VOLUME 12 · ISSUE 7
BOREDOM BUSTERS 30 great ways to fill those long summer days
JULY
2021
We’re Here
with Specialized Care for Kids, Too You know us for pediatric care, but the medical home you’ve come to know and trust also provides life-changing specialty care for kids. Backed by 40 years of research, the experts at Boys Town National Research Hospital provide patient-centered care with the most advanced treatments. Here, you’ll find the region’s leading pediatric specialists and clinicians specializing in: • Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
• Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics
• Neurology
• Audiology
• Ear, Nose and Throat
• Ophthalmology
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Gastroenterology
• Rheumatology
• Craniofacial
• General and Thoracic Surgery
• Speech-Language
• Critical Care
• Infectious Disease
To find a Boys Town pediatric specialist near you, visit boystownhospital.org or call 531-355-1234.
• Neurosurgery
BRENDAN SULLIVAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
CONTENTS
REAL MOMS + ADVICE
SEASONAL
SPONSORED FEATURE
2 Editor’s Column 3 Tablets for Toddlers 5 Be Well 6 On Our Radar 16 Bookshelf
7 Boredom Busters 8 Outdoor Adventures 9 Sweet Tooth 12 Selfie Spots 13 Learning Locations 14 Wildlife Encounters 15 Creation Stations
10 YMCA of Greater Omaha
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MOMAHA.COM EDITOR ASHLEE COFFEY Wife to Kevin and mom to Sam and Elliott. Follow her on Twitter: @AshleeCoffeyOWH
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 7 JULY 2021 editor in chief
COURTNEY BRUMMER- CLARK cbclark@owh.com 402-444-3118
creative director
SUMMER IS HERE! RELAX AND ENJOY.
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ummer is one of the funnest and most relaxing times of the year. Kids are out of school. The days seem endless and lazy. It’s a chance to do whatever you want — whether it’s traveling outside of Nebraska, across the state, the metro area or just staying in the backyard making your own summer fun. I used to love packing up the car and traveling across Nebraska to visit my cousins in Colorado. It was always a big
summer highlight for us kids. If you’re looking to get out and do some traveling, we’ve got a great issue just for you full of fun, unique places to visit all over Nebraska. If you’re looking to stay closer to home, the Omaha area has a lot to offer — some of which might be new to you. Whatever you plan to do this summer, I hope it’s safe and full of memories that you’ll be able to hold onto forever.
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July 2021
TWITTER @momaha_owh PINTEREST /momahaowh INSTAGRAM /momaha_owh
KILEY CRUSE cruse@owh.com 402-444-1375
assistant editor
MARJIE DUCEY marjie.ducey@owh.com 402-444-1034
momaha.com editor
ASHLEE COFFEY ashlee.coffey@owh.com 402-444-1075
designer
APRIL BURFORD
cover photo
ERIC FOWLER NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
custom publishing sales coordinator
N I C K C AVA L L A R O nick.cavallaro@owh.com 402-444-1202
Momaha Magazine is a monthly publication of the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 600, Omaha, NE 68102. Momaha is a registered trademark, and all content is copyright 2021 by the Omaha World-Herald. All rights reserved. The opinions and perspectives published herein are those of the authors and should not be construed as those of Momaha Magazine.
LEARNING MACHINE How to find the best tablet for your toddler STORY Sian Babish | BestReviews
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ablets for toddlers are a friendly introduction to the world of interactive technology and equipped with engaging educational apps and games. But they aren’t just learning devices — they can function as kid-friendly gaming, streaming and reading devices, too. To help you find the right tablet for your toddler, here are six features to consider when shopping.
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APPS
Tablets for toddlers are designed to run educational apps geared toward preschool readiness and skill development with counting, pattern recognition and letter identification. Other apps help with fine motor skills like drawing, writing or tracing. Tablets for toddlers usually have apps or games preloaded. More popular apps for toddlers, namely advanced educational or school readiness apps, require subscriptions or in-app purchases to access full content. There are also additional costs for some e-books or mobile games.
