Things to Do During the Week With Toddlers in Omaha, NE

Educational Activities

• Help your toddler explore the world around her and learn about science and nature with your activities. The Omaha Children's Museum features numerous interactive exhibits, such as a pretend car repair shop, an arts and creativity center and a science center. There's also an imagination playground with several stations for pretend play. To get more up close and personal with nature, you can take your toddler to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, where she can learn about a variety of beasts on the land and in the sea. Ed-Venture classes are also held to during the week, such as the Fledgling School for children who are 3. There are even classes for home-schooled children, and all the classes are broken down by age group.

Story Time

• A good book is an ideal way to pass the time on any day of the week. The Omaha Public Library has story times throughout the week for toddlers. Times vary by branch and by program, but most are held mid-morning, which is perfect for enjoying an interesting story and some craft time before lunch and nap. Local bookstores also hold story times that are appropriate for younger kids, including the Barnes and Noble at the Oakview Mall and The Bookworm. Story times vary by week at Barnes and Noble, so it's best to check the calendar to see what's available before you plan an outing. Little ones can enjoy story time on Thursday mornings at The Bookworm.

Water Fun

• Most kids love to play in the water, and the activity will help them to burn up some of that seemingly endless supply of energy. The Coco Key Water Resort is an indoor water park that's open year-round, so you can enjoy fun in the water, whether it's 90 degrees outside or 30. Younger kids will love the Parrot's Perch, which features a zero-depth entry area, smaller slides and a splash zone. The Jewish Community Center of Omaha offers swim lessons to help your little ones learn how to be more confident in the water. Older toddlers ages 2 to 3 can take the Polliwogs class for independent swimming, or babies and toddlers ages 6 months to 2 years can take swim lessons with their parents. Of course, you can also just go and swim in the pool during one of the open swim times.

Sports and Recreation

• Young kids need a lot of opportunities to move and to have fun. You can meet both these needs by taking a class at My Gym, a children's fitness center. Children as young as 6 weeks old can take classes here, and activities include open play, learning balance, and developing motor skills. Parents participate with kids. Little Musicians in Motion offers a mommy and me "jamboree" class in which kids ages 4 months to 6 years can listen to music and sing and dance together. Parents get in on the fun, which also includes making music together with instruments.