It’s one of the great things about living in Nebraska – you don’t have to spend a fortune to get out, get active and spend quality time with the grandkids. Some of our best options for togetherness and energetic memory-making are free or low-cost. Here are a few ideas for a warm-weather outing to elevate your heart rate and your status as superstar grandparent.
1. Go “Bobbing” for selfies
Set off across the 3,000-foot Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge (Bob for short) and pause over the Missouri River – at the elevated Nebraska-Iowa borderline – to do some “Bobbing.” That’s where you strike a pose and snap a group picture or selfie while standing simultaneously in two states. (“Yeah,” reads a sign on the bridge, “it’s a thing.”) In summer, the kids can even interact with the water sprays in the circular plaza.
2. Strike a different kind of bridge pose
Never tried yoga before? Here’s your chance. The experience is open to all ages – and experience levels – at Yoga Rocks the Park, a free blend of outdoor yoga and music in Turner Park at Midtown Crossing. The outdoor series runs every Sunday, May 5 though June 23, from 4 to 5 p.m.
3. Take a self-guided walking tour
Get to know Omaha just a little bit better while everyone gets in their steps. Download the GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities app to your mobile phone, and then choose from six self-paced, self-guided walking tours, including Omaha Landmarks, Historic Florence and Omaha Museums and Art Galleries. Or, create your own walk by selecting from a list of featured attractions. Each tour comes with a map, photos and background information. (The app is also handy when you’re exploring destinations outside of Omaha.) Since you and others are walking, keep the basics in mind: proper footwear, plenty of water and comfortable walking distance. In fact, monitoring your active memory-making and more is easy with a health and fitness tracker app for iPhone or Android.
4. Hunt for healthy snacks
Spring, summer and early fall weekends are prime-time for soaking up the energy, diversity and homegrown wares at farmers markets and orchards throughout the Omaha metro area. Scavenger hunt for healthy foods, engage the next generation in an Omaha tradition, and support local growers here:
The Omaha Farmers Market:
• Old Market, every Saturday, May 4-Oct. 12, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Aksarben Village, every Sunday, May 5-Oct. 13, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Elsewhere around town:
• Village Pointe, every Saturday, May 4-Oct. 5, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Rockbrook Village, every Wednesday, June 5-Aug. 28, 4 to 7 p.m.
• Florence Mill, every Sunday, June 2 through Sept. 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
5. Visit for the art (and the heart)
Take advantage of the (always) free general admission at Joslyn Art Museum and bask in the creative genius of Pollock, Monet and more in the main galleries, then head for the interactive Art Works: A Place for Curiosity to make a one-of-a-kind memento of your visit. Head out and play too in the Discovery Garden. Each of the garden’s four corners represents a “tenet of discovery” – creation, inspiration, exploration and education.