2 DURABLE DESIGN
Tablets for toddlers usually have thick bumper guard cases, shatterproof screens or extra-durable charging cables. Some have moderate protection against liquids, typically indicated with an IP rating. Continued on page 4
OUTGROWING
When your child ages out of what their tablet has to offer, some devices allow all parental controls to be disabled so they can be used with regular access to web browsing, streaming and gaming. Or, consider donating the old device to a daycare center or children’s hospital.
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Continued from page 3
3 PARENTAL
CONTROLS
Tablets for toddlers provide parent dashboards for seamless navigation. Common settings include limited web browser access, daily usage limits, or restricted access to games or streaming apps during designated learning times.
Jump In… Be Ready for Summer With Swimming Classes!
3 TABLETS FOR TODDLERS TO TRY LeapFrog LeapPad Ultimate Ready for School Tablet (Pictured on page 3) This tablet offers 100 preloaded educational apps geared toward school readiness, using LeapFrog’s Just For Me Learning technology. The simple design helps get kids acquainted with using a touchscreen — plus it’s shatter-proof.
ONCE - A WEEK SWIM LESSONS MORNING,AFTERNOON, EVENING & SAT. MORNINGTIME SLOTS AVAILABLE
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Many tablets for toddlers come with a built-in camera. Taking photos or video usually requires approval through the parental setting dashboard, and video calls can come only from approved contacts.
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BATTERY
AMAZON.COM PHOTOS
Toddler tablets offer on average 10 hours of use with a full charge; more advanced models can go up to 20. Charge times vary; some newer tablets reach a full charge in as little as 2 hours, while others take up to 6 hours.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition This capable tablet offers over 10,000 hours of kid-friendly fun across activities, apps and games, with easy-to-use parental controls and a kid-proof rugged case design. The battery lasts 13 hours after a 2-hour charge.
6 PRICE
Most tablets specifically geared toward toddlers cost $110-$160. If you’d rather purchase a basic model of a regular tablet for your child to use, you can find models priced between $50 and $100.
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July 2021
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition Tablet Both kids and parents will love this perennial favorite for its userfriendly design and expandable memory. It comes with a year of AmazonKids+ access to thousands of books, games and apps, and a 2-year worry-free guarantee against accidental damage.
402-932-2030 LittleWavesFamilySwimSchool.com 17602 Wright St, Omaha, 68130
BE WELL
GETTING THE PARTIES
RESTARTED Safety steps to consider for unvaccinated children’s birthday parties
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STORY Datta Munshi | American Academy of Pediatrics
e are all ready for a return to familiar family traditions like backyard cookouts and birthday parties. Anyone 12 and older can now receive COVID-19 vaccines in the United States, making small gatherings of fully vaccinated people safe.
Children and teens have had an especially tough time dealing with all the changes needed to
help prevent the spread of COVID-19. We can help them ease back into dearly missed events, like birthday parties, by taking extra precautions, even including kids too young to get the vaccine yet. Here are eight steps to take for extra safety when planning your unvaccinated child’s birthday party. Continued on page 6
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ON OUR RADAR ASHLEE COFFEY
Continued from page 5 Keep gatherings to 10 kids and choose outdoor venues whenever possible. (Think a fun and festive picnic!) The virus spreads through the air; being outside lessens the risk of transmission.
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If there is a need to go inside, open windows to increase air circulation. Choose a space large enough that children can keep a safe physical distance of at least 3 feet from each other.
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Involve your child in planning to identify what is most important to them during the celebration. This can help narrow down the party itinerary. Then, tweak the activities with safety in mind.
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Offer single-serve beverages rather than pouring from shared containers. Pre-filled water bottles decorated with guests’ names can be a great take-home party favor.
