Fun Guide
Photo by FFIO: Vala’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard Gretna, NE
Photo by FFIO: Martin’s Hillside Orchard Ceresco, NE
Photo by FFIO
On a relaxing but breezy day in Fall I once studied a large maple tree as a multitude of its leaves gently parachuted to the ground with each indiscriminate gust of wind. I imagined the growth of the tree through each season, how it sheds its leaves yet routinely grows new ones each Spring.
For me there was a certain melancholy to watching the tree go bare and the beautiful Fall leaves disappear. Yet, I was left comforted knowing that the tree is still strong and growing and better, healthier leaves will cycle around to fill its canopy again. I thought, ‘how similar to raising children.’
The leaves the trees depend on blow away and new dependable leaves will grow in. Our children depend on certain things as well, yet as they grow like the tree, certain dependencies fall away. Likewise, as they grow, new
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but different leaves fill in. Each year they become stronger and more independent, able to support themselvesin new ways. But family, their roots, where they grew from, how they were raised will always be what helped them grow into what they will become.
A large part of growth for a family and children is feeding knowledge and fun experiences. It’s letting them explore and interact with the world around them. It’s allowing them to be challenged and work out those problems.
From connecting with nature, challenging the brain, or exploring new activities, we are here to help you find ways to enjoy this fall season.
– Family Fun In Omaha Team
DISCLAIMER:
©2025 Family Fun in Omaha. All rights reserved. We are not responsible for errors and omissions or changes since publication. Reproduction in whole or in part granted only by written permission of the publisher.
Emcee
Samuel Grant
Umóhon
Arena Director
Gabriel Barea
Umóhon
Head Man Dancer
Todd Ike
Umóhon
Head Lady Dancer
Kari Hinman Ponca
Host Northern Drum Oyate Eyuskinpi
Sicangu Lakota
Host Southern Drum
Southern Tunez
Princess Judge Kylesse Walker Ponca, Jr. Miss USD Tiospaye
Princess Crown Nicole Bengas
Reigning Princess
Zaida Teboe Ponca/Winnebago
34TH ANNIVERSARY FORT OMAHA INTERTRIBAL POWWOW
DATE: Saturday, September 27th, 2025
FREE to the public!
Join in the 34th Annual Fort Omaha Intertribal Powwow. The powwow will be held at Metropolitan Community College Fort Omaha Campus, 5300 N. 30th St.
Celebrating Native American cultures, the powwow honors the traditional dance, music, artistry, oral history and foods of various tribes across Nebraska and the surrounding region that include Omaha, Ponca, Santee, Sioux, and Winnebago.
Visit mccneb.edu/powwow for more information.
FEATURED ARTICLE
Best Fall Hikes
In & Around Omaha
By: Family Fun In Omaha
As Autumn arrives, the area’s landscape dresses in a warm display of colors. The leaves of trees transition from green to golds, reds and oranges, and the air carries that unmistakable scent of Fall.
Whether you’re interested in an escape into nature that’s inside the city or a day-long adventure just beyond the metro, these trails are some of the best places to enjoy the season.
Close-to-Home
Fontenelle Forest (Bellevue)
Just ten minutes from downtown Omaha, Fontenelle Forest’s many miles of dirt trails feel a world apart from the busy city. The accessible boardwalk is perfect for families and offers up views of the Missouri River. If you’re lucky, you might spot migrating birds or deer tucked among the colorful leaves.
Neale Woods Nature Center (North Omaha)
Neale Woods is a nature preserve in North Omaha featuring 600 acres of forest and hilltop prairies along the Missouri River and 7 miles of walking trails. It is home to abundant plant and animal life, offers excellent bird watching opportunities, beautiful scenery and a seasonal butterfly garden.
Neale Woods is owned by Fontenelle Forest.
Standing Bear Lake
This easy three-mile loop is ideal for a relaxed stroll or jog. The path is covered with trees in many areas, and a floating bridge has pulloff spots to take in the view of the lake and surrounding picturesque tree line.
FEATURED ARTICLE
Tranquility Park
This hidden gem boasts about 9 miles of single-track dirt trail broken into roughly three 3miles loops. Mostly designed for mountains and trail bike enthusiasts and maintained by T.H.O.R. many come to trail run and hike these trails. Each section has something different to offer, from prairie grass hills full of wildflowers and butterflies, to wooded areas that are stunning as the leaves turn in the Fall.
