SUMMER 2014 - FUN
THINGS FOR FAMILIES
AND ADULTS!!
http://familyfuninomaha.com/calendar/
Farmers Markets
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Bellevue Farmers Market / Flea Market - Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. May 31 –
September 20; Washington Park on Franklin Street at West 20th Avenue,
Bellevue
Benson Farmers Market - Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. May 3 – September 27;
Military Avenue at Maple Street
Charles Drew Health Center Market - Wednesdays, 3 – 5 p.m. July 2 — July
30; 2915 Grant Street
Main Street Farmers Market Council Bluffs - Thursdays, 5 – 8 p.m. May 1 –
September 25 (closed July 3); Historic 100 Block of West Broadway (between
First and Second Streets), Council Bluffs
Omaha Farmers Market in Aksarben Village – Sundays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. May 4 –
October 19; 67th and Center
Omaha Farmers Market in the Old Market – Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. – 12:30
p.m. May 3 – October 18; 11th & Jackson Streets
Village Pointe Farmers Market - Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. May 3 – October
4; 168th & Dodge
Festivals and Special Events
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Santa Lucia Festival - June 5 – 8 at Lewis and Clark Landing downtown. The
2014 Santa Lucia Festival includes entertainment for all ages. 2014 will carry an
ALL Italian theme, and could be the best entertainment lineup in the great history
of our celebrated festival! Frankie Valli & Four Seasons Tribute Band known as
Lights Out, Willie Fratello, and Mike Gurciullo will headline this special 90th
festival. Kathryn Bisanti and Mark Morello WILL again perform their brilliant Italian
songs, as well as the Santa Lucia Festival Band & LaBanda
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Summer Arts Festival – June 6 – 8 Downtown. The Festival is Omaha’s premier
destination for arts and entertainment featuring 135 of the nation’s finest
visual artists, a stage of continuous musical performances and a hands -on
Children’s Fair.
o ARTISTS’ MARKET Friday & Saturday: 11am–8pm, Sunday:
11am–5pm
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WORLD MUSIC PAVILION STAGE Friday & Saturday: 11am–
11pm, Sunday: 11am–5pm
CHILDREN’S FAIR Saturday: 11am–6pm, Sunday: 11am–5pm
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Sand in the City – June 7 – 8 CenturyLink Center Omaha | Lot B | 10th and Mike
Fahey Street - To raise awareness and funds for Nebraska Children's Home
Society, corporate and community group teams work with professional sand
sculptors from across the country and local architects/engineers to build
incredible sand sculptures followed by a weekend long festival. The Family
Festival is open to the public to view finished sand sculptures and enjoy the
festival like atmosphere all weekend long.
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YMCA Healthy Kids Day – June 14, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Aksarben Village The
National Safety Council, Nebraska & YMCA of Greater Omaha Present: Healthy
Kids Day! A day full of fun outdoor activities for the whole family including Bike
Rodeo, free helmet giveaway & fitting as well as bike maintenance. Guest
celebrities including Eric Crouch, Miss Teen Iowa, and Miss Teen South Dakota.
Admission is FREE!
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College World Series – June 14 – 25 (Opening Celebration Day and CWS Fan
Fest)
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Bank of the West Celebrates America – June 27 6:00 – 10:00 pm, Memorial Park,
60th & Dodge. Enjoy this annual celebration featuring Blues Traveler, Sugar Ray,
Uncle Kracker, and Smash Mouth, with a Fireworks Grand Finale.
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Railroad Days – July 12-13, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Although not free, it is a wonderful
deal with purchase of an All Aboard Pass for $15/family (max. 2 adults + $5 addl.
adult) which includes admission and transportation to all locations – Durham
Museum, Lauritzen Gardens, Union Pacific Railroad Museum, RailsWest Railroad
Museum, and the Historic General Dodge House.)