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Rather than a single, large cake with candles, consider individual cupcakes, with a candle on only the birthday child’s treat. When it’s time to sing “Happy Birthday,” blow out candles and eat — activities that can spread more germs in the air — try to allow some extra room. If you do have a large cake, skip the candles and have a single person slice it and hand out pieces.
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Choose games and activities that don’t involve close physical contact. Individual crafts and classic games like charades, Simon Says, Freeze Frame, and Spud (using a soft foam ball) can be good choices. Brainstorm together for other ideas, such as a nature scavenger hunt or a “drive-in” movie, where each child gets a box they can decorate and “park” a safe distance apart.
GAMES ON-THE-GO
Celebrate the World of Eric Carle with fun on-the-go game tins by University Games. In “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Bingo & Matching,” there are two-games-inone. Kids can play bingo and then use the cards to play a fun matching game. Our reviewers loved the silly Eric Carle illustrations from the beloved books. Other games include an Around the Farm game — where kids search for baby animal cards to match their parents card — and The ABC Game, which helps young players learn their ABCs. All games are for two to four players and are for ages 3 and older. $10-12.49, amazon.com
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7 Make sure everyone at the party follows basic safety steps, like hand washing, physical distancing and wearing face masks, especially in crowded indoor or outdoor spaces. 8 Remember that if you or your child are coughing or have cold-like symptoms, or have had a fever, vomiting or diarrhea in the past 24 hours, you should not host a birthday party. Be sure to let other parents know that their child should not attend the party if they are unwell. Arrange to drop off a party goody bag so that child doesn’t feel left out. Dr. Datta Munshi is a AAP-member pediatrician in Georgia with a strong interest in pediatric behavioral health. For more information, go to healthychildren.org, the AAP’s website for parents.
Summer Hours Noon-9 pm Daily
COME FOR THE DAY OR JUST ONE ACTIVITY EXTREME wristbands for unlimited fun ONLY $19 when purchased through our website wristband includes go-karts, miniature golf, laser tag, Water Wars, Spaceball & Jumpshot Follow
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Call Us 402-592-5671 Visit us 210 East Lincoln Street, Papillion www.papiofunpark.com
Take a road trip to Smith Falls State Park and stand under Nebraska’s tallest waterfall. From left, Ryan Kendall, Jena Cruse and Rachel Kendall. JENA CRUSE
BOREDOM There is still plenty of time, options for summer adventures Congratulations! You survived the first half of summer break. Now is when the boredom sets in. But fear not, we present you 30 different ways to fill the rest of your vacation. Whether you want to stay in the Omaha area or venture out into Nebraska, we have ideas that are sure to please kids of all ages. The clock is ticking on summer. Take a look and get adventuring. Continued on page 8
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FINDING ADVENTURES IN STORY Ashlee Coffey
INDIAN CAVE STATE PARK
15 miles southwest of Brownville, Nebraska Indian Cave State Park is home to a three-sided sandstone shelter where Native Americans left petroglyph carvings about 1,500 years ago. Visitors can tour a cemetery and some restored buildings at St. Deroin, a Missouri River town founded a year before the Nebraska Territory was established in 1854. There are also 22 miles of hiking and biking trails, 16 miles of equestrian trails, weekend living history demonstrations, a campground and plenty of wildlife. A state park permit is required; outdoornebraska.gov/indiancave
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NEBRASKA’S OLDEST TREE
2.5 miles north of Ponca, Nebraska Foresters often name old, large and solitary trees of any species which occupy a large amount of space as “wolf trees” because they are “wolfing up” space. Located in Ponca State Park, the Old Wolf Oak Tree is estimated to be 377 years old. The tree measures nearly 10 feet in circumference. It began its life in 1644, was 143 years old when the U.S. Constitution was signed on Sept. 17, 1787, and was 223 years old when Nebraska became a state in 1867. A state park permit is required; outdoornebraska.gov/ponca
COWBOY TRAIL
Gather the family for a weekend getaway to bicycle the Cowboy Trail, which starts in Norfolk and spans 321 miles west to Chadron. It’s the largest Rails-to-Trails project in the United States. While riding, you’ll see plenty of nature, relics from the railroad days, beautiful bridges and more. To accommodate the needs of locomotives, railroads were built with wide, sweeping curves so cyclists, hikers and horseback riders will have fewer hills, dales and swerves than on most highways. outdoornebraska.gov/cowboytrail
Satisfy those sweet tooth The Cowboy Trail just west of Long Pine, Nebraska.
