KVNO

Lil' Sprouts: Symmetry in the Garden
2024-10-03 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108, United States
Lauritzen Gardens is a magical environment for children (pre-K, ages 3-5) and adults to explore and learn in together. In Lil’ Sprouts, participants work together and engage their senses while learning about nature, shapes, colors, ABC’s and 123’s. Enjoy story time, hands-on activities, crafts, garden exploration and creative play as you discover the wonders of nature with your child or grandchild.
Have you ever noticed how a succulent’s leaves are the same on both sides? Join us to learn about symmetry in natuer and then on a walk to discover symmetrical life in the garden.
$18, $8 for garden members. Each registration is good for one child and one adult. Pre-registration is required.

Yoga in the Garden
2024-10-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108, United States
Breathe, get grounded, and enjoy gentle balancing & stretching movement in this Hatha Yoga class that honors the seasons. Take the time to unwind and treat your senses to the beauty of Lauritzen Gardens — a wonderful mid-week break for body, mind, and spirit. All levels and everybody welcome.
Bring whatever props (i.e., pillow, mat, cork blocks, bolster, eye-mask, blanket) that you feel are necessary in making your practice the most comfortable it can possibly be.
$15, $10 for garden members. Pre-registration is required.

Archery Adventure Day
2024-10-12 10:00 - 13:00 | Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd, North Bellevue, NE, 68005, United States
Are you looking for an outdoor family event that has activities that everyone in your family can enjoy? Then come join us for a morning of family fun at Archery Adventure Day!
This program will be held at Camp Wa-Kon-Da located at 402 Forest Drive in Bellevue. The program is 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and will include archery basics, a family-friendly archery competition, a guided hike and a campfire with hotdogs and s’mores to end the program. A waiver must be completed for each family member before participating in activities. Please note that children ages 7 and under cannot participate in archery, yard games will be provided for the given age group.
DATES: Listed Below
TIME: 10:00 A.M. TO 1:00 P.M.
LOCATION: Camp Wa-Kon-Da
PROGRAM FEE: Members: $10 for ages 3-7, $20 for ages 8+. MEMBERS MUST SIGN IN TO RECEIVE DISCOUNT.
Non-members: $18 for ages 3-7, $28 for ages 8+

Trails Less Traveled
2024-10-13 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-11-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd, North Bellevue, NE, 68005, United States
Want to try something new? Do you want to hike trails that others don’t usually take? Discover your inner explorer and join us for our newest guided hike series, Trails Less Traveled!
These guided hikes will focus on trails “less traveled” both at Fontenelle Forest and our other properties. Expect to trek long distances over a variety of terrain. Each guided hike will last for 2 hours, covering easy, moderate, and strenuous trails. We highly recommend bringing a filled water bottle, hiking shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Trekking poles will be provided on a first come, first serve basis.
DATES, TIMES & LOCATIONS: Dates and times vary.
LOCATION: Locations vary – see below. Click here for exact addresses.
MINIMUM CAPACITY: 5
MAXIMUM CAPACITY: 15
PROGRAM FEE: This event is $10 for members and $18 for nonmembers. Members must sign in to receive discount.

Full Moon Hikes
2024-10-18 18:30 - 20:30, 2024-11-15 17:30 - 19:30, 2024-12-13 17:30 - 19:30 | Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd, North Bellevue, NE, 68005, United States
Have you ever hiked under a full moon? Or wondered what comes out after dark in the Forest? Find out on our guided Full Moon Hikes!
Hikes will begin no later than 30 minutes after the event start time, so be sure to arrive on time. All hikes will include an educational discussion of the nocturnal animals around the Forest and a brief talk into the lore of full moons. The event will include a bonfire and s’mores.
DATE AND TIME: Dates listed below. Event Time varies per event based on sunset.
LOCATION: Fontenelle Forest Nature Center
MINIMUM CAPACITY: 5
MAXIMUM CAPACITY: 35
PROGRAM FEE: $15 for members; $25 for non-members.
MEMBERS MUST SIGN IN TO RECEIVE DISCOUNT.

