Lincoln Kids Magazine Summer 2023

taking the town

A mother-daughter duo shares their favorite spots page 28

get lost in fun

Monica and Scott Lieske’s quest to bring more fun to Lincoln page 24

bug out!

See what our local six-legged friends are up to page 8

CONNECT THE DOTS + COLOR

SAFETY TIP // Fly kites in open areas and away from electrical poles, overhead power lines, trees and other obstacles. NEVER attempt to retrieve any object caught in a power line.

what’s inside?

letter from the executive editor

Dear Lincoln Kids Readers,

Mackenzie with Lincoln Kids here! I’m the Executive Editor – the one behind the scenes coordinating all things advertising, content, and delivery. I’ve been working with Christine Weeks for 12 years and I’m so proud of the work our team does every day.

In my free time, I can be found riding the trails with my husband Anthony and our two kiddos, Adrian (8) and Amaya (4). We also spend many nights and weekends at the Star City BMX Track near Oak Lake where Anthony, Adrian, and Amaya race!

There’s something magical about summertime. Spending hours at the pool, hearing the kids laugh as they play on our trampoline, cleaning up sticky hands from melted popsicles, and sneaking in as many road trips as we can.

Speaking of summertime, we’ve got a fun Summer magazine filled with wonderful reads. From the heartwarming story about a Lincoln couple in the article called “Foster Care: A Journey of Love and Compassion” on page 12, to a family who is devoted to kids having fun in “Get Lost in Fun” on page 24, to “Taking the Town” on page 28, a mom and daughter’s favorite places in Lincoln, you’re sure to smile. So much fun in this edition!

As you’re wrapping up dance recitals, spring sports, and graduations, I hope you take time to cherish the small moments with your families. They say you only have 18 summers with your kids – let’s make this summer magical!

See you out there —

Mackenzie Slivka, Executive Editor

Lincoln Dads of Lincoln Kids

We’ve featured some fantastic Lincoln Moms, and figured it was time to give a little love to the Dads. Meet a few of our favorites!

Meet the Dads

Ryan, principal at Schoo Middle School, knew he wanted to be in education since 6th grade. He is a life-long educator, having taught at middle and high school levels since 2005.

Dylan is a certified luthier and musician at his studio, McDermott Guitar Co., where he diagnoses, repairs, and maintains guitars, mandolins, banjos, and some violins. He also makes music with various groups in the area.

Brandon is a CliftonStrengths coach. Through his company, McWilliams Coaching, Brandon works with companies such as Lighthouse, Community Action, Eyes on Lincoln, and individual coaching for other passionate people around the nation.

Ryan Escamilla

What are the names and ages of your kids?

Quentin is 13, and Embry is 10.

What do you love about being a dad?

Watching my sons grow up and experience life in a much bigger city than I did, all while trying to pass down the traditions and wisdom from my grandparents and parents has been an amazing ride as a Dad.

What do you enjoy about your career?

Working in public education has allowed me the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the youth of our community for the betterment of our society as a whole.  Positively impacting the future lives of my students drives me to love what I do on a daily basis.

What is the best advice someone has given you about being a dad?

My grandfather Escamilla told me long ago, “Always know that your children are watching and looking up to you, even when you don’t notice that they are doing so.”  In other words, always living the way you want your children to emulate is crucial in raising a loving family and will carry on long after my parenting days are over.

What are you reading/watching?

Reading Trust Matters: Leadership for Successful Schools, by Megan Tschannen-Moran, and watching season three of The Mandalorian with my sons.

Tell us your best Dad Joke.

How did the barber win the race?  He knew a shortcut.

Dylan McDermott

What are the names and ages of your kids?

Miles is 8, Max is 5, and Marty is 2. What do you love about being a dad?

One of my favorite parts of being a dad has been seeing the joy of life through my children’s eyes. Whether it’s the excitement for a holiday or reading Harry Potter for the first time, there is magic to be found every day.

What do you enjoy most about being a business owner?

Music has always been an important part of my life. Whether I am repairing an instrument or building one, I feel very blessed that I can help musicians do what they love.

What is the best advice someone has given you about being a dad?

I was once reminded that my kids don’t need me to be perfect. It’s easy to feel inadequate as a parent, but above all else they want to be loved. Everything falls into place after that.

What are you reading/watching?

I just started reading a book called Well of Souls by Kristina R. Gaddy. It’s about the history and evolution of the banjo, an instrument that is commonly misunderstood, so it’s great to learn more.

What are cute things that your kids are saying or doing?

Recently my wife choreographed the musical Cinderella for Pius X High School, and she had been playing the music around the house and all three of our boys have been singing the music at the top of their lungs. Very cute!

Tell us your best Dad Joke.

Why shouldn’t you trust trees? Because they’re shady.

Brandon McWilliams

What are the names and ages of your kids?

Maesha is 1, and Dakota (fur baby) is 2. What do you love about being a dad?

I find it fascinating that I get to witness the development process. It feels like she learns something new every day and I get to rediscover the world through her eyes.

What do you enjoy most about being a business owner?

