Momaha Magazine - July 2017

momaha.com

VOLUME 8 · ISSUE 7 JULY

Pile on the toppings Making birthdays one of your child’s favorite things

GET ORGANIZED Play-day planning

2017

WILD SUMMER DAYS MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS THROUGH AUGUST 2ND

Wild Summer Days is a drop-in program for adults and children ages 11 to infant, for hands-on learning and technology-free play indoors and out.

Due to the types of activities offered and the amazing benefits of adult-child interaction in nature play, one adult is required to accompany every two children. Drop in and play with us, and experience the wild of Fontenelle Forest this summer! $3 per child for members or $5 per child with daily admission.

WWW.FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG

Use the offer code MOMAHA to get $5 off your membership online, or simply bring in this ad.

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Every Saturday 10am - 2pm

DROP IN, NO NEED TO REGISTER! Great for kids of all ages.

EEvv er er y Saturday S t ay 1 10-2 2

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ONLY AT

Bring your little ones too and let them have fun at our coloring station!

PLUS, DON’T FORGET THE FREE POPCORN!

Proud to be a participant in BOTH Row by Row and Row by Row

JUNIOR.

Kits will be available June 21.

See rowbyrowexperience.com for details.

Closed Tues July 4th for the holiday.

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I was only looking for ice cream.

Mention promo code 16860 for 25% OFF all children’s styles.

14591 Stony Brook Blvd. | 1000 S. 178 th St. facebook.com/FFHy-Vee

 �  � �   �  �     ­   € €   ­ €   ‚  €  ƒ

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EMPOWERING KIDS THROUGH SPORTS YMCA Fall Youth Sports

REGISTE SATURDR BY A JULY 15 Y, !

Teams are forming now - Register online or at your YMCA Welcome Center!

VOLLEYBALL

SOCCER

• Recreational: 1st grade - High School • Fundamental: Kindergarten - 6th grade • Competitive: 5th - 8th grade

• Recreational: 3 years - 8th grade • Fundamental: Kindergarten - 6th grade

FLAG FOOTBALL

BASKETBALL

• Recreational: Kindergarten - 8th grade • Fundamental: Kindergarten - 6th grade

• Recreational: 3 years - High School • Fundamental: Kindergarten - 6th grade

YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA • www.metroymca.org 2029290-01

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SAFE & LOVING QUALITY CHILD CARE

where moms connect VOLUME 8 . ISSUE 7 . JULY 2017 editor in chief CHRIS CHRISTEN chris.christen@owh.com 402-444-1094

creative director + designer HEIDI THoRSoN hthorson@owh.com 402-444-1351

momaha.com editor aSHlEE CoffEy ashlee.coffey@owh.com 402-444-1075

production coordinator PaT R I C I a “ M U R P H y � B E N o I T

content contributors KIM CaRPENTER, DEv HaNUMaRa, H owaR D K . M aRCUS, a My To KoS, H E aT H E R w I N K E l

advertising sales manager DEBBIE McCHESNEy dcavalier@owh.com 402-444-1448

account executive SaRa BaKER sara.baker@owh.com 402-444-1442

account executive G ay l I D D E l l gay.liddell@owh.com 402-444-1489

account executive E M I ly M a R T I N emily.martin@owh.com 402-444-1411

account executive

•

•

R aCHaE l wHITE rachael.white@owh.com 402-444-1209

Call today for a tour | 402-451-0787

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www.nchs.org

Momaha Magazine is a monthly publication of the news division of the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 700, Omaha, NE 68102. Momaha is a registered trademark, and all content is copyright 2017 by the Omaha WorldHerald. All rights reserved. The opinions and perspectives published herein are those of the authors and should not be construed as those of Momaha Magazine or its publisher.

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RETRAIN YOUR BRAIN

SUMMER CAMP

Where campers connect with their passions and explore new ones!

Discover foreign languages!

Dabble in the arts!

Code, animate, design! desig

Work your sclles! sc scles! muscles!

And More!

Check out our summer camp offerings: 400 N. Happy Hollow Blvd. • 402.556.3772

brownell.edu/camps

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MoMaha.coM Editor // aShlEE coffEy Wife to Kevin Coffey, music critic for the Omaha World-Herald.

Mom to Sam and Elliott.

Follow her on Twitter: @ashleecoffeyowH

E

very year, when summer rolls around, all I want to do is spend time outside. Lounge at the pool. Play at the lake.

Before kids, it was all so easy. I grabbed my towel, sunscreen, hat and a good book and was out the door.

But add two kids and suddenly packing for a simple excursion to the lake or pool is akin to packing for a weekend trip! The trunk is full of bags and toys and whatever else we think we might need for a few hours away from home.