Habitat Hikes
2024-10-26 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-24 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-28 14:00 - 16:00 | Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd, North Bellevue, NE, 68005, United States
Explore Nebraska’s prairies, wetlands and forests at Fontenelle Forest’s Habitat Hikes! Join our naturalist educators on a guided hike through these different habitats and learn about each of these unique ecosystems!
Habitat Hikes will be held monthly, as we visit different locations and discover habitat changes each season.
The guided hike will be from 2:00-4:00 PM, traversing easy to moderate terrain.
DATES: Dates listed below.
TIME: 2:00 – 4:00 P.M.
LOCATION: Locations vary – locations Listed below each date. Click here for exact addresses.
MINIMUM CAPACITY: 5
MAXIMUM CAPACITY: 20
PROGRAM FEE: Free for members; $15 for non-members. MEMBERS MUST SIGN IN TO RECEIVE DISCOUNT.

Forest Immersion
2024-10-28 18:00 - 19:00 | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108, United States
Also known as “forest bathing” or shinrin-yoku, this is a type of nature therapy that immerses your senses, slows down your mind and body, and helps you feel connected with the forest life around you. This hour-long guided session in the woodland trail will allow you to unplug from technology and bring you into the present moment. Take this time to unwind from your work week and feel refreshed and relaxed by deepening your relationship with nature. Pre-registration is required. $20, $10 for members.
Guide: Jenelle Emory, Energy Healing Omaha.

Lil' Sprouts: Butterflies and Moths
2024-11-06 10:00 - 23:30, 2024-11-07 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-11-07 13:00 - 14:30 | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108, United States
Lauritzen Gardens is a magical environment for children (pre-K, ages 3-5) and adults to explore and learn in together. In Lil’ Sprouts, participants work together and engage their senses while learning about nature, shapes, colors, ABC’s and 123’s. Enjoy story time, hands-on activities, crafts, garden exploration and creative play as you discover the wonders of nature with your child or grandchild.
In this month’s class, we’ll learn about the differences between butterflies and moths then explore which plants attract them to Lauritzen Gardens.
$18, $8 for garden members. Each registration is good for one child and one adult. Pre-registration is required.

Bright Nights
2024-11-22 16:30 - 21:00 | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108, United States
All aboard for holiday fun! Set a merry mood with friends and family and explore the illuminated floral display hall and the houses of the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory during Bright Nights. From a 20’ tall poinsettia tree to a flock of festive flamingos, guests will see unique installations that glow and shine, showcasing nature in a new light.
This year’s theme is Holiday Express, with new lines of model garden trains chugging through the indoor gardens, full of festive foliage and fresh evergreens. Listen to the whir and whistle of the garden trains, celebrate our region’s rich railroad heritage, and enjoy this fanciful blend of botanical and mechanical – with an added splash of nostalgia!
The Family Chill Zone features some fun patio games and fire pits where guests can warm up, or purchase a S’mores kit to roast marshmallows.
With 31 dates to see the garden glow, 10 family fun nights, 17 nights with Santa, and 5 nights full of holiday cheers, Bright Nights brings festive fun for everyone!
Illuminated from 4:30 to 9 p.m. on November 22-24, 27, 29-30, December 1, 4-8, 11-23, 26-31.
Timed tickets are required for all guests and may be reserved at www.lauritzengardens.org/bright. Prices vary by date and select nights have value pricing. Garden members receive 50% off of ticket prices. For activities and information, see the garden’s website at lauritzengardens.org.
Santa will spread cheer with garden guests on December 1, 6-8, and 11-23
Stroll through dazzling holiday lights, enjoy festive entertainment, watch model trains, and get your face painted, at our Family Fun Nights. With 10 themed nights featuring crafts, games, and holiday surprises, there’s something for everyone. It’s the perfect way to make special holiday memories in our magical gardens. Included with a Bright Nights ticket on the following evenings:
November 27 and December 27: Merry Music & Art
December 1 and 8: Holiday Express
December 11 and 12: Wild about Animals
December 17 and 18: Magic of the Season
December 30 and 31: Winter Carnival

Lil' Sprouts: Poinsettias
2024-12-04 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-12-05 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-12-05 13:00 - 14:30 | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108, United States
Lauritzen Gardens is a magical environment for children (pre-K, ages 3-5) and adults to explore and learn in together. In Lil’ Sprouts, participants work together and engage their senses while learning about nature, shapes, colors, ABC’s and 123’s. Enjoy story time, hands-on activities, crafts, garden exploration and creative play as you discover the wonders of nature with your child or grandchild.
During the holiday season, poinsettias are the most popular flowering plant in the United States, but did you know these plants are actually native to central Mexico? In this class, learn about the history and legend of the poinsettia and why their bracts are so colorful.
$18, $8 for garden members. Each registration is good for one child and one adult. Pre-registration is required.

