Lincoln Kids! Newspaper • Spring 2020 • February, March, April by Lincoln Kids Magazine

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s e c r u eso R Your & n ly Fu i FREE Se m a F o t asonal Guide

2020 2020

Spring!

Amy Cui, 8, “Sunset” Watercolor & Oil Pastels Art Academy Lincoln

Special thanks to

27 r a Ye , 5 0 n1 o i t i • Ed

Community Action Head Start

Learn more about our cover sponsor on page 6

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LINCOLN YOUTH LACROSSE S DON’T MIS OUT ON THE FUN!

Big Edition, Big Announcement A Note From The Publisher

his issue of Lincoln Kids is a milestone for our business. It is our biggest edition yet which will be read by our largest audience ever in all our 27 years. It’s marking the right time for us to launch some exciting—and BIG—new things for you and our community. This city is built for families. There is always a new activity popping up, business opening or Karla, Kennett, & Bennett, September 2019. expanding, and event Genesis Photography, genesisphotog.com. happening. There is never NOT something to do. With so many options, Spring is a reader-favorite edition. opportunities, and resources, we In this issue you’ll find an expanded here at LK are always planning and camp guide on pages 32–43, and developing ways to make all of this several new advertisers, events, and information easier for you to find local businesses. and access. This year we are debutPlease let our advertisers know you ing some super-useful ways to help saw them in Lincoln Kids! It’s a simple that mission. Turn to page 9 to read yet huge way to support us and help us about what we have in the works, grow. Our new website is scheduled to like our brand new website, which go live by the end of February. Please will feature exclusive content and a follow us on Facebook & Instagram calendar of upcoming family events. for awesome updates about the fun We will also be debuting a new that’s yet to come. e-newsletter, overhauling our social Have a beautiful spring! media, and *drum roll, please* going MAGAZINE STYLE this year. We have all of these wheels in motion to make LK more useful and interacBennett & tive, and we can’t wait to share them lincolnkidsinc.com with you.

Kenny

BOYS & GIRLS PRE-K TO GRADE 8 PRACTICES BEGIN IN MARCH GAMES IN APRIL & MAY MULTI-CHILD DISCOUNT RENTAL EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE NO TRYOUTS!

WWW.LINCOLNLAX.NET • LINCOLNJRRAMPAGE@GMAIL.COM PAGE 4 • LINCOLNKIDSINC.COM

LK!

Contents Articles & Columns A Note From The Publisher..........................................................4 Meet The Cover Artist...................................................................5 Cover Sponsor: Community Action Head Start.................6 Lincoln Community Foundation: Lincoln Littles....................7 Announcement from Lincoln Kids! Newspaper....................9 Close to Home with Gretchen Garrison................................10 NE AEYC Early Childhood Celebration..................................1 1 Lincoln City Libraries...................................................................12 Nebraska Dyslexia Association...............................................13 Partnership for a Health Lincoln..............................................14 CHI Health......................................................................................16 Shoes for Miles..............................................................................17 Nebraska Family Dentistry........................................................18 Nebraska Orthodontics..............................................................19 Capital Humane Society............................................................20 Morrill Hall......................................................................................21 Think, Make, Create Mobile Labs............................................22 KidsPark of Lincoln.....................................................................23 Triniti Gymnastics & Nebraska Ninja......................................24 Lincoln Irish Dancers.................................................................25 LUX Center for the Arts.............................................................25 Books to Grow With...................................................................27 Birdnerd Blurb..............................................................................28 Nebraska Game & Parks Commission.................................28 Pioneers Park Nature Center...................................................30 Bright Lights Summer Learning Adventures......................31

Spring & Summer Camp Guide....................32-43 Directories Birthday Fun & Party Places..................................................44 Children’s Lessons & Activities.............................................45 Little One’s Activities.................................................................46 Child Care & Education Centers............................................47 Support • Resources.................................................................48

Calendar Of Events.........................................49-51 Youth Art Gallery..........................................52-53 Lincoln Kids! Activity Page.................................54 ublisher, Editor in Chief, & Sales – Karla Goerl P Website – Joshua Thorne Distribution - Bennett Martin Printer – Page 1 Printers Copy Editing & Proofing - Karla Goerl, Tevin Hansen Design Elements & Photography Credits - Local Youth, Ron Wheeler, Pixabay, GraphicStock, Unsplash, Brusheezy, Dreamstime, Shutterstock, Creative Market, One Pixel, Vecteezy, Dafont, Adobe Typekit, Genesis Photography & local photographers as credited, and LK original & proprietary designs.

Lincoln Kids! Newspaper is operated by Bennett & Karla, Inc. We are a quarterly family newspaper published in February, May, August & November. Copyright ©2020 Bennett & Karla, Inc. All rights reserved. We are not responsible for errors and omissions. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission prohibited. We reserve the right to edit all submitted material. All submissions will be considered for publication. Physical submissions will not be returned unless prior arrangements are made. Advertising & information is accepted at the discretion of the publisher. The views, opinions, & suggestions expressed in contributed content are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Lincoln Kids! Newspaper. View current & past issues at LincolnKidsInc.com.

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MAY • JUNE • JULY Reservation Deadline: April 10

Advertising • Articles • Artwork • FREE Calendar Listings Inquiries & Submissions:

karla@lincolnkidsinc.com lincolnkidsinc.com

Meet The Cover Artist Amy (Ziqi) Cui is a lovely 8-yearold girl who moved to Lincoln with her parents three years ago. She is a thirdgrader at Maxey Elementary school. She loves to draw and create art! She has been learning different art skills and techniques under the instruction of Mrs. Connelly at the Art Academy Lincoln. She likes to walk around Holmes Lake, feeding geese and playing in the park with her little sister Demi. Lots of beautiful scenes impress Amy in Lincoln. It is fun for her to illustrate these wonderful things on paper with her pencil, brush, and many other art mediums. Amy was inspired to paint Sunset as she sees many bluebirds playing in the trees in her front yard. Amy says, “They are so beautiful in the sunshine of spring!” She sketched and then painted her bluebird in oil pastels and watercolor in a colorful setting of tree branches with brilliant pink flower blossoms. Besides art, she also has been playing piano and violin since 2017. She loves to perform and enjoys playing beautiful pieces. She played the violin at the Deck the Halls concert at Lied Center in 2018 and 2019. Art and music bring fun to her and enrich her life every day.

Amy Cui, 8

Want to see your kid’s art in Lincoln Kids? Send it to us for consideration!

karla@lincolnkidsinc.com Look for more art throughout LK and in the Youth Art Gallery on pages 52–53!

Art Academy Lincoln

(402) 499-7754 5921 Berkeley Dr.

Private Art Lessons 1 hour • Weekly or bi-monthly • Flexible

Summer Workshops

Session I: Drawing & Painting M-F June 8–12, 9am–noon Session II: Sculpture & Pottery M-F June 15–19, 9am–noon $130/week – supplies included! Class size limited to 10 students Ages K-5 — Register today!

ArtAcademyLincoln.com SPRING 2020 • PAGE 5

LK!

Seasonal Eating

A Q&A With Community Action Head Start Nutrition & Wellness Coach, Sheila Stratton Community Action Head Start

hen you think of seasonal eating, what do you envision? Perhaps it’s a plump red tomato set against a backdrop of lush green vines, a blue sky, and a yellow sun. Or maybe it’s a crisp green apple just waiting to be picked as autumn leaves crunch below your feet. In Nebraska, it’s easy to think about seasonal eating during growing months. But there are plenty of opportunities to eat seasonally in winter and early spring, too! And that’s good because seasonal eating provides many benefits. Sheila Stratton, Nutrition and Wellness Coach with Community Action Head Start, shares more: Q. What is seasonal eating? A. Seasonal eating is eating foods when they are at their peak. An easy example here in Nebraska is getting a fresh tomato off the vine in the summertime. You can get tomatoes throughout the year, but many agree that the taste doesn’t quite compare!

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Seasonal eating is also fun, as you get to try different things at different times depending upon when they’re ready to be harvested. Q. What are some benefits of eating seasonally? A. I can think of several, but flavor immediately comes to mind. We’re always trying to eat more fruits and vegetables, which certainly taste better when they’re at their peak. Eating seasonally also provides the opportunity to add variety into our diets, which is beneficial. Budget is also impacted. When items are in-season, they’re often available in abundance, which makes them less expensive. Q. What are some ways to eat seasonally during the winter, and can you provide some examples of seasonal food items we might see in the store right now? A. When I think of seasonal eating in the winter, the two colors I think of are orange and white. Even though there’s not a lot of growing in Nebraska right now, root vegetables like sweet potatoes, winter squash,

and rutabaga can be enjoyed in the winter because they can be stored in a cool place for longer periods of time. And thanks to growers in warmer climates, we see lots of citrus like oranges and grapefruit this time of year. Q. Do you have a favorite recipe or thing that you like to do with winter fruits/vegetables for kids? A. I have found that when we do our monthly food experiences within Head Start, that making any sort of vegetable into a “fry” by oven roasting is a good idea. Roasting vegetables intensifies the natural sugars

within. Sweet potatoes are a great example—all you have to do is cut them to whatever size you’d like, drizzle with a little olive oil and seasoning, place them evenly on a baking sheet, and roast in a 400-degree oven for 15-20 minutes. It’s a tasty, easy, and healthy snack for kids. Involve kids in the preparation process as appropriate, too—it’s a great practice for encouraging them to try new foods. Seasonal eating is just one of the topics explored as part of Community Action Head Start’s nutrition education work with children and families. Community Action Head Start is a comprehensive early childhood education program serving children ages birth to five and their families. The program provides both home- and center-based program options and is free to eligible families. For more information, including how to apply, visit communityactionatwork.org.

LK!

Lincoln Comes Together To Support Our Little Ones On February 12 Lincoln Community Foundation

ast year, the Lincoln Community Foundation hosted its first-ever Lincoln Littles Giving Day in honor of Abe Lincoln’s birthday, February 12. The day, inspired by the Prosper Lincoln agenda on early childhood, raised an impressive $637,397 to help more than 110 children from low-income families access quality early childhood programs. “Hats off to Lincoln,” said Barbara Bartle, President of the Lincoln Community Foundation. “As we enter into the second year of the Lincoln Littles program, we look forward to supporting even more children in our community.” Thirteen early childhood education providers qualified for funding to provide tuition assistance to low-income families through the Lincoln Littles initiative in 2019. All providers are Step 2 or higher on Nebraska’s Step Up to Quality, 5-step rating scale. In order to continue to raise funds for children from families facing the greatest odds, the Lincoln Community Foundation will once again host an online Lincoln Littles Giving Day on Wednesday, February 12. Online donations may be made by visiting LincolnLittles.org starting at 12 am on January 31 through 11:59 pm on February 12. Donations may also be made in person on February 12 by cash or check at the Lincoln Community Foundation, 215 Centennial Mall South, between 8 am and 5 pm.

•F

•

R E E•

FAMILY EVENT! •

EGG STRAVA Grace Lutheran Church

Unfortunately, not all of Lincoln’s little ones have access to the early childhood education so needed and deserved. The release of the 2019 Lincoln Vital Signs shows that 75% of Lincoln’s children under six have all parents in the workforce. Parents at every income level report expense as the biggest challenge to accessing high-quality care in Lincoln. In fact, it currently costs more per year to send an infant or toddler to a child care center than one year of tuition at the University of Nebraska. It is especially difficult for families who fall below or near the poverty level to afford and access quality early childhood education. There are currently 3,362 children under age six in Lincoln who live in families that fall below the poverty threshold, and only 9% of young children in poverty are enrolled in nursery/preschool programs. Seed funding is granted by W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Buffett Early Childhood Fund. The Champions for Children match partners at the time of print are Acklie Charitable Foundation, Harbor of

Dreams, Jim and Penny Krieger, Susan Stuart, and Mae Whitmer. As Abe Lincoln said, “When I do good, I feel good.” There’s no better way to honor Abe than with a gift to Lincoln Littles on February 12. It is also a great way to step up and support Prosper Lincoln. For more information on how to participate, call 402-474-2345 or visit LincolnLittles.org.

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(402) 483-4769 | worldofknowledgeNE.com 8310 Wendell Way | worldofknowledgene@gmail.com SPRING 2020 • PAGE 7

LK!

Early Childhood Family Fair:

Explore • Play Learn • Connect Gateway Mall

Free to Families!

February 16 2:30-4:30 PM

Come connect to community resources while your kids enjoy reading activities and fun games!

Agates Around the World Lincoln Gem & Mineral Club’s 62nd Annual Show!

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! April 4 & 5, 2020 Lancaster Event Center 84th & Havelock Saturday, 9am–5pm Sunday, 10am–5pm Regular Admission: $6 per adult $11 2-day pass Children 11 & under free with paid adult

$1 off paid admission with a can donation to the Food Bank!

Demonstrators Nebraska Gem Dig Fluorescent Display

Youth Booth Dealers Exhibits

lincolngemmineralclub.org

PAGE 8 • LINCOLNKIDSINC.COM

LK!

New Things From LK—Just For You! the end of February, so please visit LincolnKidsInc.com soon & often to help you fill your days with fun!

Lincoln Kids! Newspaper

e have some exciting news to share with you! This spring, we are launching some new features to make Lincoln Kids more useful and interactive.

E-Newsletter *Sigh* Yes, I know. Just another newsletter, right? We know there are several event-based newsletters in circulation already, so why join the pile in our junk folders? If I decide to open one of the many I get each week, I often take one look at it and think—This is way too long & unorganized...I don’t care to read about this...Why is this so long??? And probably my biggest turn-off, This isn’t attractive. Most people just glance at newsletters or ignore them entirely for these very reasons. So we are offering something fresh and different. Our newsletter will be an easy-to-look-at snapshot of select upcoming events & activities, a link to our online calendar if you are interested in seeing more, plus the occasional click-worthy article, promotion, or giveaway. Our goal is to provide you with great info in a simple, well-organized format. You

New Website First to come, we are launching a new website. We are taking our basic landing page and transforming it into a super-useful online resource that you are going to love. It will feature exclusive content, one-click reading from the printed paper, a searchable directory, organized guides to local kid-friendly businesses, and— probably the most exciting part—an online calendar of upcoming events & drop-in activities. We know the LK Calendar is a reader favorite, but as a quarterly publication, we don’t get to update changes to events or include those that are planned after we go to press. Our new website and calendar will close that gap. We plan to go live with our new site by

can sign up for our newsletter on our new website at lincolnkidsinc.com.

Social Media This is another way we will expand our reach and usefulness. We are currently in social R&D to create a weekly routine of posts based on what YOU want to see. Our Facebook & Instagram will act as another way to help you plan for family fun, with regular posts like, Our Fave Activities and Top Free Events with FB links, short guides to various kid’s places to check out, and of course, a few memes and funnies sprinkled throughout, because parenting is a wild ride and we all need a laugh. Our goal is to keep these posts short and useful. So grab your phone, find Lincoln Kids Newspaper on Facebook & Instagram, and follow us to stay in the loop!

New Magazine Finally, in the next few months, we will be taking Lincoln Kids and going *drum roll* MAGAZINE STYLE. LK will still be free to

read, just a little fancier. We hope you’ll enjoy the new magazine layout. Look for our new glossy cover on shelves in May! So as you can see, we have a lot of irons in the fire, all with you in mind. We hope these new features will free up your time spent searching through and organizing your options for family fun so you can spend more time having it. We are excited to see where this takes our little operation. We are a small, from-scratch Lincoln original, and your support means the world to us! Please help our business grow by sharing LK with your friends and family—in print, via our website, and through Facebook & Instagram. Every copy of LK that gets read, every new page like, reaction, and comment on social, and every new reader makes us do a little dance. Thank you for reading and supporting us. We can’t wait to share these new features with you!

LincolnKidsinc.com karla@lincolnkidsinc.com

We’re Upgrading. Swanky New Website

LincolnKidsInc.com Advertise About Us Contact Directory Calendar

Simple, organized layout

In Print

Articles

Guides & Lists

For the Kids

Calendar

r 27 Yea 05, on 1

ly Fun & Seasonal Guide to Fami

Amy Cui, 8, “Sunset” Watercolor & Oil Pastels Art Academy Lincoln

iti • Ed rces Resou

News & Press

Upcoming Events Near You

FREE Your FREE

Directory

FREE Preschool Craft, Snack, & Storytime (0-5y)

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Spring!

10:00am • Trendy Bookstore

Drop-in Kids Painting Class 3:00pm • Super Fun Art Studio

Online calendar of kid-friendly events & drop-in activities Click-worthy quick reads Local guides & directories Turn-page digital issue

Special thanks to Community Action Head Start Learn more about our cover sponsor on page 6

FEBRUARY LincolnKidsinc.com

MARCH

Spring 2020

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Read the Current Edition! February, March, & April

Time to explore.

FREE Family Fun Festival 9:00am • Downtown Event Center

$1 Sunday Funday Carnival 8:00pm • Big Views Parking Lot

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Spring & Summer Camp Guide Tween Lock-In 8:00pm • Your Fave Gym & Pool

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The next print edition of LK will be a magazine—look for the glossy cover in May! SPRING 2020 • PAGE 9

LK!

A Student’s Work On The Art Of Storytelling Close

Home

By Gretchen Garrison: Mother, Teacher, Blogger, Author, Nebraska Enthusiast. www.OdysseyThroughNebraska.com

ong ago, traditions and experiences were passed down from generation to generation. Telling these tales was an important part of society. Today, social media provides a highlight reel, and many have lost the art of sharing stories personally. This fall, I had the privilege of teaching students about the art of telling a good story. In a world full of mindless communication, we discussed how to share other’s experiences in a way that was honoring and uplifting. Many interviewed family members and friends. This resulted in a recognition that sharing life with others matters and that everyone has a story worth telling. For my column in this edition of Lincoln Kids, I decided to share one of my student’s stories with you. Dailee, who is in sixth grade,

PAGE 10 • LINCOLNKIDSINC.COM

Shawna, an eighth-grade student, was running for nationals, and a track coach saw Shawna run. He decided that he wanted her on his team. Since he wanted to work with Shawna on her form, this meant that she would have Author Dailee, left, and her cousin Shawna, right to move to Lincoln, away from her family, for about a tells a story about how her cousin month. Shawna quickly became inspires her. excited. Dailee’s Story Throughout this time, Shawna lived with me and my family. Shawna’s Shawna Wilkinson, my cousin, dedication spoke to me a lot. She is a runner for Junior Olympics. would run, ride her bike and workout. Shawna has been running since she Understandably, she missed her famiwas about twelve years old. She ly, but she also enjoyed spending time believes that God gave her the gift of with us. Her new track team, after a being a runner and has also blessed very short time, had felt like a family her with opportunities such as runtoo. Her new coach really helped her ning for State and Nationals in the to improve her form and she was able Junior Olympics. Shawna feels that to compete in Nationals for the secher coaches, past and present, have ond time, placing 17th in the nation. impacted not only her running, but her outlook on life. And her dad and A Little Bit About Dailee aunt have also encouraged her and Dailee enjoys volleyball, writing, supported her at her meets. Shawna and gardening. She is active in her is still a runner, dedicated, and still church, 4H group, and enjoys workimproving every day. ing with kids. Thank you, Dailee, for Shawna’s running experiences sharing your story! started when one day, she was out for a run enjoying her family’s acreGretchen Garrison is a mothage and decided that she liked runer of four, longtime teacher, ning. Shawna strongly believed that and homeschool mom. Her favorite part about homesshe felt God tugging on her heart chooling is flexbility, and she loves teaching geography, to work harder at running. After English, and history. Gretchen joining the McCook middle school is the blogger behind Odyssey Through Nebraska and author track team, she competed for the of Detour Nebraska. Her first time in the Junior Olympics as two newest titles, A History Lover’s Guide to Lincoln and 100 Things to an independent competitor in state do in Lincoln Before You Die will be in local and then nationals. books stores and on Amazon later this year.

LK!

33rd Annual Early Childhood Celebration A Fun & FREE Event Celebrating Children Ages 0–8

Lincoln Chapter, NE AEYC

nasium. Those of you who have joined us in the past he Early Childhood know that this FREE event Celebration has a for families has always rich history with focused on providing ideas child care providers and for families to do togethteachers in Lincoln. er to encourage children’s The Celebration is held physical, social-emotional, as part of the Annual Week cognitive, and language of the Young Child, nationdevelopment, while also ally led each year in April highlighting local music by the National Association and dance groups. for the Education of Young Whether you are new to Children. Our local and the early childhood scene state groups have encouror have been at the Early Photo from the Early Childhood Celebration, courtesy of aged families to participate Childhood Celebration in The Lincoln Chapter of Nebraska AEYC in week-long activities the past, we encourage you each year, with the Early to join us this year at our Childhood Celebration either kickproduct, but families enjoy seeing “new” location, on a new day and ing off or wrapping up the Week of what their children and grandchiltime. We have come full circle and the Young Child dren have created. From those humwill be back at Gateway Mall this The Celebration began at Gateway ble beginnings, the Early Childhood year, where the Celebration began so Celebration has since occurred at Mall, with an opportunity for local many years ago. family child care homes and child different Lincoln locations: Pershing Please bring your children to care centers to display children’s join us for the 33rd Annual Early Auditorium, Ag Hall at the State artwork. As intentional teachers Fair, the Lancaster County Event Childhood Celebration: Sunday, know, the process of creating artApril 19th, from 2:30 to 4:30 PM, Center, and most recently in the work is more important than the Southeast Community College gymat Gateway Mall.

E FR

Wee Wisdom Christian Preschool and Academy

A Ministry of Citylight Church

Family Fun Night April 17th, 2019 • 5-8pm A fundraiser with carnival games, prizes, food, clowns & balloons, face painting, bounce houses, & Silent Auction

Now enrolling ages 3-5 for Fall 2020!

Summer Camps! Register this Spring for our fun & educational summer camps happening throughout June!

5201 Old Cheney Rd 402-420-7111 weewisdompreschool.org

—Join Us for Our 33rd Annual—

EARLY CHILDHOOD CELEBRATION

FREE! SUNDAY, APRIL 19 2:30-4:30 PM GATEWAY MALL

A celebration for children ages 0–8 & their families! This annual event is fun & educational, with hands-on activities, live entertainment, artwork displays, & more!

our Find syure! trea

WINTERFEST FLEA MARKET ANTIQUE, & JUNK FESTIVAL

Enjoy performances throughout the event from DMNV Lion Dance Team & Kokyo Taiko Drummers!

HUGE 2-DAY EVENT • FEB 22 & 23

Saturday 8am-5pm & Sunday 10am-4pm

A family shopping extravaganza! 225+ Unique Vendors Antiques, Farmhouse Decor, Furniture, Clothing, Crafts, Coins, Signs, Toys, Crocks & other Collectables! Free, convenient parking!

$4 admission, good for both days! • Ages 12 & under FREE!

FEB 22-23 • Lancaster Event Center • 84th & Havelock Sponsored in part by: Lincoln Chapter, Nebraska AEYC

$1 00 OFF

One Adult Admission Must present coupon. Limit 1 per adult. Valid Winterfest 2020.

SPRING 2020 • PAGE 11

LK!

What Science Tells Us About Storytime Lincoln City Libraries

reschool storytime has been a tradition in libraries across the country for well over 100 years. Librarians have always known that storytime was a developmentally important activity for children, despite a lack of hard evidence proving its benefits. Since the 1990s, research has shown what we always knew to be true: reading aloud to children connects neural networks, promotes language development, increases vocabulary, and prepares children to read independently. Researchers now have the tools to see inside the brain of even the tiniest newborn; based on neural activity, we know that reading aloud from birth has benefits even for the very youngest tots. Lincoln City Libraries has responded to this research by adding to and diversifying our storytime offerings. Several years ago, we rebranded our weekly sessions as Library Learning Times, because what we do in our storytimes is create learning oppor-

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tunities for children of all ages. And, we’ve added storytimes across the age spectrum with a separate experience for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and even families with children in different age groups. A typical Library Learning Time provides stories, songs, movement, rhymes, as well as counting, practice with the alphabet, and a bit of word recognition. Babies and toddlers participate with a parent, while preschool storytimes allow for the child to fly solo, in keeping with their developmental need for some independence. Our age-based Library Learning Times are attuned to what

we know about child development, both intellectual and emotional. Our staff continues to learn more about children on the autistic spectrum and their individual needs in terms of the environment, pace, and the equipment needed to make a group reading experience the best it can be. Our Sensory Storytime is based upon research and best practices learned from other librarians about serving the needs of this group of children. There is emerging research about the importance of free play in building a child’s brain, especially problem-solving ability and developing

gross motor skills. The Library has added developmental toys to its youth areas for this reason, and we have now added a play component to some of our Library Learning Times. Our Stay and Play sessions offer the opportunity for children to stay after storytime for a half-hour of unstructured play with some of these developmental toys. These sessions can be especially beneficial to children who aren’t in a daycare program, as it offers them an opportunity to interact with other children. Of course, what is true about reading in a group setting is also true when it comes to reading aloud at home. Parents can take the time to linger over illustrations, answer questions, and explore ideas with their child through the reading aloud experience. Make the Library one of the regular places you visit in the community. Take your child to one of the over 30 Library Learning Times offered each week, then stay for the play, and take home a bundle of books to share at home.

LK!

Effective Interventions For Students With Dyslexia Nebraska Dyslexia Association (NDA)

or many individuals who have never been diagnosed, dyslexia is a hidden disability that impacts reading and processing information. Research has found that multisensory, explicit, direct, and systematic reading interventions can prevent reading failure. In other words, those with dyslexia can learn everything their peers are learning, they just need a different approach. So how do we support these students and teach them in a way that works for them? It’s Called Structured Literacy “Structured Literacy explicitly teaches systematic word-identification/decoding strategies. These evidence-based strategies benefit most students and are vital for those with dyslexia.” (IDA, 2016) Multisensory activities allow students with dyslexia to process and retain information effectively. Multisensory = see, hear, feel, and do. When students experience these senses as they learn, it provides more effective ways for them to understand new information and more ways to recall it at a later time. These techniques help to break down abstract information or sequences by making it more concrete. A few examples include: Finger Spelling & Tapping

Sight Words Air Write. Using their dominant hand, the student raises their arm with two fingers pointing out. Have them imagine their favorite color streaming out of their fingers as they trace the letters in the air while saying the letter name. Tactile. Students say each letter name while tracing the letters in sand trays, on sandpaper, tabletops, carpet, glued letters, etc.