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Playing with Fire June 26 | July 3 Blues, jazz, soul, funk, and a whole lot of
fun for free as local, national and international artists perform Midtown Crossing at
Turner Park, 31st and Dodge Sts.,Website: www.playingwithfireomaha.net
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Yoga in the Park - Midtown Crossing at Turner Park, 31st and Dodge Sts.,
May 25 - July 6, Sundays at 4 pm, Free and open to the public. Now in its fourth
season, the gathering has blossomed into a full-blown wellness festival attracting
hundreds each week complete with massage, integrative therapy exhibitions,
vendor booths, organic food and drink vendors, and even more live music, along
with National and local yoga teacher-lead classes for adults and children
Jazz on the Green – Midtown Crossing at Turner Park, 31st and Dodge Sts.,
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The free outdoor concert series will run six consecutive Thursdays, from July 10 to
August 14, 2014.
o July 10: The 9s
o July 17: Great Lakes Horizon Navy Band (The evening begins with a
special appearance by the United States Navy Parachute Team at 5:45
p.m. and ends with a fireworks spectacular.) *Park will not open for
seating until 6 pm.
July 24: Conjunto Chappottin Y Sus Estrellas (Free salsa dance lessons
will begin at 6:45 p.m.)
o July 31: Big Sam’s Funky Nation
o August 7: Sing, Sing, Swing Orchestra (Free swing dance lessons will
begin at 6:45 p.m.)
o August 14: Dirty Dozen Brass Band
End of Summer Concert Series - Midtown Crossing at Turner Park, 31st
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and Dodge Sts., The free outdoor concert series will run six consecutive
Thursdays from August 21 - September 25 at 7:00 pm
o August 21: Billy McGuigan
o August 28: Josh Graci
o September 4: Opera Omaha
o September 11: Walker McGuire
o September 18: The 402
o September 25: The Sugar Thieves
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Shakespeare on the Green – Elmwood Park, just south of UNO.
Performances start at 8:00 PM. Parking is available all over UNO's campus
o The Tempest – June 19-22, July 1, 3, 6
o The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) – June 26-29,
July 2, 5
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Taste of Omaha - May 30 to June 1, 2014. Showcase of Omaha restaurants,
entertainment, rides and fun. Prices for food, drinks and entertainment based on
a ticket system. Heartland of America Park, Eighth and Farnam Streets, and
Lewis & Clark Landing, 515 N. Riverfront Drive.
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Intertribal Powwow – Saturday, September 13th, 1-7:30 p.m., Metro Fort
Omaha Campus. Celebrating Native American cultures, the powwow honors the
traditional dance, music, artistry, oral history and foods of various tribes across
Nebraska and the surrounding region including, but not limited to, Northern
Ponca, Omaha, Santee Sioux and Winnebago.
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Greek Festival – Canfield Plaza, 85th & W. Center Rd., August 22 - 5:00 PM ~
11:00 PM, August 23 - 11:00 AM ~ 11:00 PM, August 24 - Noon ~ 7:00 PM The
Omaha Greek Festival highlights the Greek love of song and dance.
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Omaha Riverfront Jazz and Blues Festival – July Smooth jazz and blues
sounds fill the air as national, regional and local artists perform. Located at the
Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St Website: www.omahajazzandblues.com
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Hullabaloo Music & Camping Festival – August, a celebration featuring
live music from regional and national bands and DJs. Located at the River West
Park, 233rd & W Maple Rd For more information:
http://www.hullabaloomusicfestival.com/
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MAHA Music Festival – August, Omaha's homegrown Indie Rock music
festival. Located: Aksarben Village, 67th & Center Sts Website:
http://www.mahamusicfestival.com
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Ralston Independence Day Celebration - July 3 and 4, 2014. Events
include one of the state’s largest parades celebrating Independence Day. Plus, a
picnic in the park, street dance and kids’ festival. Fireworks on July 4 around the
Ralston Arena. Downtown Ralston
Fireworks
Omaha World-Herald Fireworks - July 3rd, TD Ameritrade Park, 1200 Mike
Fahey St. TD Ameritrade College Home Run Derby at 7:30 p.m., followed by the annual
Omaha World-Herald fireworks show. Information: www.collegehomerunderby.com
Ralston Independence Day Parade & Celebration - July 3 & 4th, Ralston, at
80th Street & Park Drive on July 3, 77th & Main Streets on July 4th. Community
celebration with picnic in the park on July 3, parade and fireworks at 9:30pm on July 4
outside the Ralston Arena. Information: www.ralstonareachamber.org
Boys Town - July 4th, On the Boys Town campus (Rain date: Saturday), Fireworks
show at about 10 p.m.