STORY Betsie Freeman
GRALEY’S CREAMERY
GO APE TREETOP ADVENTURES
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Exit 426 off I-80 Adventurers and thrill-seekers can try their hand at one of three attractions at Go Ape Treetop Adventure, Mahoney State Park’s rope and zip line course. Treetop Adventure features 40 suspended rope and steel cable bridges and other challenges on six courses in the forest canopy. Each ends with a zip line ride to a soft landing in wood chips. The Treetop Journey course, suspended 25 feet above ground, features tree-to-tree crossings, including 20 obstacles and two zip lines. In the Monkey Drop, participants climb up to a 40-foot platform where they jump in a 10-foot free fall before being lowered back to the ground. There are height and weight limits for each. A state park permit is required; cost ranges from $14.95 to $59.95; goape.com/ location/nebraska-ashland
PERSEID METEOR SHOWER
The Perseids are a strong meteor shower that produce rich and bright streaks. This year, you will see activity from July 17 to Aug. 26, with the peak on the nights of Aug. 11-12. If there’s a clear sky, the Perseids will have a meteor rate of about 100 visible “shooting stars” per hour. In more typical viewing conditions, people will see one Perseid per minute. To best view a meteor shower, get away from city lights and give your eyes about a half hour to adjust to the dark (and avoid looking at your cellphone if you get bored). A good philosophy is to lie on your back and look straight up. That way you take in as much of the sky as you can. Viewers can start observing around 11 p.m. local time, when the rates of shooting stars increase, and can watch the sky until dawn.
147 N. Washington St., Papillion Enjoy an ice cream flight. If you’re out on a hot summer weeknight, this should be your destination. The ice cream flight, small dishes featuring flavors such as ooey gooey butter cake and key lime pie, is just right for a family treat. They are offered Monday through Thursday. graleyscreamery.com
LICORICE INTERNATIONAL
4725 Prescott Ave., 230 N. Seventh St., Lincoln Take a road trip for candy. Licorice International, which started on Long Island and now is based in Lincoln, has nearly 160 varieties of licorice from 12 countries. It has a thriving online business and also operates two stores in Lincoln. Its Haymarket location also has fine chocolates, gourmet foods and candy dishes. Closed on Sundays. licoriceinternational.com Continued on page 12
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SPONSORED FEATURE YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
Can’t get away this summer? Stay put and stay active with a YMCA staycation
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fter more than a year of hibernating, there’s little doubt we could all use a vacation right about now. After all, stepping away to relax and decompress is an important element of maintaining a healthy mental state. But with all the variables involved, from crowds to cost to simply finding the time, a vacation just isn’t in the cards for everyone. But that doesn’t mean you have to forgo summertime fun. While it might take a stretch of the imagination, with a YMCA membership, you’ve got the makings of a great staycation. It might not be a poolside cocktail by the beach, but Y members can still enjoy all the fun and benefits of staying active and healthy by swimming laps or having fun in the pool with family during open swim, while also ensuring little ones learn the importance of water safety with swimming lessons for all ages and abilities — which will definitely come in handy when you do
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find yourself poolside on vacation soon enough. For many people, vacation means activity. From hikes in the mountains to biking on the beach, when you’re feeling healthy and strong, you’ll be able to enjoy everything more. A proper health and wellness routine at the Y can help ensure you’re ready to take on anything a vacation has to offer once you get there. For most, vacation means keeping the kids busy and having fun. With YMCA Youth Sports, kids not only learn to get better at the game they’re playing, but also the important life lessons of sportsmanship and teamwork. And as most parents on vacation would agree, if your kids are using good teamwork, it makes everything go smoother. Every parent would agree that vacation also means time away from the kids, too. Y members have access to child care programs where kids can enjoy fun and educational playtime
while mom and dad get to step away for some time to work out, uninterrupted. Did you know the number one most requested amenity at a vacation hotel is a complimentary breakfast? Everyday when Y members show up at their local branch, complimentary coffee is awaiting their arrival, to give a jolt to the workout, or to facilitate some socializing with fellow members. And if you really like to travel, did you know a Y membership gets you access to all 10 Y branches across the Greater Omaha area? From Glenwood, Iowa, to Valley, Nebraska, the YMCA of Greater Omaha has you covered. In fact, once you do get on your vacation, your Y membership is valid at YMCAs across the country, so you can stay in shape, even on the road. At the YMCA, we know that your pursuit of fitness is a journey, even if your journey keeps you right here at home. To join the Y and to see all programs, facilities, amenities and offers, visit www.metroymca.org.