Story Weaver | Festive Folktales
2024-12-12 18:00 - 19:30 | Hitchcock Nature Center, 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, IA, 51542, United States
“Story Weaver” is for people who want to tell and/or listen to stories told in and about the natural world in the oral tradition. It is also for musicians, poets, and thinkers. Participants are welcome to tell or read stories, share a poem, or perform a song related to the natural world. Attendance is welcome whether you wish to partake or just listen.
Stories or songs may be true, fictional, or mythic. They may be inspired by history, fairytale/legend/folklore, personal experience, observation, or even family. They may be sad, dramatic, funny, wise, or exciting. We ask that your contribution is in some way related to nature, the wild, or ecology, such as plants, animals, rivers, stones, etc.
For December’s event, we also ask that stories are related to this powerful time of year as winter takes hold, different holiday celebrations take place, and we all reflect on the new year ahead. Some examples include (but are not limited to!) the winter solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Krampus, the pagan holiday of Yule, or a vivid winter experience in the outdoors.

Solstice + Equinox Celebrations
2024-12-21 17:30 - 19:00 | Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd, North Bellevue, NE, 68005, United States
Come celebrate the changing seasons of the Forest at our Solstice & Equinox events!
Each Solstice/Equinox Celebration will include a seasonal craft, a short hike, a bonfire with s’mores and an opportunity to learn more about the folklore that surrounds each of these astrological phenomena.
DATE, TIME & LOCATION: Listed Below
MINIMUM CAPACITY: 10
MAXIMUM CAPACITY: 35
PROGRAM FEE: $15 FOR MEMBERS AND $25 FOR NON-MEMBERS. MEMBERS MUST SIGN IN TO RECEIVE DISCOUNT.
CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW TO REGISTER.

A Celebration of Trees Based on Their Common Names by Kathleen Zuchniak
2025-01-13 09:00 - 2025-02-23 17:00 | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108, United States
January 13 through February 23
On display daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Enjoy a bold and playful scenario of a body of tree images, based on their common names. These colorful paintings by Omaha native Kathleen Zuchniak are designed to be a lighthearted and enjoyable way of heightening one’s awareness of a variety of trees.
On the gallery walls in the visitor and education center.
Included with paid admission. Free for garden members.

Wonders of the World
2025-01-18 09:00 - 17:00 | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108, United States
Throughout history, civilizations have built structures that have captivated the imagination of people across the globe. Wonders of the World will take you on a journey across continents, with bridge-chugging, tunnel-zooming G-scale train lines winding through replicas of ancient wonders and modern marvels. From the Taj Mahal in India to the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, you’ll encounter awe-inspiring buildings that are historically accurate, architecturally correct, and constructed of plant materials!
This exhibit is indoors, displayed in the garden’s floral display hall.
Included with paid garden admission, FREE for garden members.

Flowers and Other Wonders of Nature by G.L. Andersen
2025-02-26 09:00 - 2025-04-06 17:00 | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108, United States
February 26 through April 6, 2025
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On the gallery walls in the visitor and education center
Included with paid admission or garden membership. $15 + tax, $9 + tax for ages 3-12, free for ages 2 and under. Senior and military discounts available.
This exhibit features a collection of 25 stunning photographic works on canvas by G.L. Andersen, a retired computer programmer with a deep passion for both photography and the outdoors. Known for his creative approach, Andersen transforms everyday images into unique works of art, embracing his love for flowers and the natural world. With a playful disregard for photographic purism, he experiments with artistic alterations, often finding as much joy in reimagining an image as in capturing it. This collection invites viewers to see nature through a different lens, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

Yoga in the Garden
2025-04-02 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-04-09 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-04-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108, United States
Breathe, get grounded, and enjoy gentle balancing & stretching movement in this Hatha Yoga class that honors the seasons. Take the time to unwind and treat your senses to the beauty of Lauritzen Gardens — a wonderful mid-week break for body, mind, and spirit. All levels and everybody welcome.
Bring whatever props (i.e., pillow, mat, cork blocks, bolster, eye-mask, blanket) that you feel are necessary in making your practice the most comfortable it can possibly be.
$15, $10 for garden members. Pre-registration is required.
Happens on the following Dates:
Apr 2, 2025, 6:00pm to 7:00pm Timezone: CDT
Apr 9, 2025, 6:00pm to 7:00pm Timezone: CDT
Apr 16, 2025, 6:00pm to 7:00pm Timezone: CDT
Apr 30, 2025, 6:00pm to 7:00pm Timezone: CDT
May 7, 2025, 6:00pm to 7:00pm Timezone: CDT
May 14, 2025, 6:00pm to 7:00pm Timezone: CDT
May 21, 2025, 6:00pm to 7:00pm Timezone: CDT
May 28, 2025, 6:00pm to 7:00pm Timezone: CDT

