Family Fun Guide
Transitioning from Fall weather to Winter can certainly be a shock for a lot of us. That is except for our dog. He absolutely loves and prefers the cold and snow!
As temperature gets colder and daylight becomes shorter it is more challenging to find something to keep the family busy. For our family, we feel cabin fever easily. We can find it more challenging if we let our house absorb us rather than finding ways to stay active and being outand-about. Even when it is snowing, even when it is cold, even on those short days, we try to get out to play, explore, and enjoy.
We are here to share some fun activities to enjoy around Omaha and some fun activities to do at home.
Of course there are plenty of days we will be inside, too. Because of that we offer fun activity ideas for you and your family that are easy enough to do in or around the home. But, we certainly encourage everyone to explore all the entertaining things this area has.
While this magazine offers a lot of fun activities to explore, you can find even more fun by following our website and social media.
DISCLOSURE:
Family Fun In Omaha is part of an affiliate network and commission may be earned based on clicks or purchases when you use our links. Affiliate links help us continue to bring you the free content you love.
Don’t forget to turn on social media notification and alerts so you don’t miss anything. Stay even more in the loop by subscribing to our Email Newsletter!
Thank you everyone for following us. Thank you for joining us. While our dog might not care, our family certainly wishes you and yours a wonderful time this Winter.
– Family Fun In Omaha Team
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.
HOLIDAY EVENTS
A Christmas Carol at the Omaha Community Playhouse
November 22nd – December 22nd
Ebenezer Scrooge takes us on a life-changing journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas. This event is for the entire family, filled with stunning Victorian costumes, festive music and magical scenery.
Merry & Bright at Lauritzen Gardens
November 22-24, 27, 29-30; December 1, 4-8, 11-23, 26-31
Once again, Lauritzen Gardens is making the holiday season merry and BRIGHT! The floral display hall and the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory will be adorned and enhanced with light as the garden extends its hours to celebrate the beauty of the season.
Set a merry mood with friends and family and explore the illuminated indoor gardens. From a 20’ tall poinsettia tree to a tropical paradise, see festive installations that glow and shine, showcasing nature in a new light. These enchanted evenings are sure to become a holiday tradition. As you tour the glistening indoor gardens, gather around the crackling fire, write letters to Santa, shop for thoughtful holiday gifts in the gift shop, purchase a S’mores kit to roast a marshmallow, enjoy the family-friendly activities in the Family Chill Zone, and more.
Tangier Shrine Festival of Trees
November 23rd – November 30th (closed Thanksgiving)
Come see the trees — and win the trees! We have big trees, small trees, tall trees, red trees, white trees, unconventional trees, and more! Tree sponsors have donated a tree and prizes/gifts valued at a minimum of $500. Most trees are valued between $2500-$3500. Admission is $2 per person for ages 13 and above. (There is no charge for children under the age of 12 when accompanied by an adult.)
Christmas at Union Station
November 29th, 2024 – January 12th, 2025
Christmas at Union Station presented by FNBO is back! A massive 40-foottall tree to holidays around the globe to Santa himself!
HOLIDAY EVENTS
Winterland at Heartwood Preserve Free Public Ice Skating
November 29th – January 5th
A family-friendly ice rink offers a magical experience for skaters of all ages, nestled in the scenic beauty of Heartwood Preserve. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or stepping on to the ice for the first time, this ice rink is the perfect place to create unforgettable memories with loved ones. Open during the winter season, Heartland Preserve invites you to glide, twirl, and delight in the joy of skating in the heart of West Omaha. Please reserve online, as drop in spots will be limited. Closed on Christmas Day.
Holiday Lights Festival (Old Market, North O, South O, RiverFront)
November 30th, 2024 - January 1st, 2025
Omaha’s Holiday Lights Festival celebrates its 25th season in 2023 !
Lighting Ceremony – Nov 30th 6:00pm
Kick-off the holiday season and see Downtown Omaha light up with festive lights!
KETV Family Festival – Dec 8th 11:00am-4:00pm
Family-friendly activities Downtown and Ollie the Trolley will be providing FREE transportation!
New Years Eve Fireworks Spectacular — Dec 31st 7:00pm
Walkin’ in a La Vista Wonderland (La Vista)
December 1st – December 31
Central Park (near Santa’s Workshop) and The Nines Plaza. Walk through the Winter Wonderland in the park, see the lights and take photos with fun holiday decorations! There will be fun, new additions to the park this year and photo ops at the boardwalk and The Nines Plaza
Visit Santa At His Workshop
Friday, December 6: 4-7 p.m.
