Summer is here and it is HOT and while some days you can be outside, other days it is just too hot. Itching to get out of the house but don't want to spend a lot of money on experiences? There are places in Lincoln and close by that are open FREE to visitors all throughout the year.
Go to the Nebraska State Capitol Building. Have you been to the capitol? Kids love to explore the cavernous building, find secret hiding places, making phone calls on the pay phones and looking out over Lincoln. They have the most beautiful library!
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Our amazing library system is always free. You can get books, DVDs and even video games. While there, sign up for the summer reading program. Check our calendar for the summer library events.
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Spring Creek Prairie has free admission all the time now. I know what you're thinking, "She said indoor fun!" Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center has an education building that is included in your admission cost. You can go outside and explore or you can just go to the building and learn about the prairie.
We love to visit book stores in town like Barnes and Noble, Francie and Finch and Elleinad Books.
On really hot weather days, I like taking my kids to the Sheldon Museum of Art on UNL's campus. Seeing art through a child's eyes is so refreshing and sometimes hilarious. I see a red square on the wall and they see a volcanic eruption. To learn how to introduce your child to an art museum click here. Plus, there is GREAT air conditioning in art museums.
Look down on the busy streets of Lincoln from one of the six sky walks. My children (and I) love to find these and spend 10 minutes waving at the passing cars.
Scheels has a lego table, an aquarium, a ferris wheel, an indoor playground, a candy shop, a fudge shop, a mini bowling area, a putting green and more. The ferris wheel and mini bowling cost money but everything else is free to use. We can spend $6 on candy and two hours in Scheels. Pretty cheap fun! Plus-your four legged friends can come too. Our dog loves to visit Scheels with us. They always welcome leashed, well behaved dogs.
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The Gateway Mall has an indoor play area where your kids can jump some energy out.
The Front Porch is a coffee shop located in Cross the Line Church at 5925 Adams St. The play area at the Front Porch is great. The indoor area has a climbing structure with a slide and many smaller things to play in including some beloved pieces from the Ager Center including the hippo. It is free to play. The coffee shop not only has a variety of drinks but also sandwiches, salads and pizza.
National Museum of Roller Skating. I have still never been here even though we have lived here eight years. We are going!
Want to know about all the great family events in our area? Click here to get a free weekly email from Macaroni Kid that helps you plan your week with your family! Every Thursday at 3:30 PM, you'll get Lincoln's family fun in your inbox.