Free Family Activities in Omaha, Nebraska Part 2

I recently wrote an article about all the wonderful things that Omaha families can participate in for free but upon further research I found other events that should not be missed.

Here is an overview of fun family activities taking place in Omaha that are absolutely free.

"The Midwest Lampworkers Guild" will be having an open reception taking place at the 1301 Gallery located at 1301 Nicholas Street in the "Hot Shops Art Center." Visitors will discover amazing art pieces including glass blowing, pottery, bronze casting and blacksmithing, and over 50 individual studios as they travel through the 92,000 square foot art center. This is a recurring event and free to the public. For more information regarding the "Midwest Lampworkers Guild" or the "Hot Shops Art Center," log on to www.hotshopsartcenter.com.

For a variety of unique specialty items and the freshest produce and meat that Omaha has to offer, families are invited to visit the "Omaha Farmer's Market" located at 11^th and Jackson Street. The Farmer's Market is home to over 100 vendors offering a wide selection of fresh veggies and fruits, meats, herbs, baked goods, jams, coffee, hand-made crafts, and so much more. The "Omaha Farmer's Market" is free to the public and open every Saturday from 8:30 am-12:00 pm. To learn more about the "Omaha Farmer's Market," log on to www.omahafarmersmarket.com.

If families are interested in the great outdoors, the "Bancroft Street Market" is the starting point for the "Bancroft Bayliss Loop Bicycle Rides." Visitors will enjoy a 12 mile ride as they discover the Omaha riverfront and the historic downtown Council Bluffs area of Iowa. While at this free event bikers will make a stop at "Bayliss Park" to eat lunch at one of the local restaurants or enjoy a picnic in the park. To learn more about the "Bancroft Bayliss Loop Bicycle Rides" log on to www.visitomaha.com.

Local artist Megan Boyd will be displaying her new paintings and drawings entitled "The City Series," at the "Studio Gallery," located at 4965 Dodge Street. Visitors will enjoy exploring the many works of Megan Boyd as well as live music, food, and drinks. To request further information about this recurring and free event send an email to meganboyd@gmail.com.

To explore one of a kind art works from an iconic bronze statue to a terra cotta frieze, families can visit the "Village at Boys Town." Located inside the "Hall of History" at 14057 Flanagan Blvd, the "Village at Boys Town" is home to beautiful art pieces as well as historic landmarks. Not only will visitors enjoy the art work they will also discover the history of "Boys Town" and its founder Father Flanagan. To learn about this free event log on to www.boystown.org.

"Textiles, Glass, Clay, Wood and Metal: The Interface" is currently on display at the "Hot Shops Art Center" located at 1301 Nicholas Street. Visitors can explore the common textures, processes and patterns that are formed when these media interact in creative ways. This free event takes place every Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and on the weekends from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. To request further information log on to www.hotshopsartcenter.com.

"General Crook House" is located at 90^th Street and Center and is hosting an "Antiques, Collectibles, and Garage Sale" every Friday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Families will enjoy exploring this historic landmark equipped with an heirloom garden, museum shop, and various exhibits. This event will benefit the Douglas County Historical Society, the "General Crook House Museum," and the "Library/Archives Center." For more information about the free "Antiques, Collectibles, and Garage Sale" event log on to www.visitomaha.com or to learn more about the "General Crook House" log on to www.omahahistory.org.

To learn how the natural formations of both earth and body collide, families are invited to attend "Conscious Perception" located at the "Bancroft Street Market" at 2702 S 10th St. Visitors will be entertained by performers, poets, and painters at this free event that takes place daily from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm. For additional information including a calendar of events, log on to www.bancroftstreetmarket.com.

Local artists Sara Sumnick-Wamsat and Kalle Wamsat will be displaying their mixed media paintings entitled "Food & Beverage" at the "Hot Shops Art Center." This free event takes place Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm at 1301 Nicholas Street. To learn more about the artists log on to www.nebraskaartclubs.com.

Because of the busyness of today's schedules it's important that families make time for one another at least one day a week. Each of these events provides families the opportunity to spend quality time together and the best part is they're fun and absolutely free.