Tuesday, December 10: 4-7 p.m.
Friday, December 13: 4-7 p.m.
Saturday, December 14: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (Pet friendly on this date; Open to people and their animals, leashes required for pets.)
A Christmas Story: The Musical at The Rose Theater
December 6th – December 22nd
Based on the motion picture A Christmas Story. Join Ralphie Parker on his quest for the Holy Grail of Christmas gifts – a Red Ryder air rifle. This musical adaptation of the beloved movie brings all the classic laughs of Flick getting his tongue stuck to a flagpole, Dad getting his special award, a disastrous visit to Santa and many more to life onstage.
HOLIDAY EVENTS
Physicians Mutual Omaha Symphony Christmas Celebration
Dec 12th – Dec 15th
Maestro Ernest Richardson, the Omaha Symphony, and a stellar cast of singers and dancers send your spirits soaring with festive favorites and Christmas classics. Enjoy performances by dazzling community partners on and off stage. The Holland Center shines with festive decorations that make the entire experience perfect for celebrating the holiday season.
Fontenelle Winter Season Celebration
Dec 8th, 1:00pm–4:00pm
From frosty walks to chilly outdoor adventures in Acorn Acres, bundle up get outdoors this winter! Experience the beauty of the Forest transformed by the changing seasons + enjoy a variety of festivities for all ages. Activities include:
Coffee and hot cocoa from Blue Line Coffee available for purchase
Nature crafts, Visit with Santa Claus, Cozy caroling around a campfire, Raptor encounters
FEATURED ARTICLE
All-in-the-family Organization Using Google Calendars
In today’s busy world, keeping track of every family member’s schedule can be a challenge. Fortunately, we can use Google Calendar, which will offer a flexible way to keep everyone on the same page. We will walk you through creating and organizing multiple Google Calendars for your family, all visible within a single place, ensuring that you never miss an important event again.
Why Use Multiple Calendars?
Using multiple calendars can help you categorize different aspects of your family life. You might consider separate calendars for:
Family Events: Birthdays, holidays, trips, and anniversaries.
School Activities: Parent-teacher meetings, school events, clubs, and extracurricular activities.
Sports and Hobbies: Practices, games, and recreational activities.
Personal Appointments: Doctor visits, haircuts, and personal commitments.
By organizing events into distinct calendars labeled for each family member or purpose, you can easily
By: Family Fun in Omaha
manage all your family’s schedule while also minimizing confusion. Setup works in both the desktop and mobile platforms but might appear in slightly different menu locations. In general though, the menu items and names stay consistent between the two. The following steps will be more specific to working within the desktop version, we find it easier to work with. Once set up, your results will seamlessly translate between mobile and desktop apps.
Step 1: Get Google Calendar
Access Google Calendar: Go to Google Calendar and log in with your Google account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one for free.
Download the App: For on-the-go access, consider downloading the Google Calendar app on your phone or tablet.
Step 2: Add New Calendars
Open Settings: Click on the gear icon in the top right corner and select “Settings.”
FEATURED ARTICLE
Add Calendar:
In the left sidebar, find the option to “Add Calendar.” Click on it and then select “Create New Calendar.”
Name Your Calendar:
Give your new calendar a name that reflects its purpose (e.g., “Family Events,” “Kids’ Activities”. We created a Family Calendar, and one for each kid.
Customize Settings:
You can add a description and set the time zone. Don’t forget to click on “Create Calendar” to save your changes.
Repeat:
Set up as many calendars as you want by repeating steps 1 and 2.
Step 3: Sharing Calendars
Calendars to Share:
In the left sidebar, hover your mouse cursor over a calendar name, click on the three dots that appear next to each calendar name, select “Settings and Sharing”
Share with Specific People: Click on “Share with specific people.” You can add the email address of family members. We share the kids calendars with the nanny or anyone else who helps us cart kids between activities so everyone can stay on the same page.
Set Permissions:
Decide what each family member can do—whether they can only view the calendar or also add/edit events.
Send Invitations:
After adding your family members and setting their permissions, Google will send them an email invitation to accept the share.
Step 4: Color Code Calendars
To keep everything organized at a glance, assign different colors to each calendar. This makes it easier to distinguish between member’s events, school activities, sports, and personal appointments.
Choose Colors:
In the left sidebar, hover your mouse cursor over a calendar name, click on the three dots that appear next to each calendar name, select “Choose a color.” Here is a look at our very colorful family calendar:
Step 5: Adding Events
Add Events:
To add an event, click on a date and select “Create.” Choose the calendar you wish to apply the event to from the drop-down menu to ensure the event is saved in the right place.
