With the holidays in full swing, many families are looking for festive activities to keep their kids entertained. And since it is the most wonderful time of the year, there is no shortage of family-friendly holiday activities in Omaha.

Here are just a few of the holiday events you can enjoy with children of all ages.* The best part is that many of them are free, so you won’t break the bank, either!

  1. Omaha Gingerbread Festival: Enjoy spectacularly decorated gingerbread displays, holiday performances and more. Ramada Inn, 3321 S. 72nd Free and open until Dec. 15.
  2. Capitol District Ice Rink. Skate while supporting a good cause. A portion of each admission charge is donated to Food Bank for the Heartland. Open until Jan. 21.
  3. A Christmas Carol: The classic story performed at the Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass Street. Ticket prices vary. Runs until Dec. 23.
  4. Holiday Lights Festival: Construction at the Gene Leahy Mall means that lights now illuminate the Old Market from 10th-13th Streets and from Harney to Jackson. The display also includes 24th Street in North and South Omaha. Free and runs until Jan. 5.
  5. Holiday Poinsettia Show: See thousands of poinsettias with trains, Omaha landmarks and even a 20-foot-tall poinsettia tree. There is even Holiday Poinsettia Show Aglow on special nights. Laurtizen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street. Open to the public. Free to members, non-members pay regular admission. Runs until Jan. 5.
  6. Santa’s Magic at the Omaha Children’s Museum: An interactive show that includes indoor snow, visits with Santa and more. Located at 500 S. 20th Included with regular museum admission. Runs until Dec. 23.
  7. Christmas at Union Station: View the huge Christmas tree and a variety of other activities. The Durham Museum is located at 801 S. 10th Regular museum admission required. Runs until Jan. 5.
  8. Carriage Ride at Village Pointe: Enjoy horse and carriage rides on Saturdays from 1 to 5 p.m. weather permitting. 17305 Davenport St. Free and runs through Dec. 21.
  9. Season of Lights at Midtown Crossing: Stroll among 10,000 magical white lights strung throughout Turner Park along Farnam Street. Lights turn on daily at dusk through Feb. 14. Free and open to the public.
  10. Omaha Public Library: Kid-friendly holiday events at public libraries throughout the city. Runs through Dec. 31. Free but some events require registration.

This is just a short list of the many happenings in the area this holiday season. From ice skating to story times with Santa, there is more than enough family-friendly holiday activities in Omaha to keep your family in the holiday spirit.

*It is a good idea to call ahead before attending any event to confirm details.

From all of us at Premier Academy, we want to wish you and your little ones a happy holiday! If you are looking for a childcare provider in the new year, please visit us at premieracademyinc.com and schedule a tour!

We’ve rounded up the top 5 most read articles from the past year and have brought them together in one place just for you!

#1 7 Play Based Learning Activities to Do With Your Child

Here’s some great things to do with your little ones during the Holidays.

“We here at Premier Academy are big believers in play based learning. We understand that one of the wonderful things about being a parent is that you are your child’s first teacher.  You have the unique opportunity to open the door to the world; introducing your child to words, colors, animals and so much more.  Learning can be weaved into the day naturally as you read, talk, sing, and play together. Mr. Rogers said it best, “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood. . .”

Read the full article here.

#2 Importance of School Readiness

Here are some pointers on getting your child ready for school.

“We here at Premier Academy know the importance of school readiness. The first five years are critical to a child’s lifelong development. Early experiences influence brain development, establishing the neural connections that provide the foundation for language, reasoning, problem solving, social skills, behavior, and emotional intelligence – characteristics that often determine how well a child will do in school and in life. . .”

Read the entire article Here

#3 Tips for a Smooth Morning Routine for Daycare

Mornings can be hectic, this article can help alleviate the stress.

“Why do mornings seem so difficult? For parents, especially working parents that use child care in Omaha Nebraska, there is typically so much to do in a short period of time. We here at Premier Academy agree. . .”

Read the entire article Here.

#4 Choosing Between a Montessori or Play-Based Preschool

Finding the best environment for your child to learn and grow can be tricky, this article explains the differences between Montessori style Learning and Play-Based Learning.

“We here at Premier Academy know that choosing the right type of preschool for your child can be an overwhelming decision. Many parents wonder whether a preschool that uses the Montessori method is the right choice for their child of if a play-based approach is best. . .”

Read the entire article Here.

#5 Fostering Social and Emotional Development in Preschoolers

Preschool is an amazing time for children, it’s also a time for big changes.

“We here at Premiere Academy are big believers in fostering social and emotional development in preschoolers. Social-emotional development affects every aspect of a child’s life, including personal relationships, academic growth, and self-esteem. When children feel good about themselves and have the skills to interact successfully with others, their capacity to achieve skyrockets. . .”

Read entire article Here.

We hoped you enjoyed this look back on 2019’s Top 5 most read articles.
Have a Happy Holidays!
At Premier Academy, the safety of your children comes first. We offer affordable childcare in the Omaha & Elkhorn area, visit us at premieracademyinc.com.