• Multisensory approach • Explicit direct instruction • Sequence and structure • Ongoing reinforcement and feedback When implementing interventions for students with dyslexia, it is essential to consider the student’s age as well as the severity level of dyslexia. A younger student may require more extensive phonological processing support, however, they may not be ready for phonics instruction. When providing support for an older student who has not yet received interventions, they will more than likely require more intense, targeted instruction for a longer period. These interventions should be diagnostic and modified to fit the abilities of each student. For more information on interventions or to learn about dyslexia, please contact Nebraska Dyslexia Association: nedakjohnson@gmail.com NebraskaDyslexia.org

Interventions must include the five essential components of effective reading instruction: • Phonemic awareness • Phonics instruction • Fluency • Vocabulary • Comprehension

Resources, support, and advocacy for parents and children.

When teaching a student with dyslexia, instruction must incorporate the following: • Individual personalization

Winter Session begins January 28. Late registration through Feb. 11

• Classes at UNL & UNO • Ages 6 and up • Weekend classes • Adult Chinese classes, too!

Visit our website for info & sign up to receive updates!

confuciusinstitute.unl.edu (402) 472-5370

confuciusinstitute@unl.edu W205 Nebraska Hall | Lincoln, NE 68588-0542 facebook.com/ConfuciusUNL

Should I contact NDA?

(as a second language)

@ConfuciusUNL

Does your child struggle with... Reading, writing, or spelling

Staying focused

Memorization & recall

Differentiating left & right

Expressing thoughts

SPEECH

NDA

LANGUAGE READING WRITING SPELLING MATH

the F fo r u e

Beginner Chinese for kids

Nebraska Dyslexia Association

Finger Spelling. Say the word. Student repeats the word. Student taps the sounds with fingers: Teacher: I say–you say. The word is "cat." Repeat. Student: Using the thumb as a

touchpoint, repeats the word while tapping: while saying the /c/ sound, taps the index finger to thumb, followed by middle finger for /a/, then ring finger for /t/. After each sound has been tapped, glide thumb over bent fingers saying the word, "cat." For multisyllabic words, the same technique is used for one syllable at a time. The student will first break the word into syllables, and then finger tap each syllable. Tapping. Student says the word out loud, then taps down their arm while spelling the word: For HOME: H–tap shoulder; O– tap bicep; M–tap forearm; E–tap wrist…then say the word, “Home.”

Nebraska Dyslexia Association

Assessments - Inter ventions Advocacy - Training Dept. of Ed. Special Education Service Provider

simplisticsolutions-ne.com

NDA is a community for helping families affected by dyslexia. Screening & diagnosis Tutors and professional help Advocating for rights, IEP & 504 plans Tips & training for parents & educators Support for other learning disabilities

Sequencing (months, days, etc.)

Time management & organization

Short term memory

Similar words & sounds

Academic drive or conﬁdence

There are dozens of additional indicators of dyslexia, and your child may only exhibit a handful of them. For a complete list, please visit

NebraskaDyslexia.org SPRING 2020 • PAGE 13

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March Is National Nutrition Month: Getting The Right Start From Day One

Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln (PHL)

ow important is good nutrition? For kids, we know that diet quality affects a child’s growth and physical development, as well as impacts cognition, behavior, well-being, and ability to deal with life’s challenges. But did you also know that eating healthy right from birth starts babies on the road to better health for their whole lives? Research confirms that babies who are breastfed the recommended duration have fewer hospitalizations for respiratory infections, and reduced risks of asthma, type I and type II diabetes, childhood leukemia, childhood obesity, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Scientists have also recently identified

PAGE 14 • LINCOLNKIDSINC.COM

that the beneficial bacteria in breastmilk can help set a healthy course for the baby’s growing immune system and metabolism. Moms who breastfeed have a reduced risk of ovarian and breast cancer, a lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes, and postpartum depression. These health benefits to babies and moms are why the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists all support and recommend breastfeeding. Why do so many women give up after a few months? Breastfed babies are healthier, but it’s not always easy, and parents have to do whatever they need to do to feed their babies. While some women have physical difficulties, new moms most often cite a lack of family and workplace support and accommodation. A recently published study reports that “shaming moms for breastfeeding in public is holding them back in every area, from their work lives to their social lives. New

moms face an overwhelming lack of support when breastfeeding or breast pumping in public, from both men and women.” (Aeroflow, 2019) It’s the law. Fortunately, Nebraska has laws that give moms the right to breastfeed in public. Nebraska law also requires larger employers to provide time and a safe, sanitary, and private space that’s not a bathroom for mothers to pump breastmilk at work, but smaller employers do not have to comply. Breastfeedingfriendly workplaces have been shown to decrease employee absenteeism by up to 57% while enhancing employee productivity, loyalty, and morale. Despite that fact, many workplaces have been slow to truly support breastfeeding employees. There’s help and support in Lincoln. Lincoln has some excellent non-profit resources to help parents and families navigate their breastfeeding journeys. MilkWorks has certified lactation specialists and a host of education classes. They provide comprehensive

information on their website, including answers to frequently asked questions at milkworkslincoln.org. WIC, the Women, Infant, and Children program through the Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department provides breastfeeding information and support, including breast pumps, for low to moderate-income families. Lincoln.ne.gov, keyword: WIC. Family Services–WIC provides free food, nutrition information, and breastfeeding support to qualifying pregnant women, infants, and children under five years. Familyservicelincoln.org. Community Breastfeeding Educator (CBE) Program is collaborative program supported by MilkWorks, Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln, and the Asian Community and Cultural Center. CBEs provide culturally sensitive breastfeeding support and education to new moms in nine languages within their own communities or homes. CBEs also provide services on-site at MilkWorks, the Asian

LK! Center, Malone Community Center, and El Centro de las Americas. HealthyLincoln.org/breastfeeding. BlueStem Health provides breastfeeding education, support, and referral services through certified lactation consultants. Bluestemlincoln.com. Lincoln’s hospitals offer lactation consulting and education classes. WorkWell, part of the Nebraska Safety Council, helps employers develop a breastfeeding-friendly workplace. Nesafetycouncil.org.

Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln (PHL) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health, wellness, and fitness of our community. We collaborate with other organizations on joint projects to improve health by increasing physical fitness, promoting healthy weights and good nutrition, supporting breastfeeding, improving vaccination and cancer screening rates, chronic disease management, and patient outreach.

For a Refreshing Alternative to Daycare:

The Child’s View a Montessori School

Pre gnanc y CHIROPRACTIC FOR A HEALTHIER

Easier Delivery & Safer Transition For Baby Chiropractic prior to pregnancy to help prepare your body, cycle, and nervous system. Chiropractic during pregnancy to help with pain, discomfort, pelvic alignment, fetal position, natural labor & delivery, and overall health. Chiropractic after delivery to support physical, emotional, and mental recovery.

Newborns benefit from a chiropractor’s gentle approach as well. Please have your infant’s spine checked in their first weeks of life!

3341 Pioneers Blvd. Lincoln 402-484-8277 Ages 18 months through 6 years Suzuki violin lessons offered for ages 3+!

Certified Professional Montessori Teachers

Kindergarten Program Certified through Nebraska Department of Education

Honoring Dr. Montessori’s Vision of the Child’s Potential Open 7:30 am to 5:30 pm – Part or Full Time Care

402-615-6022 | ThriveLincoln.com | 2917 Pine Lake

SPRING 2020 • PAGE 15

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New ER Just For Kids Puts The Whole Family At Ease CHI Health

very parent knows the brave face. It’s what you put on to reassure your child that everything will be okay—even when you’re not so sure. It’s what you wear when taking a sick or injured child to the emergency department, no matter how worried you are on the inside. Now Pediatric Place at CHI Health St. Elizabeth makes walking into the emergency department easier for parents and kids alike. “We know the emergency department can be a scary place, even under the best circumstances. So Pediatric Place is built around the needs of the family,” said Gary Howard, director of Emergency Services and Pediatrics at CHI Health St. Elizabeth. Located on the west side of the hospital, Pediatric Place combines an emergency department and inpatient care to provide comprehensive emergency and hospital care for children under age 18. It’s where families can go for any condition requiring emergency medical care, including abdominal pain, bone fractures, difficulty breathing, poisonings, severe allergic reactions, and severe burns. The dedicated entrance means kids and families are not exposed to the adult ER. Inside, the facility includes eight private rooms, each with its own bathroom. The entire facility is decorated especially for children with wall murals and kid-friendly furniture. Here, the nurses, physicians, and care providers are highly trained in pediatric emergency care and putting kids at ease. That might mean singing

Views from Pediatric Place at CHI Health St. Elizabeth Hospital. Left: Cheery murals decorate the ER rooms at Pediatric Place; Right: The Pediatric Place lobby, designed with children and families in mind, features colorful walls & furniture, bright artwork, and a television. Photos courtesy of CHI Health.

a silly song while taking an X-ray or spending extra time to explain—in kid terms—what’s going on. If children should need to be admitted to St. Elizabeth, they can stay in the same room rather than being moved to another area of the hospital. Families can take comfort knowing that St. Elizabeth’s Level III NICU is on-site and staffed 24/7 by neonatal nurse practitioners. St. Elizabeth also maintains a relationship with Omaha’s Children’s Hospital for patients needing specialized care. “It’s all about putting kids and families at ease. We know that experiences like these form the impressions our youngest patients have about health care,” said Howard. “It’s better for everyone if families feel comfortable with the process of seeking and receiving medical care.” Since it opened in December, Pediatric Place has seen young patients for everything from broken bones to RSV to pneumonia. “It’s been particularly appreciated by

Specially-trained children’s stylists All the latest styles for your family Fun play area & video games Adult haircuts & facial waxing, too! Specializing in squirmers!

M-F 9:30am-5:45pm Sat 9am-2:45pm

(402) 484-7866 | 237 S. 70th Street, Ste 106 PAGE 16 • LINCOLNKIDSINC.COM

families grappling with this difficult flu season,” Howard said. Enthusiasm guided the project from the beginning. Pediatric Place is modeled after a similar facility at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. St. Elizabeth physicians had visited the Johns Hopkins facility and proposed the idea of doing something similar in Lincoln. The CHI Health St. Elizabeth Foundation

got behind the idea and raised enough money to cover the cost of the one-million dollar project. Before Pediatric Place was built, CHI Health St. Elizabeth’s 26-bed emergency department saw 30,000 patients a year, and almost a third (30%) were children. Now with Pediatric Place, those young patients and their families can enjoy care that’s just their size.

LK!

6th Annual Shoes For Miles Shoes For Miles

hoes for Miles, now in its 6th year, is collecting shoes for some of Nebraska’s most vulnerable children while raising awareness of congenital heart defects (CHDs), the world’s most common congenital disability. Nearly one of every 110 babies is born with a heart defect. This year’s shoe drive will take place Feb. 3–17 and will benefit the People’s City Mission in Lincoln. Lincolnites Greg and Dana Ludvik are hoping to collect 100 pairs of new kids’ shoes this year to honor their son’s sixth birthday. Miles died in 2014 due to complications with complex heart defects. To participate, please take shoes, intended for toddlers to teenagers, to the following locations during regular business hours Feb. 3–17:

All shoe sizes are welcome, and the Mission is currently low on these specific sizes for both boys and girls: • Toddlers: sizes 11, 12 and 13 • Big Kids: sizes 1, 2 and 3 The shoes must be new; worn shoes will not be accepted. “Through the community’s generous support, we have been able to collect and donate more than 3,700 pairs of shoes since 2015,” Dana Ludvik said. “It has been incredibly rewarding to help provide such an essential item to kids and families in need—and to celebrate our son’s life in this way—while shining a light on a birth defect that affects so many Nebraska families.” The campaign coincides with Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week and Miles’ birthday each year. Learn more at shoesformiles.org and facebook.com/shoesformiles.

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Krayon Campus Childcare & Education Center

Providing Care & Education for Infants & Toddlers, Preschool & Pre-K Before & After School, and School-Age Summer Programs

KrayonCampus.com • (402) 486-4847 • 60th & Normal

SPRING 2020 • PAGE 17

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5 Ways To Pack A Healthier Lunch Nebraska Family Dentistry

ow much sugar is in that lunch? A sack lunch from home can be a cheaper and healthier alternative to the school cafeteria, but it all depends upon what you pack. There is hidden sugar in a lot of foods, some of which are labeled as “healthy.” Many kids can end up having upward of 150-200g of sugar, or possibly even more, by eating foods that are labeled as “healthy foods.” A healthy lunch is an essential part of the day, and we have some great tips to help you give your kid's lunch a makeover—one that even their dentist will approve!

1. Say No To Applesauce Applesauce is a seemingly practical and portable lunch item, but this snack is loaded with natural sugar as well as added sugars, which will promote cavities. Instead, try a small container of cottage cheese, and if you want to get creative, throw in some blueberries or sliced strawberries for extra flavor!

FEBRUARY

2. Choose Fresh Fruit

4. Get Probiotic Yogurt

Fruit snacks and fruit leathers are popular among kids, but not their dentists. These snacks are sticky and will cling to teeth, encouraging the build-up of plaque. Go for the real deal instead! Pack low-to-no prep fruits like banana, apples, strawberries, and clementines.

Probiotics are good bacteria that aid in cavity prevention. Probiotics can also help kids have a healthier GI tract and fewer stomach aches. There are several varieties of yogurt, and many of them have probiotics, but several flavors are also high in sugar. Look for Greek yogurt with probiotics, and sugar should ideally be less than 15g per serving.

3. Plain Milk is Best Calcium plays a vital role in dental health, making the jawbones healthy and strong to hold teeth in place. A terrific source of calcium is cow’s milk, but flavored options like chocolate, strawberry, and even cotton candy contain added sugars that can cause decay. Opt for plain milk to cut out unnecessary sugar. If your kids don’t drink milk, string cheese and yogurt are other excellent (and convenient) dairy options. For non-dairy, calcium-rich foods, try fortified unsweetened almond milk or dark leafy greens. Taking a daily multivitamin is also a good idea as most of them contain calcium.

IS NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH Good dental habits start young.

5. Skip Starchy Snacks Salty snacks like pretzels, chips, and crackers might seem okay for teeth because they are low in sugar, but don’t be fooled. Simple starches, such as those mentioned, can be just as bad as sweets, if not worse. These snacks break down into a sticky, gooey substance, coating teeth and ultimately resulting in cavities. Looking for some crunchy alternatives? Try sunflower seeds, almonds, or baby carrots. Other savory snack ideas, although not crunchy, can include hard-boiled eggs and chunks of cheddar cheese.

MAK E B R U SH IN G

FUN

Let your kid brush YOUR teeth

Play a 2 minute song or video Have your child try to hum a song while brushing Ask your dentist for more ideas

Office Hours Mon-Thu 8:00 am-7:00 pm

February is National Kid’s Dental Health Month!

Friday 8:00 am-4:30 pm Saturday 8:00 am-12:00 pm

Let us come to your school or center to talk about dental health! Care & education for your entire family in a relaxing,

judgment-f ree atmosphere.

5 Lincoln locations Schedule online!

Voted Lincoln’s Best 2018 • 2019

402-467-1000 NebraskaFamilyDentistry.com PAGE 18 • LINCOLNKIDSINC.COM

Kay Anderson, M.D., F.A.A.P. Philip Boucher, M.D., F.A.A.P. Jeffrey David, M.D., F.A.A.P. Jason Davis, M.D., F.A.A.P. Carrie Dell, M.D., F.A.A.P. Heather Dews, M.D., F.A.A.P. Kurstin Friesen, M.D., F.A.A.P. Michael Germer, M.D., F.A.A.P. Kate Gogela, M.D., F.A.A.P. Joel Greisen, M.D., F.A.A.P. Amanda Knapp, M.D., F.A.A.P. Shelley Nelson, M.D., F.A.A.P. Dallas Schlegel, PA-C Julie Timme, PA-C Valerie Vernon, PA-C Becky Waegli, PA-C Amanda Goddard, NP Mikala Geisert, NP Ashley Smith, NP

Sunday 12:30 pm-4:30 pm

It’s time to schedule school & sports physicals! Call LPG today!

Lincoln Pediatric Group, LLC 4501 S. 70th, Suite 110, Lincoln

402-489-3834 • www.lincolnpedsgroup.com

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FREE Orthodontic Check-Ups For Your Entire Family Nebraska Orthodontics

id you know you and your child can receive free annual orthodontic exams and check-ups? The mission of Nebraska Orthodontics is to make orthodontic care affordable and accessible to everyone. Years ago, Dr. Bronsen Schliep put those thoughts in motion and opened Nebraska Orthodontics to meet the needs of Lincoln children, teens, and adults. Dr. Bronsen offers free exams, affordable orthodontic treatment, and accommodates treatment preferences for Lincoln families. His focus is two-fold: provide a wonderful patient experience and achieve beautiful orthodontic results. One of Dr. Bronsen’s innovative programs is the complimentary 7&Up Growth & Development Program. How a child’s permanent teeth come in can affect their jaw shape, facial structure, bite comfort, confidence, and more. The years 7 to 10 are a critical time to intervene if any dental development problems arise. Through this program, Dr. Bronsen offers free

exams and X-rays to screen for, monitor, and detect situations that could lead to bigger, more involved, more expensive problems down the road. With early intervention, fixing these problems as they arise can reduce, shorten, and even eliminate more invasive future orthodontic treatments. The Growth & Development program’s primary focus is on children ages 7 to 10, with most children being seen every 9 to 12 months, much like an annual eye exam. The best part? Only around 10% of children actually need treatment, and there is no cost to you to monitor for that need through this program. If early intervention is recommended, Nebraska Orthodontics will work with you to create a treatment and payment plan that aligns with your situation. As a father himself, Dr. Bronsen believes that cost should never be a barrier for a family; therefore, he offers a variety of payment options, including: • Extended payment plans with 0% interest-free financing, low down payment, & low monthly payments

• Multi-family member discounts • Full-payment discounts • His office also works directly with most insurance companies Early intervention can help remedy small problems before they become BIG problems, saving you time and money on future orthodontic care. Some of these early interventions include correcting: • Abnormal tooth eruption, which may prevent a future impacted tooth and oral surgery • Overcrowding, reducing the need to have adult teeth pulled in the future • Protruding front teeth, reducing potential trauma • Skeletal posterior crossbite, which may be causing asymmetric, irreversible lower jaw growth • Skeletal anterior crossbite (underbite), which may prevent the need for future jaw surgery • Skeletal open bites from thumb sucking and other oral habits • Sleep-disordered breathing, which in some instances can be remedied by a combination of orthodontic

expansion and coordination with an ENT physician for tonsil and adenoid removal Most early treatments can be accomplished in 10-12 months, while other solutions may be as simple as removing an over-retained baby tooth to prevent an impacted adult tooth! Our families have seen improvement of abnormal swallowing or speech problems, bite comfort and alignment, and shortened treatment with full braces. Nebraska Orthodontics also sees teens and adults. Exams at any age are complimentary and all treatment plans are eligible for our easy financing options. At Nebraska Orthodontics, your smile is our passion! Contact us today to schedule your family’s complementary exams. We would love to be your orthodontist and provide you with family-friendly orthodontic care for your overall health and happiness. Nebraska Orthodontics 402-475-6666 NebraskaOrthodontics.com See our ad below!

HEY PARENTS!

You’ll want to know about this!

Children | Teens | Adults

velopment e D & F R E E Growth for ages 7-10 Nebraska Orthodontics offers FREE yearly orthodontic exams for kids ages 7-10. We catch small problems before they become BIG problems. If intervention is recommended, we offer affordable treatment plans with low monthly payments and 0% ﬁnancing.

Nebraska Orthodontics Dr. Bronsen Schliep

3100 O St | 402-475-6666

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Dental Care Designed for Your Child Call us today for an appointment

402-423-3322 3901 Pine Lake Road, Suite 250 Website: www.pediatricdentistrypc.net

Brent D. Johnson DDS, MS

...follow us on Facebook! SPRING 2020 • PAGE 19

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Enriching The Lives Of Shelter Pets Capital Humane Society

hat are “Treat Toy Thursday” and “Feather Friday”? Those are examples from the enrichment schedule for the cats at Capital Humane Society. There is also a schedule for the dogs, and critters get enrichment, too. Providing the pets at Capital Humane Society a good quality of life is a priority. One way we do this is by giving different toys each day, which gives the animals something new and appealing to play with and inspect. Donating enrichment items is a meaningful way to help positively impact the lives of animals while they are at the shelter. We are very grateful that so many people are interested in our work and want to help. To learn more, please visit our website at CapitalHumaneSociety.org and click on the “Get Involved” tab. You will find instructions at the bottom of the volunteer page to make a variety of enrichment items, such as toys made from toilet paper rolls and Kuranda beds. Your creative gifts

PAGE 20 • LINCOLNKIDSINC.COM

We supply the food. You provide the love. Become an animal foster parent with Capital Humane Society! Photo courtesy of Capital Humane Society

will be appreciated by the wonderful pets in our care and will brighten their days as they await adoption.

DIY Tie blankets for dogs We like throw-sized blankets for dogs (but also love to have small ones to give to cats and kittens).

To ﬁnd out how: Call 402.477.3270 or email foster@capitalhumanesociety.org.

To make one blanket:

1. Get two different colors of fleece that are the same size.

2. Lay the material atop one anoth-

er with the backsides facing each other—this way, the pretty sides can be used by the animals! (The pattern/color of the fabric will

be facing out on top and bottom when they are layered together.) 3. Keeping the fleece layered, measure and cut out a 4×4 inch square in each corner. 4. Use scissors to cut 1×4 inch strips all the way around, continuing to keep the materials layered so that the cuts line up. 5. Tie each set of layered strips together twice to make a knot (double knot). When they are all tied, the blanket will be complete!

DIY Feather toy for cats Take a paper cupcake liner and, using non-toxic school glue, apply a feather to its bottom. The fun noise of the paper and the feather makes an irresistible toy for cats. (Feathers must be non-toxic craft plumage feathers.) CapitalHumaneSociety.org 402-441-4488 Pieloch Pet Adoption Center 6500 S. 70th Street Admissions & Assessment Center 2320 Park Boulevard

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Morrill Hall Joins Museums For All Offers $1 Admission For Low-Income Families Morrill Hall

Weller, Museum director. “The Museums for All program will enable he University of more children and their Nebraska State families to experience Museum-Morrill museum exhibits and Hall recently joined programs.” Museums for All. As Museums for All is a part of the program, the signature access program Museum now offers a of the Institute of Museum special admission rate and Library Services of $1 for individuals and administered by the who are part of low-inAssociation of Children’s come families. Morrill Museums. It encourages Hall is the first Lincoln, Photo of Elephant Hall at Morrill Hall, courtesy of the Museum people of all backgrounds Nebraska attraction to to visit museums regularjoin Museums for All. ly. More than 400 institutions across Joining Museums for All is part (WIC) card, will receive $1 admis48 states participate in the initiative, sion per person to Morrill Hall. This of the University of Nebraska State including art museums, children’s daily rate will apply year-round, even Museum’s effort to increase availmuseums, science centers, botanical on dates with Museum special activability and access to science learning gardens, zoos, history museums, and in the larger Nebraska community. ities, like Dinosaurs and Disasters on more. February 8, and Fossil Night Trick or Under the program, individuals and Individuals or families with quesTreat around Halloween. families receiving food assistance, tions about Morrill Hall and its “We are committed to supportidentified by showing a Supplemental participation in the Museums for Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) ing opportunities for Nebraskans All program may contact Visitor to connect with the research that Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Services at 402-472-2637. impacts their lives,” said Susan card or a Women, Infants & Children

NEBRASKA ACADEMY OF VOCAL ARTS Affordable children’s choir Boys & Girls Grades 2–8 All abilities & levels— no one is turned away Financial assistance available Have fun. Make Friends. Learn to sing!

402-202-0565 www.NAOVA.org

SPRING 2020 • PAGE 21

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Think•Make•Create Mobile Labs Unleash Creativity, Curiosity Think, Make, Mobile Labs

Create

hat if, at the next family-friendly event you and your family attend, your kids come away with more than the usual treats like painted faces and balloons? What if they had a fun, safe enviA Think, Make, Create Mobile Lab, filled with fun projects, games & activities. ronment to unleash Photo courtesy of Civic Nebraska Think, Make, Create. their creativity and curiosity? power more than 50 high-tech, lowWhat if they could question like a tech, and no-tech projects. Best of all, scientist, design like a technologist, the labs come directly to you, combuild like an engineer, create like an plete with easy-to-read, easy-to-exeartist, and deduce like a mathematicute project guides for adults. cian—all while playing like a kid? The mobile labs allow youths to That’s what THINK MAKE tinker, explore, and problem-solve. CREATE on-the-go labs do! Tinkering and “making” occurs outThese innovative mobile makside of the trailer, either on tables erspaces—6x12-foot trailers full and pop-up canopies or inside your of fun interactive games, projects, event space. and activities—have popped up “THINK MAKE CREATE proat events around Lincoln over the gramming teaches children the past year. THINK MAKE CREATE Eight Habits of Mind—to observe, labs are transportable and provide express, engage, and persist; to enviparties, groups, organizations, and sion, stretch, explore, and reflect— events with high-quality, hands-on and to understand the world around STEAM activities for young people. them,” said Chris McCurdy of Civic The labs are dynamic units and Nebraska, who manages and organizcarry customized extended-learning es the labs in Lincoln. “Our mobile programming for all ages. They’re labs also help young people develop tailor-made for after-school proa growth mindset on their journey to grams, faith-based programs, birthbecoming lifelong learners.” day parties, block parties, family Learn more about how these reunions, daycares, preschools, mobile makerspaces create the vacation Bible school, Girl and Boy next generation of innovators, Scout events, and camps. They’re inventors, and leaders while they available to go pretty much anyhave fun! Visit bit.ly/tmc-labs to where you can drive a truck! learn more. To reserve your THINK Young people learn best when MAKE CREATE lab, contact Chris they’re engaged in hands-on games, McCurdy at Civic Nebraska: projects, and activities, and involved chris.mccurdy@civicnebraska.org in what they’re learning. That’s why 402-904-5191 each lab is stocked with supplies to

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEAP BABIES! PAGE 22 • LINCOLNKIDSINC.COM

LK!

Five Great Reasons To Drop Off Your KidsAt KidsPark KidsPark of Lincoln

idsPark isn’t your typical childcare! We’re childcare for modern families. You don’t need a reservation to bring the kids to KidsPark. Our extended daily hours work with your schedule, providing a fun atmosphere and creative, educational, and exciting activities for your kids whenever you need it, seven days per week—including evenings! You can use KidsPark as a complement to your regular care, back up when school is closed, as well as on evenings and weekends. Here are just a few ways families love to use KidsPark:

I don’t know who loves KidsPark more... me or my kids!

1. Date nights! No more calling

around to find a sitter. KidsPark is open till midnight on Friday & Saturday. 2. School breaks! When school is out, KidsPark is in with no-reservations day camps and fun-filled child care. 3. Back up care! Daycare closed?

