In the United States, September 27th is known as “Family Day,” one day a year where families make a commitment to spend quality time with the ones they love. But “Family Day” doesn’t only have to be celebrated on the 27th; it can be celebrated at anytime and anywhere.
For families looking for activities that won’t break the bank here is an overview of fun and free family activities in Omaha, NE.
Located at 4701 South 25th Street, El Museo Latino is the first Latino Art and History Museum and Cultural Center in the Midwest, and one of only eleven in the entire United States.
Known for presenting special events during the year which highlight the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration in May and Hispanic Heritage Month in September, El Museo Latino also develops educational programs for all ages.
With an emphasis on Hispanic heritage, visitors will enjoy films, art and dance classes, art history classes, guided visits, workshops, and more.
Families will discover exciting exhibits including “Agustin Victor Cassasola,” “History of Latinos in Omaha,” and “Silver and Copper From Santa Clara del Cobre,” as well as new exhibits including “The prints of Carlos Cortez,” “Bi-Centennial of Independence of Mexico,” and “The Centennial of the Mexican Revolution.”
El Museo Latino offers free admission to children 5 years old and under and affordable rates for the family. To learn more log on to www.elmuseolatino.org or call 402-731-1137.
The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is located at 724 South 12th Street and has become very popular with residents and visitors alike.
Providing 20 exhibits annually that span all visual art mediums including video, installation, and performance art, there is something for everyone at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts.
Featuring emerging and established artists such as Lori Victor Kay, Shaun Richards, Doug Boehm, and Kent Bellows, The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts also holds special events such as “Gallery Talk,” art auctions, and a community potluck dinner.
Admission and parking is free to the public however donations are always accepted. To learn more log on to www.bemiscenter.org or call 402-341-7130.
With a mission to change the way America cares for children, families, and communities by providing and promoting an integrated continuum of care, Boy’s Town values to strengthen body, mind, and spirit.
Located at 13628 Flanagan Boulevard, The Village of Boys Town is a National Historic Landmark since 1985 and has its own fire departments, schools, churches, and ball fields, as well as numerous historic locations.
The Village of Boys Town is filled with educational and learning opportunities; the Hall of History Museum is where children and adults will learn the history of Boys Town, the Dowd Memorial Chapel is a 15th Century church that is a symbol of Boys Town’s commitment to helping troubled youth, the Father Flanagan House Museum is the former residence of Boys Town founder Father Flanagan, the Rose Garden, Leon Myers Stamp Center, and more.
Not only will visitors gain insight into the history and community of Boys Town, they are also afforded the opportunity to have lunch on the Village grounds, shop at the Gift Shop, and attend religious services in one of Boys Town’s many places of worship.
Boys Town is one of Nebraska’s top attractions and offers free admission with a donation. To learn more log on to www.boystown.org or call 800-625-1400.
As Nebraska’s largest art museum, the Joslyn Art Museum is renowned for its collection of art of the American West, and is known worldwide for its collection of Swiss artist Karl Bodmer.
Featuring work from antiquity to the present with an emphasis on 19th and 20th Century European and American Art, the Joslyn Art Museum is home to works by Lorenzo di Credi, El Greco, Edgar Degas, Thomas Hart Benton, Claude Monet, and many more.
With year round musical performances and educational lectures by national and international scholars, children of all ages are offered many classes including expressive painting, basic drawing, as well as pottery, printmaking, sculpture, and fiber arts classes which will further enhance their visit at the Joslyn Art Museum.
The Joslyn Art Museum is located at 2200 Dodge Street and offers free admission on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
To obtain a full calendar of events and class schedules log on to www.joslyn.org or call 402-342-3300.
Serving as a United States Naval Museum on the Missouri River, “Freedom Park” is home to countless Naval aircraft and water vessels including the USS Hazard AM-240 Minesweeper, USS Marlin SST-2 Submarine, Shipboard Rocket Launchers, the Douglas A-4D Skyhawk Jet Fighter, and more.
Visitors are offered guided tours where they’ll discover the Anchor & Propeller Garden and learn about the USS Hazard (AM-240), which was decommissioned in 1946 and the Marlin which is one of the smallest operational submarines built for the Navy.
Freedom Park is located at 2599 Freedom Park Road and can be reached at 402-444-5900, or to learn more about the City of Omaha Parks and Recreation Department log on to www.cityofomaha.org.
Omaha’s primary participatory museum providing a variety of hands-on exhibits, Omaha Children’s Museum’s mission is to engage the imagination and create excitement about learning.
Home to traveling and permanent exhibits including “Imagination Playground,” “Sandy’s Splish Splash Garden,” “Charlie Campbell Science & Technology Center,” “Creative Arts Center,” and “Science & Technology Learning Lab,” the Omaha Children’s Museum has something for every age group.
By offering a variety of special events including focus field trips, summer camps, workshops, overnights, and educational presentations, children are afforded countless opportunities to learn through play.
The Omaha Children’s Museum is located at 500 South 20th Street and offers free admission to museum members and to children under 2 years old.
To learn more about the Omaha Children’s Museum including event rental opportunities call 402-342-6164 or log on to www.ocm.org.
In today’s economy parents are trying to save money now more than ever before so it’s great that Omaha offers great activities that are easy on the wallet and big on fun.
