Summer Activities for Kids in Omaha, NE

Now that spring break has passed, the next major hiatus from the classroom is summer break and as all of the parents out there are well aware, it will be here before we know it. Right about now many summer activities for kids are being announced and registration deadlines are approaching, so if you’re trying to come up with great ideas or seeking a little bit of guidance, look no further!

Photo-Tyson-Schaefer-Bellevue-Berry-Farm-and-Pumpkin-Ranch-Omaha-Nebraska-Holiday-Cheer

Tyson Schaefer – Bellevue Berry Farm and Pumpkin Ranch

With the early onset of warmer temperatures this year, Bellevue Berry Farm is already geared up for all of the kids who will be coming out to visit this summer. This is a fantastic local outdoor venue with plenty of fresh air and fun experiences to offer, including themed play areas, berry picking, hayrack rides, festivals, friendly farm animals, and so much more. “Our themed play areas, Pirate Cove and How The West Was Fun, are already open for the season, and berry picking is soon to follow, starting with strawberries, then raspberries and even sweet peas,” says Tyson Schaefer of Bellevue Berry Farm (bellevueberryfarm.com). “The play areas really allow kids to explore their imaginations, with cabins and barns, a huge pirate ship, ziplines, bounce houses, caves, slides, and all sorts of special touches and fun things to do. Our two major festivals attract thousands of families each year, with the Renaissance Festival held the first two full weekends in May and the Pirate Festival following the last weekend in August. You’ll be immersed in the era, with performers on the stage and walking the streets ranging from musicians and dancers to magicians, jugglers and jousters, along with fun vendors and even more activities. We’re also no stranger to birthday parties, and in addition to all that we have on-site, we can bring in ponies for the kids to ride. Whether you want to devote a whole day to exploring the farm or just have a few hours to spare, there’s so much to see and do that you’re sure to have a great time.”

 Jen Papousek - Children’s Respite Care Center (CRCC)

Jen Papousek – Children’s Respite Care Center (CRCC)

When it comes to choosing from all of the different options for summer programming available, there truly is something for everyone. Jen Papousek, Summer Camp Program Director at Children’s Respite Care Center (CRCC; www.crccomaha.org), offers the following advice for parents who are seeking activities that will best fit their child’s needs and interests.

 

“If you think that your child’s special needs will prevent him or her from participating in a summer camp, it’s time to think again. CRCC offers a Summer Sensations 10-week Day Camp for children with special needs ages 6-21. The fun starts May 30th and lasts through August 5th with full and part-time care available.

‘Special needs’ refers to a wide variety of conditions or difficulties, while also simply used to imply that a child requires some sort of special accommodations. CRCC’s Summer Sensations is a place where kids can be kids. A place where their differences are looked at as unique qualities that make them who they are. Our goal is to provide an environment that caters to the needs of all children and helps them to live life to its fullest. Each week offers a different theme; from exploring the great state of Nebraska and everything it has to offer, to diving into the world of imagination, this camp is sure to keep your kids entertained all summer long. In addition, we provide special in-house activities and weekly field trips. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents as well because they can rest assured that their child is receiving top notch care including skilled nursing services, and options for occupational, physical, speech and feeding therapies, if desired, while attending CRCC over the summer.

CRCC also offers a Weekend Respite Program where families can bring their child for day and overnight hours in the trusted hands of our skilled nursing staff and trained professional care aides. The Weekend Program also hosts Friday Movie Night once a month. Kids can sit back, relax, eat pizza, and watch a movie on the big screen. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents and families to shop, run errands, enjoy a date night or simply take much needed time for respite. For more information contact our Weekend Program Coordinator, Erika Mallory, at emallory@crccomaha.org.

Finally, Family Focus is a program that brings families of individuals facing similar challenges together. These events provide families with a great opportunity to draw strength and knowledge from each other. Families are given a chance to relax, have fun and socialize. Our events typically include food and family-friendly entertainment. Family Focus provides a variety of events for families each year, most are free of cost and are always a lot of fun. For more information contact Sarah Tselentis at stselentis@crccomaha.org.

To learn more about all of CRCC’s programs and services visit our website www.crccomaha.org or call (402) 496-1000 today!”

As many summer activities for kids have a registration deadline this month or next, make sure to start looking into your schedule and doing your research so your kids are able to get into the activities that they prefer!