Babysitter cancel? Snow day? No problem! If you are looking for last-minute care, drop your kids off with us for a fun day! 4. Me time! Need a break? We’ve got you covered. You can bring your kids to KidsPark and get that self care you keep hearing people talking about. 5. Keep appointments! Dentist, doctor, interviews, meetings— you name it. You can keep your appointment and go without your children when you drop them off at KidsPark. The reasons are endless: if you need care, we’re here for you! KidsPark also offers a flexible preschool program, after school clubs, school break camps, private birthday parties, and hosts special events throughout the year. Happy kids, happy parents! New to KidPark? Grab the coupon below for half off registration plus your first hour free for up to three kids!

– Auditions for –

2020-21 Choirs for grades 3-12

Friday, April 17 Saturday, April 18 Appointment required

lincolnboyschoir.org or call 402-499-4446

Buzz on in for SPRING & SUMMER

Childcare when you need it, come rain or shine.

C AM P S KidsPark Camps are a breeze!

Spring $avings!

When school is out, KidsPark is in!

NEW FAMILY SIGN UP

Drop in & pay as you go.

50% Registration + 1st hour FREE! Use code LNKKIDS. First hour free up to three kids. Expires April 30, 2020.

Drop & go childcare • Ages 1.5-11 Open days, evenings, & weekends.

We also offer super fun birthday parties & ﬂexible preschool!

No reservation. Just drop the kids off and go!

Camp activities included in affordable hourly rates. Fun weekly themes.

No reservations! Spring Break March 9-13 Summer Camps start May 25

Perfect for regular care, backup care, date nights, running errands & more! Private pay only. No longer accepting Title XX.

14th & Old Cheney • (402) 413-8849 • Kidspark.com SPRING 2020 • PAGE 23

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New Ninja Warrior & Gymnastics Facility Opens In Lincoln Triniti Gymnastics & Nebraska Ninja

ebraska Ninja and Triniti Gymnastics, two names under the same roof at 8335 Cody Drive, is the culmination of a familyâ€™s determination and perseverance. Dawn and Vern Moore and their children have unmatched experience and capability to bring informative ninja warrior instruction and a different atmosphere to gymnastics classes in Lincoln. The Moore parents started their gymnastics careers as a young couple opening a club with colleagues. The Moores and their children created many happy memories and experiences instructing young athletes in gymnastics here in Lincoln, and are very excited to bring one of the most experienced staff to Nebraska. Using their knowledge and passion

PAGE 24 â€˘ LINCOLNKIDSINC.COM

for the sport of gymnastics, the Moores have built a new facility, offering many levels & ages of gymnastics and ninja warrior instruction. Preschoolers will have planned classes that will help their development. Beginner athletes will follow engaging progressions to follow exciting goals in ninja warrior or gymnastics. Two competitive gymnastics team programs will be available for girls: the USA Gymnastics Xcel program and the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic program. Xcel will offer the opportunity for gymnasts that want to have the chance to compete, but do not have the time to put in the hours like the J.O. program. Nebraska Ninja will bring the first structured ninja warrior class program to Lincoln and provide a top premier facility in the region for competitions. Nebraska Ninja and Triniti Gymnastics invites you to be part of our family. Classes are available online. Sign up at NebraskaNinja. com and TrinitiGymnastics.com.

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oes your family enjoy Irish music? Do you have a youngster that loves to move to music? Sign them up for Irish Step or Social dance class offered by Lincoln Irish Dancers! Irish Step Dancing is the solo dance style for those age seven and older who can move freely and want to learn a new way to move to music. Learn the basics of beginning step dance with easy reel and jig step combinations. Irish step dancing is a great way to exercise in a learner-friendly environment. Irish Social Dance class is a fun opportunity for those age 12 and older. Irish Social Dance is similar to square dance and is the traditional dancing of Irish culture. Students will learn basic Irish dance steps and figures and learn simple Irish dances.

The 5-week sessions begin Monday April 6, 2020, at Eastridge Presbyterian, just north of 56th & A, with Step from 6:30–7 pm and Social Dance from 7–8 pm. For more information about The Lincoln Irish Dancers and classes, visit www. lincolnirishdancers.org.

Upcoming Events from the Lincoln Irish Dancers A great way to get a taste of Irish Dance is to bring the family to the Annual Community Ceili event at St. Patrick’s Church, 6111 Morrill Avenue, on Sunday, March 8th, from 6:30–9 pm. There will be live music and a caller to walk you through the dances. This is a paid event. Attend the FREE Spring Try-It Event on Monday, March 30, 6:30– 8 pm at Eastridge Presbyterian.

LUX Center for the Arts

rts education transforms and inspires young minds. LUX Center for the Arts has been offering scholarships for low-income youth to take art classes since the early 1990s. Two years ago, we met with staff at Lincoln Public Schools and crafted a new way to bring these art class scholarships to Lincoln kids—the LUX Art Scholar Program. Thanks to the Pearle Francis Finigan Foundation, we were able to offer 38 students each a $500 scholarship this year. These students were from low-income (Title 1) schools and selected by their art teachers for artistic merit. One of our 2019 LUX scholars was able to immerse himself in ceramics, metalsmithing, and painting through multiple spring and summer camps. He said he learned about a lot more than just art techniques. “In art classes at the LUX, I had to talk to other kids and collaborate. It helped me get other people to understand my point of view and helps with school projects.” “Collaboration and connection is an important result of arts learning in youth,” said Lorinda Rice, curriculum specialist at Lincoln Public Schools. “Art-making creates an understanding of the world that enables students to see it in different ways. Interacting and seeing other students’ work helps to create empathy and a vision of the world they may not have seen before. Art also creates a space for emotional well-being and helps students feel positive about themselves and get positive feedback from others. This

scholarship program gives children the social and emotional space where they can develop as art makers and leaders for the next generation.” “Before I took art classes, I would stay in my mind, and I wouldn’t really observe the world. But ever since I started taking art classes at the LUX, I notice more,” said one of last year’s scholars. “Making art gives me something to do with my free time. I could just waste it playing video games or sleeping. Once I’m done with my homework, I usually start to draw, or sketch, or make something.” Your child can learn how to see the world in new and creative ways through immersive, hands-on art experiences. Art classes and camps are a great way to get kids thinking differently and trying new things. LUX Center for the Arts is a non-profit art center in North Lincoln that offers year-round art classes for youth, adults, and families. Enrollment is open to everyone, and through our membership program and scholarship programs, parents can save on tuition costs. Spring break and summer camps for youth ages 5-16 have become our most popular programs. You can find details about our camps, events, classes, membership, and scholarship program at www. LUXcenter.org or visit us in historic University Place at 2601 N. 28th Street near Nebraska Wesleyan University. For information, contact Lindsey Clausen, Director of Programs, at lindsey@luxcenter.org. Turn to page 55 to see more about LUX’s Summer Art Camps for youth.

imite nl

k of Lincoln is celebrating 20 years! musi r e d Kin

$70/mo Cl

a s ses

Lincoln Irish Dancers

Art Is For Everyone

Try Irish Dance!

Ages 0-7 years Days • Evenings • Weekends

Music Now. Skills for Life.

Of Lincoln with Shawna Gordon (402) 770-1486 • KindermusikOfLincoln.com SPRING 2020 • PAGE 25

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YMCA Camp Kitaki has summer camp programs for kids ages 7-17. One week sessions all summer long! • Summer Camp programs • Ranch Camp programs for kids who love horses! • 1/2 week Adventure Mini Camps for young campers age 7-9 • Two week Leadership Camp programs for teens age 14-17

YMCA Camp Kitaki strives to provide a safe environment where participants can grow in their: • Relationship • Positive Identity • Values • Skills We do this in a unique natural setting

YMCA Camp Kitaki has activities for all interests. Here is a partial list! • Archery • Crafts • Swimming Pool (with Slides!) • Nature • Horseback Riding • Natural Playground • Lake (Canoes, Kayaks, & Paddle Boats) • High Challenge Course • Ziplines

PAGE 26 • LINCOLNKIDSINC.COM

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Books To Grow With A Selection Of Children’s Library Books For Families To Read Together by Lincoln City Libraries

Hi, my name is Garren, and I’m a librarian downtown at Bennett Martin Public Library. I’d like to introduce you to four picture books that are great at getting young children engaged and moving.

Wiggle

If You’re Happy And You Know It

by Doreen Cronin

by Jane Cabrera

Get those wiggles out with Wiggle by Doreen Cronin. This picture book begins with, “Do you wake up with a wiggle? Do you wiggle out of bed?” and can be sung to the tune of “Do Your Ears Hang Low.” It features a dog going through its day, wiggling along with animal friends it meets along the way. Most wiggles are free-form, but some are specific, like wing wiggling with bees or slow-andquiet wiggling with polar bears.

Jane Cabrera has created a whole line of traditional children’s songs in warm, inviting picture book form. If You’re Happy and You Know It goes through the song with a line-up of jungle animals, inviting kids to “roar out loud” with a lion, “spin around” with a lemur, etc. Black painted lines are colored in with clearly visible finger painting marks, which makes this a great lead-up to finger painting activities.

Can You Make A Scary Face?

Dancing Feet

by Jan Thomas

by Lindsay Craig

Can You Make a Scary Face? by Jan Thomas is about a jovial ladybug who speaks directly to kids, asking them to imagine a bug on their nose. Kids are invited to stand up, sit down, wiggle around, laugh, blow air, and dance around. Toward the end, a giant toad appears that must be scared off by making scary faces. This book has the feeling of one of those touch-interactive books, like Press Here by Hervé Tullet, but works just as well with a large group of kids.

Dancing Feet by Lindsay Craig will get those last wiggles out of your kids. Kids can stand up or tap their feet while sitting as you read lines like “Slappity! Slappity! Webbed orange feet! Who is dancing that slappity beat?” The feet of each animal is shown along with this verbal hint, giving kids the chance to shout out the animal revealed on the next page. There are children at the end dressed up to match each earlier animal. The elements of this book make for fun discussions with smaller groups. The art style looks like crayon on corrugated cardboard, suggesting another craft pairing.

Follow @LincolnKidsNewspaper on Facebook & Instagram for chances to WIN tickets to these shows! SPRING 2020 • PAGE 27

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This Winter, Go Birding & Be A Community Scientist as they decompose and proBirdnerd healthier vide a wonderful habitat for hiberspiders, beetles, and more. Blurb nating If you do a few of these fun things, before you know it, spring will be here, the birds will be back, and they will love your yard! Happy birding!

with Jason “The Birdnerd” St. Sauver

pring is just around the corner, and that means it is time to start thinking about migration! Birds and bugs will be returning to your yards soon, and late winter/ early spring is the best time to get ready for all the wild visitors. Some things to remember to help the birds & bugs: clean out your birdhouses, feeders, and birdbaths. And, to help bugs & bees get water, put some small rocks in one section of your birdbath. Get ready to provide natural habitat by planning a pollinator and bird garden. Find native plants and seeds and start planning and preparing to plant the area as the soil thaws. And speaking of soil, don’t forget it! Don’t rake up all the leaves you find under the snow, leave some on the ground—they make the soil

Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center offers birding and nature experiences and special events for kids and adults year-round. Explore the beautiful, historic trails and interactive visitor center. Admission is free every Tuesday (visitor center open 9-5).

GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT Feb 14–17 | FREE Count in your own yard for just 15 minutes any or all of these days, and join us on the prairie for a free guided family bird walk on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 10-11:30am For at-home counting, log your findings through eBird. Visit birdcount.org for info.

FREE BIRD WALK Tue, Apr 21, 1-4pm | FREE Our first free bird walk of the season, these guided walks are fun and educational for the whole family and take place every 3rd Tuesday from April to October.

Spring in for $avings! • Ballocity Multi-level • 1000 s of balls! • Inﬂatables Try our giant jump pad! • Playsets Climb, crawl, swing, & slide! • Laser Maze Secret spy stealth & skills! • Foam Pit Jump in & party-hardy! • Arcade Games Massive selection! • Toddler Zone Playsets, ball pit & more! • Snack Bar Meals, snacks, & great prices! • FUNtastic Birthday Parties, too!

TEXT LOSTINFUN

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PAGE 28 • LINCOLNKIDSINC.COM

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No Matter The Season, Nature Is Calling Lindsay Rogers, Nebraska Game & Parks Commission

here is a large divide in my household. Warm versus cold. Sun versus snow. Summer versus winter. My son and I are on the side of warm, sun, and summer. We strongly believe that we are meant to live in a tropical location, and that Nebraska’s winters are meant to be spent inside by a fire. My husband and daughter, on the other hand, are on the side of cold, snow, and winter. Skiing, sledding, and snowman building are some of their favorite activities. We have had many dinnertime conversations discussing the merits of warm summer escapades and cold winter adventures. The thing is that we all are correct. We are fortunate in Nebraska to have both warm summers and cold winters. Not to mention the amazing feeling of the temperature warming and rain falling each spring, and the cool nights and leaves transitioning each fall. And, the best thing is that in all four of Nebraska’s seasons, we have opportunities for adventures. Spring is ripe for playing in the mud, watching early spring bulbs bloom, taking a hike through Wilderness Park, and fishing at Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area. My family has already checked off several of these things this spring. And we have plans for more: planting our garden, watching turkey vultures and other birds returning from their wintering

grounds in the south, and going to living history events at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park. The thing is, though, that we’re already planning ideas for the warm, sunny summer days! Camping and swimming at Louisville State Recreation Area, making s’mores at our backyard firepit, catching fireflies (which, as it turns out, is something even 11-year-olds are into!), and lying in the park watching the stars at night. And then, much to my dismay, the weather will turn cool, and fall will arrive again. I have learned, however, that just because the temperature is chilly, it does not mean there isn’t fun to be had. Last fall, we started a tradition of fall camping (not bad with the right blankets and a stocking hat!). We have also loved harvesting our own pumpkins from our garden (regardless of how small they are) and watching the squirrels enjoy the snack we provide on the front porch. Our winter excitement included sledding (again, not bad with the right clothing) and even winter hiking, where we got to see many birds, squirrels, and animal tracks in the hardened mud and snow. You see, I have resigned myself to not necessarily loving the weather, but rather loving the time I get to spend with my kids enjoying each season. I love the fun we have and, most importantly, the memories we are making. I know that my children will not be young forever, and that there will be plenty of winters to sit by the fire. For now, I will get up, get out, and have fun…no matter how cold—or hot—it is!

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Nature Camp—Time Spent Outdoors Pioneers Park Nature Center

ime spent walking in the woods, sitting on the bank of a creek, or hanging out with friends under the shade of a tree are all experiences that help build a sense of place and connection to the outdoors. Connecting with nature has also been tied to improving environmental literacy—building a community with environmental appreciation, understanding, and stewardship. Being immersed in the outdoors is the framework for the Nature Center’s summer day camps. Our Nature Camps are designed to inspire curiosity and understanding of others and their surroundings. Camps at the Nature Center feature the outdoors and natural wonder. Camp activities include hiking, playing in the woods, exploring the prairie, investigating pond life, and so much more. During camp, we learn about nature and the world around us by experiencing it, spending time outside, watching and observing, asking questions, and making discoveries.

PAGE 30 • LINCOLNKIDSINC.COM

Campers are hands-on with nature at Pioneers Park Nature Center Nature Camps. Photos courtesy of PPNC.

The Nature Center offers camps for ages 3–17. Discovery Camp, for ages 3–6, offers weekly camp themes like Outdoor Classroom, Beaks, Feathers, and Wings, More to Explore, Sticks, Sticks, and More Sticks, and Ponds, Puddles, and Polliwogs. Hikes to the Outdoor Classroom, Children’s Garden, and the Chet Ager Building are part of

the weekly activities. Camp meets in the Nature Preschool Classroom, Monday–Thursday, 9–11:30 am, for six sessions, June 1–July 16. Each session is $90/camper. Explorer Camp for ages 6–13 is held Monday–Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm, with extended hours available from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. The seven sessions run June 8–July 31. Camp themes

include Things with Wings, Wet, Wild, and Wacky, Earth Advocates, Neat-O Nature Art, Wilderness Explorers, Aquatic Adventures, and Extraordinary Creatures. Each session is $190/camper. A Leadership Camp opportunity is also available for Navigators, ages 14-17. This camp is held June 1–5 and is designed to build leadership skills. Camp participants have the opportunity to volunteer during the Explorer camp and assist camp staff with activities as Junior Counselors. Registration includes an application for those wishing to volunteer. The program fee is $160/camper. The Nature Center also offers a spring break camp for elementary age youth from 8:30 am to 5 pm over Lincoln Public Schools break, March 9–13. Registration forms and information for all spring and summer day camp programs can be found at parks.lincoln.ne.gov/ naturecenter (search: Nature Camps). Contact the Pioneers Park Nature Center for more information or to register, 402-441-7895.

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Bright Lights

Summer Learning Adventures Bright Lights

chool personnel does an amazing job of teaching, guiding, and interacting with students during the school year. They pour hundreds of hours into their students to give the best academic edge possible.

But what happens during the summer? According to a report from the National Summer Learning Association by Duke University Professor Harris Cooper, “We found that kids do forget over the summer. Across the board, all kids lose some… skills.” His suggested solution? “Summer affords more freedom to digress from a prescribed curriculum, so you can study at a more leisurely, individualized pace.” Bright Lights, a local summer learning program over 30 years strong, is an ideal way for K-8th grade students to maximize the fun of summer vacation and make a “summer stride” rather than a summer slide. Students pick a subject that appeals to them and spend a week delving into it through a variety of teacher-led activities. As one parent said, “My six-year-old thought she was spending a week enjoying Dr. Seuss, but it was so much more than that! She learned about science, math, and other subjects in a fun environment. I don’t think she even realized she was learning.”

Here’s a peek at a few of the new classes Bright Lights is offering for Summer 2020: KUBO Coding is a half-day camp that makes coding as easy as solving a puzzle. Students will use KUBO coding pieces that snap together to create a route for the KUBO robot to travel. As students become more experienced, dimensions of time, distance, speed, and direction can be added. While it’s understood that living on the plains and prairie wasn’t an easy life, it’s difficult to comprehend the amount of work and effort that went into surviving. Students attending the half-day camp Prairie Life: Building Sod Houses and More will get to experience the hands-on task of creating a miniature sod house as a group, and explore other daily challenges experienced by settlers of the past. Our ukulele class was so popular we’ve decided to add Ukes 2.0! Students who have ukulele experience will be able to shred with others (that’s hip language for play together) who share a love for the fourstringed instrument. New songs will be taught, and fun will be had by all. On the Oregon Trail, a new halfday camp, lets students bring the wellloved game to life by traveling back in time and building problem-solving skills as they guide their “wagon train” through the wilderness. A detailed schedule of all of Bright Lights half-day and full-day camps will be available at BrightLights.org in mid-February, with registration starting March 21.

CAMP GUIDE SPRING 2020 • PAGE 31

NEW YEAR • NEW SPACE • NEW FUN!

enroll now for a summer of play!

Spring & Summer Camps Spring Craft Camps for Grades K-5 2-4pm • $35/day • $125/week Fun daily themes & projects! Summer camps will be announced soon! Follow on social for updates!

Craft & Birthday Parties

spring &

Parties for kids & adults ages 5+ BYO food & drink • Up to 18 people

Metal Stamping • Acrylic Pouring • Spa Elastic Art • Unicorn • Slime & more! New option: Cosmic Splatter!

Makit Anytime

Drop by & Makit ANYTIME! Huge selection of ready-to-make craft & art projects for all ages. Paper Mache • Painting • Birdhouses Sewing • Slime • Bath bombs & more!

Makit Takit

NEW! Preschool Art Club Thursdays 1-2pm • $10

Lincoln’s Craft Studio

4720 Prescott Ave • 402-483-4232 • makittakit.com

Ages 4 years - 4th grade (completed) Extended camp hours: 7:30am–5:30pm Half-day option for all ages: 7:30–11:30am

Day Camps

of the february 17 mysteries universe march 9-13 medieval mayhem

University of Nebraska–Lincoln Glenn Korff School of Music

SPRING CAMPS | EVENTS DOUBLE REED DAY

may 22-29 lego creators

l year l a IG B e v a s s r e b m e m

FEBRUARY 15, 2020

Contact William McMullen: wmcmullen1@unl.edu

HONORS SPRING STRINGS

april 10 & 13 going green

FEBRUARY 28-29, 2020

Contact Hans Sturm: hsturm2@unl.edu

DAY OF PERCUSSION

Contact Dave Hall: dhall@unl.edu

SOPRANO/ALTO CHORAL FESTIVAL

APRIL 2, 2020

Contact Rhonda Fuelberth: rfuelberth2@unl.edu

FLUTE DAY

APRIL 4, 2020

Contact John Bailey: jbailey1@unl.edu

MIDWEST CLARIFEST

APRIL 4, 2020

Contact Diane Barger: dbarger1@unl.edu

HORN BOOT CAMP

galactic science: star wars edition mix, june 8-12 melt, dabble & draw of the june 15-19 attack Living Things june 1-5

MARCH 14, 2020

APRIL 7, 2020

round!

Week Camps july 6-10

squish, fizzle, splat

july 13-17 disney’s descendants july 20-24 just make it!

june 22-26 mystery solvers

working on the july 27-31 railroad

of the jun 29-jul 3 raiders lost artifact

august 3-7 museum olympics

Contact Alan Mattingly: amattingly2@unl.edu

VIOLA BASH

Stop in to PLAY & see what’s happening!

APRIL 18, 2020

Contact Clark Potter: cpotter1@unl.edu

Learn more & register

music.unl.edu PAGE 32 • LINCOLNKIDSINC.COM

UNL does not discriminate based upon any protected status. Please see go.unl.edu/nondiscrimination

lincolnchildrensmuseum.org

LINCOLN KIDS! SPRING CAMP GUIDE HOSTED BY Camp Kitaki

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Cabin Fever: Feb 15-16, ages 7-14, $68. Camp Kitaki will cure your cabin fever with an overnight camp filled with fun! Masterpiece Arts Weekend: Feb 28-Mar 1, ages 11-15, $130. Create masterpieces to take home! No skill required! March Madness: Mar 27-29, ages 7-14, $130. Exhilarating Camp Kitaki fun! Space limited. See our summer ad on p. 26.

CONTACT 402-434-9222 YMCACampKitaki.org

Camp Sonshine

As we slowly make our way towards summer, what better way to “warm up” than to sign up to attend Camp Sonshine’s Spring Break Camp! We are excited to again be offering a variety of Day Camp programs for families to choose from this year! March 9-13, $175/week or $40/day. For kids K-6th grade + past LITs, 9am-5:30. Extended care available. See ad on p. 36.

13440 S. 25th St. (Roca) 402-423-8746 CampSonshineMemories.org

KidsPark

Flexible Spring & Summer Camps that work with your schedule! Fun weekly themes. Pick your days & pay as you go. Never pay for days when you are gone & all activities are included in our hourly rates. Come as little or as much as you’d like. As always, no reservation required! Drop in for a tour & hourly childcare—nights, evenings, & weekends as you need it! See ad on p. 23.

5633 S. 16th St 402-413-8849 kidspark.com/lincoln

Lincoln Children’s Museum

STEAM-based Day Camps for ages 4y–4th grade when school is out this Spring. Full days 7:30am-5:30pm; half-days 7:30-11:30am. Feb 17: Mysteries of the Universe • Mar 9-13: Medieval Mayhem • Apr 10 & 13: Going Green. Includes playtime in the museum plus exclusive fun on the top secret 3rd floor designed for making messes, friends, & memories. Limited space. See our ad p. 32.

Lincoln Children’s Zoo

Spend your days off of school at the Zoo! Spring Camps are offered for ages 5-7 & 8-12 on March 9-13, April 10, & April 13 from 8:30am-4:30pm. Learn from zookeepers & meet your favorite animal friends. Space is limited! Learn more & register at LincolnZoo.org. See our summer camp selections on p. 34.

Lincoln Community Playhouse

Theatre Arts Academy presents the Spring Break Musical Production: The Jungle Book Kids! M-F, March 9-13, 9am-4pm. Performance March 14 at 10am, 11:30am, & 1pm. Ages 8-15, $175, space limited. See page 41.

1420 P St. 402-477-4000 LincolnChildrensMuseum.org 1222 S 27th Street 402-475-6741 www.LincolnZoo.org 2500 S. 56th St 402-489-7529 LincolnPlayhouse.com

Lincoln Parks & Recreation

Nature Explorer Camp for ages 6-13 at Pioneers Park Nature Center! M-F March 9-13, 8:30am-5pm, $190, extended care avail. Team up with NFL Flag Football or Spring Volleyball. Register by Feb 16 @ teamsideline.com/lincolnne. Kids Week Off: Games, crafts & occasional field trips during spring break at Belmont, Calvert & Everett, Mar 9-13, $139/wk. See p. 29.

Multiple Locations! parks.lincoln.ne.gov (KW: Day Camps)

LUX Center for the Arts

Art Camps! Clay, pottery wheel, painting, drawing, illustration, metalsmithing, STEAM, & sampler art camps for youth ages 5-8, 9-12, & 13+. Morning sessions 9am-noon, afternoons 2-5pm. Make it a full day & register for both w/optional lunch care (12-2pm)! Before care avail. (8-9am). Spring Break Art Camps March 9-13 • Summer Camps June 1-Aug 7. Info & registration online. See ad on p.55.

2601 N. 48th St. 402-466-8692 luxcenter.org

Makit Takit

Get crafty this Spring Break at Makit Takit, Lincoln’s Craft Studio! Offering fun and creative camps for kids in grades 1-5 during LPS Spring Break, March 9-13, 2-4pm. $35/day or $125/week. Splatter, slime, bath bombs, & more! Register online! See ad on p. 32.

4720 Prescott Ave. 402-483-4232 makittakit.com

My Gym UNL–Glenn Korff School of Music

My Gym’s Summer Camps provide nonstop fun all break long! Children play energizing fitness games, noncompetitive gymnastics, arts & crafts, music, and more! Ages 2.5-10 (potty trained, please). Offered to members & nonmembers! Details & registration online. See ad p. 33. Spring Day Camps & Music Events | Feb 15: Double Reed Day (High School) • Feb 28-29: Honors Spring Strings (HS, with nomination) • Mar 14: Day of Percussion (HS) • Apr 4: Midwest Clarifest (Middle & HS) • Apr 4: Flute Day (HS) • Apr 7: Horn Boot Camp (FREE, all ages) • Apr 18: Viola Bash (all ages) • Register online. Spring lineup & contact info can be found in our ad p. 32.

2755 Jamie Lane 402-802-9982 MyGym.com/Lincoln Register online at: arts.unl.edu/music/camps See page X

SPRING 2020 • PAGE 33

e n i h arkle & S ’s Summer time t i SUMMER SESSIONS June 1–5 • June 15–19 July 27–31

CUTIE CAMPS June 8–11 • July 20–23

Registration begins March 1st at intermixdance.com

ng i l l o enr w l o o n o h c

p Pres c 2020-2021

A FUn Academic setting with athletic focus

Kids rts o p s r e m m u s S p m a c Exhilarating Sports Camps All Summer Long!