And, inevitably, I always seem to rush to get everything together just before we’re trying to leave – so I always end up forgetting something. It’s

honestly gotten to the point where I dread the idea of leaving the house because of all the work that goes into it.

There has to be an easier way, right? Professional organizer Amy Tokos comes to the rescue, page 22.

And when you’re back from your little getaway, what better way to relax and unwind than to eat some delicious dessert? Find a great recipe on page 16 that uses the perfect summer fruit – berries. Both parents and kids will dig this type of pizza pie – and surely ask for seconds.

I hope everyone is having a safe, lazy and stressfree summer!

GEt Social Facebook /momahacom TwiTTer @momaha_owh PinTeresT /momahaowh

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Step Right Up to the FREE Boys Town Pediatrics

HEALTHY KIDS CARNIVAL Saturday, August 5th 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Boy Town Medical Campus us Boys

Healthy Activities with Boys Town Pediatric Specialists Bounce Houses Face Painting Games Giveaways at Every Booth Obstacle Course Hourly Prizes

GRAND PRIZE! Youth Bike with Gear!

BoysTownPediatrics.org

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On OUR RADAR // EDitOR’s Picks

THINGS TO TRY THIS MONTH

SAY IT WITH CHOCOLATE

Or at least spell it. Fill the WRITE ON! decorating tool with melted chocolate and draw or write in fine lines on cookies, cakes, cupcakes, pancakes and more.

You can practice your fine penmanship without having to wrestle with a messy pastry bag ever again! mnkbusiness.com, $17

ROCK ON

Little kids love to color their world but trying to do so with conventional crayons often leads to snaps and cracks. Long-lasting CRAYON ROCKS solve the problem by giving youngsters ergonomic control. The set of 16 is made from soy and comes in a velvet storage bag. magiccabin.com, $9.98

GET A GRIP

We carry things around a lot, and whether it’s our purses or totes, bag straps inevitably slip from our shoulders, making our daily juggling that much harder. The BAG BUG clicks on shoulder straps and keeps them where they belong. bagbug.com, starting at $39

BE FIT AND FASHIONABLE

We love wearing our smartwatches everywhere, but they can look a little chunky and industrial. FUNKTIONAL WEARABLES offers a variety of bangles, covers and charms for smartwatches that let us look chic while staying in top form. funktionalwearables.com, from $16

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SAY GOODBYE TO PLASTIC

We have to pack sandwiches and snacks, store leftovers and keep food fresh. Usually we reach for plastic bags or plastic wrap, but now BEE’S WRAP offers a line of food storage sheets made from cotton treated with beeswax, jojoba oil and tree resin. The sheets are also washable, reusable and compostable.

Did we mention the patterns are also incredibly hip? beeswrap.com, from $10

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New picks hot off the presses, straight to you COMPILED by Momaha Magazine

PASS IT ON

Sophy Henn (Philomel Books) When you experience something terrific – a smile, chuckle, hum or hug – pass it on! The adorably illustrated book reminds kids that some of the best things in life truly can’t be bought, but still must be shared.

Ages 3-7

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GOOD NIGHT, BADDIES

Deborah Underwood, Juli Kangas (Simon & Schuster) Witches, trolls, dragons and gnomes are classic fairytale baddies – but even baddies need buddies.

And polite dinners, bubble baths and nighttime stories. This book provides a new perspective on the villains we know so well. Ages 4-8

I WILL NOT EAT YOU

Adam Lehrhaupt, Scott Magoon (Simon & Schuster) Theodore is a giant red dragon who lives in a dark cave. He thinks of eating every living creature who happens by, but is never quite hungry enough. When a boy enters the cave, Theodore is finally ready to eat, but then something unexpected happens: a friendship blossoms. Ages 4-8

MAYBE A FOX

Kathi Appelt and Allison McGhee (Simon & Schuster) Sylvie and Jules are sisters and best friends. One day Sylvie runs to the river too fast, and she’s never seen again. Senna, a fox, is born and is “sent” to help Jules.

Told in alternating voices, the beautifully written novel deals with sadness, anger, helplessness and ultimately, hope.

Ages 10-14

THE GIRL IN THE WELL IS ME

Karen Rivers (Algonquin Readers) Sixth-grader Kammi Summers really wants to be one of the popular girls. But when those same girls trick her into a well during a fake initiation, Kammi is trapped in the dark. The novel will resonate with any girl dealing with queen bees and mean girls. Ages 12-14

Celebrate Christmas in July with a new children’s book from local author Available on July 1 Prize Giveaway

Enter Online www.norellapress.com

This year’s new holiday book A wild bird, a dog chase and a snowball fight make Christmas as Eve exciting. Having Santa’s boot makes it unforgettable! Fears, rs, jokes and chaos arise, but it’s a fight against sleep. Find out if Alec, Chloe & Nora can stay awake to return Santa’s Boot!