I love the flexibility that allows me to be available for what is most important in the moment. I also love that I get to work with people on developing/ discovering their strengths and talents. It is extremely rewarding.

What is the best advice someone has given you about being a dad?

The best advice I got was to trust myself. Have confidence in the parent you’re becoming and give yourself grace along the way.

What are you reading/watching?

I am currently working on my master’s degree so leisure reading has come to a slight halt. However, I always enjoy a good episode of Shark Tank

What are cute things that your child is saying or doing?

Maesha is extremely fun to be around in the mornings. She is usually in a great mood and loves to start her day with music. Her favorite song is “Fly Like an Eagle” (Seal’s version) and she starts to bounce, clap, and dance! It is an amazing way to start the day.

Tell us your best Dad Joke.

What did Baby Corn say to Mama Corn?  Where’s Pop Corn?

Bug Out!

The warmth is back, and that means the return of our six-legged friends: insects. Lincoln Kids sat down with Shaun Dunn from Nebraska Game and Parks to talk about what some of the most prominent Lincoln-area insects do, and how we should behave around them.

Out there in the wild, you’re bound to come across an insect you might not recognize, and that’s okay! A good rule is to not bother anything that hasn’t bothered you. Ask an adult to help identify any critter that might be creeping, crawling, or flying about. If they’re not sure, make a drawing of it, and

Lady Beetle

Hippodamia convergens

Also known as “ladybugs,” these around gardens and parks. They are the natural enemy of aphids and other plant pests. They’ll keep plants safe from critters that may want to eat the delicious stems

pretty mild-mannered, lady beetles will sometimes bite if they feel unsafe. They’ll also secrete a smelly yellow liquid from their legs — so it’s maybe

Western Honeybee

Our state insect is amazing — honeybees are important pollinators for fruits, vegetables, flowers, and more. They store up pollen and honey during the warmer months to survive the winter, and cluster into a ball to conserve warmth. All honeybees are social critters, living and moving in a hive community. Members of the hive are divided into three types: workers, drones, and the queen. Workers look for food, including pollen and nectar from flowering plants. They also build, defend, and clean the hive, and move hive air around by beating their wings very quickly. Drones serve the queen by fertilizing her eggs. The queen’s job is important — she lays the eggs that will spawn the hive’s next generation of bees.

Can I touch them?

Because they have such powerful stingers, it’s important to let bees do their work in peace. You don’t need to swat or hit them, but maybe find a different area to be, if you encounter a bee.

“lightning bugs” because of their trademark ability to create a glowing light on their underbellies. This process is called “bioluminescence,” and it helps fireflies find each other when it’s dark out, like a built-in flashlight. Pretty cool, huh?

Can I touch them?

Harmless and very beautiful, fireflies are safe to touch, but be careful to handle them very gently!

Apis mellifera

BECOM E A F OSTER PARENT!

There is a high need for foster parents that are willing to care for a variety of ages, especially teenagers and sibling groups

Are you ready to make a difference?

402.476.01 04

7811 Pioneers Blvd. #108 (531) 500-5716

getmaize.com

Tues-Sat: 11am - 9pm Sunday: 12pm - 7pm

Lincoln’s Choice for the Freshest Gourmet Popcorn in Town, along with a-MAIZE-ing Soft Serve Ice Cream and FREE SPRINKLES!

Summertime Snacks & Sweets

Use the clues below to find some of our favorite summer time snacks in the puzzle.

DOWN:

1. Served in a cone or dish. Learn how to

make your own on page 13!

3. You can find the shells of these at a baseball stadium.

6. A frozen treat on a stick!

8 A refreshing, tart, sweet and citrus-y drink!

11 Served on a bun with your choice of toppings.

ACROSS:

2 Made on the grill, add cheese if you’d like!

3. Grahams + Chocolate + Marshmallows = ?

4 Sweet, yummy, yellow, and spiky fruit.

5. Don’t eat the black seeds in this sweet fruit!

7. This red sauce goes great on hot dogs.

9 The only acceptable snow in the Summer

10 This yellow sauce is 7-across’s partner.

12. Looks & feels like a cloud, but tastes sweet!

Foster Care: A Journey of Love and Compassion

Foster care helps kids who, for different reasons, can’t live with their biological families. Foster parents are people who are willing to take care of these children and give them a safe and loving home. We had the opportunity to talk to Katie, a Lincoln foster mom, who has made a difference in the lives of many kids.

Katie and her husband Kevin live in Lincoln with their kiddos. They always knew they wanted kids, and they were heartbroken when they found out they couldn’t have their own children. Foster care was always something they wanted to do, and on Katie’s 30th birthday, they decided to take the first step.

They started by taking classes to become certified foster parents. During this time, they did respite care, which means they babysat for other foster parents who needed a break. Through this experience, they realized they wanted to work with older kids. Many people are scared to take on teenagers, but for Katie and Kevin, teens have been the most fun and rewarding.

Katie’s advice is to not listen to everyone’s horror stories. Every family’s experience is different, and you never know until you try. She encourages families who are interested in foster care to take the classes and get to know the kids. You don’t have to commit to taking a placement right away.