Soccer Basketball

Baseball Football

Volleyball Mixed Sports

Children unleash their adventurous personalities through preschool education, social interactions, FUNdamental athleticism, and teamwork!

Field trips for swimming, bowling, foot golf, & more!

September–May | Ages 3–5 | 8:30 am–12:00 pm 2, 3, & 5-day options | Register today for fall!

May 26–Aug 7 | Grades 1–5 | 9:00 am–4:30 pm Before & after care available | Sibling discounts

“First we learn to move, then we move to learn!”

Part or Full Time | Registration opens February 3rd!

Register online! FUNdamental Athletics Academy | faalincoln.com | 8400 Cody Dr | 402-975-8237 PAGE 36 • LINCOLNKIDSINC.COM

LINCOLN KIDS! SUMMER CAMP GUIDE HOSTED BY Academic Advantage Aimee’s Premier Dance Art Academy Lincoln Blue Raven Music Studios Bluestem Montessori Bright Lights Camp Kitaki Camp Solaris

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

CONTACT

AACDC offers summer programs designed to excite children and encourage learning through field trips (typically 1-2 per day!), games, weekly themes, fun events, sports, arts/crafts, science, reading, math, & more! For more info on the Summer Program for kids 5-12 years old, call one of our Lincoln locations: (402) 465-4769 • (402) 421-7301 • (402) 420-5440 • See below to learn more!

Now with 4 locations! www.AACDC.com 6760 Woodland Blvd. (Hickman) 402-440-8770 www.apremierdance.com

Magical Unicorn Camp: Ages 3-4 & 5-7, June 23-25 • Frozen Camp: Ages 3-4 & 5-7, July 7-9 Boys Hip Hop and Tap Camp: Ages 4-6 and 7 & up, June 9-11 Visit our website for more information and to register! www.apremierdance.com. See our ad below!

5921 Berkley Drive 402-499-7754 ArtAcademyLincoln.com

Have a Creative Summer with hands-on Art Workshops at Art Academy Lincoln! Ages K-5, M-F from 9am-12pm. Session 1: June 8-12, Drawing & Painting • Session 2: June 15-19, Sculpture & Pottery. $130/week. All supplies included! Class limited to 10—register early! Visit website, call, or text for details. See our ad p. 5.

3835 S. 48th St. 402-486-0599 BlueRavenMusic.com

Offering music-based summer day camps. Learn to jam with Acoustic Band Camp and channel your muse in Songwriter Camp, both 4th through 8th grade. Embrace your inner rock star with Rock Camp and learn how to play in a rock band setting, 6th through 9th grade. Space is limited for all camps. $25 reserves your spot! See details in our ad below.

6300 A Street 402-735-0987 bluestemmontessori.com

Join us for summer fun, Montessori style! Grades K-6, $175/week. June 8-12: Ocean Adventures; June 15-19: Greek Gods Galore. Registration opens February 1 at www.bluestemmontessori.com or call (402) 735-0987. See our ad p. 30. Learn while having fun & making friends! Five weeks of half-day classes & full-day camps for students in K-8th grade. Hands-on, STEAM-based classes cover a variety of fun, unique, & engaging topics. Summer 2020 classes run June1-5; June 8-12; June 15-19; June 22-26; and July 6-10. Before care, lunch care, & scholarships available. See class schedule at BrightLights.org. Registration begins March 21 at 8 am. See p. 31!

402-420-1115 BrightLights.org

Fantastic Summer Camps: 3, 7 and 14-day experiences for ages 7–17. Spring Camps too! One-week sessions begin in June through mid-August. Ranch camp for horse lovers, 1/2 week adventure mini camps for ages 7-9, and leadership camps for ages 14-17. See our ad p. 26.

402-434-9222 YMCACampKitaki.org

Camp Sonshine’s overnight facility, Camp Solaris, offers programs for 3rd–12th grade. Activities include Aerial Park, archery tag, stand up paddle boards, go-karts, water activities, nature, challenge course & field trips! Located just south of Firth between Lincoln and Beatrice. Go to CampSonshineMemories.org! See our ad to the left!

2349 State Hwy Spur 34b (Firth) 402-423-8746 CampSonshineMemories.org 13440 S. 25th St. (Roca) 402-423-8746 CampSonshineMemories.org

Camp Sonshine

Summer Day camps for K-6 grade & Leadership training for 7-9th grade. Go-karts, archery, nature, crafts, cooking, swimming, inflatables & more! Just minutes south of Lincoln in Roca! Go to CampSonshineMemories.org. See our ad on p. 36.

Chase the Spirit of Dance

Summer Dance Camps for ages 9+ • Beginner to advanced levels • July 6-9, 9am-3pm • Bring a lunch! Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Hip Hop, Yoga, Jazz, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Clogging, Leaps & Turns We also offer three-week summer sessions & and several boys-only groups for ages 3 to adult! See our ad below!

1233 Libra Drive 402-904-4091 chasethespirit.dance

6wks–12 yrs

Teaching, nurturing, and developing the future... future...

Monday-Friday 6:30am–6:00pm Video Surveillance & Secure Entry

one child at a time.

Year-Round Preschool 8215 NORTHWOODS #100

402-465-4769

We have summer programs too!

Summer Music Camps at Blue Raven Music Studios Space limited • $25 saves your SPOT! 4-8th grade • June 8-10 • Mon-WeD • 10am-2pm 6-9th grade • June 29-31 • Mon-Wed • 10am-2pm 4-8th grade • July 21-23, 25 • Mon-Wed • 9am-12pm

3835 S 48th st • 402-486-0599 • blueravenmusic.com

7301 S. 15TH ST.

402-421-7301

6021 S. 56TH ST.

402-420-5440 WWW.AACDC.COM

NEW CENTER SPRING 2020! 80th & Yankee Woods Enroll now! 402-420-5440

the Spirit of Danc ase h e C

Summer Dance Camps

3-Week Summer Sessions

July 6–9th, 9am-3pm

June 8–26 • July 6–24

Ages 9+ | Bring a lunch! Beg./Inter. & Inter./Adv.

Evenings, Monday–Thursday Ages 3–Adult

With a special guest instructor from NYC!

All genres, ages & levels, including several boys-only groups!

www.ChaseTheSpirit.Dance | 402-904-4091 | 1233 Libra Dr. SPRING 2020 • PAGE 37

LINCOLN KIDS! SUMMER CAMP GUIDE HOSTED BY Family Service Lincoln FUNdamental Athletics Academy Genesis Health Clubs Grace Lutheran Haymarket Theatre Husker Kids Husker Adventures

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Our camps are about fun & choices and focus on Positivity-Reliability-Innovation & Determination through experiences in Art, Wellness Adventure & STEM themes, including swimming & field trips! Choose the location closest to you: Huntington, Maxey or Meadow Lane Elementary. May 26-August 7. $125/week + $20 activity fee. Week by week registration allowed. See our ad p. 41. Sport-specific day camps, free play, and field trips make our program the FUN and healthy option for supervised summer FUN. Register by week or for the whole summer. Grades 1-5. See our ad p. 36.

LifeSTROKES Lincoln Children’s Museum

402-441-7949 familyservicelincoln.org 8400 Cody Dr. 402-975-8237 faalincoln.com

5300 Old Cheney Rd. At Mighty Camps, we create an enriching summer camp experience for kids ages 5–12 packed with active, fun-filled days that your child will be stoked to be a part of! Sport workshops, field trips, STEAM programming, improv classes, swimming, & character programming 402-413-1085 fill our days at Mighty Camp. Avoid a long, boring summer at home & join the Mighty Camp family in 2020! See p. 40! genesishealthclubs.com/camps FREE one-week Vacation Bible School for grades K-5th. Families welcome, watch for more details in summer edition. We also invite you join us for our FREE & fun Easter EGGstravaganza on Saturday, April 4, 1-3. Games, crafts, refreshments & prizes! See p. 7 for details. Spring Musical: Monty Python’s Spamalot, Saturdays March 21-May 9, 10am-4pm. Summer Musical Camps M-F 10am-4pm: Into The Woods May 26-June 12 • Treasure Island June 15-26 • Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night July 6-17 • The Wizard of Oz July 20-August 7. Before/aftercare available • For cost, performance dates, and other details, see our ad on p 39 and visit our website. Recreational sports, field trips, swimming, talent shows, crafts, and more await your child at Campus Rec! Weekly June 1–July 31 (no camp June 29–July 3). $130/week per child grades 2-6 & 7-8. Camp runs 7:15am–4:15pm, extended care available for $10/week/child. A $25 deposit will save your spot! Space limited. Register online or stop by Campus Rec M-F 6am-5:30pm to sign up! See our ad. p 39. Sparkle & Shine, It’s Summer Time at Intermix Dance! Summer sessions: June 1-5, June 15-19, & Jul 27-31 • Cutie Camps: June 8-11 & July 20-23 Register online beginning Mar 1 for summer camps & dance instruction. See our ad on p. 35!

Intermix Dance Co. KidsPark

CONTACT

2225 Washington St 402-474-1505 www.egrace.org 402-477-2600 HaymarketTheatre.org 402-472-3467 go.unl.edu/camp 2755 Jamie Lane 402-904-6753 intermixdance.com

Flexible camps that works with your schedule—whenever school is out! Fun weekly themes. Pick your days & pay as you go. Never pay for days when you are gone & all activities are included in our hourly rates. Come as little or as much as you’d like. As always, no reservation required! Drop in for a tour & hourly childcare—nights, evenings, & weekends as you need it! Learn more p. 23!

5633 S. 16th St 402-413-8849 kidspark.com/lincoln

Dive into our summer swim camps at LifeSTROKES! Ages 3+ can enroll in our 30 min. lessons daily for 2 weeks. Make new friends. Learn new skills. Gain water confidence. Registration opens in March. Call, stop in, or register online! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit www.lifestrokes.com for more details! See our ad p. 39.

1601 Normandy Ct 402-421-SWIM (7946) www.Lifestrokes.com

Summer Camps for ages 4y–4th grade, 7:30am-5:30pm; half-days 7:30-11:30am. Kids explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math through the power of play! Includes playtime in the museum, weekly field trips, and exclusive programming on the top secret 3rd floor designed for making messes, friends, & memories. Limited space. For themes & dates see our ad on p. 32!

PAGE 38 • LINCOLNKIDSINC.COM

1420 P St. 402-477-4000 LincolnChildrensMuseum.org

Registration opens

February 3 go.unl.edu /camp Camp day is 7:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Grades 2–8 Session 1

June 1–5

Session 2

June 8–13

Session 3

June 15–19

Session 4

June 22–26

no camp June 29–July 3 Session 5

July 6–10

130 per week per child.

Session 6

July 13–17

Extended session options for $10/week/child.

Session 7

July 20–24

Session 8

July 27–31

Non-refundable deposit *required for each child per

Husker Kids is grades 2–6. Husker Adventures is grades 7–8.

session to reserve a spot.

A service of the Office of Student Affairs. Campus Recreation welcomes persons with all abilities. Please inquire about the availability of accommodations for special needs. The university of Nebraska does not discriminate based on any protected status. Please see go.unl.edu/nondiscrimination.

Spring Swim Lessons

March 16–May 21

6 months to adult | Enroll anytime! Sign up begins in March for Summer Swim Lessons & Camps

www.LIFESTROKES.com

1601 Normandy Ct. (14th & Old Cheney) 402-421-SWIM (7946) | swim@lifestrokes.com SPRING 2020 • PAGE 39

LINCOLN KIDS! SUMMER CAMP GUIDE HOSTED BY Lincoln Children’s Zoo Lincoln Community Playhouse Lincoln Parks & Recreation Lincoln Parks & Recreation

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Summer camps for all ages! Learn from Zookeepers & meet your favorite animal friends from May 26-July 31. 3-4 yrs + parents: 8:30-10:00am or 1:30-3:00pm • 4-5 yrs & 6-7 yrs: 8:30-Noon or 1:00-4:30pm, full days available! 8-10 yrs & 10-12 yrs: 8:30am-4:30pm. Space is limited! Register at LincolnZoo.org! See our ad p. 34. Theatre Arts Academy presents Summer Youth Camps for ages 8-15! Offering skills camps & musical productions M–F, 9am–4pm, with performances on select Saturdays. June 8-12: Musical Theatre Skills Camp, $175 • June 15-26: The Lion King Kids, $335 July 6-17: The AristoCats Kids, $335 • July 20-31: The Music Man Kids, $335 • August 3-7: Improv Skills Camp, $175. See our ad p. 41. Come out and play with our summer day camps! Our camps are all about creating memories, exploring new adventures, making friends, and celebrating being a kid. Register for a week or the entire summer. Need-based scholarships available. Title XX eligible. Locations: Air Park, Belmont, Bethany Park, Calvert, Irving & McPhee. 7A-6P. $139/wk. See our ad p. 29.

CONTACT 1222 S 27th Street 402-475-6741 www.LincolnZoo.org 2500 S. 56th St. 402-489-7529 lincolnplayhouse.com 6 Locations! parks.lincoln.ne.gov (KW: Summer Day Camps)

Nature Camps

Nature camps for ages 6-13, June 8-July 31, 8:30 am – 5 pm, $190/wk. Leadership Camp for ages 14-17, June 1-5, $160/wk. Discovery Camp for ages 3-6 offered M-Th weekly June 1-July 16, 9-11:30am, $90. Scholarships available. See our ad p. 29.

PPNC • 402-441-7895 parks.lincoln.ne.gov (KW: Nature Camp)

LUX Center for the Arts

Art Camps! Clay, pottery wheel, painting, drawing, illustration, metalsmithing, STEAM, & sampler art camps for youth ages 5-8, 9-12, & 13+. Morning sessions 9am-noon, afternoons 2-5pm. Make it a full day & register for both w/optional lunch care (12-2pm)! Before care avail. (8-9am). Spring Break Camps March 9-13 • Summer Camps June 3-Aug 9. Info & registration online. See pages 25 & 55.

2601 N. 48th St. 402-466-8692 luxcenter.org/CAMPS

Makit Takit

Slime, splatter, pour paintings and more! Elementary kids will have hands-on creative fun with our 1-week summer camps! July 20-24, 9am-noon: Camp Mini Makers for grades K-2 • July 27-31, 9am-noon: Camp Art Rageous for grades 3-5 August 3-7, 9am-noon: Camp Color Crave for grades 3-5 • $150/week, all supplies included! Info & registration online. See ad p. 32!

4720 Prescott Ave. 402-483-4232 makittakit.com

Morrill Hall

Exciting hands-on camps for grades 1-6! Mini & Mighty: July 6-10, 1st-2nd grade. Elephants, Dinos, & Rhinos, Oh My!: July 13-17, 3rd-5th grade. Space Expedition: July 20-24, 4th-6th grade. 8:30am-12:15pm, $95 members/$105 non, includes materials & snacks. Register at museum.unl.edu/camp. See p. 21.

645 N. 14th, UNL 402-472-2642 museum.unl.edu

My Gym Oxbow Vet Camp Prairie Hill Learning Center

My Gym’s Summer Camps provide nonstop fun all summer long! Children play energizing fitness games, noncompetitive gymnastics, arts & crafts, music, and more! Ages 2.5-10 (potty trained). Offered to members & nonmembers! Details & registration online. SAVE 20% with our ad p. 33!

2755 Jamie Lane 402-802-9982 MyGym.com/Lincoln

Explore a day in the life of a veterinarian! Camps available for 2nd-5th grade M-Th & 6th-8th grade M-F, 8am-4pm, in June & July. Learn about animal behaviors & nutrition, interact with live animals, & perform a simulated exploratory surgery—you keep your scrubs & stethoscope! Camp dates & registration online or email VetCamp@OxbowAnimalHealth.com. SAVE $25 w/ code LK20A. See p. 41!

800-249-0366 OxbowVetCamp.com

Country day camps at Nebraska’s first wind-powered school! 1 & 2-week sessions, June-August. Ages 3-13 years. Have fun learning about nature, animals, and more! Just 7 miles south of Lincoln on Hwy. 77. See our ad p. 43.

PAGE 40 • LINCOLNKIDSINC.COM

17705 South 12th St 402-438-6668 Prairiehill.com

HELLO

SUMMER June 15-26, 2020; Performances June 27 Type of Camp: Musical Production Maximum enrollment: 30 | Ages 8-15 Cost: $335 (includes t-shirt)

July 6-17, 2020; Performances July 18 Type of Camp: Musical Production Maximum enrollment: 30 | Ages 8-15 Cost: $335 (includes t-shirt)

! n Fu S

June 8-12, 2020; Performances June 13 Type of Camp: Skills Maximum enrollment: 30 | Ages 8-15 Cost: $175 (includes t-shirt)

R PROG E M R UM RATES

$145/week

($125 tuition +$20 activity fee) July 20-31, 2020; Performances August 1 Type of Camp: Musical Production Maximum enrollment: 30 | Ages 8-15 Cost: $335 (includes t-shirt)

AGES

March 9-13, 2020; Performances March 14 Type of Camp: Musical Production Maximum enrollment: 30 | Ages 8-15 Cost: $175 (includes t-shirt)

Grades K-5

(Completed Kindergarten)

HOURS 7AM–5:4 5PM Breakfast, lunch, & PM snack provided

August 3-7, 2020; Showcase August 8 Type of Camp: Skills Maximum enrollment: 30 | Ages 8-15 Cost: $175 (includes t-shirt)

ALL CAMPS ARE WEEKDAYS FROM 9 AM TO 4 PM. PERFORMANCES ARE 10 AM, 11:30 AM AND 1 PM ON DESIGNATED SATURDAYS. REGISTRATIONS ACTIVE JANUARY 7, 2020 • LINCOLNPLAYHOUSE.COM

Dates May 26 – Aug 27 Weekly Sign-Ups | No minimum

Weekly ﬁeld trips, swimming & more!

Locations

Choose your theme each week!

Huntington Maxey

Art – Wellness – STEM

Meadow Lane Online Registration familyservicelincoln.org/youth-development-program/ Click “New Parent Registration” or “Parent Portal” Title XX accepted & Financial Assistance available for families that apply & qualify. For more info: thayes@familyservicelincoln.org.

Helping Families Thrive

402.441.7949 familyservicelincoln.org SPRING 2020 • PAGE 41

Summer

THEATRE CAMPS

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS FOR ALL AGES!

FULL DAY • 1-WEEK CAMPS HALF DAY • 1-WEEK CLASSES CIRCUS ACTS

Ages 6–10 | Music & Movement June 15–19 | 9:30–11:00 | $100

TOTAL THEATRE EXPERIENCE

Ages 7–15 | Sing! Act! Dance! June 1–5 | 9:30–3:30 | $200 Frozen, Bye Bye Birdie, Charlotte's Web & more!

CONTEMPORARY BROADWAY

WORD WIZARDS

Ages 7-15 | Screamers Performance! June 8–12 | 9:30–3:30* | $200 *Half day available upon request

ELMO & FRIENDS

Ages 7-15 | Straight Plays! July 6–10 | 9:30–3:30 | $150

Ages 10+ | Acting & Playwriting June 15–19 | 12:30–3:30 | $150

Ages 3–8 June 22–26 | 9:30–11:00 | $100

BROADWAY OUT WEST

Ages 7-15 June 22–26 | 12:30–3:30 | $150 Oklahoma, Annie Get Your Gun, Bonnie & Clyde & more!

FAIRY TALE FRENZY

VOICE • 1-WEEK CLASS VOICE CLASS I

BUDDY THE WISH FISH

Ages 7–15 | Vocal Instruction June 15–19 | 11:15–12:00 | $50

ROCKIN' AROUND BROADWAY

Ages 7–15 | Vocal Instruction June 22–26 | 11:15–12:00 | $50

Ages 3–8 June 29–July 3 | 9:30–11:00 | $100

Ages 7-15 June 29–July 3 | 12:30–3:30 | $150 Hairspray, Bye Bye Birdie, Jersey Boys & more!

VOICE CLASS II

VOICE CLASS III

Ages 7–15 | Vocal Instruction June 29–July 3 | 11:15–12:00 | $50

FULL DAY • 2-WEEK THEATRICAL PRODUCTION ANNOUNCING THE SHOW SOON!

This is going to be HUGE! Check TAFK.org for updates. Ages 7-15 | Musical Theatre Production M–F July 13–24 | 9:30–3:30 | $400 Performances July 23, 7pm • July 24, 2 & 7pm

TAFK.ORG • INFO@TAFK.ORG

LINCOLN KIDS! SUMMER CAMP GUIDE HOSTED BY SAC Aerospace Museum SPARK Summer Learning Swimtastic Theatre Arts for Kids True Dance & Co True Dance & Co Summer Intensive

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

CONTACT

Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum Camps are OUT OF THIS WORLD! Aviation, Technology, Robotics, Space, & more! Grades 1-3: Build It Camp June 10, 14, 21 and *new* WEDO Robotics Camp July 1-3 & 22-24. Grades 4-6: Build it Camp June 13, 18, & Aug 1. Register for one day or several! Before/aftercare available. See our ad below! Explore. Play. Create. Kids and parents get it all: days packed full of summer camp fun, like swimming and field trips, alongside STEAM programming to spark curiosity about the world we live in. Open to kids that have completed K-5. Extended care hours before and after available for FREE. Scholarships available. See our ad p. 38!

7911 Pioneers Blvd 402-489-7946 Swimtastic.com 4325 Sumner St. TAFK.org

Sing! Dance! Act! Kids ages 3-15 can enjoy exciting Theatre Camps all summer long, from Sesame Street to Circus Acts, Broadway Musicals to Voice Classes and more!! For the full line-up, see our ad to the left! Sail Away with TDC Summer Dance Camps! Ages 2-6 • Register online! Mermaids & Pirates June 1-5 • Princess Camp June 15-19 • Tutti Fruitti Luau July 20-24. Our camps are a magical highlight of the summer! Space limited. Sign up in March. See our ads p. 2 & 17!

5445 Red Rock Lane 402-423-8838 TrueDanceLincoln.com

True Dance Exclusive one week Summer Dance Intensive, June 22-26, ages (8 & up) with Jay Jay Dixonbey from SYTYCD, Kurtis Sprung-JUMP, Eric Carnes-Ballet Master, McKaylee True-U of A Dance Major & Guest Artists from around the country in Ballroom, Tap, Contemporary, & Hip Hop! Limited Space available, registration opens March 1st. Come join our award-winning 2020-21 Co.! Team Auditions-June 27th, must be enrolled in intensive to audition. See p. 17!

5445 Red Rock Lane 402-423-8838 TrueDanceLincoln.com

Register now for True Knowledge Preschool’s Fairytale Summer Camp. Ages 3-6, June 15-19 from 9-11am and 12-2pm. Enchanting fun with hands-on activities, crafts, music, and more! See our ad p. 4!

UNL Glenn Korff School of Music

Stay tuned for the announcement of our classic summer band camps: Nebraska Show Choir Camp • Middle School Band Camp • Cornhusker Summer Marching Band Camp • For current info, contact 402-472-2505 • band@unl.edu • See our Spring camps & events on p. 32

YMCA

www.SparkSummer.org

Get a jump start with 2 week swim camps throughout the summer. Camps run every morning Mon–Fri for 25-30 minutes! Children 2 & up will be grouped by their age and then ability with no more than 3–4 kids in a class. Camps start June 1st and runs through August 7th. Give us a call and we can find the best fit for you! See our ad below!

True Knowledge Preschool

Wee Wisdom

28210 W Park Hwy (Ashland) 402-944-3100 x 204 SACMuseum.org

5445 Red Rock Lane 402-570-1252 TrueKnowledgeLincoln.com Registration opens online: arts.unl.edu/music/camps

5201 Old Cheney Rd 402-420-7111 weewisdompreschool.org

Fun & educational Summer Camps offered at Wee Wisdom Christian Preschool & Academy, a ministry of Citylight Church. Children will play, learn, create, and make friends & memories. See our ad p. 11 and please join us for our Family Fun Night fundraiser on April 17 from 5-8pm! Happy kids play at the Y! Keep your kids healthy, active, and safe all summer long with YMCA’s Summer Day Camps! Little Explorers (ages 3-5) • Little Adventurers (entering Kindergarten) • Summer Adventure (entering grades 1-8) • Running Creek (entering grades 1-5) • Creative Camp (entering grades 1st-8) • Counselors-in-Training. Title XX accepted. Register online! See our ad p. 22.

Offered at 4 local Y locations! ymcalincoln.org

PRAIRIE HILL Learning Center www.prairiehill.com

(402) 438-6668

Summer Camps

Nature-centered day camp programs for children ages 6-15 & mini-camps for ages 3-6. Various dates & themes all summer • Overnight options & pony rides, too!

SPRING 2020 • PAGE 43

LK!

Birthday Fun & Party Places Prices & Specials subject to change without notice.

FUN FEATURES!

NAME Butterfly Kisses Face Painting Cheer Xpress

402-730-7197 info@butterflykissesfacepainting.com www.ButterflyKissesFacePainting.com

Add fun sparkles & color to your party with professional face painting & glitter tattoos! Unicorn, dinosaur, fairy princess, tiger & more! So many options & so much fun! Have your next birthday party at Cheer Xpress. Open Gym parties including trampoline, tumble track, spring floors and lots of fun equipment. Come to play, jump, and tumble. Cheer theme parties available too! Let us do the entertaining, setup, and cleanup, so you can enjoy the party!

1130 Aries Drive (14th & Pine Lake) 402-489-5111 CheerXpress.com

Looking for a unique entertainment option for your next party? Consider an author event! Programming is customized to fit your needs and can include books, music, crafts & games. Party favor options also available!

editors@handersenpublishing.com 402-904-9618 www.handersenpublishing.com

Handersen Publishing

Private birthday parties available! Invitations, balloon favors, a gift for the birthday child, face painting, art, and games are all included. We do the cleanup when the party is over! Sundays 10:30am-12:30pm or 6:30pm-8:30pm. Book your date online at kidspark.com/lincoln today!

5633 S. 16th St. 402-413-8849 KidsPark.com/lincoln

Party at the Pool! Host your child’s birthday party at LifeSTROKES for a splashing good time! $250 includes 2 hours of private facility use for up to 25 children & their chaperones—pool toys, food & refreshments, decorations, and safety vests welcome! Offered Friday evenings & Saturday afternoons.

1601 Normandy Ct 402-421-SWIM (7946) www.Lifestrokes.com

KidsPark LifeSTROKES

CONTACT

Lincoln Children’s Museum

Lincoln Children’s Museum sets the perfect stage for a fun and memorable birthday party for your child. The Museum offers a party room for birthday festivities, hours of play in its interactive exhibits & your choice of eight fun themes. Parties start at $89. Visit LincolnChildrensMuseum.org to pick the perfect party for you.