South Omaha Neighborhood Alliance - When: July 5th, Field Club of Omaha,
3615 Woolworth Ave., Fireworks show at dusk. Fireworks will be set off on the golf
course near the No. 10 hole.
Riverfest - July 18 & 19, American Heroes Park, 15th Street and Mission Avenue,
Bellevue. Outdoor festival with a barbecue competition, fireworks, kid zone, Iron Chef
competition, live music, hot air balloons and more. Information:
www.bellevuenebraska.com and 402-898-3000
Kids Programs
There are many wonderful free or inexpensive programs just for kids in the Omaha
area! Visit the Omaha Kids Calendar for details on upcoming events!
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Barnes and Noble Preschool Storytimes - Enjoy preschool storytime at Barnes
and Noble stores nationwide. Times and dates may vary. Please verify with your
local store before visiting. In Omaha, storytime is every Tuesday and Thursday at
11am at the Oakview store, and every Friday at 9:30am at the Crossroads Store.
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Home Depot offers Free Kid’s Workshops on the first Saturday of each month,
from 9am-12pm. They are designed for children ages 5-12. Workshops teach
children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety. All participants will receive a Kids
Workshop Apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement.
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Joslyn Art Museum is a beautiful building with amazing permanent and travelling
exhibits. They have programs especially for kids, and special events throughout
the year. Enjoy FREE general admission everyday! Additional charge for some
special exhibitions. When you’re at the Museum, visit the Scott EdTech Gallery to
pick-up a printed gallery guide, check-out an Art Pack for family fun in the
galleries, or stop by the Kids Can, a self-guided activity center located on the
Strauss Bridge. Enjoy Story Adventures, special storytimes connecting books
and art, and Saturday Surprise, a self-guided art project every other Saturday
from 10 a.m. – noon.
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Kids Bowl Free is a nationwide program that provides FREE hours of
entertainment all summer long for your kids! Register your children and they will
receive two free games every day all summer! Parents can purchase a family
pass, if they wish, so they can bowl with their kids. What a great way to be active
and have fun with your kids all summer and build memories together!
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Kids Skate Free provides kids with opportunities for FREE skating at specific
locations throughout the US. Each location has their own age and time
specifications. In Omaha, SkateDaze is a participating location.
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Free crafts at Lakeshore Learning Stores every Saturday from 11am – 3pm.
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Preschool Playtime at the La Vista Community Center held Tuesdays &
Thursdays, from 10 – 11 a.m. at the the La Vista Community Center. It is always a
good idea to verify before visiting, as certain dates might be closed due to
holidays or other special events.
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Lowe’s Free Build and Grow Clinics are held on select Saturdays at 10am.
Bring the kids to any Lowe’s store to build fun projects. This is recommended for
children in grades 1st-5th. Register early because they tend to fill up quickly!
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Michaels Free Family Craft Time and Kids Club - Let your kids explore their
creativity while you shop! Only $2 per child reserves 30 minutes for your creative
kid. Sessions starting every half hour from 10AM – 11:30AM. See a store
associate to join the fun! Free Family Craft Times are also offered regularly.
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Omaha Community Centers offer many classes for people of all ages. You can
learn a new craft, take swim lessons, get some exercise, play in a sports league,
or participate in the many special events they host throughout the year or special
camps while the kids are off of school. You can also enjoy open gym time with
your little ones for as little as $1/adult!
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Pottery Barn Kids Storytimes are held every Tuesday from 11-11:30am.
Special events are also held throughout year. Time and Date may vary by store.
Please call your local store to confirm.
Summer Reading Programs
There are many Public Libraries in Omaha and the surrounding communities which
host wonderful storytimes, fun programs for children and teens, classes for adults,
and special events throughout the year!
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Omaha Public Libraries - Check out their event calendar under Events and
Programs: Calendar, for all of the latest details.