Katie and her family have had many foster children over the years. They have adopted five of them and are working on adopting two more. Their ages range from 10 months to 19 years old, and they all have different backgrounds and experiences. One thing they all have in common is that they need a safe and loving home.

One of Katie’s favorite stories is about Kameron, one of her first placements. He and his biological sister, Kennedy, were already waiting for adoption and had been placed with many families.

When Kameron moved in, he asked Katie, “So you’re going to be like my real mom?”

Katie replied, “Yes!”

Kameron said, “You know what real moms do? They pack a cold lunch — a sandwich, apple, and chips in a brown bag!”

From that day on, Katie packed his lunch every day for three years. It’s the little things that can make a big difference.

Another child, Keegan, had been through 13 homes in one year. He had behavioral issues that had been seen in other homes, but when he got in trouble at school one day, Katie talked to him and made it clear that he was not going anywhere. Keegan had never had that kind of stability before and never had another major problem at school.

The support system that comes with a foster family is something that can’t be understated. Katie’s mom fully embraced her role as a foster grandmother, something that had a profound impact on the kids. Keegan once said, “I’ve had a lot of moms and dads, but I’ve never had a Mimi before.”

Katie, Kevin, and their family are open about their dynamic and treat their family like a quilt. Blood is important, but it’s also about experiences. Each of them has different interests and hobbies, but they come together as a unit and do things together. The family loves playing board games and having Nerf™ gun fights. It’s the little things that make them happy.

One of the most heartwarming things about Katie’s story is that all the older kids want to be foster parents when they grow up. They have seen the impact it can make and want to pay it forward. Foster care is not just about providing a safe and loving home, it’s about teaching children that they are valuable and loved. It’s about empowering them to make a difference in the world.

One of the ways you can support families with foster children is by being open-minded and willing to learn. By being a support system to foster families, you can make a big difference in a child’s life.

Parenting is a beautiful journey of love and compassion. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.

Thank you, Katie and Kevin, for sharing your story and for inspiring us to be more compassionate and loving toward others.

Photo credit Jennifer Schultz

Summer Ar t Camps

June 5-August 11

Let creativity flow at the Center for the Arts summer!

Summer camps, family workshops, and other artmaking activities are available for children and youth in kindergarten through the age of 15. Explore painting, drawing, pottery, and more with our professional Teaching Artists. Find hands-on lear ning and great fun in a welcoming environment! Summer camps are selling out quickly. There are limited spots available in select camps, so don’t delay!

Hair care for kids on the move

dots & boxes

Grab a friend and take turns drawing lines to connect 2 dots. If that line completes a box, initial the box, and draw another line.

The player with the most boxes wins!

Make Your Summer Scrumptious!

These summer recipes are a favorite at our house with simple ingredients and easy, kid-friendly steps. It makes for an easy lunch, potluck and picnic dish, or a sweet outdoor patio treat. Plus, after we put them together, everyone always enjoys devouring the results!

Easy Summer Nacho Salad

1 bag nacho cheese tortilla chips

1 taco seasoning packet

1 lb ground beef (browned with taco seasoning & cooled)

• 1 8 oz bag shredded lettuce

• 1 8 oz bag shredded cheddar cheese

1 6 oz can sliced black olives

2 medium tomatoes (diced)

8 oz Dorothy Lynch dressing

No-Churn Cookie Dough Ice Cream

• 2 c heavy whipping cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Ready-to-bake refrigerated cookie dough*

14-oz can sweetened condensed milk

½ c creamy peanut butter, melted

In a large bowl, beat heavy cream and vanilla with an electric mixer on high until stiff peaks form and stand straight.

Fold in sweetened condensed milk. Gently swirl in crumbled cookie dough pieces, melted peanut butter, or other candy.

Gently combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. 1 2 3

Spread mixture into a large freezer-safe plastic container (one with a lid works well). Cover and freeze for at least 6 hours or until firm.

– JODI, LINCOLN KIDS MOM

*Be careful if using cookie dough with raw eggs! Eat at your own risk.

On the Bookshelf

A Book Review from a Lincoln Kid

Lincoln Kids sat down with Michael, age 7, to talk about his favorite series of books. We’re always on the lookout for material that might interest our readers, and thought that there might be no higher recommendation for literature than that of the Lincoln kids themselves! Thanks for sharing with us, Michael.

Q: What’s your favorite book series?

A: Dragon Masters (written by Tracey West).

Q. Tell me about the series.

A. Dragon Masters is all about dragons and they are always solving a problem.

Q. Is Dragon Masters a chapter book?

A. Yep! Reading chapter books is fun because the stories can have so much detail.

Q. Where are you in the series?

A. Me and my dad are on the 17th book but I’m on the 13th.

Q. So you are going back and reading them on your own?

A. Yeah. We started reading the series before I could read, and now that I can read, I like to go back and read them again.

Q. Tell me about the main character in the book.

A. There is a boy in the story and his name is Drake. He’s about my age (eight, I think) and he’s been captured to learn how to train dragons. Drake is funny, adventurous, and he’s always solving problems.

Q. What do they do in these stories? Are they finding treasures? Are they saving people?

A. There’s like always a problem that they need to fix. So like, in the second one, they are saving the sun dragon. The sun dragon is sick and there is one way to heal her.