Lincoln Children’s Zoo

Critter visits, train rides, & all day fun await your birthday at Lincoln Children’s Zoo! Choose from our Safari Room, Secret Jungle Room or the iconic Crooked House. Basic package is just $225, upgrade to the Ultimate for only $50 more! Visit LincolnZoo.org to pick your party, select your date and reserve your room and time.

1222 S. 27th St 402-475-6741 LincolnZoo.org

Lincoln Laser Tag

Fun for all ages! Four amazing party packages to choose from to meet your needs & budget. You’ll get 2+ sessions of laser tag with options like pizza, Dippin’ Dots, & a private glow room. The birthday guest of honor & guests are sure to have a blast, making laser tag an excellent choice. Pay for only the guests that show up, saving you $$!

6600 N 27th Street 402-476-4824 lincolnlasertag.com

Your outdoor playland...indoors! Fun for all ages! Private party rooms, playsets, foam pit, inflatable jumpers, fun maze, laser maze, video games, jumping pillow, Ballocity, and snack area with yummy food & drinks! We do company parties, too! Book your next Fun-tastic party online at lostinfun.com!

Lost In Fun! LUX Center for the Arts

Real art taught by real artists! Guests can each build and paint their own clay mugs, bowls, or plates. Other popular projects include canvas painting, fused glass suncatchers, and custom projects. Parties for 8 participants start at just $150! Pottery wheel parties are available for kids ages 10+.

Madsen’s Bowling

Host a Bowling Party! Kids love our bumper bowling. Includes a “personalized” bowling pin gift for the birthday child! Special ramps for the young bowlers. Ask about Jr. Pool Leagues!

Makit Takit Lincoln’s Craft Studio

1420 P Street 402-477-4000 LincolnChildrensMuseum.org

8431 Cody Dr. (15th & Yankee Hill) 402-261-0440 LostInFun.com 2601 N. 48th St. 402-466-8692 www.LUXcenter.org/PARTY 47th & Dudley 402-467-3249 2 blks south of 48th & Holdrege

SPLATTER! SLIME! PAINT! Fun craft parties for kids & adults in groups up to 25. Hands-on fun—several arts & crafts to choose from, including our NEW! Cosmic Splatter party! BYO food & drink, we’ll handle the rest! Starting at $225. We also offer take home Takit Party Boxes for $100!

4720 Prescott Avenue 402-483-4232 • MakitTakit.com Christy@MakitTakit.com

Morrill Hall

Be a paleontologist, discover some of the most bizarre creatures to inhabit Earth, or go on a treasure hunt exploring the museum’s rocks & minerals! Guided museum activities including a hands-on fossil dig in the Marx Discovery Center & gifts for every child! Six party themes to choose from. Private party room!

Morrill Hall on the UNL Campus 402-472-2637 museum.unl.edu/birthdays

My Gym

Your Child is the Star! Supervised age-appropriate games, fun activities, rides, songs, puppets and more! Your birthday party can enjoy exclusive use of our facility! MyGym.com/Lincoln

2755 Jamie Lane, Suite 4 (27th & Yankee Hill) • 402-802-9982 www.MyGym.com/Lincoln

Nebraska Ninja & Triniti Gymnastics

Ninja warrior or gymnastics birthday parties with specialized obstacles and games. Parties are 90 minutes – spacious party room – experienced and helpful instructors. Please call or email us for available times & prices.

Pioneers Park Nature Center Spring Creek Prairie

8335 Cody Dr. • 402-525-8396 trigym@trinitigymnastics.com trinitigymnastics.com • nebraskaninja.com

Owls, snakes, bugs, and the great outdoors are eager to make your child’s birthday a special one! Starting at $125, parties include a guided hike or activity, party favors, & special gift for the birthday child.

West end of Pioneers Park 402-441-7895 parks.lincoln.ne.gov/naturecenter

Happy BIRDday on the Prairie Parties! Looking for a family-fun nature way to celebrate your youngster’s birthday? Look no further than a BIRDday Party on the Prairie with Audubon. Programs can be held for 8-20 and include a space rental fee and outdoor nature activities.

11700 SW 100th St. (Denton) 402-797-2301 • scp@audubon.org springcreekprairie.audubon.org

Swimtastic Swim School

Swimtastic Swim School takes the stress out of party planning & replaces it with 2 hours of fun for the whole family! Become a mermaid or a pirate for a day with our themed parties or enjoy a get-together in the warm water pool! Parties include private use of the indoor pool, tie-dye t-shirt for the birthday child, invitations, paper products, balloons, family swim passes for each attendee, setup and teardown! Call or click to register!

7911 Pioneers Blvd 402-489-7946 Swimtastic.com

Think, Make, Create! Mobile Learning Labs

At your child's next birthday, what if they got to choose activities that allowed their friends to QUESTION like a Scientist, DESIGN like a technologist, BUILD like an engineer, CREATE like an artist, DEDUCE like a mathematician, and PLAY LIKE A KID? Rent a Think,Make,Create Mobile Learning Lab and let us bring a trailer full of STEAM activities to engage your K-8th grade group. $250 includes delivery and pick-up. Canopy and folding tables included!

Chris 402-904-5191 bitly.com/tmc-labs

YMCA: Cooper, Fallbrook, & Copple Family

Have your next birthday party at the Y! The YMCA offers a variety of birthday party options to fit any child. Join us to swim or have one of our themed birthday parties. Parties start at $75. Call for more information, or visit YMCALincoln.org

Cooper: 6767 S. 14th St. 402-323-6400 Fallbrook: 700 Penrose Dr. 402-323-6444 Copple Family: 8700 Yankee Woods Dr. 402-327-0037

For advertising information, please email karla@lincolnkidsinc.com PAGE 44 • LINCOLNKIDSINC.COM

LK!

Children’s Lessons & Activities NAME

PROGRAMS

DESCRIPTION

Dance

Aimee’s Premier Dance in Hickman offers a variety of dance styles for ages 3+, including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Pointe, and Boys' Classes. All classes use age-appropriate music, choreography, and costuming.

Guitar, Strings, Voice & more!

Guitar, Drums, Bass, Piano, Dobro, Lap Steel, Mandolin, Banjo, Violin, Viola, Ukulele, Group Bands, & Voice instruction for all ages. Fun, positive learning environment. Reduced rate guitar & ukulele classes for kids ages 5-9.

Gymnastics

Gymnastics classes for boys & girls ages 2 through 16. We promote an “I can do” attitude, building not only overall physical skills, but also “life skills”.

5030 N. 57th 402-464-9692 CapitalCityGymnastics.net

Chinese Language

Learn how to listen, speak, and read Chinese! Engaging classes for ages 6 to adult held on UNL Campus. Evening & weekend options available. Register online!

W205 Nebraska Hall (UNL) 402-472-5370 ConfuciusInstitute.unl.edu

Children’s Float Lessons

The Float 4 Life Center combines physical & educational components of water safety through 1-on-1 float lessons, water safety milestones, and Josh the Otter water safety education. The center also serves as the National Training Facility for instructors who want to learn water safety & floating techniques.

8445 Executive Woods Drive 402-613-5555 www.float4life.org

Swimming Lessons

Equipping all generations with lifesaving skills. Enroll anytime! Professional instruction & fun for ages 6 months to adult. 30-minute morning & evening classes once weekly, Mon through Thu. Register online, call, or stop by!

1601 Normandy Ct 402-421-SWIM (7946) www.Lifestrokes.com

Vocal Ensemble

Lincoln Boys Choir provides vocal education, fellowship & life skills through performance for boys ages 8-18 years in three choirs: Cantare, Chorale, or Concert Choir. Artists in residence at Saint Paul UMC. Membership requires audition, tuition & uniform.

402-499-4446 LincolnBoysChoir.org

Fun Learning Activities

FREE with admission or membership! • 10:30am Wednesdays: Oh Snap! Science, a 10-20 minute science demonstration to amaze, engage & encourage kids to ask “Why?” Every Thursday: Open late ’til 8 with fun, rotating activities scheduled at 6pm!

1420 P Street, Lincoln, NE 402-477-4000 LincolnChildrensMuseum.org

Lincoln Fencing Club

Fencing

Play with swords? Yes, please! Learn to fence foil, épée, and saber— the three Olympic fencing weapons—in a supportive, welcoming environment. Classes for ages 4 to adult. Scholarships and family discounts available.

Lincoln Irish Dancers

Irish Step Class Ages 7 & Up

Irish Step Class for ages 7y–adult. Mondays 6:30-7:30 pm beginning April 6. $20 for the entire 5-week session + $15 annual registration. Classes held in Eastridge Presbyterian, 56th & A.

1135 Eastridge Dr. LincolnIrishDancers.org lincolnirishdancers@gmail.com

Lincoln Irish Dancers

Irish Social Dance Ages 12 & Up

Irish Social Dance Class (like square dancing) for ages 12y–adult. Mondays 7-8pm beginning April 6. $25 for the entire 5-week session + $15 annual registration. Classes held in Eastridge Presbyterian, 56th & A.

1135 Eastridge Dr. LincolnIrishDancers.org lincolnirishdancers@gmail.com

Music Lessons

Find a Music Teacher! Access www.LMTA.info for a Teacher Directory. Low-cost lessons available. See www.LMTA.info [Music Outreach]

Art Classes

Weekly art classes, one-time family workshops, spring/summer camps, and private lessons for all ages. All classes are taught by professional artists. Popular topics include clay, pottery wheel, painting, drawing, metals, glass, and more! Small class sizes for personalized learning.

Dance

Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Hip-Hop and 2-Gether. Classes for two-year olds through high school. Welcoming & inviting space with ample viewing room so families can watch their dancers shine! We also offer customized dance-themed birthday parties.

Gymnastics & Sports Skills

Your child will have fun while building confidence & self-esteem in our beginning gymnastics & sports skills classes. Games, relays, dances & rides. Age appropriate classes. MyGym.com/Lincoln

2755 Jamie Ln, Ste 4 (27th & Yankee Hill) • 402-802-9982 MyGym.com/Lincoln

Group Vocal Lessons, Music Education, Performance & more!

Fun weekly choir rehearsals to help polish the voice for future auditions, ensembles, theater & more. We perform at various places around the city to show off our skills. Open to singers in 2nd–8th grade. No audition necessary, just the love of singing & dedication to music education! Low registration cost (assistance can be requested).

2000 D St. (First Plymouth Church) 402-202-0565 www.naova.com

Aimee’s Premier Dance Blue Raven Music Studios Capital City Gymnastics Confucius Institute Float for Life LifeSTROKES Lincoln Boys Choir Lincoln Children’s Museum

Lincoln Music Teachers Association LUX Center for the Arts Motions Dance Academy My Gym Nebraska Academy of Vocal Arts Nebraska Ninja & Triniti Gymnastics

Ninja Warrior & Gymnastics

CONTACT 6760 Woodland Blvd. (Hickman) 402-440-8770 www.apremierdance.com 3835 S. 48th St. (by Union College) 402-486-0599 BlueRavenMusic.com

2645 O Street, Suite 2 402-420-7688 www.lincolnfencing.com

www.LMTA.info 2601 N. 48th St. 402-466-8692 www.LUXcenter.org 8335 Cody Dr., Ste. A 402-420-0579 www.motionsdance.net

Our new facility will offer Lincoln an astonishing Gymnastics & Ninja experience. 8335 Cody Dr. • 402-525-8396 Gymnastics for ages 18 months & up - Ninja classes for kids & adults - Gymnastics lessons trigym@trinitigymnastics.com for preschool boys & girls - Gymnastics recreational or team classes for girls. trinitigymnastics.com • nebraskaninja.com Knowledgeable and kind instructors - New clean facilities - Spacious viewing

Swimtastic Swim School

Swimming Lessons

Experience the Swimtastic Difference! Swimtastic Swim School offers small class sizes with individualized attention, warm 90° water, professional and passionate instructors, family-first convenience, exceptional curriculum, and unparalleled customer service!

7911 Pioneers Blvd 402-489-7946 Swimtastic.com

YMCA of Lincoln

Swim, Dance, Gymnastics, Youth Gym & More!

With a focus on developing the potential of kids, the YMCA offers youth programs in a small group setting. Instructors work side-by-side with each child to teach safety and to develop their skills while keeping them moving, healthy, and active.

Cooper, Copple Family, Fallbrook, & Northeast YMCAs ymcalincoln.org/youthprograms

Find activities for babies and toddlers on the next page! SPRING 2020 • PAGE 45

LK!

Little One’s Activities Fun group activities geared towards infants & toddlers NAME

PROGRAM

CONTACT In East Lincoln Christian Church (70th & Edenton Rd,) • 402-770-1486 KindermusikOfLincoln.com

Kindermusik of Lincoln with Shawna Gordon

Days, evenings, & weekend classes for ages birth to 7! It’s more than just music— it’s development for the whole child, from physical to emotional to musical and more! Just $70/month for unlimited age-appropriate classes (some exceptions may apply).

Library Learning Times Lincoln City Libraries

Free drop-in storytimes with interactive play! Grouped by age from birth to preschool & almost every day! View the full schedule online. Family & teen events, too! Follow @Lincoln.Libraries on FB for events & info! NO GROUPS in August, December, or during inclement weather.

For schedule: LincolnLibraries.org Kids & Teens > Kids > Library Learning Times

LifeSTROKES

Infant & toddler swimming lessons! Grab a friend & jump in with your little one, 6–24 months, in a parent/tot class and be a part of the beginning of their swim journey. Independent classes start as early as age 2. Join anytime! 30-min classes held once weekly, Mon–Thu. Call, click, or stop by to register!

1601 Normandy Ct 402-421-SWIM (7946) www.Lifestrokes.com

Baby & toddler exercises, songs, dances, infant & child-safe rides, unique swings, and many other parent + me adventures in age-appropriate classes starting at 6 months. We also have independent classes for kids ages 3¼ through 10 years!

My Gym Pioneers Park Nature Center

Bring the family to explore the outdoors! Dig in the sandbox in the Natural Play Area, smell flowers in the Children’s Garden, and visit our live animal exhibits. The Nature Center is open Mon-Sat, 8:30am-5pm, and Sun noon-5pm. Admission is FREE!

2755 Jamie Lane, Suite 4 (27th & Yankee Hill) • 402-802-9982 MyGym.com/Lincoln 3201 S. Coddington (West end of Park) 402-441-7895 parks.lincoln.ne.gov/naturecenter

Pop-In Storytime Morrill Hall

Pop-in to the museum for storytime with Lincoln City Libraries on the 1st Thursday of each month at 4pm. Through stories, songs, and movement we’ll learn more about the natural world. Regular museum admission. Museum members attend for free.

Morrill Hall on the UNL Campus 402-472-2637 museum.unl.edu/storytime

Super Sprouts Lincoln Children’s Museum

Super Sprouts is a time for toddlers, preschoolers & their caring adults to practice their fine & gross motor skills, hear and interact with silly stories & songs, make new friends, and most importantly, PLAY! Every Tuesday at 10 a.m., program changes weekly. Regular museum admission, members attend for free.

1420 P Street 402-477-4000 LincolnChildrensMuseum.org

Swimtastic Swim School

Get your little ones safe and comfortable around the water right away! Join us for a free Infant/Toddler clinic or sign up for our once a week lessons. Start them out right in small groups with individual attention! With a warm and safe environment, we will be sure your kids love the water!

7911 Pioneers Blvd 402-489-7946 Swimtastic.com

The YMCA offers parent-with-child water discovery classes, as well as swim lessons that are designed to teach children, ages one to three years old, potentially life-saving techniques to keep them safe in and around water.

YMCA of Lincoln

Cooper, Copple Family, Fallbrook, & Northeast YMCAs ymcalincoln.org/aquatics

Follow Lincoln Kids Newspaper on Facebook & Instagram

“We appreciate Lincoln Kids because we know it is a top way for us to reach out to parents about our art classes and educational opportunities. How do we know? Parents tell us! We are pleased to be advertisers in Lincoln Kids because it is an excellent resource for parents and teachers about all that is available for the children in our community. Thank you!” —Joe Shaw, Executive Director, LUX Center for the Arts

LUX Center for the Arts The LUX is Lincoln’s Community Arts Center—a campus that oﬀers year-round classes and workshops for children and adults, ﬁve galleries for free public viewing, community events throughout the year, outreach & scholarship programs, and a variety of art opportunities for artists of all ages: Find Painting • Drawing • Ceramics • STEAM & more! | Art camps during school breaks LUX in our

402-466-8692 PAGE 46 • LINCOLNKIDSINC.COM

LUXcenter.org

2601 N. 48th St.

directories & on pages 25 & 55.

LK!

Child Care & Education Centers NAME

PROGRAMS

DESCRIPTION

AREA

CONTACT

Academic Advantage Child Development Center

6w-12y Preschool

New southeast location opening this spring! Educational childcare facilities offering care for ages 6 weeks to 12 years. Also accepting students for summer programs! Transportation to these schools: Kahoa, Pyrtle, Meadowlane, Calvert, Humann, Zeman, Maxey, Hill, Cavett, Wysong, and Adams. Visit www.AACDC.com for more info.

East, South

8215 Northwoods, #100, 402-465-4769 6021 S. 56th Street, 402-420-5440 7301 S. 15th Street, 402-421-7301

Calvert Recreation Center Preschool

Preschool

Our preschool program consists of fun early childhood activities to help support the learning and development of children ages 3-5. 2-, 3-, and 5-day/week sessions available.

South

Calvert Rec Center, 4500 Stockwell 402-441-8480 parks.lincoln.ne.gov/calvert

Dimensions Education at 7700 A St.

6w-6y Preschool

Quality early education program for children 6 weeks–preschool. Summer programs for children ages 6 weeks–1st grade. Visit DimensionsEd.org for information & online forms. Call for availability.

East Central

7700 A Street 402-476-8304 www.DimensionsEd.org

Dimensions Education at First Lutheran

6w-6y Preschool

Quality early education program for children 6 weeks–preschool Visit DimensionsEd.org for information & online forms. Call for availability.

East Central

1551 S. 70th St 402-476-8304 www.DimensionsEd.org

Dimensions Education at First-Plymouth

6w-6y Preschool

Quality early education program for children 6 weeks–preschool. Summer programs for children ages 6 weeks–1st grade. Visit DimensionsEd.org for information & online forms. Call for availability.

Central

In First-Plymouth Church, 20th & D 402-476-8304 www.DimensionsEd.org

Dual Language Preschool

Preschool

Our thematic content supports language development in English & Spanish and allows preschoolers of all language backgrounds to have fun while playing & learning kindergarten readiness skills. Openings currently available! M/W/F, 9-11:30am.

South

Irving Rec Center, 2010 Van Dorn, 402-441-7954 parks.lincoln.ne.gov/irving

Fingerprints Child Development Center

6w-10y Preschool

Featuring an educational curriculum for all ages in a loving Christian environment! Open 6:30am-6:00pm. 6 weeks–10 years. Enrolling now for part-time PreK morning program. M–F from 9am–11:30am.

Northeast

7800 Holdrege 402-467-4503 CapitolCity.org

Highlands Academy

6w-12y Preschool

Child Development & Family Resource Center. Ages 6 weeks–12 years. Full time care. Preschool curriculum.

Northwest

5901 NW 1st Street 402-476-2223 highlandsacademy.com

Kelly’s Kids (Highlands)

6w-5y Preschool

Open Monday-Friday, 7am-6pm. Care for ages 6 weeks–5 years. Developmentally appropriate curriculum in each classroom. Healthy homemade meals & individual classrooms. Title XX & private pay.

Northwest, Highlands

4901 NW 1st St 402-477-4901 www.kellyskidsldc.com

Kelly’s Kids Northeast

6w-12y Preschool

Now enrolling for all ages, part-time & full-time. Open Monday-Friday, 630am-6pm. Care for ages 6 weeks–12 years. Developmentally appropriate curriculum in each classroom. Transportation to/from Norwood Park Elementary. Title XX & private pay.

Northeast, Havelock

4005 N. 70th St 402-436-4005 www.kellyskidsldc.com

KidsPark

1½-11y Preschool

Days, evening, & weekend care always available. Care for modern families when you need it, without the hassle. No reservation required and pay by the hour! Flexible preschool programs, schools out camps, after school programs and more! Learn more at kidspark.com/lincoln. Happy kids, happy parents!

South

5633 S. 16th St. Ste. 100 402-413-8849 KidsPark.com

PM & Weekends

6001 Normal Blvd. 402-486-4847 KrayonCampus.com

Krayon Campus

6w-12y Preschool

Child development center that cares for your child’s individual needs. Ages 6 weeks–12 years. Curriculum-based. Nutritious hot meals. Transportation to LPS area schools. Open Mon–Fri, 6am-6pm.

Central

Pioneers Park Nature Center Preschool

Preschool

Animals + Plants + Hikes = Learning through discovery & creating a lifelong connection to nature! Preschool and Pre-K classes. lincoln.ne.gov/city/parks/naturecenter/preschool.htm

West

West end of Pioneers Park 402-441-7895 parks.lincoln.ne.gov/naturecenter

Prairie Hill Learning Center Montessori School

18m+ Preschool Private K-8

Ages 18 mo-8th grade. Open 7am-6pm. Montessori Education in a farm setting with a family atmosphere. Certified Montessori Teachers.

Far South

7 miles South of Lincoln on Hwy 77 402-438-6668 PrairieHill.com

SCC Child Development Center

6w-6y Preschool

NAEYC accredited Early Childhood Education program for children ages 6 weeks–6 years. Mini camps (non school days) and Summer Camp program for children ages Kindergarten–age 11. Visit our website or call for information.

Northeast

8800 O St 402-437-2450 www.southeast.edu/lincolnchildcare

The Children’s Place Child Care Center

18m-12y Preschool

An educational program enrolled in Step Up to Quality for ages 18m-12y. Experienced teachers. Curriculum-based with weekly themes & activities. Available transportation to neighborhood schools. Title XX welcome. Child care & adult food program. Mon–Fri, 6:30am-6pm.

Central

3900 Vine St 402-466-6341 www.ChildrensPlaceChildCare.com

The Child’s View Montessori

18m-6y Preschool

Open 7:30am to 5:30pm. Ages 18 months to 6 years. Part-time or full-time. Certified Montessori Teachers.

South

3341 Pioneers Blvd. 402-484-8277 www.thechildsviewmontessori.com

Trinity Lutheran School

18m+ Preschool Private K-5

A fulfilling Christ-based education center. Our Early Childhood Education Program accepts children ages 18 months through Pre-K with extended hours from 7am-5:45pm. Also offering K-5 classes. Call to learn more or visit our website.

Northeast

True Knowledge Preschool

Preschool

A fun & exciting academic approach that will prepare your child for kindergarten & beyond. Small classroom sizes. Engaging teacher. Welcoming environment! 2, 3, & 5 day options. Contact us to learn more!

South

5445 Red Rock Lane 402-570-1252 www.trueknowledgelincoln

World of Knowledge CDC & Preschool

6w-12y Preschool

Ages 6 weeks–12 years. Preschool curriculum beginning at age one. Before and after school care. A Step Up to Quality Program. Open 6:30am–6:00pm. Sign language, soccer, dance, & taekwondo lessons available.

Southeast

8310 Wendell Way 402-483-4769 WorldOfKnowledgeNE.com

Preschool Before/After

Licensed preschool for ages 3-5 that includes swim lessons & gym classes as part of its developmental curriculum. Before & after school programs for elementary & middle school students at several Community Learning Center sites in schools across Lincoln.

All Areas

Available at 4 YMCA locations plus partner CLC schools throughout Lincoln ymcalincoln.org

YMCA Lincoln

1200 North 56th Street 402-466-1800 www.trinityoflincoln.org

Please tell these businesses you saw them in Lincoln Kids! SPRING 2020 • PAGE 47

Support • Special Interest Mom Groups • Resources Info & dates subject to change. Please call or email ahead. Adaptive Programs Parks & Recreation Special Needs Various programs & special events for children and adults with special needs. Abilityappropriate play groups, social clubs, sports, arts, & more for ages 6mo to adult. parks.lincoln.ne.gov Alcoholics Anonymous/AA Narcotics Anonymous/NA For a list of meetings & support: www.lincaa.org Answers4Families • Special Needs State & National resources, email dialogue groups, support & service providers, and helpful information. 800-746-8420 • Answers4Families.org Autism Family Network Connect among others with similar life challenges & joys. 402-421-0874 • AutismFamilyNetwork.org American Cancer Society Local: 402-423-4888 • Cancer.org (Nebraska) CapitalMOM by Bryan Health Online Parenting Community Online community for Nebraska parents & grandparents to connect, learn & grow with one another. CapitalMomNebraska.com Down Syndrome Advocates in Action NE DSAA NE promotes inclusion & acceptance of those with Down Syndrome with IEP Support, mentoring, & events. 402-413-0199 • www.dsaane.org FoodNet • Food Assistance & Donations 100% volunteer-run program to feed the hungry & reduce food waste. No proof of income required. Mostly perishable foods. Two or more distribution sites daily. See schedule online. Please consider donating & volunteering! FoodNetLincoln.org Good Neighbor Community Center Basic & Emergent Services Assistance for low-income, non-duplicated individuals after initial interview: food, clothing, education, & more. 402-477-4173 • GNCCLincoln.org Heartland Home Schoolers • Resources Support for home school parents with activities for students: skating parties, spelling bees, science fair & more. Homeschool-life.com/ne/heartland lincolnhsr@gmail.com La Leche League of Lincoln • Breastfeeding Mother-to-Mother support & education. Connect with other mothers to find confidence in your mothering journey while discussing breastfeeding, nutrition, & weening. www.LLLofne.org Lincoln Area Families with Multiples Monthly newsletter, new parent meal train, and social opportunities for families welcoming multiples. LincolnMultiples.org MilkWorks • Breastfeeding Lactation consultations, nursing/pumping supplies, newborn gifts, support, & more! Support groups for mothers of infants & toddlers help mothers adjust to parenthood. (402) 423-6402 • Milkworks.org

PAGE 48 • LINCOLNKIDSINC.COM

Lincoln MOMs (Mothers on a Mission) Catholic Social & Support Group Catholic mothers searching for fellowship, hope, & joy. Every 1st Saturday, 8:30 am, at the Newman Center, 320 N. 16th St. Free-will donations help pay for speakers, snacks & child watch. facebook.com/lincolnmothersonamission lincolnmomsgroup@gmail.com MOMS Club of Lincoln (Mothers Offering Moms Support) • SAHM Support Several events each month, from play groups to mom’s night out! Activities are often free or low-cost. Annual dues just $25. Chapter of the international MOMS Club®. MomsClubLincoln.weebly.com Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Preschool Parenting Support Several local groups meet on various weekday mornings and evenings. Child care provided. www.MOPS.org NebraskaMOPS@gmail.com Mourning Hope Grief Support FREE 10-week family support group Thursdays, 6:30-8pm. Grief support groups, events, education, and resources for youths, teens, and families living with grief. 402-488-8989 • mourninghope.org Nebraska Foster & Adoptive Parent Assoc. We empower, support, & advocate for Nebraska families by promoting safety, permanency, & well-being of children. Info, resources, & support for Nebraska’s foster & adoptive families or caregivers & relatives). (402) 476-2273 • www.NFAPA.org No Footprint Too Small Birth & Bereavement Services A 501c3 nonprofit located in Lincoln & serving all of Nebraska. Our mission is to provide comprehensive perinatal support to mothers, fathers, & families who are affected by pregnancy or infant loss. Find us on FB and at: 402-480-6782 www.nofootprinttoosmall.com info@nofootprinttoosmall.com Parenting Across Color Lines (PACL) Racial Identity Support Monthly support group for parenting transracially, interracial relationships w/bi-racial children, & adults who grew up transracially. Help children develop healthy racial identities. Every 4th Monday w/light meal. No fees. 402-476-2273 • laurie@nfapa.org Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) PAL provides hope and support through addiction education for parents dealing with an addicted loved one. Join us every Tuesday, 6:30-8pm, Lincoln City Church. 402-560-3486 • palgroup.org (find meeting)

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Parents of Gender Fluid Kids Monthly coffee & conversation for parents & primary caregivers of gender fluid, gender creative, & transgender children, youth, & young adults. Second Saturdays. parentsofgfkids@gmail.com. Safe Talk Support Group Communication Challenges Support Sponsored by Communication Works for parents, caregivers, & professionals with children who have communication challenges. We provide safe support to share frustrations, resources, friendship, & mutual encouragement. Join our Facebook group to get information on meetings. facebook.com/groups/safetalk toni@comworkslincoln.com

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9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Follow Lincoln Kids Newspaper on Facebook for giveaways & more local fun! Calendar Listings are FREE to send in! Submit yours at LincolnKidsInc.com.