Set Reminders:
Use reminders to help everyone stay on track. You can set notifications to alert you via email or pop-up alerts. You can also adjust when the alert sends a notification.
Recurring Events:
For regular activities (like soccer practice), use the “Does not repeat”
FEATURED ARTICLE
drop-down to set it to repeat weekly, monthly, etc.
Step 6: A Family Affair
Encourage your family to regularly check the calendar. Consider having a weekly family meeting to review upcoming events and your updated schedules. This will encourage good communication, set expected and predictable routines, and will help everyone stay engaged with the family’s activities.
Breathe Easy:
Creating and organizing multiple Google Calendars for your family can transform your chaotic schedule into a well-oiled machine. With a bit of setup and cooperation, you can ensure that everyone is informed and on the same page. Gather your family, set up those calendars, and watch as the stress of scheduling fades away! Happy scheduling!
FAMILY FUN CRAFT
DIY Muffin Tin Advent Calendar
Create a fun advent calendar using a muffin tin and Halloween candy
What better way to count down the days until Christmas than with a fun, DIY advent calendar? If you have a muffin tin lying around, a stash of leftover Halloween candy, you’re in luck! Not only is this craft a creative way to re-purpose your Halloween sweets, but it’s also an enjoyable activity for the family.
For an extra personal touch, or don’t have candy to use, you can slip small toys, notes, jokes, or meaningful affirmations inside some or all of the muffin tin cups. Get even more creative with holiday-themed riddles, holiday activity ideas, or scavenger hunt clues! For adults, consider adding coupons for things like a movie night, extra coffee breaks, or even a “home spa” day. Think about what your gift ideas might be in advance.
What You’ll Need:
Muffin tin (24-cup)
This will serve as the structure.
Card stock, or free printable squares This will be used to cover the cups.
Wrapping paper or tissue paper
Used to wrap each item if needed.
Magnet sheet with adhesive back
To secure the cup covers.
Scissors
Ideas of things to fill the cups:
• Leftover Halloween candy or
• other treats.
• Acts of Kindness Notes
• Fun Activity Idea Notes
• Mini-gifts: Nail Polish, Toys, Lego, Notes, Coupons, Etc.
Optional:
• Metal hole punch
• Ribbon
• Paper corner rounder
FAMILY FUN CRAFT
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Choose Your Muffin Tin:
First, select a muffin tin with cup sizes that fit your needs. A 24-cup tin is perfect for counting down to Christmas.
2. Sort and Portion Your Fillers
Portion out your Halloween candy. You don’t need to have 24 pieces of each candy (unless you want to). Just make sure there’s enough variety to make each day a fun surprise. You can add variety by adding in small toys or other mini-gift ideas.
3. Wrap Each Item
For a fun twist, cover each piece of candy or mini-gift with wrapping paper, or tissue paper. You can cut small squares of wrapping paper to cover each gift item, and tape it shut or tie it with a ribbon.
4. Create and Label Cup Covers
Using thick paper card stock—with a marker, stickers or printer—label and design each cup cover with the corresponding dates in December, 1-24. You can draw a series of 24 squares, sized appropriately to fit over the cups, and decorate as you please. We’ve also included this link to free printable squares
FAMILY FUN CRAFT
5. Covering Each Cup
Cut out each square. If desired, use a paper corner rounder to round the corners. Place a magnetic backer (make sure it has adhesive backing) on the back of each square. With the small gifts in each cup, cover each cup in any order you wish. Tip: The magnetic tape backer will help hold the numbered cover over the cups more securely but you might want to add a piece of tape to each gift to help hold the item in the cup if hanging your calendar on the wall.
6. Display Your Calendar
Use a metal hole punch to punch two holes in the top of the tin. Tie a decorative ribbon through the holes to hang on the wall. If you don’t want to hang the calendar on a wall you can use a small stand or simply display it flat on the counter. Place your muffin tin advent calendar in a spot where you can easily access it every day.
7. Enjoy!
You’re done and we hope you and your family enjoy your calendar.
Click Here for a printable version of this post. If you aren’t feeling very DIY checkout the Advent Calendars Page on our website! You’ll find lots of fun advent calendars.
WINTER IDEAS
OTHER FUN ACTIVITY IDEAS:
Looking to search for more ideas for fun Winter activities and events around Omaha? Here are other Family-Friendly Things to Do in Omaha this Winter!
Ice Skating
Enjoy several indoor and outdoor options for Ice Skating in the Omaha Area!