Q. How do they heal her?

A. They go to this temple … but they need the moon dragon.

The moon dragon needs the sun dragon. They are brother and sister.

Q. So you need the moon dragon to save the sun dragon?

A. Yes. Because of their brother-sister magic.

Q. Do you have a favorite Dragon in the series?

A. The Earthquake dragon is my favorite!

Q. Do you think everyone should read this series?

A. Definitely, yes. It’s, like, so good.

Michael reading with help from his big sisters

Michael reading with Dad

Ages

Ages

Jr.

Master

Ages

On the Wall at Lincoln Kids

We love to get Lincoln Kids interested in sharing their work with each other. This season, we’re showing off some of the fine artistry crafted by Mrs. McMullin’s fourthgrade class at Zeman Elementary!

Want to see your art on our pages?

Have a parent, teacher, or other adult take a picture of your masterpiece and send it to hello@lnkkids.com!

Pro Road Trip Tips for Parents

Map Your Pit Stops

Map your route and see where the best pit stops might be for both time and amenities such as parks, playgrounds, shopping, restaurants, play places, and restrooms.

Break for Fun!

Build in stops just for fun such as unique roadside restaurants, points of interest or attractions, sweet treats, or even museums.

Check Your Vehicle

Got plenty of gas and window washer fluid? Are the oil, windshield wipers, and tires good? Is the air-conditioning working well? A quick check of the basics can make driving many miles more enjoyable and hopefully less stressful!

Pack Like a Pro

If you can spare the room, pack the necessities and then consider throwing in some of these handy items:

• Tissue box

• Trash bags

• Wet wipes, paper towels, or kitchen towels/washcloths

• Side window sun shades (a pillowcase tucked in a window even works)

• Neck or travel pillows

• Headphones or earplugs ;)

• Collapsible fabric bins or small plastic baskets for books and toys

• Water bottles

• Collapsible laundry basket for clothes or other cargo

• Sunglasses

• Travel mugs

Stash the Right Snacks

It can be hard to pack food kids will eat on the road so here are our best ideas to help keep them satisfied!

• Nuts, dried fruit, or trail mix

• Apples, oranges, or clementines

• Healthy chips or crackers

• Jerky

• Granola bars

• Cereal packed in small zip lock bags

• Fruit and veggie squeeze pouches

• Extra water or other hydrating beverages

Get Lost in Fun

Lost in Fun is the brainchild of owners Monica and Scott Lieske, who opened their family-run business in 2007. It’s an “indoor park” that offers something for every age. We had a chance to talk with Monica about how their business got started and what fun activities they offer.

Where did the idea for Lost in Fun come from?

Monica: I was born and raised in Mexico City. I was used to going to festivals and activities all the time. When I married Scott and moved to Lincoln, I searched for things that we could do as a family that would be fun for all of our kids. That got me thinking about starting our own business, something I always wanted to do.

What was the planning process like?

Monica: When we first started working on this idea, I relied on my faith that we could create a fun place for families to enjoy. Scott and I had been given a second chance at happiness when we married, and that positivity carried over to our planning. My husband had just been laid off after his company closed. My background was in marketing and I had a degree in Business Administration. I believed we could do this even though many of our friends said we were crazy.

How did you decide on the location of your business?

Monica: We drove around Lincoln searching for a building that would be big enough to create this fun space. One weekend, we spent all day, Saturday and Sunday, counting cars that were driving by a south Lincoln area. Back then, there weren’t hardly any cars passing by where the vacant building we were considering was located. Once again, I relied on my faith and we decided to take a chance on that location.

We leased the building, which today is at a very busy intersection with lots of traffic near 15th Street and Yankee Hill Road!

How did you involve your kids in the business?

Monica: Who better to create a space for families than a family with kids? In the early years, Scott and I would bring our blended family of five kids with us when they weren’t in school. They loved being there. As they grew up, we made it possible for them to work there with us. Today, our kids are all grown up but they still enjoy being involved in our business.

What is the theme of the interior space?

Monica: I wanted people to feel like they were outside even though they were inside. Winters in Nebraska can be long so you need a place to go during those months. The vibe has a park theme featuring blue skies, trees, and animals to help people imagine they are outside. I drew on my colorful memories of places back in Mexico to design the interior space, making it fun and energetic with bold colors. I didn’t want people to feel like they were in a warehouse.

Scott and I had to gut the interior of the building in the beginning, and we did all the work ourselves. We also did cleaning and maintenance of the space over the years.

What types of activities do you offer?

Monica: Lost in Fun is a place for everyone. Families love the variety of things to do. Grandparents come with their grandkids. We have moms’ groups that gather here. What makes it so unique is that you can stay for as long as you want.

We are constantly modifying the activities and introducing new ones. Some of the activities that we offer include:

• Inflatable Jungle

• Laser Maze

• Crawl and Slide Gym

• Slides and Swings

• Foam Pit

• Open Floor Space for Games

• Pretend-Cook Kitchen

• Toddler Area

• Private Party Rooms

• Food and Snacks

We’re not the same Lost in Fun from when we opened 17 years ago. There is something new and different every time you come. People don’t get bored that way.