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 IMPORTANT! INFO SUBJECT TO CHANGE: including cost, date, & cancellation. We recommend calling ahead or checking the host’s website/FB prior to arrival, esp. around major holidays, a new year, & with inclement weather. Calendar listings are free & submitted by local organizations, community members and sourced via public announcements. Submit yours by emailing karla@lincolnkidsinc.com.

DAILY

• FREE Library Learning Times & Events. All ages. Several hosted almost every day: storytimes, game days, social clubs, art clubs, book clubs, & more! There are no Learning Times (storytimes) in August or December. LincolnLibraries.org. • FREE Admission to Pioneers Park Nature Center, 8:30am-5pm Mon-Sat, 12-5pm Sun. Enjoy trails, exhibits, animals, & interactive displays. Several free or low-cost events hosted each season. 402441-7895, parks.lincoln.ne.gov. • FREE Admission to the Nebraska History Museum. Family-friendly activities & exhibits. M-F 10-5:30, Sat: 1-5:30, Closed Sun. Centennial Mall & P st. • FREE Admission to Sheldon Museum of Art, UNL City Campus. M-W 10a-5p, Th/F 10a-7p, Sat 10a-5p, Sun 12-5p. Closed on major holidays & home football games. Sheldonartmuseum.org. • FREE Daily Admission & Tours of the NE State Capitol Building. View the art & architecture & learn its history! Hourly tours 9–11am & 1–4pm. Schedule large groups in advance. M-F 8-5, Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5. Capitol.nebraska.gov. • Drop & Go Child Care at KidsPark, 14th & Old Cheney. No reservations & tons of fun for kids 1.5-11. Preschool, regular & backup care, date nights, game days, camps on school breaks, etc.! Hourly rates, pay only when the kids are here. Open till midnight Fri & Sat! New to KidsPark? See page 23 for a great deal! Use coupon code LNKKIDS for 50% off registration + FREE first hour up to 3 kids! Kidspark.com/lincoln. • Lincoln Children’s Museum, dozens of fun stations, exhibits, & exploration! Closed Mon during school year. Open ‘til 8pm on Thursdays! Lincolnchildrensmuseum.org. • Lincoln Children’s Zoo, open year-round! Animal encounters, summer splash pad, cafe & more. Kids love climbing in the Secret Jungle! Open 10-5 daily. Lincolnzoo.org. • Lost in Fun! Open M-S 10-9, Sun 11-8. Dozens of fun features, climbing sets, games, & huge snack bar with drinks, treats, & meals! Grab the coupons on p. 28! Lostinfun.com. • Morrill Hall, explore & engage with natural history exhibits and the kid’s Discovery Center! Mon-Sat 9:30-4:30, open late Thu till 8pm, Sun 12:30-4:30. Daily admission, memberships available. See page 21 to learn about Museums for All for low income families. Planetarium tickets extra (ages 4+). Museum.unl.edu. • Railyard Ice Rink in the Haymarket. Winter season typically Dec/ Jan/Feb, weather dependent. Youth & adult skate rental available, or bring your own and skate for free! Canopyst.com • Spring Creek Prairie, Denton. Trails open sunrise to sunset, interactive visitor center M-F 9-5, S/S 1-5. Admission $4/adults, $3 seniors & kids 6-17y, 5 & under free. FREE admission every Tuesday! Springcreekprairie.audubon.org.

WEEKLY & MONTHLY

MONDAYS • Make It, Takit It after school club at KidsPark, Mondays 4-6pm thru May. Kids 11 & under drop-off—make a new creation each week! Incl. w/ hourly rates. Kidspark.com/Lincoln. • FREE Sensory-Friendly “Family Social Playgroup” at Heart in Hands CDC, 3535 O St. Third Monday Monthly, 6-7pm. Children will play with other similar-needs children and parents can socialize with other special needs parents. RSVP to the FB event or heartinhandsne@outlook.com. • STEAM Club at KidsPark, Mondays 6:30-8pm thru May. Kids 11 & under drop-off—enjoy hands-on STEAM-focused projects! Incl. w/ hourly rates. Kidspark.com/Lincoln. TUESDAYS • FREE Admission Tuesdays at Spring Creek Prairie, Denton. Trails open sunrise-sunset. Interactive Visitor Center open 9-5pm. Springcreekprairie.audubon.org • Preschool Play Day at Solid Rock Gymnastics, 9:30-11:30am, Tue & Fri, Oct thru May. Younger children + their adult explore equipment & have fun! $7/child or $5/child with 10x punchcard. Elem. age welcome, $12/child or $10 with 10x punchcard. Up to 3 kids/adult. Waiver required: solidrockgymnastics.com. • Super Sprouts at Lincoln Children’s Museum Tinker Theatre, 10am, for toddlers/preschoolers & their adult(s)w/ admission/membership. Lincolnchildrensmuseum.org. • FREE Children’s Story Time at Indigo Bridge, Tuesdays 10-11am. Books & craft activity! Indigobridgebooks.com. • FREE Tales & Rhymes Storytime, Tues & Wed 11:15am at Walt Library. Folktales, fairytales, nursery rhymes. Blankets welcome! Lincolnlibraries.org. • After School Book Club at KidsPark, Tuesdays 4-6pm thru May. Kids 11 & under drop-off—read a new book & enjoy related activities! Incl. w/hourly rates. Kidspark.com/Lincoln. • Beginner Knitting & Crochet Class at Makit Takit, Tuesdays 4:306pm & Saturdays 10:30am-12pm. No-pressure class to teach you how to knit or crochet! $10/class + supplies for first project. Class is open-house style, come & go as often as you need. Makittakit.com. • Kids Night at Screamers Cabaret, home of the singing servers! Kids eat FREE (0-10y) with adult meal purchase every Tues 5-9pm. Dinner & live performances featuring kid-favorite tunes, plus a different features like Face Paint (1st Tue), Bounce House (2nd), Balloon Twister (3rd), Wacky Photo Booth (4th). It’s a family dance party every week! 531-500-2550, screamersdining.com. • FREE Stories & Stretch, 6:30pm, 3rd Tues monthly at Walt Library. Wear comfy clothes or pjs & enjoy calming stories & stretching activities. Blankets welcome! Lincolnlibraries.org. • Drop-Off Art Club at KidsPark, Tuesdays 6:30-8pm thru May. Kids 11 & under explore various mediums & styles weekly! No experience needed! Incl. w/hourly rates. Kidspark.com/Lincoln. WEDNESDAYS • Open Swim at LifeSTROKES, Wed during LPS year, 10a-2p. $5pp, $20/fam, 5-visit family pass just $75. Lifestrokes.com. • Oh Snap! Science, 10:30am at Lincoln Children’s Museum Tinker Theatre. Kids engage w/ a short science demo. Incl. w/ admission or membership. lincolnchildrensmuseum.org.

• FREE Homeschool Wednesdays at Nebraska History Museum, every 1st Wednesday, 10:30am-12:30pm, Sep thru May. See topics at History.nebraska.gov/museum. • FREE Tales & Rhymes Storytime, Tues & Wed 11:15am at Walt Library. Folktales, fairytales, nursery rhymes. Blankets welcome! Lincolnlibraries.org. • After School Game Club at KidsPark, Weds 4-6pm thru May. Kids 11 & under drop-off. Explore virtual, sport, board, & video games! Incl. w/hourly rates. Kidspark.com/Lincoln. • Kid Eat FREE Night at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, 4-8pm, every Wednesday. All Lincoln locations. • Date Night at Screamer’s Dining & Cabaret, 803 Q St, Every Wed 5-9pm, home of the singing servers! Enjoy a selection of 4-course meal options, ½ off house wines, and live performances. A romantic & fun date night! 531-500-2550, screamersdining.com. (ps/ Kidspark is open till 10pm for drop & go childcare. Kidspark.com/lincoln.) • Cooking Club at KidsPark, Weds 6:30-8pm thru May. Kids 11 & under drop-off featuring fast & fun kid-friendly recipes. Incl. w/hourly rates. Kidspark.com/Lincoln. • FREE Girls Skate Free Night at the Bay, 2005 Y St. All female/ femme/nonbinary skate free! TheBay.org. THURSDAYS • Preschool Paint & Storytime at Paint Yourself Silly, 70th & Pioneers location only, 10:30am. 2.5-6yrs + adult. Just drop by! Always under $15. Paintyourselfsilly.net. *Paint Yourself Silly is under new ownership, please call ahead or check online to confirm details, time & location* • Preschool Art Club at Makit Takit, 4720 Prescott Ave, Thurs. 1-2pm, $10 ages 3-5 +adult. Creative & fun learning. Reserve your spot online! Makittakit.com • Pop-In Storytime at Morrill Hall w/ Lincoln Libraries, 1st Thu monthly, 4pm, reg. museum admission. Museum.unl.edu. • After School Art Club, Thurs 4pm, grades 1-8, Pine Lake location only. Register weekly! PaintYourselfSilly.net. *Paint Yourself Silly is under new ownership, please call ahead or check online to confirm details, time & location* • After School Kids Club at KidsPark, Thurs 4-6pm thru May. Kids 11 & under drop-off where kids play with trendy, popular toys & crafts! Incl. w/hourly rates. Kidspark.com/Lincoln. • FREE Admission to Morrill Hall every Thursday evening in February, 4:30-8pm. Museum.unl.edu. • LCM Late Nights! at Lincoln Children’s Museum, open late till 8pm every Thursday with fun, rotating activities beginning at 6pm. First Thurs.Storybook Adventures,Tinker Theater 6-6:30pm Lincolnchildrensmuseum.org. • FREE Craft Social Thursdays at Makit Takit, 6-9pm. BYO project to work on and come hang out with fellow crafters. Food/drink welcome. Drop by! Makittakit.com. • FREE Los Cuentos! Bilingual preschool storytime at Bennett Martin (downtown) Library, Thurs 6:30pm Stay & Play session (not held in Aug/Dec). All are welcome! Lincolnlibraries.org. • Language Club at KidsPark, Thurs 6:30-8pm thru May. Kids 11 & under drop-off event exploring Spanish, French, Mandarin, & ASL! Incl. w/hourly rates. Kidspark.com/Lincoln. FRIDAYS • Preschool Play Day at Solid Rock Gymnastics, 9:30-11:30am, Tue & Fri, Oct thru May. Younger children + their adult explore equipment & have fun! $7/child or $5/child with 10x punchcard. Elem. age welcome, $12/child or $10 with 10x punchcard. Up to 3 kids/adult. Waiver required: solidrockgymnastics.com. • FREE IndiExplore every 2nd Friday, 10am, at Indigo Bridge. Explore a new topic monthly with books, crafts, and special guests! Indigobridgebooks.com. • FREE Children’s Storytime + Activities at SouthPointe Barnes & Noble, 11am, with hands-on fun & learning! • After School LEGO Club at KidsPark, Fri 4-6pm thru May. Kids 11 & under drop-off filled with lego fun! Incl. w/hourly rates. Kidspark. com/Lincoln. • FREE 1st Fridays at the Int’l Quilt Museum, 1523 N. 33rd. Free admission 1st Fridays 4-6:30pm (closed during UNL breaks). Activities & music often offered! Quiltstudy.org. • FREE First Fridays, held on the 1st Fri each month. Tour local galleries & visit participating downtown businesses. Many host free activities, music, & provide refreshments (some may require an admission fee, but many are free). Business hours vary, event runs approx. 4:30-10pm. Francie & Finch, Indigo Bridge, Sheldon Museum, The Foundry, Nebraska History Museum, & over a dozen more galleries & businesses. Downtownlincoln.org. • Parent’s Night Out at My Gym, 1st/3rd/5th Fridays, 5:30-9pm. Incl. pizza! $30 members, $35 non, $10 sibling, ages 1-13 (diapers ok!). MyGym.com/Lincoln, 402-802-9982. • Glow Party at KidsPark, select Fridays monthly, 7pm. Kids 11 & under drop-off event with neon face paint, glow sticks, disco lights, dancing & more! Neon & white clothing encouraged. Incl. w/hourly rates. Kidspark.com/Lincoln. SATURDAYS • Skate School at the Bay, 2005 Y St, 9a-1p. All ages & skill levels, $15 includes board & helmet. TheBay.org. • FREE Sensory Story Time at Bennett Martin Library, downtown, Saturdays, 9:15am, for families with children who may need a little extra attention or a more controlled environment. Feel free to arrive early for acclimation. No storytimes in Aug/Dec. This event is schedule through Feb. online, please call ahead to check Mar/Apr time & location. Lincolnlibraries.org. • Family Escape Rooms at Lincoln Children’s Museum! Select Saturday’s in Feb & Mar! Opens at 9:30am, $7pp members/$15pp nonmembers, $35/$70 full room (up to 6). 3 room options divided by age. Can you escape in 45 mins? Register 24+hrs in adv. Lincolnchildrensmuseum.org. • Investigate: 2nd Saturday Science Lab at Morrill Hall, 10am12pm, free w/ admission. NOT IN FEB, please attend Dinosaurs & Disasters on Feb 8! Next Investigate Science Labs: Mar 15 & Apr 11. Museum.unl.edu. • Kids Club at Michael’s, most Saturdays, 10am-12pm. Themed crafts for ages 3+! $2-5. Michaels.com. • Beginner Knitting & Crochet Class at Makit Takit, Tuesdays 4:306pm & Saturdays 10:30am-12pm. No-pressure class to teach you how to knit or crochet! $10/class + supplies for first project. Class is open-house style, come & go as often as you need. Makittakit.com. • FREE MAKEbreak at Michaels, most Saturdays 1-3pm. Arts & crafts for kids & families! Most events are free, some require supply purchase. Michaels.com. • FREE Teen Night at Downtown Y, every last Saturday, 6:30-10pm. Open to all teens & tweens grades 5-9. Free for members AND

NONMEMBERS! Event is completely free and includes access to nearly all aspects of the Y. Swimming, gym, racquet ball, dance club, arts & crafts, music, & more. Includes free pizza! ymcalincoln.org. • FREE Hyde Memorial Observatory Holmes Lake, open Saturdays Mar-Aug from sundown–11pm, Sep 8-11pm, Oct-Mar 7-10pm. Free telescope use & enjoy programs about the moon, sun, & stars! HydeObservatory.info. SUNDAYS • FREE Prayer with Jazz at Grace Lutheran Church, 3rd Sundays 9-10am. egrace.org. • Sunday with a Scientist at Morrill Hall. Once a month (typically 3rd Sunday), 12:30-4:30pm, activities are free w/ admission. Not held in March. Next events: Feb 23 & Apr 19. Museum.unl.edu. • FREE* Family Crafts at Cosmic Eye Brewing, Sundays 1-4pm, often w/ snacks/food for kids! Activity is free w/purchase, new project each week! 6800 P St, cosmiceye.beer, 531-500-2739 & follow our Facebook page for more events! • FREE Gateway In Motion at Gateway Mall, H&M Court, 1:30pm, every 3rd Sun. Ages 12 & under will learn a new style of dance each month & perform a brief routine for parents & peers at the end of the hour. Shoppinggatewaymall.com. • FREE Bilingual Story Time at Indigo Bridge Books, every Sun 2pm. Activities + plus a craft! Indigobridgebooks.com. • FREE Lego Sundays 2-4pm, 1st & 3rd Sundays at Eiseley Library. Event is ongoing, scheduled thru May. Lincolnlibraries.org. Find the event on Facebook! • Drag Queen Story Hour 1st Sunday at Starbucks 7020 O St. at 3pm. Join for very special story hour presented by your fave local Drag Queens! It’s a way to bring families & queens together to celebrate each other, inclusivity & stories! Find the events on FB! • Girls Night at the Bay, 2005 Y St, last Sunday of each month, $5pp, equip. rentals avail. 5-7pm girls 12 & under, 7-10pm all ages. Female, femme, nonbinary welcome! TheBay.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS

SAT FEB 1 • Super Bowl Party drop off event for kids 1.5-11 at KidsPark. All the fun incl. w/hourly rates! Reservations not required, but encouraged. Call ahead for availability 402-413-8849. • FREE Try-It Clinic for Villarreal Nebraska Soccer Academy, Nebraska Sports Center, 333 Speedway Cir. Ages 1-3 & 4-5 @10:15am; Ages 6-7 & 8-9 11am. Adv. registration recommended. Villarrealnebraska.com (submarines) for info.See p.24. • Family Hip Hop! Chase Dance, 1233 Libra Dr. Every Sat. in Feb. 12-12:45. $10/person or $30/family (4 or more) ages 4+. A fun indoor Family workout. 402-904-4091. See p.37. • In-Person Registration for Jr. Salt Dogs 2020 Season, Auld Pavilion, 1650 Memorial Dr. 1-3pm. See p.24. jrsaltdogs.com. See p.24. SUN FEB 2 • Groundhog Day • Super Bowl Sunday • FREE Baby & Me Storytime “Love the World” at Barnes & Noble on O st, 11am. • FREE “Let’s Do Brunch” by Women’s Networking Social, Float 4 Life 8445 Executive Woods Dr. 11:30-1:30, Selfcare inspired event for women. Find event on FB. (Take the kids to KidsPark just up the road!) • FREE Square Dance Workshop & Dance Session at Homestead National Monument, Beatrice, 2pm. Guests of all ages are welcome to join the fun and learn the fundamentals of Square Dancing. 402-223-3514. MON FEB 3 • GRAND OPENING Triniti Gymnastics & Nebraska Ninja, 8335 Cody Dr. Learn more on page 24! • CHARITY Shoes for Miles Feb 3-17 benefiting children living at People’s City Mission & raising awareness for infant congenital heart defects. NEW shoes for toddlers/youth/teens donated during business hrs at Footloose & Fancy (70 & Pioneers) & THREADS (12 & P) Feb 3-17. Shoesformiles.org. See p.17. THU FEB 6 • In-Person Registration Jr. Salt Dogs 2020 Season, Belmont Rec, 1234 Judson. 6-8pm. See p.24. jrsaltdogs.com. See p.24. FRI FEB 7 • NE Girl Scout Cookies!! Cookie sales begin today! Runs Feb 7Mar 15, booths open Feb 14. girlscoutsnebraska.org for more info! • FREE Read Aloud Story Time at Gateway Mall, Play Space, 11:30am, ages 0-5 +adult. Story time with Read Aloud Lincoln. shoppinggatewaymall.com/live360 Find event on FB. • Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show, Lancaster Event Center, Fri 1-9, Sat 10-8, Sun 10-5. Adults $8 or $7 w/food bank item, 12 & under FREE. Bring your projects in mind to this kid-friendly event of 300+ HBAL vendors! Kids Square area provides balloon animals, face paint, games, & crafting! Presentations include wildlife encounters & more. HBAL.org. • Picture Book Launch & Signing “The Day We Went to the Park” feat. Holmes Lake by paper artist Linda Stephen. Francie & Finch, 5:30-7:30pm. TheDayWeWentToThePark.com. SAT FEB 8 • Dinosaurs & Disasters! by UNL Dept. of Earth & Sci. & Morrill Hall, 9:30-4:30. Free w/ admission. Hands on activities & demos plus special Mueller Planetarium Showing: Black Holes! (Planetarium tickets sold separately). • Home & Garden Show, Fri/Sat/Sun. See Feb 7 listing. • Valentine MAKER Fest at Michaels, 11am. 4 activities total. Buy the tshirt project & the rest are included free! • FREE Always More Love Storytime & Activities at either Barnes & Noble stores, 11am. • FREE ACCC Lunar New Year Celebration by Asian Community & Cultural Center, Lancaster Event Center, 1-4pm. Food, music, performances, activities, & games! Find on FB. • Lil’ Chef Cooking Class “Valentines Party” Hy-Vee 70th/Pioneers, 2-3pm, $12/kid. Ages 3-11 will make 2-3 recipes! Pls register 24 hr in advance: eventbrite.com or in store. • Father/Daughter Dance, Northeast YMCA, 6:30-8pm, Y members $7/child, non $15/child. All ages of dads & daughters welcome to get dressed up & spend some quality time together. Ymcalincoln.org. SUN FEB 9 • National Pizza Day • Home & Garden Show, Fri/Sat/Sun. See Feb 7 listing. • FREE Baby & Me Storytime “I Love You” at Barnes & Noble on O st, 11am. • Make & Take Sensory Fun “Fizzing Hearts” at Heart in Hands, 3535 O St. 2-3pm. $5 (class limited to 10 children + parent), Reg. req. Heartinhandsne.wix.com & on FB. TUE FEB 11 • Daddy Daughter Date Night at Chick-fil-A SouthPointe, 4-9pm,

Please reserve your table 402-975-2448. • Little Saplings: Fantastic Fish at Schramm Edu. Center, Gretna, 9am. Free w/ admission, ages 2-5ys. Little Saplings is a monthly early childhood nature discovery program. For info: 402-332-5022, amber.schiltz@nebraska.gov. WED FEB 12 • Lincoln Littles Giving Day, Abraham Lincoln’s Bday. Go to LincolnLittles.org to donate! An early childhood education initiative. See pages 3 & 7 to learn more! THU FEB 13 • Valentine’s Late Night at LCM, 5-8pm, Members FREE, non: gen. admission. FREE hot cocoa bar, slime, valentines cards, scavenger hunt, & more. lincolnchildrensmuseum.org FRI FEB 14 • Valentine’s Day • NE Girl Scout Cookies!! Cookie Booth open today! Sales go from Feb.7- Mar. 15. Girlscoutsnebraska.org. • Drop-Off Valentine’s Kids Night w/ Camp Sonshine at Berean Church. $20/kid, 5-9pm, 3y–6 grade. CampSonshineMemories.org or 402-423-8746 • Parents Night Out (PNO) at LCM from 5-9pm, 18m-10y. $15 members, $20 non. Reg. early: Lincolnchildrensmuseum.org • Valentine’s Day Gala at KidsPark of Lincoln, 5-11pm. Drop off for kids 1.5-11. Get fancy & enjoy prizes,crafts, snacks, & dancing! Incl. w/ hourly rates. KidsPark.com/Lincoln. SAT FEB 15 • LARHS Annual Train Show at the Lancaster Event Center, Sat 9-5 & Sun 10-4, $5/adult,12 & under FREE. Indoor train rides, vendors, kids area,etc. Find event on FB! • Great Backyard Bird Count at PPNC, 9-11am, $5 sugg. donation. Family fun for all ages with guided hike, weather permitting. Reg. by Feb 12, 402-441-7895. • Great Backyard Bird Count at Schramm Edu Center, Gretna. 9-2:30pm, FREE w/general admission. Learn more about birds while participating in a nationwide community science project! 402332-5022 or amber.schiltz@nebraska.gov. • FREE Great Backyard Bird Count, Guided Family Bird Walk, Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, Denton. 10-11:30am. • FREE Lincoln Bird EnCOUNTer at Walt Library, 10:30-noon Create a feeder, see a raptor, & learn about local birds! • FREE The President of the Jungle Storytime & Activities at either Barnes & Noble stores, 11am. • In-Person Registration for Jr. Salt Dogs 2020 Season, Auld Pavilion, 1650 Memorial Dr. 1-3pm. See p.24. jrsaltdogs.com. See p.24. • FREE Family Fun Day at NE History Museum! 1-4pm: Nebraska, Their Dogs, and WWII. History.nebraska.gov. • Family Yoga at Lincoln Yoga Center, 2127 Winthrop Rd. 2-3:15pm. $15/Adult & Child ($5/add. family member) Workshop will include partner yoga poses, team yoga games, and a craft. Find event on FB. SUN FEB 16 • LARHS Annual Train Show, Sat/Sun. See info Feb. 15. • LMTA Student Recital Fundraiser for MOP at Barnes & Noble Southpointe. www.LMTA.info • FREE Early Childhood Family Fair, at Gateway Mall, 2:304:30pm. Explore•Play•Learn•Connect. Activities, giveaways, resources, & programs. Performance by the String Beans! Find event on FB & see pg. 8! We’ll see ya there! • Drag Queen Story Hour Benefit at DAS HOUSE, 16 & O, 8-11pm. All ages show, $5 suggested admission donation, benefiting FREE Drag Queen Story Hour held at 3pm every 1st Sunday at Starbucks, 70th & O. Find events on FB! WED FEB 19 • LMTA Gen. Membership Mtg, Presenter Brent Shaw, Fellowship Community Church, 10am, www.LMTA.info. • FREE Instrument Petting Zoo & Storytime w/ LSO & Libraries. 11:15am at Walt, 7pm at Eiseley. Lincolnlibraries.org. FRI FEB 20 • FREE Instrument Petting Zoo & Storytime w/ LSO & Libraries. 6:30pm Bennett Martin Library. Lincolnlibraries.org. FRI FEB 21 • Maha Shivaratri • FREE Read Aloud Story Time at Gateway Mall, 11:30am, 0-5y, with Read Aloud Lincoln. shoppinggatewaymall.com. • Family Dance Party at Copple YMCA, 84th & Yankee Hill, 6:308pm, FREE to Y Members, non: day fee applies. Join us for a glow in the dark dance party and games. NO pre-registration required. YMCAlincoln.org. SAT FEB 22 • Winter Flea Market, Antique, & Junk Festival at the Lancaster Event Center. Sat. 8-5pm, Sun 10-4pm. $4 admission for both days, 12 & under FREE. A family shopping extravaganza! 225+ Vendors. See page 11 for admission coupon! • FREE Coffee & Connection: The Grief Journey after Pregnancy & Infant Loss by No Footprint Too Small at Scooters S.84th, 9:30am. Adults only. info@nofootprinttoosmall.com • In-Person Registration Jr. Salt Dogs 2020, FUNdamental Athletics, 8400 Cody Dr. 1-3pm. See p.24. jrsaltdogs.com • Russian Dances by Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra at the Lied Center, 7:30pm, Adults $15-35, 17 & under $5. An exhilarating night of music w/ several groups and performances. 402-476-2211, Lincolnsymphony.com. SUN FEB 23 • Winter Flea Market, Antique, & Junk Festival at the Lancaster Event Center. Sat. 8-5pm, Sun 10-4pm. $4 admission for both days, 12 & under FREE. A family shopping extravaganza! 225+ Vendors. See page 11 for admission coupon! • The Composer is Dead by Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra, Wesleyan, 2pm. Adults $10, 17 & under $5. Lemony Snickets muscial mystery. Come early at 1pm for face painting, instrument petting zoo, & kids activities! Lincolnsymphony.com. FRI FEB 28 • FREE Dinner & Movie “Toy Story 4” at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1200 N.56th, 6-9:30pm, 6pm- dinner, arts & crafts 7pm-movie begins. No registration required, please come! SAT FEB 29 • LEAP DAY • HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEAP BABIES! • FREE Dr. Seuss Storytime & Activities at either Barnes & Noble stores, 11am. • Draw a Bison at PPNC, 1:30pm, $15pp w/ professional artist Glenda Dietrich Moore. Please bring pencils, eraser, & paper. • FREE Get A Clue! Event at either Barnes & Noble stores, 2pm. Activities, mystery game, & giveaways! • Night Lights by Bright Lights, Turbine Flats, 2124 Y St. 6-9pm. $50/ticket. This fundraising event gives adults an evening to “be a kid again!” w/hands-on class like what students enjoy at Bright Lights. 402-420-1115, BrightLights.org. Find event on FB!