Snowshoeing & Skiing
There are many trails to hike or snowshoe. Honey Creek, IA has Mt. Crescent Ski Area! It’s just across the river.
Sledding
There are wonderful hills everywhere to sled on. And, Mahoney State Park has a big one for tubing! The park also has an ice skating rink, indoor activity play area, and Venture Climb.
Museums
Choose from a variety of museums in the area where kids can play, discover, create, learn, and more!
Indoor Mini Golf
Experience one or all of the unique indoor mini golf courses in Omaha that have a variety of themes.
Indoor Playgrounds and Activities
Discover many Indoor Play Centers in the Omaha Area with Trampolines, Bounce Houses, Warrior Obstacle Courses, Open Gym Time, Indoor Pools, and more!
Looking for Amazing Christmas Light Displays in the Omaha Area?
Find the best Christmas Lights in Omaha full of beautifully decorated houses with bright lights, inflatables, decorations, and some with thousands of lights choreographed to music!
Fill up on some hot cocoa, grab a warm blanket, and drive around looking at the Christmas lights with our Interactive Map!
Want to submit your house for consideration? Click on the link below and send us your info with some photos!
RECIPE IDEAS
Harvest Sides for your Holiday Feasts
(Family Features)
Don’t let turkey and ham have all the fun this holiday season. After all, you know your guests are likely to have plates piled high with all their favorite festive side dishes.
These aromatic hearty solutions are inspired by harvest season, offering comforting taste and mouthwatering flavors to make your holiday meal truly memorable. give your gathering a special seasonal spin with these recipes from “Cookin’ Savvy”.
Discover more holiday recipes by visiting Culinary.net
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 6-8
1/4 cup avocado oil
1/2 stick butter, melted
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder, salt and pepper to taste
3 pounds sweet potatoes, sliced in circles
Marshmallow Sauce:
1 tablespoon butter
2 cups mini marshmallows, plus additional for garnish, divided 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Heat oven to 400 F
In bowl, mix oil, melted butter, garlic powder and onion powder. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Add the sweet potatoes and coat well.
In baking dish, line sweet potatoes around pan in circle. Drizzle with the leftover oil mixture. Bake for 40 min.
To make marshmallow sauce:
In skillet, melt butter and 2 cups mini marshmallows. Remove from heat and whisk in cream. Place in bowl and add additional mini marshmallows for garnish.
Place sweet potatoes on a serving platter in same lined up fashion as they were in baking dish. Serve with marshmallow sauce.
RECIPE IDEAS
Sprouts and Squash Roast
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 6-8
1/4 cup avocado oil
1/2 stick butter, melted
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon thyme, salt and pepper to taste
1 package (12 ounces) frozen Brussels sprouts
1 package (10 ounces) frozen butternut squash
1 package (2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces
1 cup pecans
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup cranberries
Heat oven to 400 F.
In a bowl, mix oil, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder and thyme. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
Cut Brussels sprouts in half, if desired. Add brussel sprouts and butternut squash to oil mixture and coat well. Place on lined cookie sheet and bake 20 minutes.
In large bowl, mix bacon pieces, pecans, pumpkin seeds, cranberries and roasted sprouts and squash. Mix well and place in serving bowl.
Herbed Wild Rice and Apples
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 6-8
4 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon minced onion
1 apple, chopped
2 packages (8 ounces each) long-grain wild rice
2/3 cup apple juice
1 package (2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces
1 tablespoon rosemary, salt and pepper to taste
2/3 cup pecans
2/3 cup cranberries, garlic and herb cheese spread, for garnish (optional)
In skillet over medium heat, saute butter, onion and apple pieces. When apples soften, add rice, apple juice, bacon pieces and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook about 10 minutes.
In large bowl, mix pecans, cranberries and rice mixture. Place in serving dish and crumble herb cheese on top, if desired.
WINTER BUCKET LIST
Drink hot chocolate
Make a snowman
Bake Cookies
Make snow angels
Go sledding
Have a snowball fight
Make a gingerbread house
Have a Pj day
Watch a holiday movie
Read a holiday book
Listen to holiday music
Have family game night
See holiday lights
Make a blanket fort
Make a snow fort
Go ice skating
ANSWER ON PAGE 30
WINTER Scavenger Hunt
Play alone or with others. Mark off each item you find. The first one to find all the items wins!
WINTER Word Search
ANSWER ON PAGE 30
Kids Classes &Programs
Find a variety of options for Kids Classes and Programs in the Area. We have included Art, Dance, Music, Sports, Science, Specialty Classes, Swimming Lessons, and more!