What is included with your Birthday Packages?

Monica: We offer a basic Family Package that includes rental of the room, party supplies, drinks, a gift for the birthday child, and a game card that you can use in the arcade area. From there, you can customize the party based on the number of kids you are inviting. This way no one has to pay for more kids than they plan to invite. Parents seem to like this better. There is also food that can be purchased for the birthday parties.

Monica and Scott enjoy making people happy. One thing is for sure – Lost in Fun is a place you can go with your kids and have a wonderful time. Plus, adults play for free!

Located at 8431 Cody Drive in Lincoln, Lost in Fun is open: Monday - Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Taking the Town

Kathy & Siena, Mother-Daughter Duo, Share Their Favorite Lincoln Destinations

Wilderness Park

Kathy grew up in the mountains and misses hiking. Wilderness Park has many different access areas that each have their own feel for hiking. Siena loves being there because it erases all of her Mom’s stress and everyone is happy.

Lincoln Children’s Zoo Animals and the play areas are our favorites, of course. Where else can you feed a giraffe, climb with monkeys, ride a train, and play in a river all on the same afternoon?

Pioneers Park

Siena loves running on the paths in the tall grasses, and exploring in the wooded area. In the wooded area they have a natural playground, a huge stick fort, and an awesome bridge. Kathy loves it because there is always something to learn about nature when we go there.

Holmes Lake

It’s got everything. We can walk around the lake, throw rocks, play on the playground, and now we can also rent kayaks from Lincoln Paddle Company. It is always fun being by water.

What are your favorite Lincoln destinations?

Lake It ‘Til You Make It!

There are so many terrific lakes in and around Lincoln. Make a splash this summer with this handy guide to some of our favorites!

1 Branched Oak Lake

Fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, sailing, rowing, water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, hiking, camping, picnics.

15 miles northwest of LIncoln and three miles north of Malcolm. The entrance is on northwest 140th Street.

2 Pawnee Lake

Fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, sailing, rowing, water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, hiking, camping, picnics.

12 miles west of downtown Lincoln and three miles northwest of Emerald, NE. Take exit 388 from I-80.

3 Oak Lake

Fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, walking, biking, picnics, playground.

Sun Valley Blvd. & Charleston St.

5 Bluestem Lake

Fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, sailing, rowing, water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, hiking, camping, picnics.

Located 20 miles southwest of Lincoln and 2.5 miles west of Sprague. The dam area is just off west Sprague Rd. near the junction of southwest 58th St.

I-80

6 Stagecoach Lake

Fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, camping, picnics.

Located 22 miles south of Lincoln and two miles southwest of Hickman. The entrance is off Stagecoach Rd., just west of its intersection with S. 68th St.

7

Wagon Train Lake

Fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, sailing, rowing, hiking, picnics, camping.

Located 21 miles south of Lincoln and two miles east of Hickman. The entrance is just off S. 110th St.

4 Holmes Lake

Fishing, kayaking, canoeing, walking, biking, picnics, playground, sand volleyball.

S. 70th St. & Normal Blvd.

A Summer Free-for-All

Here’s a list of 50 free (or nearly free) things to do this summer. Check them off as you go!

Take a hike in Wilderness Park — count the different types of living creatures you see. Enjoy a picnic at Holmes Lake.

Go to Hub & Soul! Fridays: June 30, July 28, August 25, and September 29.

Go on a walk and pick up trash. Hopscotch. Catch lightning bugs.

Go camping in your backyard. Have a water fight.

Fly a kite.

Make s’mores.

Ride your bike — don’t forget your helmet!

Start a garden.

Plan an outdoor movie night.

Visit the Haymarket Farmer’s Market.

Write a letter to a grandparent or teacher.

Sign up for the Lincoln City Libraries Summer Reading Program.

Read a book outside.

Climb a tree. Go stargazing.

Find a place to volunteer your time (shelters, libraries, picking up litter, helping a neighbor, etc.)

Visit the State Capitol.

Put on your swimsuit and head to Trago Park. Make a time capsule.

Plan a family game night — invite your neighbors!

Book swap: Have your friends drop off their gently-used books to swap for the books you no longer use. Or donate them to a Little Free Library.

Make a musical instrument with items in your home.

Go to the City’s Uncle Sam Jam at Oak Lake on July 3.

Value Tuesdays at Marcus Theatres.

Ride your bike at Star City BMX Track (Open for use except during Wednesday night practice and Sunday Races).

Create sidewalk chalk art.

Play in the sprinkler.

Take your dog for a walk (if you have one) .

Visit Hyde Memorial Observatory or Branched Oak Observatory.

Visit Pioneers Park Nature Center. Make pudding popsicles.

Go on a neighborhood scavenger hunt.

Play with bubbles. Jump rope.

Go on a Lincoln mural art walk. Make a birdfeeder.

Feed ducks at a park.

Paint rocks with positive messages then place them around your neighborhood. Eat watermelon. Call a grandparent. Go geocaching.

Volunteer to play games with residents at a care center or assisted living facility. Make a card for a neighbor.

