We received an email from a Macaroni Kid reader about family memberships in our area and I asked our Facebook readers for their input. Wow! Such great answers and now we have a thorough list for you to work from for the holidays because if you are like me your kids don't need more toys and you don't need more clutter. As one reader put it, we are looking for connection over collection.
"As a mom of four, I'm starting to receive requests for Christmas lists and I look around my house filled with items so many toys already. I would love to find different family memberships around Lincoln/Omaha. Are you aware of any other places that have great family fun memberships as we approach the Christmas season?"
Everything on this list is focused on things that you can do as a family whether that is painting pottery, hiking at a state park or exploring at a nearby museum. Pass this list onto grandparents who are asking about gifts. Not only will your family get an experience under the tree, a local business or non-profit will be supported.
| Family Memberships |
-Morrill Hall: Not only do you get to go to Morrill Hall with your membership pass, you also get in free or for a discounted prices at 100s of museum nationwide including museums in Kansas City, Des Moines and Denver.
-Game & Parks "Bucks: These bucks can be used for cost to get into a park or an activity year-round like the water park at Mahoney State Park!
-the YMCA: a membership for the whole family to enjoy.
-Omaha Zoo: The Omaha Zoo is consistently ranked as #1 Zoo in the world. Enough said. We go to the Omaha Zoo even during the coldest days and we run from building to building, checking out the animals.
-SAC & Aerospace Museum: Midway between Lincoln and Omaha, this museum celebrates Strategic Air Command, the Cold War and aerospace artifacts. They have a great, engaging kids area too.
-Durham Museum: One of the least expensive family memberships at $60 for 12 months and that gets you into special events (like Christmas at Union Station) and all of their exhibits! I love spending a day in Omaha and going on a mini-road trip once a month.
-Fontenelle Forest: This green space will leave you feeling rejuvenated and content. It is a haven in a city. For a review of our trip there click here.
-Lauritzen Gardens:They often have fun cultural days, lego exhibits, and special events like Dinosaur-themed. One reader raves, "Also lovely to just stroll through and looks at flowers during the different seasons!"
-Arbor Day Farm: My family goes to Arbor Day Farm 3-4 times a year. It is one of our favorite places to explore.
-The Safari Park: A North American wildlife experience. This place was our saving grace at the beginning of the pandemic. We drove over once a week in the spring!
-Nebraska Innovation Studio: This makers' space has amazing tools from 3-D printers, a full wood shop, art studio (press & wheel), sewing studio (long arm quilt machine & sewing machines), etc. Its open to the community, they provide training, and you can connect with other makers. This is great for families with older children.
-Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center: The whole family can take archery lessons.
-Pool membership: One reader responded that they ask for a pool membership for the summer. Love this idea! It is hot here in the summer and many days a pool feels like a necessity. Another reader gifts goggles and towels with giftcards for swimming lessons for each of her grand kids.
-Lincoln Children's Museum: Enjoy this museum year-round (we especially use it in the winter months).
-Lincoln Children's Zoo: I love that the zoo is open year-round and even on the coldest days there are buildings to go into and visit animals!
-Kiewit Illuminarium-The whole family can enjoy the Illuminarium-little kids through adults!
| Tickets |
One reader wrote, "We watch "Dancing with the STARS" and one year they came to the Lied Center so tickets to do something as a family was great!" The Lied has great shows coming this year, including Les Mis.
- Orpheum
- The Lied
- Omaha Community Playhouse
- The Rose Theatre
- Lincoln Community Playhouse
- YAAL
- Nebraska Wesleyan Universty
- Husker sporting event
- TAFK
| Family Activities |
-Paint Yourself Silly: get creative and paint pottery as a family.
-Urban Air: jump passes for everyone or you can buy your child a monthly pass.
-Movie certificates: Popcorn? Check. Drink? Check? How many times will we leave to go to the bathroom? Unknown but at least three.
-Bowling: Who has been beaten by their five year old in bowling? I have.
-Corky Boards: Paint a picture with your child or spouse.
-The Bay: Rollerblade, rollerskate, scoot or skateboard at the Bay as a group!
-Lost in Fun: Get a punch-card and the kids can bounce the afternoon away on a cold day.
-Ice skating: Skate inside at the John Breslow Ice Hockey Center or outside at Mahoney State Park.
-Lux Center for the Arts: Their family workshops are great! We have done fused glass ornament making and when the kids are old enough we will do pottery throwing together.
-Makit Takit: Lincoln's Craft Studio: One of the most fun activities that I have done with my kids is the Splatter Room at Makit Takit.
-Laser tag: My kids get a thrill out of laser tag and out of chasing my husband and I around.
-D-Bat: Rent batting cage and hit baseballs and softballs together.
-Putt-Putt: We have indoor and outdoor putt putt golf courses in our area.
| Lessons |
Is your child in gymnastics, swimming, dance, etc? Ask grandparents for a month or two of lessons or for some gear to go with the lesson!