Lil' Sprouts: Rain in the Garden
2025-04-03 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-04-03 13:00 - 14:30 | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108, United States
Lauritzen Gardens is a magical environment for children (pre-K, ages 3-5) and adults to explore and learn in together. In Lil’ Sprouts, participants work together and engage their senses while learning about nature, shapes, colors, ABC’s and 123’s. Enjoy story time, hands-on activities, crafts, garden exploration and creative play as you discover the wonders of nature.
In this class, we’ll learn about the importance of rain in the garden and how we conserve it. We will also explore the Wonders of the World exhibit and the rain garden at Lauritzen Gardens.
$20, $10 for garden members. Each registration is good for one child and one adult.
Pre-registration is required.

Spring EGGstravaganza
2025-04-20 09:00 - 17:00 | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108, United States
Join us on Sunday, April 20 for a fun-filled day of family-friendly activities, eco-friendly egg hunts, crafts, and prizes at Lauritzen Gardens’ Spring EGGstravaganza!
Engaging Egg Hunts – Experience a fresh, eco-friendly twist on the classic egg hunt with two egg-citing arenas staged throughout out the garden.
– Collect and color eco-friendly wooden eggs in a casual self-paced “hunt” around the festival garden. Up to three eggs can be decorated and taken home as a keepsake from your day!
– Test your skills in a competitive, timed egg hunt in the four-acre arboretum. We will tally up each participant’s egg count and keep a leaderboard throughout the day. Prizes will be awarded!
Sweet and Sustainable Treats -Visit the candy station to scoop up candy into sustainable paper bags.
Meet the Easter Bunny – Spring is here, and so is the Easter Bunny! Hop by to say hello and snap some photos together!
Scavenger Hunt – Explore the garden trails and try to locate all 14 large decorated “eggs” in the garden.
EGG-cellent Crafts – Use your imagination to come up with patterns and color palettes to give your eggs some seasonal flair at our egg decorating station!
Spring Photo Station – A vibrant spring-themed photo station, featuring a fun backdrop and a variety of filters and borders, lets your whole group take pictures together and have them sent directly to you via text message.
Go Searching for Spring – Something new blooms every day across our 100 acres. Walk the garden and see what spring treasures you discover!
Discover EGG-citing Sculptures- Enjoy the creative wonders of the blockbuster exhibit Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects®: Made with LEGO® bricks.
PRICING:
Members- $6 per participant (all ages are welcome to participate)
Non-members- $15-$23 per participant (includes garden admission for April 20)
NOTES:
Activities listed require a Spring EGGstravaganza ticket reservation and all ages are welcome to participate. Infants 0-2 are able to participate with a paid adult or child EGGstravaganza ticket in their party.
Adults may accompany children with paid EGGstravaganza child tickets at activities. If adults want to receive wooden eggs for crafts, candy and be eligible for leaderboard egg hunt prizes, their own EGGstravaganza ticket is required.
An EGGstravaganza ticket is required for garden members who wish to participate in activities, egg hunts, receive wooden eggs for crafts, receive a bag of candy and be eligible for leaderboard egg hunt prizes. Members receive free admission to the garden, as well as a 20% discount on Spring EGGstravaganza tickets.
Space and prizes are limited and early reservations are encouraged. In-person purchases at the front desk day of are not guaranteed, but there may be limited availability.
REFUND POLICY:
If there is inclement weather or ground is too wet from recent rain to complete outdoor activities, non-competitive egg hunt will move to alternate indoor spaces. Competitive prizes will be given out to registered participants at random. Candy, crafts, character interaction, picture opportunity and scavenger hunt will continue rain or shine. Once reservation is completed all EGGstravaganza ticket sales are final and no refunds are issued. Tickets may be transferred to others to enjoy activities if you are unable to make it after a purchase has been made.
