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Wednesday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 		Get tickets
Lauritzen Gardens - Omaha's Botanical Center
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Learn > Programs for Children and Families > Family Programs and Workshops
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Family Programs and Workshops
Program Calendar
Click above to see our full schedule of educational opportunities by month on a shoppable calendar. The orange color bars denote youth and family programs!
Browse by Program Category
Prefer to see classes by category? Click above to see our categorized schedule of programs for children and families.
Program & Events Guide | June through September 2025
Click the link above to explore our digital program and events guide, highlighting the vibrant activities and special events happening at your public garden!
NEW Registration Platform
Program registration has migrated from Altru to a NEW platform called XtruLink. Garden members must create a membership account and log in to receive access to discounts on classes, workshops, and camps. Click on the link above for set-up instructions or contact the garden at (402) 346-4002, ext. 201 for assistance. Please note that your previous Altru login will not work on this platform.

Saturday, August 16 from 9:15 to 10 a.m.		   
Drop-in Activity: Storytime Safari featuring Bison
Swing by the Dan Torson Children’s Amphitheater in Sofia’s Play Garden for storytime fun! Each week, enjoy wild tales and playful activities inspired by the amazing topiary animals on display all summer long. No registration is required. Included with paid garden admission or membership.

Wednesday, August 20 from 9:15 to 10 a.m.		   
Drop-in Activity: Make Your Own Bison Puppet
It’s craft time in Sofia’s Play Garden! Drop by the Crafting Nook from 9:15 to 10 a.m. to create your very own puppet. Inspired by the garden's summer exhibit Tremendous Topiaries, a new creature will be featured each week! No registration is required. Included with paid garden admission or membership.

Saturday, August 23 from 9:15 to 10 a.m.		   
Drop-in Activity: Make Your Own Bison Puppet
It’s craft time in Sofia’s Play Garden! Drop by the Crafting Nook from 9:15 to 10 a.m. to create your very own puppet. Inspired by the garden's summer exhibit Tremendous Topiaries, a new creature will be featured each week! No registration is required. Included with paid garden admission or membership.

Thursday, August 21 at 10:30 a.m.		   
Out and About Storytime with the Omaha Public Library: All Aboard! Train Tales
In order for curious minds to bloom, it is essential to plant a love of reading at a young age. Join Omaha Public Library in the garden for stories that celebrate plants, insects, gardens and more, and discover the joys of nature, movement, music, and literature. Programs are geared towards preschool aged children, but all ages are welcome. This is a FREE program and no registration is required. Drop in and join us! Please note, due to scheduled construction and maintenance, Sofia's Play Garden will be closed on August 21.

Wednesday, August 27 from 9:15 to 10 a.m.		   
Drop-in Activity: Storytime Safari featuring Hippos
Swing by the Dan Torson Children’s Amphitheater in Sofia’s Play Garden for storytime fun! Each week, enjoy wild tales and playful activities inspired by the amazing topiary animals on display all summer long. No registration is required. Included with paid garden admission or membership.

Saturday, August 30 from 9:15 to 10 a.m.		   
Drop-in Activity: Storytime Safari featuring Hippos
Swing by the Dan Torson Children’s Amphitheater in Sofia’s Play Garden for storytime fun! Each week, enjoy wild tales and playful activities inspired by the amazing topiary animals on display all summer long. No registration is required. Included with paid garden admission or membership.

Wednesday, September 3 from 9:15 to 10 a.m.		   
Drop-in Activity: Make Your Own Hippo Puppet
It’s craft time in Sofia’s Play Garden! Drop by the Crafting Nook from 9:15 to 10 a.m. to create your very own puppet. Inspired by the garden's summer exhibit Tremendous Topiaries, a new creature will be featured each week! No registration is required. Included with paid garden admission or membership.

