Kids and family events in Lincoln, NE
There are 29 family-friendly events coming up in Lincoln, NE, including MAKE IT MOVE ribbon cutting, Halloween in the Haymarket, and Reptile Night.
Thursday Today
October 15- 8:00 AM Pokémon Trainer Day CampLincoln Children's Museum · 1420 P St, Lincoln, NEA full day of Pokémon-themed activities, games and crafts for kids to explore and play. Designed for young trainers to learn and have fun.
- Star Pick 10:00 AM MAKE IT MOVE ribbon cuttingLincoln Children's Museum · 1420 P St, Lincoln, NECelebrate the opening of a new STEM exhibit focused on motion and cause-and-effect with a ribbon-cutting and exhibit access. Members attend free; general admission applies.
Friday
October 16- 11:00 AM Loco Lincoln, NE Scavenger HuntCrescent Moon Coffee · 140 North 8th StreetStart at the coffee shop and explore checkpoints around town in this community scavenger hunt.
- 7:00 PM Open SkateThe BayOpen public skating session for all ages. Bring skates or rent on site for a relaxed, social skate night.
Saturday
October 17- 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM Math RoomLincoln Children's MuseumHands-on activities and exhibits that explore math concepts for kids during weekend museum hours.
- 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Nebraska Wesleyan Women's Volleyball vs Loras CollegeSnyder ArenaCollege volleyball match and Senior Night with live competition and in-person cheering; streaming link provided for remote viewers.
- 1:00 PM Lincoln Indian Center Pow-Wow 2026A community pow-wow featuring traditional drumming, dancing, vendors and opportunities to see local Indigenous arts.
- 6:05 PM – 9:05 PM Lincoln Stars vs. Sioux City MusketeersThe Ice BoxJunior hockey action with themed Star Wars Night promotions, on-ice entertainment and family-friendly activities.
Sunday
October 18- 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM Math RoomLincoln Children's MuseumSunday hours offering hands-on math exhibits and activities for children and families.
Monday
October 19- 12:00 PM School Out DayThe BayDrop in for school-out activities and a free lunch served at 1 PM for kids and families.
- 1:30 PM Reptile Art Day at the LibraryCharles H. Gere Branch Library · 2400 S 56th St., Lincoln, NECreate reptile-themed art with Nebraska Game and Parks at the library; hands-on activities suitable for all ages.
Wednesday
October 21- 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Wednesday Mornings (Free admission 8-9am)Lincoln Children's Museum · 1420 P St, Lincoln, NEFree admission 8–9am on Wednesdays; families can stay and play in the museum for the rest of the day.
- Star Pick 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM Halloween in the HaymarketRailyard and Iron Horse Park · Canopy StFree family trick-or-treat party: Canopy Street closes and Haymarket businesses hand out candy, with games and entertainment at the Railyard. Costumes encouraged.
Thursday
October 22- Star Pick 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM Reptile NightHardin HallFamily-friendly evening of reptile talks, displays and hands-on activities celebrating Nebraska Reptile Month.
- Star Pick 7:00 PM LCM College Takeover NightLincoln Children's MuseumAfter-hours museum fun with a DJ, costume contest, themed drinks and late-night snacks for college attendees. Expect hands-on exhibits and music.
Friday
October 23- Star Pick 7:05 PM – 10:05 PM Lincoln Stars vs. Muskegon LumberjacksThe Ice BoxA fast-paced USHL hockey game featuring the Lincoln Stars and visiting Muskegon Lumberjacks. Family-friendly atmosphere with live play-by-play and in-arena entertainment.
- Star Pick Boo at the ZooLincoln Children's ZooLincoln's biggest trick-or-treat event with booths handing out candy, coupons and more across the zoo. Family-friendly fall tradition running multiple days.
Saturday
October 24- 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM Math RoomLincoln Children's Museum · 1420 P St, Lincoln, NEDrop-in hands-on math activities and games designed for children to explore numbers and problem solving.
- 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Nebraska Wesleyan Football vs Loras CollegeAbel StadiumCollege football action with fans, halftime pageantry and stadium concessions for an energetic Saturday afternoon matchup.
- 6:00 PM Trek Halloween Trick-or-Treat Ride | Lincoln, NETrek Bicycle Lincoln · 3321 Pioneers BoulevardA family-friendly Halloween-themed bike ride—costumes encouraged for a casual, community cruise.
- 6:05 PM – 9:05 PM Lincoln Stars vs. Muskegon LumberjacksThe Ice BoxA pro-division hockey evening with a special 'Pucks N' Paws' promotion—expect fast action and concession stands.
Sunday
October 25- 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM Math RoomLincoln Children's MuseumSunday drop-in math activities offering hands-on games and puzzles for kids to build number sense.
Tuesday
October 27- Star Pick 4 – 8 PM Lincoln Police Union, Inc. Trunk or TreatSandhills Global Event CenterFamily-friendly Halloween event with costumes, candy and activities hosted by the Lincoln Police Union and department.
Wednesday
October 28- 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Wednesday Mornings (Free admission 8-9am)Lincoln Children's Museum · 1420 P St, Lincoln, NEFree admission for one hour on Wednesday mornings for families with young children. Arrive early—space can fill up fast.
- 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Open House at the Student Observatory Fall 2026Stadium Drive Parking GaragePublic open house to view stars, planets and the moon through campus telescopes; events may be canceled for cloudy weather. Check online before heading out.
Saturday
November 14- Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-FirePinnacle Bank Arena · 400 Pinnacle Arena DrGlow-in-the-dark monster truck show for the whole family. Showtimes on the arena site.
Sunday
November 15- Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-FirePinnacle Bank Arena · 400 Pinnacle Arena DrGlow-in-the-dark monster truck show for the whole family. Showtimes on the arena site.
Friday
November 20- Star Pick 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM Zoo Lights Opening NightLincoln Children's Zoo · 1222 S 27th StZoo Lights Powered by LES opens: light shows set to holiday music, light tunnels, 30+ lit animals, train rides, s'mores and cocoa. Runs nightly through Dec 30 (closed Thanksgiving, Dec 24-25). Timed tickets.
Saturday
December 5- Star Pick 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM Breakfast with SantaCourtyard Marriott Haymarket · 8th & R StHot breakfast by Lazlo's, selfies with Santa, swag bags, a coloring contest and Santa's mailbox. $15 ages 4+, free 3 and under.
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