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Two Metro Locations: 545 N 155th Plaza

| 402-281-9897 • 17935 Welch Plaza #6 | 402-934-7909

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A fresh summer treat straight from the berry patch RECIPE PREPARATION, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Heidi Thorson

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BERRY PATCH BROWNIE PIZZA

Makes 2, 12-inch pizzas 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 2. Grease pizza pan with cooking spray.

(If using a pizza stone, line with parchment paper.) 3. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions. 4. Pour about half the batter onto the pizza pan. Spread evenly, stopping within 1 inch from the edge of the pan. Place in oven and bake 18-20 minutes. To use brownie mix completely, repeat this step to make second pizza. 5. Remove pan from oven and allow brownie pie to cool completely. 6. Using a food processor, puree 1 cup sliced strawberries. 7. In a medium mixing bowl, beat 8 ounce Cool Whip, 8 ounces cream cheese, 1 tablespoon sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla and strawberry purée. Mix until creamy and spread over cooled brownie pie.

8. Top each pizza with ½ cup sliced strawberries, ½ cup raspberries and ½ cup blueberries and sprinkle with shredded coconut. Chill until ready to slice and serve. Optional: Drizzle with strawberry purée.

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Whether your taste buds are simple or sophisticated, there’s a dog for you.

Check out three mouthwatering possibilities, page 16.

FOOD PREPARATION + PHOTOGRAPHY Heather Winkel

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GET MORE LIKES AT THE DINNER TABLE.

SWIM INTO SUMMER ONCE-A-WEEK SWIM LESSONS TWO WEEK T CAMP SESSIONS

REGISTER NOW FOR SWIM LESSONS Ages 6 Mos. & Older.

Morning, Afternoon Evening & Saturday Morning

Timeslots Available!

HEALTHYKOHLSKIDS.COM

402-932-2030 LittleWavesFamilySwimSchool.com 15

BBQ Dog

AmericAnA Dog chili Dog

AmericAnA Dog • • • • •

Yellow mustard Cheddar cheese Dill relish Red onions Crushed potato chips

BBQ Dog

• Pulled pork • Coleslaw • Red cabbage

chili Dog • • • •

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Homemade chili Shredded cheese Red onions Jalapeños

PulleD Pork roAst 1. Put pork roast in

Dutch oven and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. 2. Add water to cover the bottom of pan (about 1 inch) and bake in a 300-degree oven for 1-2 hours until center of roast is no longer pink.

3. Remove and cool slightly. 4. Shred pork with two forks, add BBQ sauce to taste and keep warm in roaster.

coleslAw 1. Mince 1 carrot and

1 medium cabbage and set aside. 2. In large bowl mix together 2-3 minced spring onions, 1½ cups mayonnaise, 1-2 tablespoons white vinegar and 2 tablespoons sugar. Add garlic salt and pepper to taste. 3. Add cabbage and carrots. 4. Mix together and refrigerate at least one hour before serving.

chili Dog chili 1. Brown 1 pound

ground beef in skillet with salt and pepper to taste, then drain. 2.

Add 28 ounces diced tomatoes and 28 ounces kidney beans. Bring to simmer on medium heat and add 1 tablespoon chili powder until mixture turns reddishbrown. 3. Simmer 10 minutes then serve.

Recipes: Georgia Neefe

stops SUMMER LEARNING LOSS

of teachers say students appear to forget or lose skills or knowledge learned during the prior school year.

RAILROAD-THEMED ATTRACTIONS PER FAMILY

Railroad Days is presented by Union Pacific Railroad Transportation provided by the Iowa West Foundation Media Support provided by KETV NewsWatch 7 Printing support provided by Elman & Co.

10 OFF

$ A $50 PURCHASE Must present this ad. Good Thru 7/31/17.

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2932 S. 84th St. • (402) 763-8455 www.learninghq.com

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This personalized theme makes birthday party planning a piece of cake!

TEXT, CRAFTS + STYLING Heather Winkel PHOTOGRAPHY Dev Hanumara

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party featuring your child’s favorite things is the perfect theme when time and energy are in low supply. Plus, your child is guaranteed to love everything! Does your youngster crave popcorn constantly? Put it on the table.

Can’t pick a color scheme? Use a rainbow palette. Don’t have time to make party favors? Let favorite trinkets do the job.