Bellevue Public Library
Gretna Public Library – Kids Korner, Teen Zone, and Adult Services
LaVista Public Library
Sump Memorial Library in Papillion
Baright Public Library in Ralston
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Rec’s Kids Club is a year-round youth program for kids 6-12 that encourages
active healthy lifestyles through crafts, games and sports, swimming, drama,
special events and field trips. It is held every day after school, with extended
hours when school is out.
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Shadow Lake Towne Center offers Tots on the Towne, a FREE hour of fun for
children from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. A different activity is featured in a different store
/ restaurant each month. Some require RSVP.
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Westroads Kids Club, for children ages 2-12, will be held on the first Wednesday
of every month, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., in the Upper Level near the Children’s
Play Area. Membership is FREE and all children receive a special gift during their
birthday month while supplies last.
Kids Skate Free
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A nationwide program that offers free skating all summer long. In Omaha, this
includes SkateDaze! Passes valid for children 12 years old and younger.
Register to begin receiving your skating passes!
Kids Bowl Free
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Register your children and they will receive two free games every day all summer!
(Shoe rental may be required.) Parents can purchase a family pass, if they wish,
so they can bowl with their kids. Select your favorite Bowling Center in
Nebraska or in other states to sign up!
Movies
Find many free or cheap movies in theaters and in parks all summer! These movies
usually fill up quickly so arrive early to get a seat! It is always a good idea to verify with
the business before visiting.
Movie Nights at Camp Fontanelle – Saturdays, May 23 – August 29
(every 2 weeks), Free Will Donation
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Bring a lawn chair and/or blanket, bug spray, and campfire fare and enjoy an
outdoor movie.
NEW! Zip lines will be open for 2 hours prior to the start time of each movie.
Minors must have waiver filled out by adult guardian. Cost: $10/person for two 350
ft. rides.
No movies will be shown if the weather is rainy. Due to copyright issues, titles may
not be shared publicly, but can be received by emailing fontanelle@umcneb.org.
Date and Approximate Start Time:
 May 23 – 9:10 p.m.
 June 6 – 9:25 p.m.
 June 20 – 9:25 p.m.
 July 4 – NO MOVIE THIS WEEK
 July 18 – 9:15 p.m.
 August 1 – 8:55 p.m.
 August 15 – 8:35 p.m.
 August 29 – 8:10 p.m.
LoessFest at River’s Edge Park, Council Bluffs – May 28, June 5, June
8; 9 p.m., FREE
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Loessfest 2014 includes concerts, fireworks, semi-pro football game, bike ride,
Disney Day, movies, and “Rays”, an interactive light display.
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The amazing line up of events for Loessfest are all free and open to the public.
 Wednesday, May 28 – The Rocky Horror Picture Show
 Wednesday, June 4 – Despicable Me 2
 Sunday, June 8 – Disney Day, Monsters University
Starlight Movie Series at Sumtur Amphitheater – FREE
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Enjoy free family movies under the stars. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. with movies
starting at dusk.
 May 23 – Frozen
 June 6 – Monsters University
 June 20 – Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2
 July 25 – Muppets Most Wanted
 August 8 – Despicable Me 2
 August 15 – The Lego Movie
 August 22 – The Sound of Music
Monday Night at the Movies at Midtown Crossing – - Midtown Crossing at
Turner Park, 31st and Dodge Sts., Mondays, June 2 – July 28, at sunset, FREE
o June 2: Frozen (PG)
o June 9: The Hunger Games (PG-13)
o June 16: Pitch Perfect (PG-13)
o June 23: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (PG-13)
o June 30: Toy Story (G)
o July 7: National Treasure (PG)
o July 14: Meet the Parents (PG-13)
o July 21: Wizard of Oz (G)
o July 28: The Lego Movie (PG)
Movies at Omaha Public Libraries – All Summer, FREE
Free Family Flicks at Aksarben Cinema – May 31 – June 28
(Saturdays at 10 a.m.), FREE (canned food donation appreciated)
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Seating is offered on a first come, first served basis. They will be collecting
canned food items for Together.
