The Nebraska Passport 2021
The 2021 Nebraska Passport is set to start again May 1st. While the state is more open than last year, you may want to call ahead to check hours and availability. Here are some of the Nebraska Passport family-friendly locations found in and within a few hours of Lincoln.
The Lincoln Children’s Museum is a longtime favorite for families. Considering that I have been taking kids there for many years, I can verify that they can continue to add to this wonderful museum. Down the street, check out Screamers Family Restaurant, Home of the Singing Servers. Tuesday night is Kids Night at Screamers!
Between Lincoln and Omaha at the Ashland exit, you can drive through the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park. This is a great way to see many animals, including native Nebraska ones, up close and personal. Admission is charged, but groups over 30 can get a discount.
I can remember trekking the trails at Fontenelle Forest long ago. This Bellevue location recently added TreeRush Adventures. Visitors, as young as 4, can participate. According to their website, the tree trails “consist of 100 challenging elements made of rope, cable and wood, and include more than 10 zip lines. The most challenging trails are up to 55 feet above the ground.”
"Our family loves to explore Fontenelle Forest and last summer we were able to climb high among the trees for a real adrenaline rush! There was something for the little one and big kids to do! It was perfect." - Christine Weeks
The Washington County Museum at Fort Calhoun is very family-friendly. Touch screens allow kids to learn some Otoe words. Pretend fur trappers will enjoy the trading post area. The dress-up box includes Fort Atkinson soldier uniforms and pioneer dresses. Kids can become old-time bank tellers and deal out money.
Further west of Lincoln, check out Grand Island’s Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer. Try to go when Railroad Town is open. The Kearney Children’s Museum was developed purposefully by many volunteers.
"Our family had a great time exploring the Stuhr Museum. The buildings and grounds are beautiful, and they've done a spectacular job making history come alive with their exhibits. My kids enjoyed it as much as my husband and I did!" - Jeannine Bryant
To find out specific locations and hours or to find out about all of the seventy stops, please visit Nebraskapassport.com
Looking for even more local places to visit? Check out Gretchen Garrison’s book, 100 Things to Do in Lincoln Before You Die. She is also the author of Detour Nebraska: Historic Destinations and Natural Wonders and A History Lover’s Guide to Lincoln.