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monstEr buckEts 1. Using scissors, cut

eyes, mouths and noses out of black and white foam core.

2. Glue facial features to the front of a metal bucket or cup to make monster faces. 3. Fill buckets with straws, noisemakers or other party essentials that look like hair.

Emoji invitations

Instead of fretting over paper invitations, send texts or emails with party details and a few of your child’s favorite emojis.

Fun and gamEs

Create stations using toys you already have on hand.

Give instructions such as “Build a plane out of Lego” or “Make a sea friend with Play-Doh”.

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Party favor bags

Fill a party tray with trinkets and let guests fill their bags with several favorites as a souvenir.

Customized signs and tags

Download our blank sign and tag templates on momaha.com. Print on cardstock, then use your favorite stickers to personalize.

CuPCake deCorating

Fill plastic paint palettes with sprinkles, googly eyes and small candies. Put a cupcake in the center for decorating.

Afterward, let everyone take their work home in a takeout container.

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Join Our Party Animals.

Plan an unforgettable birthday experience.

There is no better place to celebrate than Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. Complete with full Zoo admission and a special visit from an animal ambassador, your child’s party will be one wild moment after another. It’s the kind of fun that only comes once a year.

Start planning today: omahazoo.com/rent/birthdays 402-738-2005 birthdays@omahazoo.com

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G e t t h e c a k e t h a t e v e r y o n e i s t a l k i n g a b o u t.

1119 S. 119th St.

402-505-1830

www.cakecreationsomaha.com

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Get ORGanized // amy tOkOs Amy Tokos is a Certified Professional Organizer and the owner of Freshly Organized. You can find more organizing tips at freshlyorganized.com.

Summers are made for impromptu excursions and outdoor fun. When the whim hits, a ready list of things to pack will have your family out the door in a flash.

ADD & SUBTRACT

Make a list of things you’ll need for each adventure your family routinely enjoys: A day at the pool, the lake, the cabin, etc.

Include a checklist of chores that need to be done before your family leaves the house.

Save the lists electronically and print as needed.

Lists that you haven’t found a need to revise can even be laminated for handy reference.

DOLE OUT THE CHORES

The morning of your outing, review the departure checklist. The anticipation can motivate kids to tackle some summer reading, pick up their toys or put away their clean laundry.

Be consistent in having chores done before you leave. This gives summer much-needed structure, which is helpful to kids. Plus your home will be a little neater.

POOL MUST-HAVES

Pack a pool bag with all the usual items - swim goggles, pool toys, sunscreen, beach towels, money for concessions, etc.

Keep the bag in a handy spot along with your packing list to make sure you haven’t left something behind.

DAY AT THE LAKE

Same concept as the pool with the addition of lakespecific items such as life jackets, rafts and a cooler of food and drinks.

Plan your meals and prep accordingly prior to leaving home.

This will make for a relaxing day.

WEEKEND AT THE CABIN

Keep the cabin stocked with the basics. Typically, the challenge is storing items that need to go to the cabin. They have a tendency to accumulate at home, and sometimes even are forgotten.

Designate a place to store them between trips. This can be a cabinet in the laundry room, a box in the basement or a shelf in the garage.

Keep a running list of items as plans come together.

CAMPING TRIP

Keep your camping supplies stored in one area.

If you are new to camping, find supply lists online and modify them for your family.

Save your list for future trips. Prep and cook as much food as possible before you leave home. If you forget an item (one year we forgot coffee cups), be sure to revise your master list so you’re never without it again!

SUMMER CAMPS 132nd & Millard Ave.

www.schoolofrock.com 402.691.8875 22

SUNRISE & MOONLIGHT CANOE TRIPS FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS

MORNING AND EVENING YOGA IN THE FOREST

THISFONTENELLE SUMMER AT FOREST ALL NEW RAPTOR WOODLAND REFUGE

FAMILY SUNDAYS ALL SUMMER

SEPTEMBER BEER ON THE BOARDWALK

See all of the great events we have coming up this summer at our website:

FONTENELLEFOREST.ORGWWW.FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG THE GREAT AMERICAN ECLIPSE EDUCATIONAL & VIEWING EVENTS

Use the offer code MOMAHA to get $5 off your membership online, or bring in this ad.

Open Daily 8am – 7pm* *Summer Hours Memorial Day - Labor Day Trails open sunrise-sunset for members.

(402) 731-3140 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N. Bellevue, NE, 68005 2030992-01

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Advice for A better life coMPiled by Momaha Magazine

Unless our kids need glasses or contacts, their eye health can be easy to overlook. Eye health is just as important as maintaining healthy gums and teeth. Here are tips to make sure those baby blues, deep browns and sparkling greens stay healthy and fit.