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MARCH S 1

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LK!

MEMOS

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Follow Lincoln Kids Newspaper on Facebook for giveaways & more local fun! Calendar Listings are FREE to send in! Submit yours at LincolnKidsInc.com.

29 30 31 IMPORTANT! INFO SUBJECT TO CHANGE: including cost, date, & cancellation. We recommend calling ahead or checking the host’s website/FB prior to arrival, esp. around major holidays, a new year, & with inclement weather. Calendar listings are free & submitted by local organizations, community members and sourced via public announcements. Submit yours by emailing karla@lincolnkidsinc.com.

DAILY

• FREE Library Learning Times & Events. All ages. Several hosted almost every day: storytimes, game days, social clubs, art clubs, book clubs, & more! There are no Learning Times (storytimes) in August or December. LincolnLibraries.org. • FREE Admission to Pioneers Park Nature Center, 8:30am5pm Mon-Sat, 12-5pm Sun. Enjoy trails, exhibits, animals, & interactive displays. Several free or low-cost events hosted each season. 402-441-7895, parks.lincoln.ne.gov. • FREE Admission to the Nebraska History Museum. Family-friendly activities & exhibits. M-F 10-5:30, Sat: 1-5:30, Closed Sun. Centennial Mall & P st. • FREE Admission to Sheldon Museum of Art, UNL City Campus. M-W 10a-5p, Th/F 10a-7p, Sat 10a-5p, Sun 12-5p. Closed major holidays & home football games. Sheldonartmuseum.org. • FREE Daily Admission & Tours of the NE State Capitol Building. View the art & architecture & learn its history! Hourly tours 9–11am & 1–4pm. Schedule large groups in advance. M-F 8-5, Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5. Capitol.nebraska.gov. • Drop & Go Child Care at KidsPark, 14th & Old Cheney. No reservations & tons of fun for kids 1.5-11. Preschool, regular & backup care, date nights, game days, camps on school breaks, etc.! Hourly rates, pay only when the kids are here. Open till midnight Fri & Sat! New to KidsPark? See page 23 for a great deal! Use coupon code LNKKIDS for 50% off registration + FREE first hour up to 3 kids! Kidspark.com/lincoln. • Lincoln Children’s Museum, dozens of fun stations, exhibits, & exploration! Closed Mon during school year. Open ‘til 8pm on Thursdays! Lincolnchildrensmuseum.org. • Lincoln Children’s Zoo, now open year-round! Traditional & interactive habitats, animal encounters, summer splash pad, cafe & more. Kids love climbing in the Secret Jungle! Open 10-5 daily. Lincolnzoo.org. • Lost in Fun! Open M-S 10-9, Sun 11-8. Dozens of fun features, climbing sets, games, & huge snack bar with drinks, treats, & meals! Grab the coupons on p. 28! Lostinfun.com. • Morrill Hall, explore & engage with natural history exhibits and the kid’s Discovery Center! Mon-Sat 9:30-4:30, open late Thu till 8pm, Sun 12:30-4:30. Daily admission, memberships avail. See page 21 to learn about Museums for All for low income families. Planetarium extra (ages 4+). Museum.unl.edu. • Railyard Ice Rink in the Haymarket. Winter season typically Dec/Jan/Feb, weather dependent. Youth & adult skate rental available, or bring your own and skate for free! Canopyst.com • Spring Creek Prairie, Denton. Trails open sunrise to sunset, interactive visitor center M-F 9-5, S/S 1-5. Admission $4/ adults, $3 seniors & kids 6-17y, 5 & under free. FREE admission every Tuesday! Springcreekprairie.audubon.org. • Gnome Hunt at Arbor Day Farm, Nebraska City. Daily Mar 7–22, reg. admission. Back by popular demand! Get your map & clues and search for gnomes throughout Tree Adventure. Special event Mar 14, 1-3pm will incl. leprechaun craft. Arbordayfarm.org.

WEEKLY & MONTHLY

PAGE 50 • LINCOLNKIDSINC.COM

• Kids Night at Screamers Cabaret, home of the singing servers! Kids eat FREE (0-10y) with adult meal purchase every Tues 5-9pm. Dinner & live performances featuring kid-favorite tunes, plus a different features like Face Paint (1st Tue), Bounce House (2nd), Balloon Twister (3rd), Wacky Photo Booth (4th). It’s a family dance party every week! 531-5002550, screamersdining.com. • FREE Stories & Stretch, 6:30pm, 3rd Tues monthly at Walt Library. Wear comfy clothes or pjs & enjoy calming stories & stretching activities. Blankets welcome! Lincolnlibraries.org. • Drop-Off Art Club at KidsPark, Tuesdays 6:30-8pm thru May. Kids 11 & under explore various mediums & styles weekly! No experience needed, all are welcome! Incl. w/hourly rates. Kidspark.com/Lincoln. WEDNESDAYS • Open Swim at LifeSTROKES, Wednesdays during the school year, 10am-2pm. $5pp, $20/fam, 5-visit family pass just $75. www.lifestrokes.com. • Oh Snap! Science, 10:30am at Lincoln Children’s Museum Tinker Theatre. Kids engage w/ a short science demo. Incl. w/ admission or membership. lincolnchildrensmuseum.org. • FREE Homeschool Wednesdays at Nebraska History Museum, every 1st Wednesday, 10:30am-12:30pm, Sep thru May. See topics at History.nebraska.gov/museum. • FREE Tales & Rhymes Storytime, Tues & Wed 11:15am at Walt Library. Folktales, fairytales, nursery rhymes. Blankets welcome! Lincolnlibraries.org. • After School Game Club at KidsPark, Weds 4-6pm thru May. Kids 11 & under drop-off. Explore virtual, sport, board, & video games! Incl. w/hourly rates. Kidspark.com/Lincoln. • Kid Eat FREE Night at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, 4-8pm, every Wednesday. All Lincoln locations. • Date Night at Screamer’s Dining & Cabaret, 803 Q St, Every Wed 5-9pm, home of the singing servers! Enjoy a selection of 4-course meal options, ½ off house wines, and live performances. A romantic & fun date night! 531-500-2550, screamersdining.com. (ps/ Kidspark is open till 10pm for drop & go childcare. Kidspark.com/lincoln.) • Cooking Club at KidsPark, Weds 6:30-8pm thru May. Kids 11 & under drop-off featuring fast & fun kid-friendly recipes. Incl. w/hourly rates. Kidspark.com/Lincoln. • FREE Girls Skate Free Night at the Bay, 2005 Y St. All female/femme/nonbinary skate free! TheBay.org. THURSDAYS • Preschool Paint & Storytime at Paint Yourself Silly, 70th & Pioneers location only, 10:30am. 2.5-6yrs + adult. Just drop by! Always under $15. Paintyourselfsilly.net. *Paint Yourself Silly is under new ownership, please call ahead or check online to confirm details, time & location* • Preschool Art Club at Makit Takit, 4720 Prescott Ave, Thurs. 1-2pm, $10 ages 3-5 +adult. Creative & fun learning. Reserve your spot online! Makittakit.com • Pop-In Storytime at Morrill Hall w/ Lincoln Libraries, 1st Thu monthly, 4pm, reg. museum admission. Museum.unl.edu. • After School Art Club, Thurs 4pm, grades 1-8, Pine Lake location only. Register weekly! PaintYourselfSilly.net. *Paint Yourself Silly is under new ownership, please call ahead or check online to confirm details, time & location* • After School Kids Club at KidsPark, Thurs 4-6pm thru May. Kids 11 & under drop-off where kids play with trendy, popular toys & crafts! Incl. w/hourly rates. Kidspark.com/Lincoln. • LCM Late Nights! at Lincoln Children’s Museum, open late till 8pm every Thursday with fun, rotating activities beginning at 6pm. First Thurs.Storybook Adventures,Tinker Theater 6-6:30pm Lincolnchildrensmuseum.org. • FREE Craft Social Thursdays at Makit Takit, 6-9pm. BYO project to work on and come hang out with fellow crafters. Food/drink welcome. Drop by! Makittakit.com. • FREE Los Cuentos! Bilingual preschool storytime at Bennett Martin (downtown) Library, Thurs 6:30pm Stay & Play session (not held in Aug/Dec). All are welcome! Lincolnlibraries.org. • FREE Family Grief Support Group by Mourning Hope Grief Center, 6:30pm every Thurs Mar 19-May 21. For families & ages K-18 who have experienced the death of someone significant in their lives. Discussion themes & activities help kiddos express themselves. Adult caregiver groups coincide with youth sessions. mourninghope.org, 402-488-8989. • Language Club at KidsPark, Thurs 6:30-8pm thru May. Kids 11 & under drop-off event exploring Spanish, French, Mandarin, & ASL! Incl. w/hourly rates. Kidspark.com/Lincoln. FRIDAYS • Preschool Play Day at Solid Rock Gymnastics, 9:30-11:30am, Tue & Fri, Oct thru May. Younger children + their adult explore equipment & have fun! $7/child or $5/child with 10x punchcard. Elem. age welcome, $12/child or $10 with 10x punchcard. Up to 3 kids/adult. Waiver required: solidrockgymnastics.com. • FREE IndiExplore every 2nd Friday, 10am, at Indigo Bridge. Explore a new topic monthly with books, crafts, and special guests! Indigobridgebooks.com. • FREE Children’s Storytime + Activities at SouthPointe Barnes & Noble, 11am, with hands-on fun & learning! • After School LEGO Club at KidsPark, Fri 4-6pm thru May. Kids 11 & under drop-off filled with lego fun! Incl. w/hourly rates. Kidspark.com/Lincoln. • FREE 1st Fridays at the Int’l Quilt Museum, 1523 N. 33rd. Free admission 1st Fridays 4-6:30pm (closed during UNL breaks). Activities & music often offered! Quiltstudy.org. • FREE First Fridays, held on the 1st Fri each month. Tour local galleries & visit participating downtown businesses. Many host free activities, music, & provide refreshments (some may require an admission fee, but many are free). Business hours vary, event runs approx. 4:30-10pm. Francie & Finch,

Indigo Bridge, Sheldon Museum, The Foundry, Nebraska History Museum, & over a dozen more galleries & businesses. Downtownlincoln.org. • Parent’s Night Out at My Gym, 1st/3rd/5th Fridays, 5:309pm. Incl. pizza! $30 members, $35 non, $10 sibling, ages 1-13 (diapers ok!). MyGym.com/Lincoln, 402-802-9982. • Glow Party at KidsPark, select Fridays monthly, 7pm. Kids 11 & under drop-off event with neon face paint, glow sticks, disco lights, dancing & more! Neon & white clothing encouraged. Incl. w/hourly rates. Kidspark.com/Lincoln.. SATURDAYS • Skate School at the Bay, 2005 Y St, 9a-1p. All ages & skill levels, $15 includes board & helmet. TheBay.org. • FREE Sensory Story Time at Bennett Martin Library, downtown, Saturdays, 9:15am, for families with children who may need a little extra attention or a more controlled environment. Feel free to arrive early for acclimation. No storytimes in Aug/ Dec. This event is schedule through Feb. online, please call ahead to check Mar/Apr time & location. Lincolnlibraries.org. • Family Escape Rooms at Lincoln Children’s Museum! Select Saturday’s in Feb & Mar! Opens at 9:30am, $7pp members/$15pp nonmembers, $35/$70 full room (up to 6). 3 room options divided by age. Can you escape in 45 mins? Register 24+hrs in adv. Lincolnchildrensmuseum.org. • Investigate: 2nd Saturday Science Lab at Morrill Hall, 10am-12pm, free w/ admission. NOT IN FEB, please attend Dinosaurs & Disasters on Feb 8! Next Investigate Science Labs: Mar 15 & Apr 11. Museum.unl.edu. • Kids Club at Michael’s, most Saturdays, 10am-12pm. Themed crafts for ages 3+! $2-5. Michaels.com. • Beginner Knitting & Crochet Class at Makit Takit, Tuesdays 4:30-6pm & Saturdays 10:30am-12pm. No-pressure class to teach you how to knit or crochet! $10/class + supplies for first project. Class is open-house style, come & go as often as you need. Makittakit.com. • FREE MAKEbreak at Michaels, most Saturdays 1-3pm. Arts & crafts for kids & families! Most events are free, some require supply purchase. Michaels.com. • FREE Teen Night at Downtown Y, every last Saturday, 6:30-10pm. Open to all teens & tweens grades 5-9. Free for members AND NONMEMBERS! Event is completely free and includes access to nearly all aspects of the Y. Swimming, gym, racquet ball, dance club, arts & crafts, music, & more. Includes free pizza! ymcalincoln.org. • FREE Hyde Memorial Observatory Holmes Lake, open Saturdays Mar-Aug from sundown–11pm, Sep 8-11pm, OctMar 7-10pm. Free telescope use & enjoy programs about the moon, sun, & stars! HydeObservatory.info. SUNDAYS • FREE Prayer with Jazz at Grace Lutheran Church, 3rd Sundays 9-10am. egrace.org. • Sunday with a Scientist at Morrill Hall. Once a month (typically 3rd Sunday), 12:30-4:30pm, activities are free w/ admission. Not held in March. Next events: Feb 23 & Apr 19. Museum.unl.edu. • FREE* Family Crafts at Cosmic Eye Brewing, Sundays 1-4pm, often w/ snacks/food for kids! Activity is free w/purchase, new project each week! 6800 P St, cosmiceye.beer, 531-500-2739 & follow our Facebook page for more events! • FREE Gateway In Motion at Gateway Mall, H&M Court, 1:30pm, every 3rd Sun. Ages 12 & under will learn a new style of dance each month & perform a brief routine for parents & peers at the end of the hour. Shoppinggatewaymall.com. • FREE Bilingual Story Time at Indigo Bridge Books, every Sun 2pm. Activities + plus a craft! Indigobridgebooks.com. • FREE Lego Sundays 2-4pm, 1st & 3rd Sundays at Eiseley Library. Event is ongoing, scheduled thru May. Lincolnlibraries.org. Find the event on Facebook! • Drag Queen Story Hour 1st Sunday at Starbucks 7020 O St. at 3pm. Join for very special story hour presented by your fave local Drag Queens! It’s a way to bring families & queens together to celebrate each other, inclusivity & stories! Find the events on FB! • Girls Night at the Bay, 2005 Y St, last Sunday of each month, $5pp, equip. rentals avail. 5-7pm girls 12 & under, 7-10pm all ages. Female, femme, nonbinary welcome! TheBay.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS

SUN MAR 1 • Nebraska’s Statehood/Birthday • LMTA: Murray Perahia at Lied Center, Sponsored by the Lied Piano Circle. 4:00pm. For more info www.LMTA.info MON MAR 2 • Read Across America Day • Dr. Seuss Birthday • Seussville Celebration at KidsPark, all day. See p.23! WED MAR 4 • BLIPPI LIVE! Ralston Arena, 7300 Q St. Ralston (Omaha). 6:00pm. For info: www.blippilive.com. Follow LK on FB for a chance to win tickets to the show! @lincolnkidsnewspaper FRI MAR 6 • Night Hike at PPNC, 6:30pm, just as the sun is setting. Full moon will help light the way! Dress for weather. Reg. by March 4th. 402-441-7895. • Skate Night by Campus Recreation. John Breslow Ice Hockey Center, 8-11pm, FREE for UNL students. $6/person, $3 skate rental. Scott Wagner 402-472-8870 SAT MAR 7 • Gnome Hunt Begins! at Arbor Day Farm, Nebraska City. Daily Mar 7–22, reg. admission & hours. Back by popular demand! Get your map & clues and search for gnomes throughout Tree Adventure. Special event Mar 14, 1-3pm will incl. leprechaun craft. Arbordayfarm.org. • Marvelous Maples at Arbor Day Farm, NE City, 1-2pm, $20pp

includes admission to Tree Adventure. Learn about maples & syrup making, taste sap right from the tree! Arbordayfarm.org • Lil’ Chef Cooking Class “St. Patrick’s Day Party” Hy-Vee 70th/Pioneers, 2-3pm, $12/kid. Ages 3-11 will make 2-3 recipes! Pls register 24 hr in advance: eventbrite.com or in store. SUN MAR 8 • Daylight Savings Begins • “Spring forward” one hour at 2am. Remember to replace the batteries in your smoke & CO detectors. It’s also a great day to remember to clean out your gutters ahead of Spring rain! • Make & Take Sensory Fun “Weighted Lap Belt” at Heart in Hands, 3535 O St. 2-3pm. $5 (class limited to 10 children + parent), Reg. req. Heartinhandsne.wix.com & on FB. • Annual Community Ceili event at St. Patrick’s Church, 6111 Morrill, 6:30-9pm. There will be live music and dance lessons. Paid event. Lincolnirishdancers.org & on FB. TUES MAR 10 • Purim • Holi • Little Saplings: Busy Trees at Schramm Edu. Center, Gretna, 9am. Free w/ admission, ages 2-5ys. Little Saplings is a monthly early childhood nature discovery program. For info: 402-332-5022, amber.schiltz@nebraska.gov. • Spring Break at Mueller Planetarium, Morrill Hall, Tue-Fri10am-1pm. Shows all week long! Tickets at the door! WED MAR 11 • Spring Break at Mueller Planetarium, Morrill Hall, Tue-Fri10am-1pm, Shows all week long! Tickets at the door! • LMTA Gen. Membership Mtg. Presenter: Ed Love, 10am, Fellowship Community Church, www.LMTA.info. THU MAR 12 • Spring Break at Mueller Planetarium, Morrill Hall, Tue-Fri10am-1pm, Shows all week long! Tickets at the door! • Shrine Circus at Lancaster Event Center, Mar 12-15, 2 shows daily! Fun & concessions for all ages! 12 & under $5, adults $15, VIP $10-20. Save $2 at Dietze, American Nat’l Bank, U-Stop, & HyVee. See p. 8! Lancastereventcenter.com. FRI MAR 13 • Spring Break at Mueller Planetarium, Morrill Hall, Tue-Fri10am-1pm, Shows all week long! Tickets at the door! • FREE School’s Out! 4-H: Head, Heart, Hands Health & History at NE History Museum, 10-1pm. history.nebraska.gov • Shrine Circus, Event Center Mar 12-13. See listing on Mar 12! SAT MAR 14 • National Pi Day • Gnome Hunt Special Event at Arbor Day Farm, Nebraska City, reg. admission & hours. Special event Mar 14, 1-3pm will incl. leprechaun craft. Regular Gnome Hunting held daily Mar 7–22. Get your map & clues and search for gnomes throughout Tree Adventure. Arbordayfarm.org. • Shrine Circus, Event Center Mar 12-13. See listing on Mar 12! • St. Patrick’s Festival at St. Patrick’s Church, 6125 Morrill Ave, 11am-11:30pm. Live music, carnival, dance, & raffle. Corned Beef/Cabbage or Ham & Potatoes avail. $6-9. On FB! • LSO Goes to Hollywood by Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra, Lied Center, 7:30 pm. Adults $15/$35, 17 &under $5. Music favorites from iconic films. Dress as your fav character for the photo booth before! 402-476-2211, lincolnsymphony.com. SUN MAR 15 • NE Girl Scout Cookies Sale Ends Today!! Go grab last minute boxes of cookies! girlscoutsnebraska.org. • Shrine Circus, Event Center Mar 12-13. See listing on Mar 12! TUE MAR 17 • St. Patrick’s Day - WEAR GREEN! THU MAR 19 • March Equinox- It’s Spring! FRI MAR 20 • • FREE Live Happy Celebration at Gateway Mall, Kinetic Court, 4-9pm, Family Friendly event celebrating 1st day of Spring w/ crafts, magic, performances & more! • Kids Night Out (Parents Night Off) at Makit Takit, 6-9pm, for grades K+, $35. Crafts, games, movies, & snacks! Register by Wed prior in studio or online! Makittakit.com. SAT MAR 21 • FREE Rock Your Socks for Down Syndrome Awareness! Everyone don your wildest socks, post to social, & tag #DSAF, #WDSD20, #WorldDownSyndromeDay, and more! • FREE Makers Market by No Footprint Too Small at the Front Porch Coffee Shop, 5925 Adams, 9-2pm. Makers & vendors, concessions, & kids playground! Nofootprinttoosmall.com • Spring Fling at SAC Museum, Ashland. 10-2pm, Adults $12, kids $6 (4-12), free 3&under. Egg hunt, make & take activity, visit the Easter Bunny, face painting, and kite making! Please bring an Easter basket. General admission, Sacmuseum.org. • FREE Family Fun Day at NE History Museum! 1-4pm: Powerful Women from the Past. History.nebraska.gov. • Spring Equinox Hike at Pioneers Park Nature Center. Prairie Building 3-4:30pm, $4/person. All ages welcome, dress for the weather. Reg. by March 18th. 402-441-7895. FRI MAR 27 • FREE Sensory Day at LCM, 5:30-8pm. Quarterly sensory event for families w/special needs, sponsored by Inspro Insurance. Special activities, sensory reduction kits, lower lights, no music, & quiet rooms avail. Museum will be closed to the general public for this event. Lincolnchildrensmuseum.org • 50 Years Fundraiser for Dimensions Education, connecting children, families, & community. 6891 A St. #111, 7-9pm, $35–$70/ticket, $245/ table of 8. Dimensionsed.org. SAT MAR 28 • FREE Foster Care Information Night, 7100 S. 29th St. 1:303:30pm. Learn about foster care and how to become a foster parent. Snacks/refreshments provided. 402-476-0104. SAT MAR 29 • Pancake Feed & Easter Egg Hunt! by Heart in Hands, 11:30-2pm, location TBD, Please check FB page @heartinhandsne or heartinhandsne.wix/sensory.

LK!

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Mother’s Day is May 10th MEMOS

Give mom a GIFT CARD to KidsPark!

Hourly drop-in childcare Open days, evenings, & weekends

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kidspark.com/lincoln

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14th & Old Cheney

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19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Follow Lincoln Kids Newspaper on Facebook for giveaways & more local fun! Calendar Listings are FREE to send in! Submit yours at LincolnKidsInc.com.

26 27 28 29 30 IMPORTANT! INFO SUBJECT TO CHANGE: including cost, date, & cancellation. We recommend calling ahead or checking the host’s website/FB prior to arrival, esp. around major holidays, a new year, & with inclement weather. Calendar listings are free & submitted by local organizations, community members and sourced via public announcements. Submit yours by emailing karla@lincolnkidsinc.com.

DAILY

• FREE Library Learning Times & Events. All ages. Several hosted almost every day: storytimes, game days, social clubs, art clubs, book clubs, & more! There are no Learning Times (storytimes) in August or December. LincolnLibraries.org. • FREE Admission to Pioneers Park Nature Center, 8:30am-5pm Mon-Sat, 12-5pm Sun. Enjoy trails, exhibits, animals, & interactive displays. Several free or low-cost events hosted each season. 402-441-7895, parks.lincoln.ne.gov. • FREE Admission to the Nebraska History Museum. Family-friendly activities & exhibits. M-F 10-5:30, Sat: 1-5:30, Closed Sun. Centennial Mall & P st. • FREE Admission to Sheldon Museum of Art, UNL City Campus. M-W 10a-5p, Th/F 10a-7p, Sat 10a-5p, Sun 12-5p. Closed on major holidays & home football games. Sheldonartmuseum.org. • FREE Daily Admission & Tours of the NE State Capitol Building. View the art & architecture & learn its history! Hourly tours 9–11am & 1–4pm. Schedule large groups in advance. M-F 8-5, Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5. Capitol.nebraska.gov. • Drop & Go Child Care at KidsPark, 14th & Old Cheney. No reservations & tons of fun for kids 1.5-11. Preschool, regular & backup care, date nights, game days, camps on school breaks, etc.! Hourly rates, pay only when the kids are here. Open till midnight Fri & Sat! New to KidsPark? See page 23 for a great deal! Use coupon code LNKKIDS for 50% off registration + FREE first hour up to 3 kids! Kidspark.com/lincoln. • Lincoln Children’s Museum, dozens of fun stations, exhibits, & exploration! Closed Mon during school year. Open ‘til 8pm on Thursdays! Lincolnchildrensmuseum.org. • Lincoln Children’s Zoo Traditional & interactive habitats, animal encounters, summer splash pad, cafe & more. Kids love climbing in the Secret Jungle! Open 10-5 daily. Lincolnzoo.org. • Lost in Fun! Open M-S 10-9, Sun 11-8. Dozens of fun features, climbing sets, games, & huge snack bar with drinks, treats, & meals! Grab the coupons on p.28! Lostinfun.com. • Morrill Hall, explore & engage with natural history exhibits and the kid’s Discovery Center! Mon-Sat 9:30-4:30, open late Thu till 8pm, Sun 12:30-4:30. Daily admission, memberships available. See page 21 to learn about Museums for All for low income families. Planetarium tickets extra (ages 4+). Museum.unl.edu. • Railyard Ice Rink in the Haymarket. Winter season typically Dec/ Jan/Feb, weather dependent. Youth & adult skate rental available, or bring your own and skate for free! Canopyst.com • Spring Creek Prairie, Denton. Trails open sunrise to sunset, interactive visitor center M-F 9-5, S/S 1-5. Admission $4/adults, $3 seniors & kids 6-17y, 5 & under free. FREE admission every Tuesday! Springcreekprairie.audubon.org.

