments, strengths and attributes. It is our honor to invest in your child’s dance education and see them develop into amazing, confident individuals with love and passion for all that they do!

FIND A VARIETY OF BIRTHDAY PARTIES AND KIDS CLASSES WHERE YOU CAN SEARCH BY TYPE AND AGE GROUP!

BIRTHDAY PARTIES SPORTS & PROGRAMS KIDS CLASSES

SING OMAHA

Sing Omaha Studios offers private voice, piano, guitar, bass, and drum lessons. We will soon be offering students the opportunity to join forces with other players to form bands via Sing Omaha Rocks.

Sing Omaha Choirs provides premiere choral instruction for singers of all ages at affordable prices and convenient locations, we also offer infant and preschool music classes.

THE ROSE THEATER Multiple Locations

Whether your child is taking their first steps onto the stage or has already landed a leading role, Rose Theater classes encourage creativity & imagination. From drama, musical theater, dance, voice and more - classes at The Rose give young people the confidence and skills to succeed on stage and in life.

WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS

Wildlife Encounters offers a one-of-a-kind entertaining and educational birthday party for your child. Animal ambassadors visit your location for an exciting and educational show. Meet a kangaroo, alligator, snake, armadillo, parrot, hedgehog and many more animals! Featured on Animal Planet, YouTube & More.

*Please see updated animal list on website.

FALL CROSSWORD PUZZALE

ACROSS DOWN

[2] The season that comes after Summer.

Across Down

[5] What you wear to stay warm in the fall.

[2] The season that comes after Summer.

[1] The season where crops are gathered.

[1] The season where crops are gathered.

[3] The red, orange, and yellow things that fall from trees.

[5] What you wear to stay warm in the fall.

[6] What you say when you're gathering candy on Halloween night

[6] What you say when you're gathering candy on Halloween night

[8] In the fall, some animals prepare for winter by gathering and storing these tasty treats.

[8] In the fall, some animals prepare for winter by gathering and storing these tasty treats.

[3] The red, orange, and yellow things that fall from trees.

[4] A liquid made from pressed apples that is often enjoyed in the fall.

[4] A liquid made from pressed apples that is often enjoyed in the fall.

[7] A family holiday in November.

[7] A family holiday in November.

[9] A sport where people kick a ball into a net to score points.

[9] A sport where people kick a ball into a net to score points?

[10] An orange vegetable.

[10] An orange vegetable.

OMAHA Family Fun IN

FIND MANY MORE IDEAS OF THINGS TO DO THIS FALL HERE: