Affordable outdoor activities to break Spring fever

As the sun begins to shine and the weather becomes a bit nicer, young ones are roaring for the opportunity to run outside and play. However, with safety being a factor, one may ask where such a place exists. This article will provide you five beautiful outdoor activities for your family that are engaging, affordable, and safe.

1. Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

Extending 3,000 feet, this pedestrian bridge crosses the Missouri River from Omaha, Nebraska to Council Bluffs, Iowa. Along this bridge contains trivia walls about animals, sea life, and the making of this bridge that families can read and enjoy together. There's even a state line that your little ones can jump over to see how they can be in "two places at once." Leading up to the bridge on the Omaha side, there are also several child-friendly activities for your little ones to enjoy as well as the Department of Recreation and Parks, providing more information regarding the nature trails and other natural educational opportunities across both state and country. Best part: this activity is free!

2. Fontenelle Forest Nature Center

For a mere $7 per adult and $5 per child ages 3-11, you can enjoy both an indoor and outdoor opportunity exploring the wonderful forests at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center. There are wonderful naturalists on staff to guide you and answer any questions you may have, as well as a boardwalk with the latest exhibit for you to walk and tour. Best of all, there is Acorn Acres; a playground area filled with center-type activities that are perfect for little ones. There's even a beaver hut and treehouse to entertain them for hours!

3. Neale Woods

Part of the Fontenelle Forest family, Neale Woods offers 9 miles of dirt trails as well as vast areas of prarie land for your child to enjoy. There's even a small nature center with information and activities for your little ones to enjoy. At $5 per adult and $3 per child ages 3-11, this is definitely an opportunity worth looking into! For more information check out http://www.fontenelleforest.org/come.html.

4. Your local elementary school

Many schools, like Western Hills Elementary (and other OPS schools), have a state-of-the-art (or close to) playground with lots of opportunities for children of all ages to enjoy! Families may also use the track to bikeride, skateboard, and jog together. There are also basketball hoops, hopscotch boards, and four-square games painted on the blacktop for families to play on.

As the weather gets warmer, families are on the lookout for affordable outdoor activities to participate in as a unit. Try out these suggestions, and until next time, happy hunting!