Turn the page on kids' reading goals this summer! For tips and resources, visit RaiseMeToRead.org.
EXERCISE YOUR HEART I N M O R E W AY S T H A N O N E YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA • metroymca.org
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5 SURE-FIRE
Continued from page 9
MASTER’S HAND
Tekamah, Nebraska Find the world’s best cinnamon rolls. They’re in the pastry case at Master’s Hand, a cute gift shop, bakery and tea room in Tekamah, about 55 miles north of Omaha. The shop won its “world’s best” designation in 2020 from, of course, worldsbestcinnamonroll. com. It also has other desserts — the butterscotch pie is worth the price of gas from just about anywhere. Closed Sundays. mastershandcandles.com
PASTRY SHOPS
Pack a picnic, and don’t forget the pastries. Omaha has a number of artisan bake shops that can help you fill a big basket. A couple of social media favorites: Le Petit Paris, 567 N. 155th Plaza, where “cruffins,” a combination of croissants and muffins with fruit or cream fillings, have been a sensation of late; and Brownie Bar Omaha, 1217 Leavenworth St., which has a variety of brownies, frostings and fruit toppings. browniebaromahacom; lepetitparisfrenchbakery.com
ANGUS BURGERS & SHAKES
Kearney and Omaha Share a milkshake (or two) at Angus Burgers & Shakes, a Nebraska-owned company with two locations. The restaurant describes its milkshakes as “non-typical.” One of them is The King, with vanilla ice cream, peanut butter, banana and chocolate syrup. The time to try it? It’s now or never, of course. 421 W. Talmadge St., Kearney; 10177 S. 168th Ave., Omaha. angusburgersandshakes.com
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STORY Kiley Cruse
If you are on the quest for the perfect selfie this summer, look no further than this list of iconic Nebraska destinations.
BOB KERREY PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
705 Riverfront Drive, Omaha Affectionately referred to as The Bob, this stunning, 3,000-foot long walkway was the first walking bridge in the United States to connect two states. It stretches across the Missouri River, giving pedestrians a perfect view of Omaha’s skyline. Floating 60 feet above the water gives walkers an almost airborne experience. On the Nebraska side, enjoy the 3-acre Omaha Plaza with an interactive water jet fountain, River Critters Environmental Play Area and access to the National Park Service Visitors Center. Two 210-foot-tall towers light up at night.
WORLD’S LARGEST PORCH SWING
Fifth Street and Jefferson Avenue, Hebron Head to Nebraska’s “Porch Swing Capital” for a chance to sit on the 32-foot-long swing. It was constructed from a section of a center pivot irrigation frame which forms the top girder. The swing is said to be long enough for 24 children or 18 adults. It was originally built in 1985 and moved to its current location in 1991. A covering was added in 2016. The attraction is located in a beautifully maintained city park. There is plenty of shade, a gazebo with picnic tables and large playground for the kids to burn some energy. Public restrooms are available. It’s a must-see stop on your next road trip through Nebraska — be sure to “swing by” on the way to Carhenge.