Thursday, September 4 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.		   
Lil' Sprouts: Pollinators
In Lil’ Sprouts, little learners and their grown-ups explore the wonders of nature through sensory play, stories, crafts, and garden adventures. Together, you’ll explore foundational concepts like shapes, colors, letters, and numbers, using nature as a rich and inspiring learning environment. Flowers need help to make fruit and seeds, and that’s where pollinators come in! Join us to discover why plants make fruit, who helps them, and why bees are the superstars of pollination. We’ll also learn how we can protect these tiny heroes and all of the bugs that help gardens grow! Pre-registration is required. Each registration is good for one child (ages 3-5) and one accompanying adult. $20, $10 for members.

Thursday, September 4 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.		   
Lil' Sprouts: Pollinators
In Lil’ Sprouts, little learners and their grown-ups explore the wonders of nature through sensory play, stories, crafts, and garden adventures. Together, you’ll explore foundational concepts like shapes, colors, letters, and numbers, using nature as a rich and inspiring learning environment. Flowers need help to make fruit and seeds, and that’s where pollinators come in! Join us to discover why plants make fruit, who helps them, and why bees are the superstars of pollination. We’ll also learn how we can protect these tiny heroes and all of the bugs that help gardens grow! Pre-registration is required. Each registration is good for one child (ages 3-5) and one accompanying adult. $20, $10 for members.

Saturday September 6 from 9:15 to 10 a.m.		   
Drop-in Activity: Make Your Own Hippo Puppet
It’s craft time in Sofia’s Play Garden! Drop by the Crafting Nook from 9:15 to 10 a.m. to create your very own puppet. Inspired by the garden's summer exhibit Tremendous Topiaries, a new creature will be featured each week! No registration is required. Included with paid garden admission or membership.

Saturday, September 13 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.		   
Family Workshop: Fall Rag Wreaths
Gather the family to make beautiful fall wreaths for your home. For this month’s workshop, we will share our favorite things about fall, take a scenic stroll through the Victorian garden, and make cozy, fall-themed “rag wreaths”. Select from bountiful fall-colored strips of cloth to tie together three beautiful eight inch wreaths per family registration. Each registration is good for up to five participants, as long as one adult is participating. $40, $30 for garden members.

Thursday, September 18 at 10:30 a.m.		   
Out and About Storytime with the Omaha Public Library: Insect Adventures
In order for curious minds to bloom, it is essential to plant a love of reading at a young age. Join Omaha Public Library in the garden for stories that celebrate plants, insects, gardens and more, and discover the joys of nature, movement, music, and literature. Programs are geared towards preschool aged children, but all ages are welcome. This is a FREE program and no registration is required. Drop in and join us!

Thursday, October 2 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.		   
Lil' Sprouts: Bird Migration
In Lil’ Sprouts, little learners and their grown-ups explore the wonders of nature through sensory play, stories, crafts, and garden adventures. Together, you’ll explore foundational concepts like shapes, colors, letters, and numbers, using nature as a rich and inspiring learning environment. You’re never too young to start bird watching! Find out what birds are native to Nebraska, where to look, and decorate a bird house to take home. We’ll take a walk through the Arboretum and Oberman Bird Sanctuary to see which birds make their home there. Pre-registration is required. Each registration is good for one child (ages 3-5) and one accompanying adult. $20, $10 for members.

Thursday, October 2 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.		   
Lil' Sprouts: Bird Migration
In Lil’ Sprouts, little learners and their grown-ups explore the wonders of nature through sensory play, stories, crafts, and garden adventures. Together, you’ll explore foundational concepts like shapes, colors, letters, and numbers, using nature as a rich and inspiring learning environment. You’re never too young to start bird watching! Find out what birds are native to Nebraska, where to look, and decorate a bird house to take home. We’ll take a walk through the Arboretum and Oberman Bird Sanctuary to see which birds make their home there. Pre-registration is required. Each registration is good for one child (ages 3-5) and one accompanying adult. $20, $10 for members.

Saturday, October 11 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.		   
Family Workshop: Glass Painting
Try something new this October! Using acrylic paint and paint pens, create a layered fall-themed painting on glass, then back it with colored paper for a cozy autumn look. While projects dry, enjoy a guided tour of the vibrant Garden in the Glen. Each registration includes one 5” x 7” glass piece and frame per family member over age 5. All materials provided. Each registration is good for up to five participants, as long as one adult is participating. $30, $20 for garden members.