Go to a county fair.

Go frisbee golfing at Beal Slough Disc Golf. Choose your own adventure:

SCHEDULE YOUR SCHOOL PHYSICAL

Call 402-465-5600 today! Follow CCH on Facebook for updates & info

Our theme is All Together Now, so sign up with your family, your best friend, or even your next door neighbor Get a free ticket to a Saltdogs game and a prize just for signing up.

Our Summer Reading Challenge is for all ages, and it’s easy to complete. Log your reading time in Beanstack and you can earn tickets for the chance to win $100 prize packages Complete the challenge for a free pass to any Lincoln Public Swimming Pool between August 1-August 13, 2023, coupons for free food and activities around town, and the chance to win one of our great grand prizes. LincolnLibraries.org

Keep Your Kids Safe This Summer

BY DR. ERICA PETERSON, MD, PEDIATRICIAN

As the bitter cold of Nebraska winter comes to an end, many kids and families start to dream of summer fun. Outdoor activity and exercise are beneficial for physical and emotional well-being. Now is the ideal time to review and prepare to keep kids safe and healthy over summer break.

Helmet Safety

Every year, approximately 26 ,000 children are seen in emergency rooms for head injuries related to bicycling, so it is critical to ensure your child has a properly-fitted helmet.1 Helmets should be snug but not tight, allowing approximately two fingers to pass between the strap and the chin, and the helmet should meet safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The CPSC.gov website has an abundance of information on choosing safe helmets for different activities and other safety tips in general.

A recent review showed that helmets decreased the risk of head and severe brain injury by 63% to 88% for all ages of bicyclists1. However, even the most technologically-advanced helmet will only prevent head injury if it is worn at the time of an accident. Many accidents happen close to home; it is necessary for your child to wear a helmet every single time a bicycle or scooter is used. It is easiest to instill this habit by setting this expectation from a young age and modeling helmet use yourself.

For teens and tweens, it is important to stress the protective value of helmet use even if they themselves are skilled riders. For some teenagers, focusing on the prevention of facial injuries may resonate more than sharing the data on head injury prevention alone. Some parents have found it effective to compare using a bike helmet to using a protective cell phone case. Additionally, allowing tweens or teens to express their individuality by picking out their own helmet style or decorative helmet stickers can improve adherence when financially feasible.

Swimming Safety

Swimming is another form of exercise synonymous with summer fun for many families, but it is important to follow some simple safety tips around water.

• Never leave a child unattended in or near water, including small backyard pools.

Ensure that the supervising adult avoids distractions such as texting, reading, and other interruptions.

• Teach children how to swim, and advise them to stay away from pool drains and suction outlets.

Ensure all pools your family swims in have compliant drain covers to avoid accidental entrapment. For those with home pools or spas, ensure pools are surrounded on all four sides by fences that are at least 4 feet high and that gates are self-closing.

Consider alarms to alert an adult if gates are opened or the pool is entered.

• Take a class to learn CPR and keep a phone nearby to call for help if needed.

Additional tips on pool safety can be found at poolsafety.gov.

Sun Safety

While outside, it is important to protect your skin from sunburn and skin cancer. Apply a generous amount of broad-spectrum sunscreen, that blocks both UVA and UVB rays, from 15 to 30 minutes prior to exposure. Most recommend SPF 15-30, and many recommend avoiding sunscreen that contains oxybenzone because of concerns about hormonal properties. It is important to reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or drying off.

Avoid peak sun hours between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and seek shade when possible. Consider sun-protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses (with 99% UV protection) to minimize exposure.

Arm your family now with well-fitted helmets, a water safety review, SPF 30 sunscreen, and enjoy the best summer in Lincoln. Additional tips to keep your kids safe can be found on healthychildren.org and CPSC.gov websites.

1 From The American Academy of Pediatrics,Technical Report. August 15 2022. “Helmet Use In Preventing Head Injuries in Bicycling, Snow Sports, and Other Recreational activities And Sports.” Lois K. Lee, MD, MPH, FAAP; Michael R. Flaherty, Do; Ashley M. Blanchard, MD, MSC, FAAP; Maneesha Agarwal, MD, FAAP; The Council on Injury, Violence, and Poison Prevention.

Dr. Erica Peterson is a pediatrician at Bluestem Health.

An Ode to Ice Cream, Popsicles, + Snow Cones

Find a friend, grab a pencil, fill in the blanks, and roll with laughter.

To the Ultimate Summertime Treats, Our First True Loves, Frozen- Goodness: Ice Cream, Popsicles, and Snow Cones.

Every summer, like an friend, just as the city of Lincoln becomes hot, hot, , and sweaty – you from hibernation and appear on what seems to be every corner and at all our favorite summertime hangouts. No matter how much has passed, there you are – cool, sweet, and ready for us.

How do we love you? Let us count the ways!

Mint chip, chocolate chip cookie dough, classic – ice cream has it all –bomb pops, freeze pops, push ups, , twin pops – popsicles are always a fave – and in every sticky flavor under the burning sun, the snow cone! A trifecta of glorious, treats – too many to count, it seems!