CARHENGE
2.5 miles north of Alliance, along Highway 87 This unique sculpture in western Nebraska is a replica of Stonehenge, England’s most famous prehistoric monument. Built in the summer of 1987 by Jim Reinders and his family, Carhenge consists of 39 automobiles which were placed to assume the same proportions as Stonehenge. The gray, spray-painted cars form a circle that measures about 96 feet in diameter. Additional sculptures made of old cars and car parts have
been built on the site as part of the Car Art Reserve, including “Spawning Salmon” and Dino the dinosaur among others. The 10-acre preserve was gifted to the city of Alliance in 2013. Admission is free and Carhenge is open during daylight hours year-round. A gift shop, visitors center and information kiosk are open during the summer.
CHIMNEY ROCK
1.5 miles south of Highway 92 on Chimney Rock Road, Bayard Chimney Rock looms large on the Great Plains. Standing about 325 feet tall from base to peak, it was a cherished landmark that greeted thousands as they traveled west along the Oregon, California and the Mormon Trails. An estimated 500,000 settlers traveled the 2,000 miles of the Oregon Trail in the 19th century. Chimney Rock was a sign that about one-third of their journey was complete. The Ethel and Christopher J. Abbott Visitor’s Center houses museum exhibits, a handson opportunity to “pack your wagon,” and a video presentation that tells the story of the great migration West. Chimney Rock was designated as a National Historic Site in 1956. $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 5-18; history.nebraska.gov/rock
SMITH FALLS
12 miles east of Valentine or 3 miles southwest of Sparks At 63 feet, Smith Falls is the highest waterfall in Nebraska and is the centerpiece of scenic Smith Falls State Park. The only access to the falls is via a footbridge across the river from the north side of the park. Hiking to the falls is limited to established trails to prevent erosion and to protect rare plants. Nebraska’s newest state park is a popular destination for campers, as well as canoers, kayakers, tubers and others who visit the area to experience the Niobrara River, a National Scenic River. Smith Falls is named for Frederic Smith, who filed the first homestead patent on the land that encompasses the falls. State park permit required; outdoornebraska. gov/smithfalls
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA STATE MUSEUM
Visitors to the Hubbard Rhino Barn at Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park can watch paleontologists carefully continue uncovering the intact skeletons of hundreds of animals buried there 12 million years ago.
LEARNING AS YOU GO STORY Marjie Ducey
RIVER CITY HISTORY TOURS AT THE DURHAM MUSEUM
801 S. 10th St., Omaha The past comes alive during these history tours, which are historically accurate, entertaining and share the fascinating history of Omaha. Explore the city’s vibrant past aboard Ollie the Trolley and hear stories from knowledgeable tour guides. Select from six unique tours in the coming months, including the new tour: “Remember the Ladies: The Women of Early Omaha.” Others are: “From Expositions to Jazz Musicians”; “Last Call for Alcohol: Omaha’s Bootlegging History”; “Millionaires and Mansions-North Gold Coast”; “Millionaires and Mansions-South Gold Coast”; and “Omaha’s Parks and Boulevards.” Ollie the Trolley has taken special COVID-19 precautions. $25 per person; durhammuseum.org/tours
ASHFALL FOSSIL BEDS
2 miles west and 6 miles north of Royal, Nebraska Did you know that rhinos used to live in Nebraska? Explore nature and science at Ashfall Fossil Beds. Watch and visit with student researchers as they excavate fossils in the Hubbard Rhino Barn. Hike the nature trails and enjoy a family picnic. Don’t forget to grab a photo with our bronze rhino statues. $7.50 per person, children younger than 3 are free, state park permit required; ashfall.unl.edu
MORRILL HALL
645 N. 14th St., Lincoln Morrill Hall has four floors of familyfriendly exhibits on dinosaurs, mammoths, fossils, bugs, space, science and more. Check out Cherish Nebraska, the recently
renovated fourth-floor exhibit with more than 11,000 square feet of interactive fun. Poop & Paws is open through September and explores the clues animals leave behind in nature. Don’t forget to see Archie, the world’s tallest fully mounted composite Columbian mammoth fossil. $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 5-18, children 4 and younger free; museum. unl.edu