Hummel Park
Hummel Park’s bluffs show off views of the Missouri River, with many trails offering a variety of difficulty from easy to advanced.
Heron Haven
This sanctuary is a spring-fed wetland of the Big Papillion Creek and is within the Omaha city limits. The area is rich with native plants and animals and is important in education and research for many ecology and biology students. It includes an education center and wonderful trails that come alive in the Fall.
OPPD Arboretum
Located at 108th & Blondo, this peaceful patch of nature features both paved and wood-chip paths winding through a diverse collection of trees. In October, it becomes a living kaleidoscope.
Worth the Drive
Hitchcock Nature Center (Loess Hills, Iowa)
Just across the river, Hitchcock Nature Center is a Fall favorite for its sweeping hilltop views, 10+ miles of trails, and a tall observation tower. The Loess Hills terrain offers a satisfying challenge for avid hikers. It also offers hike-in camping spots along the bluffs.
Platte River State Park (Louisville, NE)
Known for its waterfall, scenic overlooks, and mix of prairie and wooded trails, Platte River State Park is especially magical when the leaves change. Only 30 min -
FEATURED ARTICLE
utes from Omaha, it’s a perfect half-day getaway.
Arbor Day Farm (Nebraska City)
Family-friendly and packed with Fall charm, Arbor Day Farm offers paved and dirt trails, treehouses, and seasonal activities like apple picking and cider sipping.
Chalco Hills/Wehrspann Lake
Southwest of the city, this park blends lakeside views with tallgrass prairie paths—especially lovely when bathed in Autumn sunlight.
Mahoney State Park (Ashland, NE)
Along the Platte River, Mahoney’s trails are perfect for spotting eagles and enjoying crisp, leaf-scented breezes. The park’s varied terrain makes it a great spot for both casual walkers and nature photographers.
Indian Cave (Shubert, NE)
Indian Cave State Park encompasses 3,052 rugged acres bordering the mighty Missouri River. The park is well-known for its beautiful camping and picnicking spots, as well as for its 22 miles of scenic hiking and biking trails.
TIPS
Best Time for Peak Color:
Most of October, though in this area, depending on weather, leaves can begin changing in late September and go into early November.
Dress in Layers:
Fall mornings and evenings can be chilly, but mid-day often warms up.
Rain:
It often rains during this season but don’t let that stop you. Prepare with umbrellas and jackets and check those weather apps.
Bring a Map:
Trails like Fontenelle and Hitchcock have multiple loops—easy to get happily “lost” without one. Most of these areas listed have signs posted, or a nature center.
For Families:
Check out websites or social media for any of these locations listed. Many of the parks have kid centric playgrounds or even other activities far beyond hiking that still allow kids to enjoy nature.
APPLE ORCHARD GUIDE
3 Bee Farms
14922 535th St
Griswold, IA 51535
Super Bee Orchard
4571 US-75
Fort Calhoun, NE 68023
Picnic Hill Orchard
10500 Yankee Hill Rd Lincoln, NE 68526
All apple picking is subject to availability. Check websites or their social media for updates.
Arbor Day Farm’s, 260 acres is a top spot for fun. Experience the oneof-a-kind Treetop Village, pick apples and pumpkins, explore the farm, and enjoy fall treats including caramel apples, fresh-pressed cider, apple pie & more.
2611 Arbor Ave Nebraska City, NE 68410
Martin’s is the place to pick your own apples each fall, including everyone’s favorite - Honeycrisp. Lots of fun kid’s activities with wagon rides on the weekends. Also, caramel apples, cider slush u-pick flowers, and a pumpkin patch! 2024 Ashland Rd, Ceresco, Nebraska 68017
Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard 19475 225th St
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard 5995 G Rd Nebraska City, NE 68410
Vala’s
12102 S 180th St Gretna, NE 68028
Photo by FFIO: Martin’s Hillside Orchard Ceresco, NE
PUMPKIN PATCH GUIDE
Nelson Produce Farm is the place to be for fall fun! 20+farmtastic activities! Come enjoy this fall paradise, complete with a corn maze with 9+ miles of thrilling trails, a hayrack ride, fire pits and pumpkins galore! Enjoy their Coffee & Donut Barn, Cafe, Indoor Market, and a 2-acre U-Pick Garden bursting with veggies & strawberries.
