Got little kids? Well, we have lots of activities for you to do in the Lincoln, NE area. I hope our list gives you ideas on ways to get out of the house, interact with others and make friends (for your little one and you!)
*Updated August 2025
1. Visit an Indoor Playground
There are so many great places to play indoors for babies and toddlers! There is a lot of imaginative play for the littles. We like Scheels, the Gateway Mall and the Front Porch.
2. Storytimes
Library story times, at Lincoln City Libraries, run most of the year, taking the occasional break around holidays. Elleinad Children's Book Store has weekly story times and Barnes and Noble offers a weekly Saturday story time. Just visit our calendar to see the days.
3. Little Beans
Little Beans is a play café located in Lincoln, Nebraska. Our mission is to provide a clean and safe environment for you and your children to enjoy while relaxing, working, or spending time with friends! Here at Little Beans Play Café, we offer 2-hour, reservable time slots for open play in our café that’s focused on gross motor development for children ages 0-5. In addition to our play area, we have our own café where you can grab a coffee, some juice, or some snacks to enjoy. Click here for more info.
4. Bee Me Sensory Gym
Bee Me Sensory Gym is an inclusive space designed for children, teens and adults to support physical, emotional and sensory needs. Designed and created by an occupational therapist. No reservation necessary. Learn more here.
5. Play at the Lincoln Children's Museum
The Children's Museum is three stories of fun!
6. Drop-n-Dash at My Gym
Do you need to get to an appointment or just need a break? My Gym hosts Drop-n-Dash every Friday morning. When you pick your kids up after two hours it is a guarantee that they will be tired from all that play!
7. Preschool Play at Solid Rock
Hands-down my kids' favorite activity was Preschool Play at Solid Rock Gymnastics. My daughters loooved it. That was one thing that they missed when they started elementary school. Solid Rock Preschool play days will be on Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout August. Starting in September, they will go back to their school year schedule of Tuesday, Wednesday Friday. Same time 930 to 1130.
8. Explore Spring Creek Prairie
Spring Creek Prairie has trails cut which are jogging stroller friendly. When you arrive go to the main building and ask for a backpack to check out. These are free (so is admission). You can get a variety of backpacks filled with gear to make your trip for fun, like binoculars!
9. Visit a park. Here is a list of our favorites!
10. Go to the Lincoln Children's Zoo
Even if your child sleeps through the visit (my youngest always did), you will get to be outside and enjoy being around other people. My son and I had a standing Mom/Owen Date on Tuesday afternoons at the zoo for three years. It was where we went, even when the weather was cold. We visited animals, got popcorn and just enjoyed being together.
11. Paint at Preschool Paint and Story Time
Every Thursday, Paint Yourself Silly hosts Preschool Paint and Story Time. It is 10:30-12:00 PM and the projects go along with a story. It is great for little artists.
12. Go to a matinee movie.
Matinee movies (before noon) are the best. Odds are that most of the other moviegoers are also there with young kids so it is ok if your child asks questions really loudly or you need to leave to go to the restroom a couple of times. Tuesdays are $7 days!
13. Tiny Tykes at My Gym
Attending a weekly class each week is a good way to connect with parents who have children the same age. My Gym classes are great for those little ones who want to move.
14. Kindermusik Classes
Does your child love to sing and dance? Kindermusik classes are offered for 0-18 months, a great mom/dad and me class. Click here to learn more.
15. Little Saplings
Have a 2-5 year old that loves the outdoors? Schramm Education Center has a monthly drop-in class on the the first Wednesday morning of the month at 9:00 AM and 10:00 Am. The cost of the class covers admission to Education Center too. Plus, you can explore the park! Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
16. Tots and Turtles
Love the zoo? The Lincoln Children's Zoo offers Tots and Turtles, a parent and me class.
17. Nebraska Game and Parks
There are lots of events that are geared towards younger ones and during the weekdays!
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!
Know of an activity or class that we should add to our Guide for Under 5? Let us know!