 Saturday, May 31 – Despicable Me 2
 Saturday, June 7 – Turbo
 Saturday, June 14 – Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2
 Saturday, June 21 – The Smurfs 2
 Saturday, June 28 – The Lego Movie
Regal Summer Movie Express – June 3 – July 30 (Tuesdays &
Wednesdays at 10 a.m.), $1
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Regal Omaha Stadium 16 (7440 Crown Point Ave.). It is always a good idea to
verify with the theater before visiting. Movie titles subject to change.
 June 3 – Hotel Transylvania
 June 4 – The Smurfs 2
 June 10 – Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2
 June 11 – The Pirates: Band of Misfits
 June 17 – Arthur Christmas
 June 18 – Despicable Me 2
 June 24 – The LEGO Movie
 June 25 – Free Birds
 July 1 – Adventures of TinTin
 July 2 – Rise of the Guardians
 July 8 – Kung Fu Panda 2
 July 9 – Madagascar 3
 July 15 – The Croods
 July 16 – Epic
 July 22 – Turbo
 July 23 – Walking with Dinosaurs
 July 29 – Mr. Peabody & Sherman
 July 30 – Rio 2
La Vista Concerts & Movies – June 6, July 11, August 8; 7 p.m., FREE
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Held at the La Vista Public Library, 9110 Giles Road.
 June 6 – Blue House followed by “Frozen”, 7 p.m.
 July 11 – Punching Puppets followed by “Lone Ranger”, 7 p.m.
 August 8 – Charm School Dropouts followed by “Gravity”, 7 p.m.
Kid’s Dream Summer Film Series at Marcus Theaters - June 15 –
August 13 (Sundays, Mondays & Wednesdays at 10 a.m.), $2
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In Omaha, this includes Village Pointe and Twin Creek in Bellevue
For Free tickets, visit a participating agent with American Family Insurance, and
you can receive two FREE tickets to your choice of this year’s titles:
 June 15th, 16th, & 18th – The Lego Movie
 June 22nd, 23rd & 25th – The Nut Job
 June 29th, 30th & July 2nd – Despicable Me 2
 July 13th, 14th, & 16th – Turbo
 July 20th, 21st, & 23rd – Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2
 July 27th, 28th, & 30th – The Croods
 August 3th, 4th, & 6th – Mr. Peabody & Sherman
 August 10th, 11th, & 13th – Rio 2
Family Movie Night at Salvation Army Kroc Center - 6 p.m. –
Movie, FREE
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5:30 p.m. – Doors Open, Free Popcorn, & Games
 May 30 – Goonies (PG)
 June 20 – Pirates of the Caribbean – Curse of the Black Pearl (PG-13)
 July 11 – The Hobbit, (PG-13)
 August 15 – Bridge to Terabithia (PG)
Spraygrounds and Splash Parks
Omaha has many Fun and Free Spraygrounds to stay cool on a hot summer day!
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The City of Omaha Parks and Recreation has five spraygrounds in the city.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day:
 Fontenelle Park Sprayground, 4405 Fontenelle Boulevard (map)
 Kountze Sprayground, 1920 Pinkney (map)
 Orchard Park Sprayground, 66th and Hartman (map)
 Upland Sprayground, 3104 Jefferson Street (map)
 Westwood Heights Sprayground, 12334 Seldin Drive (map)
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Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge has an interactive water jet fountain for kids of all
ages to enjoy.
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Papillion Splash Pad at Schwer Park - 800 West Centennial Road, Papillion.
Hours are 12-7 p.m. daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day. (map)
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Seymour Smith Park at 6802 Harrison St
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Shadow Lake Towne Center Sprayground - The SprayGround will be
operational throughout the week and weekends during shopping center hours, but
will be not be available during special events. Hours are 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily,
Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.
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Stinson Park at Aksarben Village - fun little water fountains provide big
entertainment
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Elk Creek Park – approx. N 163rd St. & Butler Ave. {Go North of Maple on 168th
Street. Right on Ames Ave. Left on N 163rd St. Follow it around the park until you
see the Sprayground.}
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Cimarron Woods neighborhood off 108th and Harrison