Thursday, October 16 at 10:30 a.m.		   
Out and About Storytime with the Omaha Public Library: The Wonders of Autumn
In order for curious minds to bloom, it is essential to plant a love of reading at a young age. Join Omaha Public Library in the garden for stories that celebrate plants, insects, gardens and more, and discover the joys of nature, movement, music, and literature. Programs are geared towards preschool aged children, but all ages are welcome. This is a FREE program and no registration is required. Drop in and join us!

Thursday, November 6 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.		   
Lil' Sprouts: Changing Seasons
In Lil’ Sprouts, little learners and their grown-ups explore the wonders of nature through sensory play, stories, crafts, and garden adventures. Together, you’ll explore foundational concepts like shapes, colors, letters, and numbers, using nature as a rich and inspiring learning environment. November's class highlights the harvest while exploring how nature transforms throughout the year. As you explore and compare the warm, colorful Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory and the peaceful woodland trail, you’ll experience as many seasons as nature has to offer. Along the way, discover how we enjoy and celebrate each one — from blooming spring to sunny summer, colorful fall to snowy winter! Pre-registration is required. Each registration is good for one child (ages 3-5) and one accompanying adult. $20, $10 for members.

Thursday, November 6 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.		   
Lil' Sprouts: Changing Seasons
In Lil’ Sprouts, little learners and their grown-ups explore the wonders of nature through sensory play, stories, crafts, and garden adventures. Together, you’ll explore foundational concepts like shapes, colors, letters, and numbers, using nature as a rich and inspiring learning environment. November's class highlights the harvest while exploring how nature transforms throughout the year. As you explore and compare the warm, colorful Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory and the peaceful woodland trail, you’ll experience as many seasons as nature has to offer. Along the way, discover how we enjoy and celebrate each one — from blooming spring to sunny summer, colorful fall to snowy winter! Pre-registration is required. Each registration is good for one child (ages 3-5) and one accompanying adult. $20, $10 for members.

Saturday, November 8 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.		   
Family Workshop: Mosaic Coasters
Seasonal family gatherings are just around the corner! Join us to create a set of four custom mosaic coasters to share with your family and special holiday guests. You'll start by designing and gluing colorful tiles to a frame, then mix your own grout to complete these one-of-a-kind keepsakes. As part of the fun, enjoy a special tour of the newly re-opened Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory, filled with seasonal beauty and inspiration! All materials provided. Each registration is good for up to five participants, as long as one adult is participating. $40, $30 for garden members.

Thursday, December 4 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.		   
Lil' Sprouts: Winter Food for Animals
In Lil’ Sprouts, little learners and their grown-ups explore the wonders of nature through sensory play, stories, crafts, and garden adventures. Together, you’ll explore foundational concepts like shapes, colors, letters, and numbers, using nature as a rich and inspiring learning environment. When winter comes, animals have some cool tricks (adaptations) to stay warm and find food! In this winter themed session, we’ll explore how different animals survive the cold and keep their bellies full. You’ll even get to make your very own animal feeder to take home and help critters in your backyard! Pre-registration is required. Each registration is good for one child (ages 3-5) and one accompanying adult. $20, $10 for members.

Thursday, December 4 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.		   
Lil' Sprouts: Winter Food for Animals
In Lil’ Sprouts, little learners and their grown-ups explore the wonders of nature through sensory play, stories, crafts, and garden adventures. Together, you’ll explore foundational concepts like shapes, colors, letters, and numbers, using nature as a rich and inspiring learning environment. When winter comes, animals have some cool tricks (adaptations) to stay warm and find food! In this winter themed session, we’ll explore how different animals survive the cold and keep their bellies full. You’ll even get to make your very own animal feeder to take home and help critters in your backyard! Pre-registration is required. Each registration is good for one child (ages 3-5) and one accompanying adult. $20, $10 for members.
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