THE ARCHWAY
Spanning I-80 at Exit 275 in Kearney The Archway features a family-friendly exhibit that tells the stories of the pioneers and adventurers who followed the Great Platte River Road through Nebraska and helped to build America. Walk the trails west. Visit a Pony Express station. Hear the stories of the Transcontinental Railroad Continued on page 14
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WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS STORY Ashlee Coffey
BUTTERFIELD ALPACA RANCH
5 miles east of Alma, Nebraska Butterfield Alpaca Ranch raises both Hucaya and Suri alpaca breeds. Come get up close to the alpacas (and llamas) and learn all about them, feel their soft fleece and see a demonstration of how their fiber is turned into products. In-person tours are scheduled for 10 a.m. July 24, 31 and Aug. 28. $15 for ages 15 and older; fee can be applied as a credit in the mobile store at the end of the visit; butterfieldalpacaranch.com
WILDLIFE SAFARI
Exit 426 off I-80 At the Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari in Ashland, Nebraska, you’ll think you’re on safari when you see majestic animals like bison and elk in a natural setting. Beyond the drive-through exhibits, there are opportunities to see eagles and other smaller creatures up close. $8 for adults, $6 for ages 3-11, $7 for seniors; wildlifesafaripark.com
HDR
The Schramm Education Center showcases eastern Nebraska’s habitat through interactive displays, aquariums and a classroom that opens to the outdoors.
SCHRAMM EDUCATION CENTER
Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium Did you know you can spend the night in the zoo? Pitch a tent near the new sea lion exhibit or stay in one of the zoo’s family safari tents near the lion habitat. Indoor adventures are available in the aquarium and desert dome. Sleeping Bag Safaris are available year-round. Children must be at least 4 years old and reservations must be made at least three weeks in advance. Costs vary; omahazoo.com/sleeping-bagsafaris
Exit 432 off I-80, then 5 miles south on Hwy 31 Bring the family and check out aquariums that feature Nebraska’s natural aquatic habitats — cool water streams, rivers, reservoirs and farm ponds. Six tanks focus on some of Nebraska’s smaller, lesser-known fish species. There’s also 17 live animal tanks that feature Nebraska’s reptile and amphibian species. Additionally, the educational nature center areas include a reading nook, maker’s space, bird watching area and a preschool play area. Kids will have fun with interactive activities including a digital topographical map, interactive wayfinding
Continued from page 13
ages 6-13, 5 and younger free; archway.org
and “America’s Main Street,” the Lincoln Highway. Then, watch the traffic on I-80 pass below you from our “Roadside Café” exhibit. Experience 180 years of Nebraska history in about an hour. Then, plan the rest of your travel adventure at the Archway’s Nebraska Visitor Center. $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $6 for youths
WESSELS LIVING HISTORY FARM
A NIGHT AT THE ZOO
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5520 S. Lincoln Ave., York, Nebraska The 1900s farm community includes a fully furnished two-story house, a post and beam barn, granary, equipment building, school house, church and other farm buildings. It is also home to many
maps and touch screens focusing on the species of the area. $10 for adults, $7 for ages 4-12; outdoornebraska.gov/ schrammeducationcenter
HERON HAVEN
11809 Old Maple Road, Omaha At about a mile long, Heron Haven is perfect for little legs. Animals are plentiful on the 17-acre, spring-fed wetland, depending on the hour of the day. Youngsters will enjoy seeing turtles, frogs, deer, mink, foxes, opossums, raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, 182 different species of birds and more. The trails are gravel and wheelchair-accessible. Free; heronhaven.org
of the FFA animals from York High School from May through October. Their mission is to preserve the history and evolution of Nebraska’s past, agriculture and farm life while connecting to current agriculture practices through education. $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, $3 for ages 3 and 4, free for kids younger than 3 and active duty service members; livinghistoryfarm.org