WEEKLY & MONTHLY

MONDAYS • Make It, Takit It after school club at KidsPark, Mondays 4-6pm thru May. Kids 11 & under drop-off—make a new creation each week! Incl. w/ hourly rates. Kidspark.com/Lincoln. • FREE Sensory-Friendly “Family Social Playgroup” at Heart in Hands CDC, 3535 O St. Third Monday Monthly, 6-7pm. Children will play with other similar-needs children and parents can socialize with other special needs parents. RSVP to the FB event or heartinhandsne@outlook.com. • STEAM Club at KidsPark, Mondays 6:30-8pm thru May. Kids 11 & under drop-off—enjoy hands-on STEAM-focused projects! Incl. w/ hourly rates. Kidspark.com/Lincoln. TUESDAYS • FREE Admission Tuesdays at Spring Creek Prairie, Denton. Trails open sunrise-sunset. Interactive Visitor Center open 9-5pm. Springcreekprairie.audubon.org • Preschool Play Day at Solid Rock Gymnastics, 9:30-11:30am, Tue & Fri, Oct thru May. Younger children + their adult explore equipment & have fun! $7/child or $5/child with 10x punchcard. Elem. age welcome, $12/child or $10 with 10x punchcard. Up to 3 kids/adult. Waiver required: solidrockgymnastics.com. • Super Sprouts at Lincoln Children’s Museum Tinker Theatre, 10am, for toddlers/preschoolers & their adult(s)w/ admission/ membership. Lincolnchildrensmuseum.org. • FREE Children’s Story Time at Indigo Bridge, Tuesdays 1011am. Books & craft activity! Indigobridgebooks.com. • FREE Tales & Rhymes Storytime, Tues & Wed 11:15am at Walt Library. Folktales, fairytales, nursery rhymes. Blankets welcome! Lincolnlibraries.org. • After School Book Club at KidsPark, Tuesdays 4-6pm thru May. Kids 11 & under drop-off—read a new book & enjoy related activities! Incl. w/hourly rates. Kidspark.com/Lincoln. • Beginner Knitting & Crochet Class at Makit Takit, Tuesdays 4:30-6pm & Saturdays 10:30am-12pm. No-pressure class to teach you how to knit or crochet! $10/class + supplies for first project. Class is open-house style, come & go as often as you need. Makittakit.com. • Kids Night at Screamers Cabaret, home of the singing servers! Kids eat FREE (0-10y) with adult meal purchase every Tues 5-9pm. Dinner & live performances featuring kid-favorite tunes, plus a different features like Face Paint (1st Tue), Bounce House (2nd), Balloon Twister (3rd), Wacky Photo Booth (4th). It’s a family dance party every week! 531-500-2550, screamersdining.com. • FREE Stories & Stretch, 6:30pm, 3rd Tues monthly at Walt Library. Wear comfy clothes or pjs & enjoy calming stories & stretching activities. Blankets welcome! Lincolnlibraries.org. • Drop-Off Art Club at KidsPark, Tuesdays 6:30-8pm thru May. Kids 11 & under explore various mediums & styles weekly! No experience needed, all are welcome! Incl. w/hourly rates. Kidspark. com/Lincoln. WEDNESDAYS • Open Swim at LifeSTROKES, Wednesdays during the school year, 10am-2pm. $5pp, $20/fam, 5-visit family pass just $75. www.lifestrokes.com.

• Oh Snap! Science, 10:30am at Lincoln Children’s Museum Tinker Theatre. Kids engage w/ a short science demo. Incl. w/ admission or membership. lincolnchildrensmuseum.org. • FREE Homeschool Wednesdays at Nebraska History Museum, every 1st Wednesday, 10:30am-12:30pm, Sep thru May. See topics at History.nebraska.gov/museum. • FREE Tales & Rhymes Storytime, Tues & Wed 11:15am at Walt Library. Folktales, fairytales, nursery rhymes. Blankets welcome! Lincolnlibraries.org. • After School Game Club at KidsPark, Weds 4-6pm thru May. Kids 11 & under drop-off. Explore virtual, sport, board, & video games! Incl. w/hourly rates. Kidspark.com/Lincoln. • Kid Eat FREE Night at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, 4-8pm, every Wednesday. All Lincoln locations. • Date Night at Screamer’s Dining & Cabaret, 803 Q St, Every Wed 5-9pm, home of the singing servers! Enjoy a selection of 4-course meal options, ½ off house wines, and live performances. A romantic & fun date night! 531-500-2550, screamersdining.com. (ps/ Kidspark is open till 10pm for drop & go childcare. Kidspark. com/lincoln.) • Cooking Club at KidsPark, Weds 6:30-8pm thru May. Kids 11 & under drop-off featuring fast & fun kid-friendly recipes. Incl. w/ hourly rates. Kidspark.com/Lincoln. • FREE Girls Skate Free Night at the Bay, 2005 Y St. All female/ femme/nonbinary skate free! TheBay.org. THURSDAYS • Preschool Paint & Storytime at Paint Yourself Silly, 70th & Pioneers location only, 10:30am. 2.5-6yrs + adult. Just drop by! Always under $15. Paintyourselfsilly.net. *Paint Yourself Silly is under new ownership, please call ahead or check online to confirm details, time & location* • Preschool Art Club at Makit Takit, 4720 Prescott Ave, Thurs. 1-2pm, $10 ages 3-5 +adult. Creative & fun learning. Reserve your spot online! Makittakit.com • Pop-In Storytime at Morrill Hall w/ Lincoln Libraries, 1st Thu monthly, 4pm, reg. museum admission. Museum.unl.edu. • After School Art Club, Thurs 4pm, grades 1-8, Pine Lake location only. Register weekly! PaintYourselfSilly.net. *Paint Yourself Silly is under new ownership, please call ahead or check online to confirm details, time & location* • After School Kids Club at KidsPark, Thurs 4-6pm thru May. Kids 11 & under drop-off where kids play with trendy, popular toys & crafts! Incl. w/hourly rates. Kidspark.com/Lincoln. • LCM Late Nights! at Lincoln Children’s Museum, open late till 8pm every Thursday with fun, rotating activities beginning at 6pm. First Thurs. Storybook Adventures, Tinker Theater 6-6:30pm Lincolnchildrensmuseum.org. • FREE Craft Social Thursdays at Makit Takit, 6-9pm. BYO project to work on and come hang out with fellow crafters. Food/drink welcome. Drop by! Makittakit.com. • FREE Los Cuentos! Bilingual preschool storytime at Bennett Martin (downtown) Library, Thurs 6:30pm Stay & Play session (not held in Aug/Dec). All are welcome! Lincolnlibraries.org. • Language Club at KidsPark, Thurs 6:30-8pm thru May. Kids 11 & under drop-off event exploring Spanish, French, Mandarin, & ASL! Incl. w/hourly rates. Kidspark.com/Lincoln. FRIDAYS • Preschool Play Day at Solid Rock Gymnastics, 9:30-11:30am, Tue & Fri, Oct thru May. Younger children + their adult explore equipment & have fun! $7/child or $5/child with 10x punchcard. Elem. age welcome, $12/child or $10 with 10x punchcard. Up to 3 kids/adult. Waiver required: solidrockgymnastics.com. • FREE IndiExplore every 2nd Fri, 10am, at Indigo Bridge. Explore a new topic with books, crafts, & guests! Indigobridgebooks.com. • FREE Children’s Storytime + Activities at SouthPointe Barnes & Noble, 11am, with hands-on fun & learning! • After School LEGO Club at KidsPark, Fri 4-6pm thru May. Kids 11 & under drop-off filled with lego fun! Incl. w/hourly rates. Kidspark.com/Lincoln. • FREE 1st Fridays at the Int’l Quilt Museum, 1523 N. 33rd. Free admission 1st Fridays 4-6:30pm (closed during UNL breaks). Activities & music often offered! Quiltstudy.org. • FREE First Fridays, held on the 1st Fri each month. Tour local galleries & visit participating downtown businesses. Many host free activities, music, & provide refreshments (some may require an admission fee, but many are free). Business hours vary, event runs approx. 4:30-10pm. Francie & Finch, Indigo Bridge, Sheldon Museum, The Foundry, Nebraska History Museum, & over a dozen more galleries & businesses. Downtownlincoln.org. • Parent’s Night Out at My Gym, 1st/3rd/5th Fridays, 5:30-9pm. Incl. pizza! $30 members, $35 non, $10 sibling, ages 1-13 (diapers ok!). MyGym.com/Lincoln, 402-802-9982. • Glow Party at KidsPark, select Fridays monthly, 7pm. Kids 11 & under drop-off event with neon face paint, glow sticks, disco lights, dancing & more! Neon & white clothing encouraged. Incl. w/hourly rates. Kidspark.com/Lincoln. SATURDAYS • Skate School at the Bay, 2005 Y St, 9a-1p. All ages & skill levels, $15 includes board & helmet. TheBay.org. • FREE Sensory Story Time at Bennett Martin Library, downtown, Saturdays, 9:15am, for families with children who may need a little extra attention or a more controlled environment. Feel free to arrive early for acclimation. No storytimes in Aug/Dec. This event is schedule through Feb. online, please call ahead to check Mar/ Apr time & location. Lincolnlibraries.org. • Family Escape Rooms at Lincoln Children’s Museum! Select Saturday’s in Feb & Mar! Opens at 9:30am, $7pp members/$15pp nonmembers, $35/$70 full room (up to 6). 3 room options divided by age. Can you escape in 45 mins? Register 24+hrs in adv. Lincolnchildrensmuseum.org. • Investigate: 2nd Saturday Science Lab at Morrill Hall, 10am12pm, free w/ admission. NOT IN FEB, please attend Dinosaurs & Disasters on Feb 8! Next Investigate Science Labs: Mar 15 & Apr 11. Museum.unl.edu. • Kids Club at Michael’s, most Saturdays, 10am-12pm. Themed crafts for ages 3+! $2-5. Michaels.com. • Beginner Knitting & Crochet Class at Makit Takit, Tuesdays 4:306pm & Saturdays 10:30am-12pm. No-pressure class to teach you how to knit or crochet! $10/class + supplies for first project. Class is open-house style, come & go as often as you need. Makittakit.com. • FREE MAKEbreak at Michaels, most Saturdays 1-3pm. Arts & crafts for kids & families! Most events are free, some require supply purchase. Michaels.com. • FREE Teen Night at Downtown Y, every last Saturday, 6:30-

10pm. Open to all teens & tweens grades 5-9. Free for members AND NONMEMBERS! Event is completely free and includes access to nearly all aspects of the Y. Swimming, gym, racquet ball, dance club, arts & crafts, music, & more. Includes free pizza! ymcalincoln.org. • FREE Hyde Memorial Observatory Holmes Lake, open Saturdays Mar-Aug from sundown–11pm, Sep 8-11pm, Oct-Mar 7-10pm. Free telescope use & enjoy programs about the moon, sun, & stars! HydeObservatory.info. SUNDAYS • FREE Prayer with Jazz at Grace Lutheran Church, 3rd Sundays 9-10am. egrace.org. • Sunday with a Scientist at Morrill Hall. Once a month (typically 3rd Sunday), 12:30-4:30pm, activities are free w/ admission. Not held in March. Next events: Feb 23 & Apr 19. Museum.unl.edu. • FREE* Family Crafts at Cosmic Eye Brewing, Sundays 1-4pm, often w/ snacks/food for kids! Activity is free w/purchase, new project each week! 6800 P St, cosmiceye.beer, 531-500-2739 & follow our Facebook page for more events! • FREE Gateway In Motion at Gateway Mall, H&M Court, 1:30pm, every 3rd Sun. Ages 12 & under will learn a new style of dance each month & perform a brief routine for parents & peers at the end of the hour. Shoppinggatewaymall.com. • FREE Bilingual Story Time at Indigo Bridge Books, every Sun 2pm. Activities + plus a craft! Indigobridgebooks.com. • FREE Lego Sundays 2-4pm, 1st & 3rd Sundays at Eiseley Library. Event is ongoing, scheduled thru May. Lincolnlibraries.org. Find the event on Facebook! • FREE Drag Queen Story Hour 1st Sunday at Starbucks 7020 O St. at 3pm. Join for very special story hour presented by your fave local Drag Queens! It’s a way to bring families & queens together to celebrate each other, inclusivity & stories! Find the events on FB! • Girls Night at the Bay, 2005 Y St, last Sunday of each month, $5pp, equip. rentals avail. 5-7pm girls 12 & under, 7-10pm all ages. Female, femme, nonbinary welcome! TheBay.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THU APR 2 • Rama Navami • Disney’s NEWSIES the Musical LSW HS, 7pm. See p.30! • FREE Soprano/Alto Choral Festival celebrating the power & beauty of women’s voices in song. Free, open to all. Kimball Recital Hall, UNL, 7pm. Msg Rhonda: rfuelberth2@unl.edu. FRI APR 3 • FREE Bunny Hop Dance Party & Arrival at Gateway Mall, H&M Court, 5-7pm. Mr. E.B. Hop is jumping into town w/ a kid’s DJ dance party, treats, craft corner and more! • Disney’s NEWSIES the Musical LSW HS, 7pm. See p.30! SAT APR 4 • FREE Weatherfest with UNL, awesome festival all about weather w/demos & activities. Weatherfest.unl.edu for details. • Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, at the Zoo! 8-10am, Incl. early zoo access, buffet, egg hunt, photo, & more! lincolnzoo.org • Agates Around the World! Lincoln Gem & Mineral Club’s 62nd annual show. Fun for all ages! Explore a gem dig, youth booths, exhibits, dealers, & more! Lancaster Event Center, Sat 9-5, Sun 10-5. $6/adult, $11/2-day pass, 0-11 free w/adult. $1 off w/ Food Pantry donation. See p.8. • FREE Try-It Clinic for Villarreal Nebraska Soccer Academy, Nebraska Sports Center, 333 Speedway Cir. Ages 1-3 & 4-5 @10:15am; Ages 6-7 & 8-9 11am. Adv. registration recommended. Villarrealnebraska.com (submarines) for info. See p.24! • FREE Eggstravaganza at Grace Lutheran, 2225 Washington St. 1-3pm. FREE! Tons of Easter fun for kids and families! Games, prizes, & refreshments. See page 7! Egrace.org. • Disney’s NEWSIES the Musical LSW HS, 7pm. See p.30! • FREE Wild Adventures at Pioneers Park Nature Center, 1-4pm. Our annual family-friendly Spring Festival to learn about nature with games, crafts & much more! SUN APR 5 • Palm Sunday • Agates Around the World! Lincoln Gem & Mineral Club’s 62nd annual show. Fun for all ages! Explore a gem dig, youth booths, exhibits, dealers, & more! Lancaster Event Center, Sat 9-5, Sun 10-5. $6/adult, $11/2-day pass, 0-11 free w/adult. $1 off w/ Food Pantry donation. See p.8. • Sensory Sunday for kids & adults at Morill Hall, 10:30-12:30pm, gen. admission. Lower lights and sounds, sensory reduction kits avail. Incl. FREE planetarium open house experience. Museum will open to the public at 12:30, all guests are welcome to stay after sensory time ends. museum.unl.edu • Make & Take Sensory Fun “Scented Floam” at Heart in Hands, 3535 O St. 2-3pm. $5 (class limited to 10 children + parent), Reg. req. Heartinhandsne.wix.com & on FB. TUE APR 7 • Peppa Pig Adventure LIVE! Ralston Arena, 7300 Q St. Ralston (Omaha). 6pm. Ralstonarena.com. Follow LK on FB for a chance to win tickets! @lincolnkidsnewspaper THU APR 9 • Passover- Starts • Disney’s NEWSIES the Musical LSW HS, 7pm. See p.30! FRI APR 10 • Good Friday • LPS No School • LK Summer Issue Deadline May, June, & July. Ad reservations close at midnight. Artwork submissions due today to be considered for summer print. Summer camp issue! Karla@lincolnkidsinc.com, LincolnKidsinc.com. • FREE School’s Out! All that Jazz Appreciation month at Nebraska History Museum, 10-1pm. history.nebraska.gov. • Disney’s NEWSIES the Musical LSW HS, 7pm. See p.30! SAT APR 11 • Superhero Day at LCM, 10-1pm. Members $5/person, non: $10.95/child, $9.95/adult. VIP Breakfast (8:30-10): members $20/ person, non: $25/person, incl. admission. Dust off your cape & grab your favorite mask. Super Hero Day is back & bigger than ever! Buy tickets at lincolnchildrensmuseum.org. • Easter Weekend at Arbor Lodge Mansion, NE City, 10th-12th, Sat. 9-5pm, Sun. 12-4pm. Celebrate Easter at Arbor Lodge, discover history of traditions, self-guided tours, & egg hunt! 402-8738722, ArborDayFarm.org. • FREE Spring Cleaning Volunteer Day at PPNC, 10-noon. Help do some spring cleaning in gardens & along trails. All are welcome, children may volunteer w/ adult. Must sign waiver, dress for weather. Reg. by Apr 8. 402-441-7895. • Disney’s NEWSIES the Musical LSW HS, 2pm. See p.30! SUN APR 12 • Easter • Easter Weekend at Arbor Lodge Mansion, NE City, 10th-12th,

Sat. 9-5pm, Sun. 12-4pm. Celebrate Easter at Arbor Lodge, discover history of traditions, self-guided tours, & egg hunt! 402-8738722, ArborDayFarm.org. MON APR 13- LPS Elem. No School • FREE UNL-LPS String Project Performance at Kimball Recital Hall, 7-8pm, Join for an amazing performance by young children from all different schools! music.unl.edu. TUE APR 14 • Little Saplings: Nature Nests at Schramm Edu. Center, Gretna, 9am. Free w/ admission, ages 2-5ys. Little Saplings is a monthly early childhood nature discovery program. For info: 402-3325022, amber.schiltz@nebraska.gov. • Air Play w/ FamFest at Lied Center, 7-10pm, $9-$18/ticket, Flying umbrellas, kites, & balloons!! Ride the wind w/ Air Play! Come early for FamFest with free food and fun educational activities for the whole family! liedcenter.org THU APR 16 • Passover- Final Day • Take2 Children’s Consignment Sale at Lancaster Event Center, Thurs.16- Sun.19, time TBA, take2.com FRI APR 17 • Take2 Children’s Consignment Sale at Lancaster Event Center, Thurs.16- Sun.19, time TBA, take2.com • Family Fun Night Fundraiser, Wee Wisdom Preschool, 5201 Old Cheney, 5-8pm. Carnival games & prizes, food, cotton candy, face painting, clowns & balloons, blow-up bouncer, and a silent auction. See page 11! Weewisdompreschool.org. • A Lincoln Fantasia by Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra, Lied Center, 7:30pm. Adults $15/$35,17 & under $5. After Intermission enjoy tunes from Fantasia movie. Lincolnsymphony.com. See p. 11! • Lincoln Boys Choir Auditions 2020-2021, Grades 3-12, Fri.17 & Sat. 18. Appt. Required. Reg. for a time @ lincolnboyschoir.org or call 402-499-4446. See page 23. SAT APR 18 • N Spring Game at Memorial Stadium, time TBA • Take2 Children’s Consignment Sale at Lancaster Event Center, Thurs.16- Sun.19, time TBA, take2.com • FREE Matt Heaton, Musician 10:30am at Gere & 3pm at Anderson Libraries. Lincolnlibraries.org. • FREE Aladdin w/ the Hampstead Stage Company at Walt Branch Library, 11:30am. Lincolnlibraries.org. • FREE Family Fun Day, Nebraska Pow Wow Traditions, Nebraska History Museum, 1-4pm. History.nebraska.gov. • Lil’ Chef Cooking Class Hy-Vee 70th/Pioneers, 2-3pm, $12/kid. Ages 3-11 will make 2-3 recipes! Pls register 24 hr in advance: eventbrite.com or in store. • Lincoln Boys Choir Auditions 2020-2021, Grades 3-12, Fri.17 & Sat. 18. Appt. Required. Reg. for a time @ lincolnboyschoir.org or call 402-499-4446. See page 23. SUN APR 19 • Take2 Children’s Consignment Sale at Lancaster Event Center, Thurs.16- Sun.19, time TBA, take2.com • FREE Aladdin w/ the Hampstead Stage Company at Walt Branch Library, 1pm. Lincolnlibraries.org. • FREE Early Childhood Celebration, Gateway Mall, 2:304:30pm, Activities for ages 0-8y & their families. Performances by DMNV Lion Dance Team & Kokyo Taiko Drummers! Read about it on page 11! • Baconfest at Embassy Suites, $25pp. Find event on FB! TUE APR 21 • Yom Hashoah • National Library Workers Day • Lil’ Chef Cooking Class “Spring In The Garden” Hy-Vee 70th/ Pioneers, 4:30pm, $12/kid. Ages 3-11 will make 2-3 recipes! Pls register 24 hr in advance: eventbrite.com or in store. WED APR 22 • Earth Day 50th Anniversary • Enjoy and celebrate our beautiful Earth! Clear litter from your neighborhood, plant a tree, go “grounding” (barefoot), walk or bike everywhere today, unplug from technology, volunteer and clean up parks & streets, create resuse & upcycle habits, etc. • Lyrids Meteor Shower runs Apr. 16- 25. Peaks 22/23. THU APR 23 • Take our Daughter & Sons to Work Day • Lyrids Meteor Shower runs Apr. 16- 25. Peaks 22/23. FRI APR 24 • Arbor Day • Ramadan Starts • Plant a tree at home or volunteer with local organizations who are coordinating tree plants today. Take a trip to Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City to celebrate trees! Arbordayfarm.org. SAT APR 25 • FREE Spring Affair & Plant Sale by NE Arboretum at the Event Center, 9-2pm. Talks, concessions, 800+ plants! • FREE Lincoln Earth Day at Innovation Campus, 10a-2p. Music, demos, food trucks, green vehicles & more! Follow on FB! • NE Renaissance Faire & Pirate Fest at Riverwest Park (Elkhorn), 10a-6p. Kids 5-13 $7, adults 14+ $13, 4&under free. • FREE! Lincoln Children’s Business Fair at City Impact, 2-4pm. Follow the event on FB for updates! • SciPop Interactive at SAC Museum, Ashland, 10am-2pm, general admission. Explore the science behind Harry Potter & comic book heroes! Costumes welcome & encouraged! Part of the Science Festival in partnership w/the U of N. SACmuseum.org • Family Skate Night, John Breslow Ice Hockey Center, 5:15pm $5/person, $20/family. Incl. skates, pizza, & more! Benefiting BackPack Program! See ad p 10 for a FREE raffle entry! • FREE Healthy Kids Day at Fallbrook YMCA. Tons of awesome & educational booths & activities. Details & time TBA. • LMTA District Festival, Nebraska Wesleyan UniversityVance D. Rogers Fine Arts Building, 50th & Huntington. www.LMTA.info. SUN APR 26 • NE Renaissance Faire & Pirate Fest at Riverwest Park (Elkhorn), 10a-6p. Kids 5-13 $7, adults 14+ $13, 4&under free. THU APR 30 • Neat Repeatz Children’s Sale, 5631 S. 48th St. (upper backside of building), Apr.30-May 3rd, Thu-Fri. 9-7, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 11-5. New/ Expecting Mom Pre-Sale Apr.29. Follow on FB & see ad p.8!

COMING UP

• May 1: LK Summer issue debut! May, June & July. Features summer camps, loads of events, family fun, education, & resources. Send in artwork or request ad space by contacting karla@ lincolnkidsinc.com or 402-798-0224. • May 1-3: Neat Repeatz Children’s Consignment Sale, 5631 S. 48th. See p 8. Follow on FB for daily discounts! Neatrepeatz.com. • May 8-10: Neat Repeatz Adult Consignment Sale.

SPRING 2020 • PAGE 51

LK! Art Gallery Zainab Al khafaji, 6 "Ice Cream & Cupcakes" Watercolors Made at Home

Mrudhulaa Vallieppan 6th grade "Circus" Fine Tip Marker & Crayons Made at Home

Harlow, 6 "Rabbit" Clay LUX Center for the Arts

Alex, 9 "Mask" Clay, LUX Center for the Arts Aylene Randolph, 7 "Mona Lisa" Pencils and Pen, Made at Home

Adeline Lefler, 11 "Daisy Forest" Acrylic Paint

Chantel, 10 "Cup & Saucer" Clay, LUX Center for the Arts

Amos Glen, 10 "The Alpha-Noodle" Crayons & Gel Pens, Made at Home

Next edition will have a glossy magazine cover! Submit art for the cover by Apr 10: karla@lincolnkidsinc.com PAGE 52 â€¢ LINCOLNKIDSINC.COM

we We support youth art! send Send in your creations! Upload online at www.LincolnKidsInc.com • Email direct to karla@lincolnkidsinc.com • PO Box 67203 | Lincoln | 68506

Lexi Ryan, 4 Untitled Sent in from home

Ben Hartman, 12 Untitled Waverly Middle School

Brielle Braunsroth, 12 "Tiger Lily" Copic Marker Art Academy Lincoln

Bella Le, 13 "Journey of Peace" Watercolor Art Academy Lincoln

Adi Freichs, Age 7 "Queen Bunny" Clay, acrylics, Wood Art Academy Lincoln

Emma Krienert, 8 "May Meadow" Colored Pencil, Made at Home

Fatima Al khafaji, 9 "Summer Day on the Beach" Watercolors, Made at Home

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Please like our page on Facebook & Instagram to find: local events • giveaways • specials • family life tips • funny stuff SPRING 2020 • PAGE 53

LINCOLN KIDS! ACTIVITY PAGE

PAGE 54 â€¢ LINCOLNKIDSINC.COM