10505 N 234th St Valley, Nebraska 68064
Arbor Day Farms 2611 Arbor Ave Nebraska City, NE 68410
3 Bee Farms
14922 535th St
Griswold, IA 51535
All pumpkin picking is subject to availability. Check websites or their social media for updates.
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch
12102 S 180th St Gretna, NE 68028
Roca Berry Farm
16531 S 38th St Roca, NE 68430
Martin’s is the place to pick your own apples each fall, including everyone’s favorite - Honeycrisp. Lots of fun kid’s activities with wagon rides on the weekends. Also, caramel apples, cider slush u-pick flowers, and a pumpkin patch!
2024 Ashland Rd, Ceresco, Nebraska 68017
Photo by FFIO: Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch Washington County, NE
PUMPKIN PATCH GUIDE
Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch
3935 NE-133
Blair, NE 68008
Grandpa’s Pumpkin Farm
116 Street F32 Panama, Iowa
Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch
11001 S 48th Street Papillion, NE 68133
Camp Fontanelle’s Split Oak Hollow
Go out in the pumpkin patch and find that perfect pumpkin or choose one that has been picked for you! Pumpkins and gourds in all sizes and shapes. Find your way through our corn maze, pick a pumpkin, ride the Barrel Train & jump on our Jumping Pillow. Grab a homemade treat to eat. There is plenty of fun for all.
9677 County Road 3 Fontanelle, Nebraska 68008
Photo by FFIO: Vala’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard Gretna, NE
PUMPKIN PATCH GUIDE
Pumpkin Patch Scavenger Hunt
RECIPE IDEAS
Caramel Apple Wraps
(Family Features) Snack time just got a bit sweeter. These wraps are simple enough to make that even kids can enjoy putting them together.
For more snack recipes, visit culinary.net.
Caramel Apple Wraps
3 large apples, any kind
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup fat-free vanilla Greek yogurt
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter, or almond butter
8-10 fajita-sized tortillas
Caramel sundae syrup
Wash and dice apples.
In a medium bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon.
Add diced apples to sugar mixture.
Toss apples to coat.
In small bowl, stir together yogurt and peanut butter until smooth.
Layout the tortillas and spread 2 tablespoons yogurt mixture on each. Spoon small amount of apple mixture at one end of each tortilla. Start from end with apples and roll tortillas.
Drizzle with caramel syrup.
Recipe adapted from: Milk Means More.
RECIPE IDEAS
Showstopping Cookies with a Crunch
(Culinary.net) Sweet treats are a favorite food, especially when they have a unique or unusual twist that makes them stand out from the crowd. When a dessert isn’t the classic chocolate or vanilla flavor, it can pique eaters’ interest. Cupcakes, macaroons and even pies have some intense flavors, however, it’s hard to top the delightful taste of these Fresh Ginger Cookies.
They are sweet and sugary with the perfect amount of ginger. Baked until golden brown, this dessert is a showstopper for family events and celebrations alike. Even the little ones will love to munch on this sweet treat with fresh, appealing flavor.
From parties to picnics, these cookies can be a hit. They are simple to make, don’t take much time to bake and are unique enough to bring along to nearly any occasion. With ground and fresh ginger, these cookies are equally as appetizing as they are satisfying and sure to turn heads in the kitchen.
Find more sweet treat recipes at: Culinary.net
Fresh Ginger Cookies
Servings: 24
2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup salted butter, softened
1 cup, plus 3 tablespoons, sugar, divided
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup grated fresh ginger
Heat oven to 350 F.
In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.
In stand mixer, beat butter, 1 cup sugar and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg and fresh ginger; beat until combined. Gradually add dry ingredients to mixer until combined.
In small bowl, add remaining sugar. Using spoon, portion out dough, roll into balls then roll in sugar. Arrange balls on baking sheet at least 1 inch apart.
Bake 14 minutes, or until edges are golden brown. Transfer cookies to cooling rack and cool completely.
If you made this recipe at home, use #MyCulinaryConnection on your favorite social network to share your work.
Kids Classes &Programs
Find a variety of options for Kids Classes and Programs in the Area.
We have included Art, Dance, Music, Sports, Science, Specialty Classes, Swimming Lessons, and more!
Remember to check their websites and social media for updates or changes.
