We often hear about summer bucket lists and fun fall festivities when the weather gets cooler, but what about those frigid cold winter months? What are we moms suppose to do in order to keep our kids active and prevent our sanity from dwindling? You may be surprised that Omaha and the surrounding areas have quite a bit to offer for fun during the long winter months. Here are some fun places to put on your Winter Bucket List!
10 Things to Do in Winter In & Around Omaha
1. Morrill Hall
If you’re up for a little jaunt, Morrill Hall is one of our favorites. Our oldest is an animal fanatic, so we typically make a morning out of it and stop at Hurts Donuts in downtown Lincoln then head over to Morrill Hall. Cost is $9.50 for adults, $5.50 for ages 3-18, and FREE for kids under 3. Since we frequent enough during winter, I’m hoping Santa brings the kids a membership this year.
2. Lauritzen Gardens
Visit the garden during the day from 9am-5pm – adults are $15, kids 3-12 are $9, and littles under 3 are free. Or visit the gardens for Merry & Bright Night where you can experience a multitude of festive delight as flowers and foliage combine with light to make the season Merry & Bright through December 31st.
3. Backyard Playworld
For children ages one year and older, admission is $10 on weekdays and $12 on weekends. You can let your kiddos run wild and free in the 6,000 square foot playhouse dream land. Swing sets, trampolines, basketball goals, and game tables – this place has lots of activities to keep your crew playing for hours. Bonus – you can bring in outside food to eat in the snack area.
4. Do Space
Located near 72nd and Dodge, Do Space offers something for all ages. Learn and explore technology. Your child can create designs in the 3D Lab, experiment with technology in the Active Learning Lab, or learn introductory technology skills in the Littles Lab. The best part is … it’s all FREE!
5. Bass Pro Shop or Cabelas
We have an animal lover, so we try to get creative on places to visit other than the Zoo. Especially during the winter months, visiting Bass Pro Shop or Cabelas is a fun, quick outing. Let the kids stretch their legs while looking at all of the cool “stuffed” animals and checking out the fish and huge turtle in the fish tanks!
6. Union Pacific Railroad Museum
All aboard! Located in downtown Council Bluffs makes this bucket list trip a relatively quick drive. It’s open Thursday through Saturday 10 A.M to 6 P.M. and admission is FREE! Learn about the Union Pacific Railroad through different tours and exhibits.
7. Mahoney State Park – Indoor Play Area
Ok, so a park permit is required to enter, but there are two options either pay the $6 park fee for the day (NE plates) or bite the bullet and get a year round pass for $31. Admission for the play area is $3 per person. This definitely isn’t the cheapest option, but could be worth it when the winter blues hit and you need to save your sanity and get out of the house!
8. Kids Dream Winter Film Series
At Marcus Theaters, typically from the end of January through mid-March, you can see family-friendly movies on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 10:00 A.M. for $3.00 a ticket! They also have reduced concession items. If you can’t make one of those times, remember they have $5 Tuesdays as well. Bundle the kids up, grab some popcorn, and enjoy a show!
9. Joslyn Art Museum
*closed until 2024 but we had to keep on our list!* Did you know the Joslyn offers FREE admission (during public hours) to their ART WORKS exhibit? There are nine different stations to visit. If you have children with curious minds who love to play, create, and explore, you’ve got to check it out!
There’s so much to do in Omaha and it seems like the list keeps on growing!