We can find you in nostalgic shops like Ivanna Cone, on ice cream , or at fairs, farmers markets, concerts, daycare, summer camps, birthday parties, and grocery stores too! You’re everywhere!

When we off our bike, get stung by a bee, or stub a toe, you make it better. After a long, hot walk or bike ride on the , or when we need an outside adventure or a quiet escape in the park, the shade of a tree, we grab a frozen companion to come along.

What more could we want from our summertime friend?

Noun: person, place, thing, or idea

Verb: an action (doesn’t always, but can end in -ing or -s)

Adjective: describes a noun

Adverb: describes a verb or how an action is done, such as “quickly”

Preposition: a word that tells us where or when something is in relation to something else, like “the man on the platform”

Summer Spots in LIncoln

Can you find these 10 Lincoln summer spots?

Once you find them in the wordsearch, take a trip and go see them for yourself!

DIRECTORY Child Care & Education

Better Living Foster Care & Family Services

Our foster care program provides training and support for families to assist them in caring for youth in our community who need a stable and loving home while their parents gain skills to reunite their family. Become a foster parent with Better Living. Together we can make a difference!

7100 S. 29th St., Ste. B (402) 476-0104

Betterlivingne.com

Fingerprints Child Development Center

(6w - 10y) Featuring an educational curriculum for all ages in a loving, Christian environment! Open 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Enrolling now for School Age care with transportation to Meadow Lane, Kahoa and Robinson. Contact for current openings.

7800 Holdrege St. (402) 467-4503

CapitolCity.org

KidsPark

(1 1/2 - 11y) Trusted hourly childcare on days, evenings and weekends! No reservations required. Drop-in Mon. - Thu. 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m., and Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.!

5633 S. 16th St. Ste. 100 (402) 413-8849

KidsPark.com/Lincoln

Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Southern Hills

(6w - 12y) Brand new state-of-the-art learning academy with exclusive curriculum developed for each classroom, guardian-accessible cameras, age-appropriate playgrounds, an onsite chef, and more! With our “Hug First, Then Teach” principle we take a whole-child approach, strengthening each child’s emotional, intellectual, social, and physical well-being. Currently enrolling all ages – including Summer Camp!

5588 Canterbury Ln.

(402) 436-4005

kidsrkids.com/southern-hills

Lincoln Parks and Recreation Preschool Programs

Little Sprouts Preschool at Calvert Recreation Center and Nature Preschool at Pioneers Park Nature Center are open to children 3 to 5 years of age. Programs are nature based, with teachers planning curriculum around children’s curiosity and wonder of the world around them.

(402) 441-8669

lincoln.ne.gov (search: Preschool)

Prairie Hill Learning Center

(18m - 14y) Prairie Hill Learning Center offers quality, Montessori education in an outdoor, farm environment. Young Children’s Community is licensed by DHHS, has immediate openings and operates year-round. 7 miles south of Lincoln on Highway 77.

17705 S. 12th St., Roca, NE 68430 (402) 436-6668 admin@prairiehill.com prairiehill.com

South Gate Preschool

(18m - Pre-K) South Gate Preschool is an established Lincoln Preschool of 30 years.  Our curriculum is based on learning through play with classes for children 18 months to pre-K.  Our classes are designed to build a strong foundation for your child’s academic success.

3500 Pioneers Blvd. (402) 489-7302 preschool@southgateumc.org southgateumc.org/preschool

Trinity Lutheran

School

(18m - Grade 5) A fulfilling, Christ-based education center. Our Early Childhood Education Program accepts children ages 18 months through Pre-K with extended hours from 7 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. Also offering K-5 classes.

1200 North 56th St. (402) 466-1800 trinityoflincoln.org

Wee Wisdom Christian Preschool & Academy

(3y - 6y) Wee Wisdom has been providing a quality preschool program to the Lincoln-area families since 1996. We provide a well-rounded educational experience that includes a balance between informal and structured learning.

5201 Old Cheney Rd. (402) 420-7111 weewisdompreschool.org

Birthday Party Fun KidsPark

(1 1/2y - 11y) Private birthday parties available! Invitations, balloon favors, a gift for the birthday child, face painting, art, and games are all included. We do the cleanup when the party is over! Sundays 10:30am-12:30pm or 6:30pm8:30pm. Book your date online at kidspark.com/lincoln today!

5633 S. 16th St., Ste. 100 (402) 413-8849 KidsPark.com/Lincoln

Lincoln Children’s Zoo

Celebrate your child’s birthday at the Zoo and enjoy all-day admission for you and your guests. Create lasting memories with options for unlimited train rides and critter encounters. Party packages start at just $225. Visit LincolnZoo.org to pick your party, select your date, and reserve your room and time.

1222 S. 27th St.

(402) 475-6741 LincolnZoo.org

Lost In Fun!

Your outdoor playland... indoors! Fun for all ages! Private party rooms, playsets, foam pit, inflatable jumpers, fun maze, laser maze, video games, jumping pillow, Ballocity, and snack area with yummy food and drinks! We do company parties, too! Book your next Fun-tastic party online at lostinfun.com!