Programs Offered: Dance
Age Range: Ages 2+, Ages 3+, Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Programs Offered: Dance
Age Range: Ages 2+, Ages 3+, Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Are you looking for an activity for your child that is positive, safe, and encourages development?
Join us for dance at Bloom!
• For Ages 2–Adults
• Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Acro, Contemporary + more!
• Four Locations: Oakview, Blondo, Elkhorn and Valley
Join us at Bloom where we help create Creative, Confident and Courageous children as they grow in their passion for dance!
Dance classes for children ages 18 months and up. There are three locations.
Nebraska Dance has recreational to competitive level. We believe that each child is created uniquely—with God-given temperaments, strengths and attributes. It is our honor to invest in your child’s dance education and see them develop into amazing, confident individuals with love and passion for all that they do!
CLASSES/PROGRAMS & BIRTHDAY GUIDE
Programs Offered: Coding, STEM/STEAM
Age Range: Ages 2+, Ages 3+, Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Programs Offered: Music, Performing Arts, Specialty
Age Range: Ages 3+, Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Programs Offered: Music, Performing Arts, Specialty
Age Range: Preschool, Elementary, Middle School
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Discover a world of possibilities at Do Space with our diverse youth programs!
For ages 2–5, join Littles Lab weekly for fun and learning.
Ages 6+ can explore Make It, Design It, and Kid Coders every week.
Sing Omaha Studios offers private voice, piano, guitar, bass, and drum lessons. We will soon be offering students the opportunity to join forces with other players to form bands via Sing Omaha Rocks.
Sing Omaha Choirs provides premiere choral instruction for singers of all ages at affordable prices and convenient locations, we also offer infant and preschool music classes
Our collaborative approach to theatre, art and music education creates an extraordinary space to explore creativity in bold, new ways!
We offer a range of programs from private music, acting and art lessons to group classes, spring break camps and our signature summer camps.
Located in Countryside Village at 87th and Pacific in Omaha, NE.
Birthday Party Places
Do you have a birthday coming up in your family?
Find a variety of options for FUN birthday party places in Omaha!
Remember to check their websites and social media for updates or changes.
Programs Offered: Indoor, Gaming, Specialty
Age Range: Elementary, Middle School, High School
Programs Offered: Kids Entertainers, Indoor, Specialty
Age Range: Ages 0-3, Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Elkhorn Esports Academy is the place to Level Up your birthday party experience! Our unique gaming facility is equipped with 30 state of the art PCs and 8 Xbox Series X consoles. We can host parties for as few as 6 and up to 50. Choose your favorite gaming title and invite your friends. Bring your own treats or let us take care of it all for you. Custom packages available.
Wildlife Encounters offers a one-ofa-kind entertaining and educational birthday party for your child.
Animal ambassadors will visit your location for a wonderfully exciting and educational show. Meet a kangaroo, alligator, snake, armadillo, parrot, hedgehog and many more animals! Featured on Animal Planet, YouTube & More. *Please see updated animal list on website.
CLASSES/PROGRAMS & BIRTHDAY GUIDE
Programs Offered: Kids Entertainers, Indoor, Specialty
Age Range: Ages 0-3, Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Celebrate your child’s birthday with a nature-themed party at Lauritzen Gardens! A party at the garden is a unique and fun environment to have a party for children ages five to 12. Choose from various garden themes: Garden, Flowers, Bugs, Trains, Butterflies.
Programs Offered: Indoor, Outdoor, Specialty
Age Range: Elementary, Middle School
Cheer Athletics Omaha offers a one of a kind birthday celebration!
With birthday parties available for all ages, this state of the art facility is a must for birthday parties!
Celebrate your birthday with The Best of the Best’s staff while using trampolines, spring floors, the beautiful lobby and so much more. Have a custom request? Just ask! Let’s Celebrate!
Please also visit our website at FamilyFunInOmaha.com to browse through a variety of Birthday Parties and other Kids Classes and Programs. There you can search by Type, Ages, Seasons!
Special thanks to our sponsors who partnered with us to bring you this guide.
If you would like to partner with us to be included in the magazine and on our website please contact us.
PRINTABLES FOR KIDS
PRINTABLES FOR KIDS
Fall is here!
Can you help the squirrel find more acorns? You have 5 minutes to find the correct path
PRINTABLES FOR KIDS
Haloween Haloween
Scanvanger Hunt Scanvanger Hunt
Photo by FFIO: