Summer Activities for Kids in Omaha, NE – 2019

It feels crazy to be talking about Summer, but it will be here before we know it! Between activities, camps, and summer classes, there is a lot to plan ahead for. Kids benefit from maintaining some form of structure in their lives. We also want to encourage parents to take advantage of the summer time to unplug from technology and experience a life of adventure and exploration.

Katie Anderson
Fun-Plex Waterpark & Rides

The first outlet for some summer fun in Omaha that we want to highlight is Fun-Plex Waterpark & Rides, an amusement park located in the Ralston neighborhood. It is the largest amusement park in Nebraska. Fun-Plex will be offering their unique Camp Fun-Plex experience for yet another summer. The day camp is offered in two sessions, one in June and one in July, and they each run Monday–Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Kids will love exclusive private access to their favorite Fun-Plex rides and slides, as well as traditional camp activities like field games and crafts!” Katie Anderson, operations manager of Fun-Plex, exclaimed. “Kids love to be outdoors and experience the summer weather. Attractions, such as mini golf and go karts will feed their competitive side, while our pools and slides keep kids physically active.” Katie also told us about new movies coming to their popular ‘Dive-In’ movie nights in July. These events are a one-of-kind opportunity to enjoy a family-friendly flick in the water, under the stars. Check out their website this spring for the summer movie line up.

Another place to check out in the Omaha area this summer is Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch. Every year, they offer “pick-ur-own” strawberries in May and June, raspberries June through September, and various vegetables throughout the summer. Berry Farm even arranges school tours from the beginning of May till the end of October, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. During these school tours, each child receives a coloring book, hayrack ride, and a fruit or vegetable.

We think it is really neat that Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch has opportunities for kids to learn about where their food comes from. There is a disconnect between children and their knowledge of where and how their food is grown. That is why Berry Farm not only allows kids to see what farm-to-table means, they actually get to be involved in the experience, as the farm is nearly 100% organic.

Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch also holds multiple festivals. This year, The Renaissance Festival of Nebraska   will be May 4, 5, 11, and 12. Kids will enjoy the pageantry and peril that only these true-to-life jousters and brave knights can portray. Along with interesting historical re-enactment groups, there will be hands-on activities and free craft-making for the wee-folk. In addition, on June 9, the farm will host the Mud Factor 5K Obstacle Run! This run is seriously fun, and there will be a shortened course so kids ages 4–13 and their families can run together. You won’t want to miss the Omaha Potter Faire on June 1–2 either. This Harry Potter-themed weekend of magic is truly one of a kind! There will be costumed characters roaming around, live owls, vendors offering wands, and, of course, Butterbeer! The Garbled Owl Butterbeer Shoppe will be on site serving delicious, non-alcoholic Flying Cauldron Butterscotch Beer. Finally, the Midwest Pirate Festival is August is 24–25. This event is complete with stranded pirate ship and Pirate’s Pub tavern. Spend time in the Pirate’s Port, Enchanted Forest, and the Sea-Side Towne. Kids will have a blast as they bounce on the inflated pirate boat and ride on the Heave-Ho Pirate Ship Swing! More information for all these events can be found online at bellevueberryfarm.com/festivals.

Don’t forget about Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch’s many play areas and campfires open from March to November! Berry Farm is a great place to have your next birthday party. They can be scheduled for nearly any day of the week and generally at all times of the year. Your group can bring in food and cake to one of their campfire areas, or they’ll have Cowboy Ed and his staff arrange a meal for you. If you want a fun, active, outside birthday party, one that kids will never forget, call Berry Farm!

Summers are about all of those activities you can’t experience the rest of the year. So get outside, get active, and make some memories with your kids right here in Omaha!