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 July 2024
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 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. Join a parenting group.
I LOVED my Mother's Group that I was in when I moved to Lincoln. It was how I made some of my first friends and eight years later I'm still friends with many of them. Watch our newsletter for an updated listing of groups in the area.
4. Pop-In Storytime at Morrill Hall
Once a month Morrill Hall offers pop-in story times. They are always open for exploring and play though! I like Morrill Hall for toddlers because they can run down the long galleries and not break anything (exhibits are behind glass). The Marx Discovery Room in the basement could hold their attention for hours.
5. Play at the Lincoln Children's Museum
The Children's Museum has been renovating during the last year and they have many new and updated exhibits.
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 the one thing that they missed when they started elementary school. It is on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30-11:30 AM during the school year and Mondays and Thursdays during the summer.
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 $6 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. 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. Mornings at the Museum
Lincoln Children's Museum will open early on Wednesdays starting August 14th for "Mornings at the Museum." This will include a free coffee bar, special guests, and of course, all-day play. This is a FREE Event!
18. Theatre Arts for Kids
Do you have a preschooler who is a rising star? Theatre Arts for Kids is offering a new program just for them!
Preschool performers, ages 3-6, will explore music through singing, dancing and acting. They will use instruments and read books to tell stories by bringing the page to the stage! Participants will present an informal performance during the final class for friends and family.
19. Nebraska Game and Parks
In September-there are lots of events that are geared towards younger ones and during the weekays!
Fishing for Younger Friends at Mahoney
Explore Crawdad Creek at Platte River
Canoeing and Kayaking at Platte River
Archery, Sling Shots and Atlatl at Mahoney
20. Little Beans Play Cafe
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.
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!