There’s so much to do at the Do Space, and it’s all free. DO SPACE
STORY Ashlee Coffey
JOSLYN ART MUSEUM
2200 Dodge St. Nebraska’s largest art museum was a gift to the people of Omaha from Sarah Joslyn in memory of her husband, George. The museum’s 1931 Art Deco building and 1994 Scott Pavilion addition house nearly 20 galleries of art from antiquity to the present. Other museum highlights include a fountain court, sculpture garden, café, gift shop and Art Works, an interactive space for art exploration. Free general admission; joslyn.org
DO SPACE
7205 Dodge St. Omaha’s technology library aims to empower everyone with access to technology and innovative learning experiences. You’ll find access to the latest software; more than 100 computers, tablets and laptops; printing
and 3D printing services; and ultra-fast internet. Do Space offers a variety of programs and events at no cost. Through computer workstations, the Active Learning Lab, 3D Lab and Littles Lab, community members from toddlers to senior citizens can take their learning to the next level. Free; dospace.org
KANEKO
1111 Jones St. Visit Kaneko to explore the creative process, including how new ideas are formed in the arts, sciences and philosophy. Saturday mornings are designated family times where parents can bring kids to enjoy the exhibits, as well as the KANEKO-UNO Creative Library, which has a dedicated space for kids. KIDSpace at the library offers children’s books about creativity in a relaxed environment. thekaneko.org
PACE
1001 S. Sixth St., Council Bluffs The Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center, home of PACE (Pottawattamie Arts, Culture and Entertainment) in Council Bluffs, has all kinds of activities for kids this summer, including summer camps, a children’s theater, live music and ceramics classes, as well as more to be announced. paceartsiowa.org
SPIELBOUND
3229 Harney St. Stop in to the board game café and explore the library of 2,500 board games to play, ranging from classics like Monopoly, to new favorites like Settlers of Catan, to obscure European strategy games. Playing games requires either a membership or a one-day pass. A wide selection of food and drink are also available for purchase. $5 for one-day pass, individual and family memberships available; spielbound.com
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BOOKSHELF ASHLEE COFFEY
5 stories for kids that celebrate the magic of summer
“SUMMER SUPPER”
by Rubin Pfeffer This book lets kids follow along with a family as they plant, grow and gather food from their garden that eventually makes it to their table. It will give kids a good appreciation for where their food comes from. Plus, the illustrations are vibrant and fun. (PreK–1)
“SUMMER WALK”
by Virginia Snow Join Grammy and her grandkids for a fun summer walk to discover all different kinds of bugs. In fact, kids will learn 26 different kinds of bugs gorgeous illustrations and fun, creative rhymes. (PreK–1)
“A LULLABY OF SUMMER THINGS”
by Natalie Ziarnik There’s nothing quite like the joy of a fun-filled summer day. In this book, kids will follow along with a little girl and her siblings as they wind down from a long day at the beach. The lyrical picture book is calm and beautiful, and is sure to put kids to sleep in no time. (PreK–1)
“EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR A TREEHOUSE”
“THE GOLDEN GLOW”
by Benjamin Flouw With stunning illustrations, this book tells the story of Fox, who loves nature, and his quest to find the a rare flower he reads about in his botany book called “The Golden Glow.” He sets off to find it and discovers plants, flowers, trees and woodland animals along the way. (K–3)
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July 2021
by Carter Higgins Treehouses seem to be synonymous with childhood summer fun. The book starts with kids looking up into the trees and planning their own treehouse. The pictures are the most charming part of this book and show all kinds of wonderful and imaginative treehouses. It’s sure to get kids excited about planning and dreaming about their own. (grades 1–4)
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