Family events in Douglas County, NE

Browse thousands of used books and stretch your book budget. Hardcovers are $1.50, and paperbacks and children's books are 50 cents each. The sale is held on the lower level of Swanson Library.

Cultivating Curiosity invites children to get hands-on with plants while connecting with the garden’s horticulture team. Through conversation and exploration, participants can ask questions, observe how plants grow, and delve into topics that range from seeds and roots to blooms and beyond. Each month brings a new focus. In 2026 the themes are Sowing Seeds in April, Parts of a Plant in May, a Pollinator Scavenger Hunt in June, Guess This Herb in July, Prairies in August, All About Roots in September, and Pumpkins in October. This drop-in experience is included with paid garden admission, is free for garden members, and does not require advance registration.

At The Game Shoppe in Omaha, a weekly Pokémon League brings together fans of the Trading Card Game, video games, and Pokémon GO for friendly battles and community. Participants can bring their own decks and devices for casual matches or focused practice, get help from Pokémon Professors who teach TCG fundamentals to beginners, refine strategies and decks to prepare for tournaments or regional events, and trade cards to grow their collections. Regular participation includes chances to receive Pokémon Series Prize Packs. Have a Pokémon Play Access account ready to scan on Android or iOS. The emphasis is on connecting with others who enjoy collecting, battling, and the fun of catching them all.

Honor 35 years of Sonic the Hedgehog with a live concert that brings the franchise’s music and unforgettable in game moments to the stage. A full ensemble teams up with rock musicians, electronics, and vocalists to perform defining themes and fresh instrumental takes on fan favorites, spanning the journey from the Genesis era to today. From Green Hill Zone to the adrenaline of “Undefeatable,” the set celebrates the series with musical Easter eggs woven into the arrangements and an energetic production that makes Sonic’s world feel vivid. The program also salutes the composers who helped shape this sound across generations, including Jun Senoue and Tomoya Ohtani.

The Nebraska Humane Society Pet Supply Pantry provides complimentary pet essentials, including toys, leashes, collars, bowls, and more. Distribution is held inside the shelter’s Center for Humane Education.

Head to Lake Zorinsky in Omaha for a family-friendly race day with options for every pace. Packet pickup takes place before the start, the kids dash gathers at the start line and participants are guided to their starting area, and the event opens with the National Anthem followed by the main race. Chip timing provides live results, and awards can be found at the registration tent shortly after you finish. Every entry comes with a designer shirt and a custom medal, plus complimentary race photos and finish line snacks. Youth-based pricing is available for the 5k and 10k, with participants 12 and under at $17. Register by the Thursday that falls two weeks before race day to guarantee a shirt. Choose the distance that fits your goals. The 5k, 10k, and Half Marathon include a custom bib, designer shirt, and finisher medal. The 1 Mile is untimed and includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and finisher medal. The kids dash is an untimed run for ages 10 and under with a mini bib, a youth-sized shirt, and a medal created just for this event, and children who want to run the dash without the swag may participate for free. The atmosphere emphasizes encouragement, accessibility, and community, whether you are chasing a personal best or simply enjoying the day.

Settle into a gentle yoga class at Felius Cat Cafe & Rescue as adoptable cats bring playful energy to your practice. Suitable for all experience levels, this session blends calm movement with a fun, relaxed vibe. Open to adults and youth ages 12 and up. Please bring your own mat.

Enjoy a free family fishing experience hosted by Omaha Parks and Recreation and Nebraska Game and Parks. All gear is provided, and volunteers will be on site to offer guidance and assistance throughout the activity.

Nature Dog will host a casual opportunity to meet adoptable dogs. The list of pups expected to attend will be shared the week of the event.

A meet and greet at Pet Supplies Plus - Omaha gives visitors a chance to meet the dogs in person.

Old Market Harvest Party is a free fall celebration at Polina Gardens featuring live music from Parfait, a DJ set, games, pumpkin carving, food trucks, autumn themed beverages, giveaways, and additional activities. It offers a mix of entertainment and seasonal flavors in a festive Old Market gathering.

The Bengali Samiti of Nebraska presents a live Bollywood concert starring celebrated playback singer Kunal Ganjawala at The Garden Theater in Omaha, NE. Honored with Filmfare, IIFA, and Zee Cine awards, Ganjawala performs with a band of musicians from Bollywood for a timeless night of musical magic. Ticket options include $35 for kids, as well as $55, $75, $95, $250, and $500 tiers.

This exhibition features watercolor works by Anna McCaslin that celebrate plants, blooms, and the wildlife found in gardens. Influenced by tropical and Midwestern botanicals, the collection reflects a lifelong creative path and a renewed dedication to watercolor. McCaslin began painting with watercolor in childhood and returned to it during the pandemic, launching a floral series shaped by the beauty and color of nature. With roots in Hawaii and Nebraska, the artist blends inspirations from both landscapes to explore botanical subjects and the connections between nature, memory, and artistic expression. Admission to the exhibition is included with regular garden entry, and garden members receive free access. Lauritzen Gardens showcases local artists and honors the relationship between art, nature, and the community. Additional details about the artist are available through their Etsy shop.

Albert Rhea’s Butterfly Habitat presents a photographic look at butterflies, drawing attention to their vivid colors, intricate details, and the ecosystems they rely on. Access is covered by regular garden admission, and garden members are admitted free. The artist points out that there are about 475 butterfly species in North America, and that their sensitivity to change makes them a clear indicator of environmental health. Many depend on a single host plant, so development and habitat disturbance can lead to permanent losses, a concern shared by conservation voices. An Omaha native who began photographing in high school, Rhea follows in the footsteps of his father, a wildlife photographer, and continues to use some of that equipment in this series. His images reflect a lasting fascination with the forms and hues found in butterflies and birds. In keeping with the garden’s commitment to showcasing local artists and celebrating the connections among art, nature, and community, the exhibit invites mindful attention to habitat stewardship.

This celebration marks 24 years of Fat Brain fun and features a story session and kid-friendly yoga led by Miss Tina. Children will then create and personalize Fat Brain party hats to cap off the festivities. It centers on playful activities designed for young kids.