It feels like it was only a few months ago when we released our summer 2021 guide to Omaha kids’ activities, but a full year has gone by. Time flies when you’re having fun at Hawley Orthodontics! Well, your favorite Papillion orthodontist, Dr. Hawley, is back with another round-up. Without further ado, here’s our guide to affordable and free things to do with kids in Omaha for summer 2022.
- Free Omaha-Area Outdoor Movie Series
There are a number of free outdoor movie nights around Omaha, including:
- Starlight Movie Series at SumTur Amphitheater – The popular free movie series at SumTur Amphitheater (11691 S 108th St, Papillion, NE) is back for 2022. The gates open at 8pm and the concession stand will be selling popcorn and beverages. Jungle Cruise will be shown on Saturday, July 30 and Clifford the Big Red Dog will be shown on Saturday, August 6.
- La Vista Summer Outdoor Concerts & Movies – Don’t miss the last session of this family-friendly event in La Vista, NE. On Friday, July 29 at 7pm at Central Park Lakes (7702 Edgewood Blvd, La Vista), Kaylyn Sahs will perform immediately followed by a screening of Encanto.
- Flix at the Chef – Bring blankets and chairs and watch movies at dusk behind the Dairy Chef (3223 N. 204th St, Elkhorn, NE) in Elkhorn on Saturdays, August 13 and September 10.
- Family Canvas Paint Night
The Recreation Department offers a bunch of affordable summer activities for kids in Papillion, including Family Canvas Paint Night. Open to ages 5 and up, the next event will be held on Wednesday, July 20 from 6 to 8pm at the Papillion Landing Community Center (1046 W. Lincoln St, Papillion, NE). The cost is $15 per person and the theme will be fireworks. Registration is required one week in advance. Register here.
Outdoor concerts are always one of our favorite things to do in Omaha with kids. Plus, the family-friendly series at Zorinsky Lake Park (156th Street and F Street, Omaha) is free! Presented by the City of Omaha Parks and Recreation Department, the events will be held on Fridays, July 15, July 29 and August 5 from 6 to 9pm and will feature music from local bands, food trucks and giveaways. View the schedule here.
Round up the kids for a family fishing experience at Fontenelle Park (4407 Fontenelle Blvd, Omaha, NE). Attendees of the free event will learn all about fishing for trout before trying their hand at catching their own. All equipment will be provided. Sessions will be held on Tuesday, July 19 from 6 to 8pm and again Saturday, October 15 from 10am to 12n.
- Hydrant Parties
Bring towels and cool off every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at an Omaha hydrant party. The events run through July 29. Browse the schedule to find one that works for you.
- Saturdays @ Stinson Concert Series
The Saturdays @ Stinson Concert Series definitely makes the list of free Omaha kids’ activities, though the event has something for every member of the family. On most Saturdays through August 27 from 7 to 10pm, local bands will play at Stinson Park (2285 S 67th St, Omaha, NE). There will be music, food and drinks. For the kiddos, the event will feature balloon artists and face painting.
- $5 After 5 at the Durham Museum
Visit the Durham Museum (801 S 10th St, Omaha, NE) this summer on Tuesdays through August 31 for just $5 after 5pm. The museum, home to Union Station, gives visitors a look at the region’s history and has a range of exhibits, including the kid-friendly Dinosaur Revolution, which runs through September 4.
The 2022 Gretna Days festivities will be held from July 28-31, kicking off with the Gretna Days Carnival on Thursday, July 28 at 6pm. You definitely won’t want to miss the free night at the movies on Friday, July 29 at 7pm at the Gretna High School Football Stadium, which will be followed by a fireworks show sponsored by the Kiddie Academy. Check out the full schedule to see what other events are planned.
Thirty-six garden gnomes broke loose at Lauritzen Gardens (100 Bancroft St, Omaha, NE)! Join the family scavenger hunt and see how many you can find hidden as you explore the trails. You could even earn a special reward at the end. There are three different scavenger hunts with 12 gnomes each, ranging from easy to difficult. After you track down the gnomes, play family-friendly games in the Gnome Zone on the festival garden patio. The scavenger hunt is free for garden members and included in the cost of admission for non-members ($15 for ages 13 and up, $9 for ages 3-12 and free for kids 2 and under). Get timed tickets here.
City Sprouts educates Omaha-area residents about gardening and sustainability at their community gardens and urban farm. The organization hosts Little Sprouts, a garden program that teaches kids ages 3 to 7 about nature, growing food and healthy lifestyles. Each week features a new gardening-related topic. Sessions are held every Wednesday through August 3 from 6 to 7pm at City Sprouts North Garden (4002 Seward Ave, Omaha, NE). The program is family-friendly and free, but donations are welcome. Registration is required and new registration links open each week. Register for the next session here.
Book a Visit With a Papillion, NE Orthodontist This Summer!
When you’re not busy with these Omaha kids’ activities, schedule a complimentary consultation for your child (or yourself!) at Hawley Orthodontics in Papillion, NE. At our family-friendly practice, we treat patients of all ages and make every smile journey a fun, positive experience.