IN LA VISTA

Summer Kids Camps and Teen Nights filling up fast!

i cAN See cleArlY NoW

As if you didn’t need another reason to pull your kids away from the TV, smartphone or tablet. Children who spend time outdoors have better distance vision than peers who mostly stay indoors. Optometry and Vision Science

TEEN NIGHTS (6:30 PM - 9:00 PM) June 6 – This Kiss June 27 – Galaxy July 11 – Stripes July 25 – Game of Dragons 2001790-01

KIDS CAMPS (8:30 AM - 1:30 PM) June 12 - 16 – Princess for a Week June 12 - 16 – Pirates and Paint June 19 - 23 – It’s a Zoo in Here July 17 - 21 – Summer Fun July 24 - 28 – Christmas in July & Other Holidays

Call NOW: 402-502-5656

www.pinotspalette.com/lavista

Stepper-ette Studios

MAiNtAiN 20-20 viSioN

Eyes can become bleary, dry and irritated when staring at a computer screen all day. To give them relief, practice the 20-20 rule. For every 20 minutes of screen time, take a 20-second break, look into the distance about 20 feet away and blink a few times. Instant eye relief! health.com

10925 Harrison LaVista, NE 68128 402-952-4545 Baton Twirling Tumbling Pom Pon Cheerleading Hip Hop Ballet Preschool

tHe eYeS HAve it

Benefits your child will enjoy

• Upbeat, age appropriate music

Register for Fall Classes Now!

• Easy to learn routines • Physical fitness and coordination skills for girls and boys • Enthusiastic and knowledgeable instructors

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tHiNe eYeS HAve SeeN tHe GlorY

And you want to keep them that way. Most of us know that prolonged exposure to sunlight is bad for skin, but it also can do a number on eyes. Cataracts and macular degeneration are just two of the health problems that can arise. That chic pair of sunglasses is far more than just a fashion accessory! National Eye Institute

Lots of cosmetics, that is. Eyeliner, mascara and eye shadow can accentuate our eyes, but they can also grow bacteria and even fungi. To keep your eyes healthy and beautiful, toss cosmetics after several months, keep makeup at a temperature of 85-degrees F. or below (no steamy bathrooms or hot cars), don’t mix and match cosmetics (no repurposed lipliner or blush) and never share them with a friend. Also steer clear of kohl eyeliner – it can contain lead. everydayhealth.com

eYe, eYe!

The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and while you might be tempted to let your children set off fireworks, the activity includes a lot of risk. Sparklers burn at 1,800-degrees F., and bottle rockets can send shrapnel flying. If your child does experience a firework-induced injury, don’t rub, rinse or apply pressure to the eye or use eye drops. Doing any of those things can cause additional damage. Instead, seek immediate medical care. preventblindness.org

THE BEST PLACE FOR KIDS.

Peter, age 9 Ulcerative Colitis

Visit ChildrensOmaha.org for more information on how we can help your child.

For a pediatrician, family physician or pediatric specialist, call 1.800.833.3100.

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e t e g a S t S the

2017-18 Mainstage Productions

Exciting, large-scale productions performed on The Rose Mainstage.

Rose members receive FREE tickets to these shows.

Membership is the best way to enjoy everything The Rose has to offer.

Babe The Sheep Pig Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Van Gogh & Me The Meaning of Maggie Seedfolks Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure Curious George & the Golden Meatball

Rose members receive access to seven regular season shows for one low price. That’s seven times to stop and laugh together with your child. Seven times to experience the awe and wonder of theater.

Seven times to make memories together as a family — memories that will last a lifetime.

Sept. 8-24, 2017 Oct. 6-22, 2017 Nov. 3-12, 2017 Jan. 26-Feb. 11, 2018 Feb. 23-Mar. 11, 2018 Mar. 23-Apr. 8, 2018 Apr. 20-May 6, 2018

2017-18 Premium Event Shows Toe-tapping musical numbers, fantastic sets, large casts and awe-inspiring productions the entire family will enjoy are highlights of our special event premium shows.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Disney’s Newsies

Dec. 1-23, 2017 June 1-17, 2018

2017-18 First Stage Productions Theater for very young audiences, preschoolers and children with special needs, performed on the Hitchcock Stage

Point A to Point B Wynken, Blynken & Nod

Oct. 21-Nov. 12, 2017 Feb. 10-Mar. 4, 2018

$

105

THAT’S 28 TICKETS! Memberships on sale now.

JOIN TODAY! 2016858-01