Programs Offered: Dance
Age Range: Ages 2+, Ages 3+, Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Programs Offered: Dance
Age Range: Ages 2+, Ages 3+, Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Programs Offered: Coding, STEM/STEAM
Age Range: Ages 2+, Ages 3+, Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
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!
• Four Locations: Oakview, Blondo, Elkhorn, and Valley
Join us at Bloom, we help create Creative, Confident and Courageous children as they grow in their passion for dance!
Dance classes for children ages 18 months and up. There are three locations. Nebraska Dance has recreational to competitive level. We believe that 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!
Discover a world of possibilities at Do Space with our diverse youth programs!
For ages 2–5, join Littles Lab weekly for fun and learning. Ages 6+ can explore Make It, Design It, and Kid Coders every week. Also, be sure to check out our Summer Passport Program from June 1st to July 31st. Best of all, our programs are free! Check out our calendar for details.
CLASSES/PROGRAMS & BIRTHDAY GUIDE
Programs Offered: Music, Performing Arts, Specialty
Age Range: Ages 3+, Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Programs Offered: Music, Performing Arts, Specialty
Age Range: Preschool, Elementary, Middle School
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Programs Offered: Art, Coding, Cooking, Indoor Fun, Martial Arts, Music, Outdoor Fun, Specialty, STEM or STEAM
Age Range: Elementary, Middle School, High School
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
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
Our collaborative approach to theatre, art and music education creates an extraordinary space to explore creativity in bold, new ways!
We offer a range of programs from private music, acting and art lessons to group classes, spring break camps and our signature summer camps.
Located in Countryside Village at 87th and Pacific in Omaha, NE.
Metropolitan Community College offers College for Kids and College for Teens courses that bring fun and learning to youth ages 5-18.
Kids and teens can take classes that focus on art, culinary, engineering, math, robotics, science, technology and more. Courses are offered at multiple locations in the four-county service area.
CLASSES/PROGRAMS & BIRTHDAY GUIDE
Programs Offered: Dance
Age Range: Ages 2+, Ages 3+, Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
PartyBirthday Places
Programs Offered: Kids Entertainers, Indoor, Specialty
Age Range: Ages 0-3, Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Join us as we bring new life and artistry to dance, elevate your souls with aerial silks, and thrill your hearts with skillful acrobatics.
Nestled between the hubs of Omaha and Gretna, designed to inspire and challenge you, our talented instructors are dedicated to helping you reach your full potential. Elite training programs available for ages 3-18.
Join the movement!!!
Programs Offered: Indoor, Gaming, Specialty
Age Range: Elementary, Middle School, High School
Do you have a birthday coming up in your family?
Find a variety of options for FUN birthday party places in Omaha!
Wildlife Encounters offers a one-of-a-kind entertaining and educational birthday party for your child.
Animal ambassadors will visit your location for a wonderfully exciting and educational show. Meet a kangaroo, alligator, snake, armadillo, parrot, hedgehog and many more animals! Featured on Animal Planet, YouTube & More. *Please see the updated animal list on website.
Elkhorn Esports Academy is the place to Level Up your birthday party experience! Our unique gaming facility is equipped with 30 state of the art PCs and 8 Xbox Series X consoles. We can host parties for as few as 6 and up to 50. Choose your favorite gaming title and invite your friends. Bring your own treats or let us take care of it all for you. Custom packages available.
CLASSES/PROGRAMS & BIRTHDAY GUIDE
Programs Offered: Kids Entertainers, Indoor, Specialty
Age Range: Ages 0-3, Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Celebrate your child’s birthday with a nature-themed party at Lauritzen Gardens! A party at the garden is a unique and fun environment to have a party for children ages five to 12. Choose from various garden themes: Garden, Flowers, Bugs, Trains, Butterflies.
Programs Offered: Indoor, Outdoor, Specialty
Age Range: Elementary, Middle School
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 staff while using trampolines, spring floors, the beautiful lobby and so much more. Have a custom request? Just ask! Let’s Celebrate!
For more, please visit our website at FamilyFunInOmaha.com to browse through a variety of other Birthday Parties Places, Kids Classes and Programs. There you can search by Type, Ages, and Seasons!
Special thanks to our sponsors who partnered with us to bring you this guide.
If you would like to partner with us to be included in the magazine and on our website please contact us at: info@familyfuninomaha.com
ANSWER KEY
KID ACTIVITIES
PAGE 23
START
KID ACTIVITIES
PAGE 25