8431 Cody Dr. (15th & Yankee Hill) (402) 466-8692 LostInFun.com

Pioneers Park Nature Center

Add nature to your child’s birthday! Parties includes a guided hike or themed activity, special gift for birthday child, party bags for each child, and time for your own activity and refreshments. Recommended for ages 5-12.

3201 S. Coddington Ave. (402) 441-7895 lincoln.ne.gov (search: Pioneers Park Nature Center)

Lessons & Activities

Aimee’s Premier Dance

Aimee’s Premier Dance in Hickman offers a variety of dance styles for ages 3+, including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Pointe, and Boys’ Classes. All classes use ageappropriate music, choreography, and costuming.

6760 Woodland Blvd. (Hickman) (402) 440-8770 apremierdance.com

Bright Lights Summer Learning Adventures

(Ages K - 8th Grade) Bright Lights Summer Learning Adventures. Offering 5 weeks of fun, hands-on, STEAM-infused summer learning camps for K-8th grade students. Half-day and full-day camps available on a wide variety of topics from arts and literature to robotics and cooking. Get more info on camp schedules, locations, and registration at BrightLights.org. Students 8th grade and older can volunteer as Camp Assistants.

5561 S. 48th St., Ste. 220 (402) 420-1115 brightlights.org

Chase the Spirit of Dance

Established in 2017, Chase the Spirit of Dance provides Lincoln’s premier dance instruction. All of our dance instructors are personable and fully certified to teach dance at all levels. Whether your focus is technique, flexibility, or you’re just looking for a new way to work out, you can find it here. We offer Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, Clogging, Tap, and so much more to students ages 3 - 93!

chasethespirit.dance

info@chasethespirit.com

(402) 904-4091

Encore Studio

(Ages 5 - 11) Piano lessons and piano/keyboard classes for all levels. Teaching beginners of all ages.

54th & L St. (402) 499-0400 encore-studio.com

Lessons & Activities (cont’d)

Lincoln Boys Choir

The Lincoln Boys Choir consists of organized choral groups which promote healthy, lifetime singing skills. Ages 8 - 18. (402) 499-4446 kirsten@lincolnboyschoir.org lincolnboyschoir.org

Lincoln Music Teachers Association

LMTA welcomes all music teachers to meet for workshops and camaraderie, to plan activities for our students, and to serve the community. Our LMTA Music Outreach Program offers low-cost lessons, instruments and repairs, music scores and performance opportunities to children in need. Email MOP@LMTA.info.

For more information or a Teacher Directory, visit www.LMTA.info.

Lincoln Youth Track Club

The Lincoln Youth Track Club is a competitive track and field club for youth ages 7–18. Our goal is to help youth grow their love of track and field. We strive for maximum athlete development throughout the season.  lincolnyouthtrack@gmail.com lincolnyouthtrackclub.com

Marble Music

Discover the music in you with private music lessons at Marble Music Studios. Music lessons don’t have to be dull to achieve great results. At Marble Music Studios, our team of teachers bring fun to every lesson with engaging, age-appropriate curriculum and repertoire.  Specializing in strings, piano, guitar, ukulele and voice lessons. Now offering toddler music classes! Target ages: ages 1-3 for ECM Classes, ages 4-18 for private music lessons.

6201 S. 58th St. (402) 413-6355 marblemusicne.com

Nebraska Game & Parks Outdoor Education Center

The Nebraska Outdoor Education Center offers a unique combination of shooting and archery ranges and educational programming. The center offers indoor and outdoor archery ranges and an indoor firearm range, as well as classes, day camps, workshops, special events, and instruction for all ages and skill levels.

4703 N. 44th St. (402) 471-6141 outdoornebraska.gov/outdooredcenter

Picnic Hill Orchard

(All ages) We offer u-pick apples, cider and donuts starting in August through the end of October.  Located just outside of Lincoln near 105th and Yankee Hill Road.

10500 Yankee Hill Rd. (402) 417-0734 picnichillorchard.com

Theatre Arts for Kids

TAFK provides quality performance training for kids of all ages in the Lincoln community and surrounding areas. TAFK’s programming is inclusive and scholarship is always available.

(402) 202-1087 info@tafk.org tafk.org

We’re looking for key players to join our dynamic, fun, and goal-oriented Parks & Rec team helping to deliver our innovative summer programming like our popular Summer Day Camps and Nature Camps, swim lessons, and free public events like Party and Play in the Parks.

lincoln.ne.gov/summerjobs

TEAM SPORTS SPLASH AROUND

9 PUBLIC POOLS

Pool passes & coupon books

Swim lessons

Swim & Dive League Rent a pool

FAMILY SWIM

weeknights 6-8PM $10/family, locations vary.

ADULT WATER FITNESS

Times and days vary by location.

DOG SPLASH

August 13th

For information, visit lincoln.ne.gov/pools

Join us at Union Plaza every Final Friday of the summer months from 6:00 - 9:00 PM, for the beats and bites you’ve come to expect from Hub & Soul. For our fifth year, we’re mixing up the schedule to spread out the jams for the entire summer and into the fall. See you there!

FRIDAY, JUNE 30

FRIDAY, JULY 28

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29