Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Calendar
Game and Parks Events
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will certify Youth Fishing Instructors at a workshop at Fort Robinson State Park on Sunday, September 29 from 9 a.m. to noon Mountain Time. Meet at the Buffalo Soldier Barracks. Instructors are part of the Youth Fishing Program, a statewide team of volunteers and Game and Parks staff who […]
Step back in time to see historic trades, talents, and other demonstrations come alive inside Arbor Lodge Mansion and out on the beautiful grounds during Living History Weekends at Arbor Day Farm. Join us for our Annual Table Creek Rendezvous (Mountain Man Encampment). Enjoy demonstrations of blacksmithing, fabric dyes and printing, seed beadwork, rigid heddle weaving, leather […]
Join us on Sunday, Sept. 29 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Fort Robinson’s Grabel Ponds to learn about the recent restoration of these and other local ponds and streams. Game and Parks Fisheries staff will be on-hand to share stories and answer your questions. On the day of the event, head out to Grabel […]
Mondays in September, you are invited to join in an evening of archery FOR women, taught by women. Choose from a four-week intro class or 'next-level' practice and coaching section, depending on your comfort with the material. The intro section features a lesson and time on the archery range practicing with a bow each week. Class goes from 5:30 […]
October is Nebraska Reptile Month! To celebrate, Nebraska Game and Parks is hosting its annual K-12 art contest. Nebraska students in grades K-12 are invited to submit original artwork featuring Nebraska native reptiles from October 1-31, 2024. Entries can be uploaded to: https://outdoornebraska.gov/.../reptile-awareness-month/...as scanned images or photos of the artwork. Contest this year includes the following […]
Registration for the Turpin Outdoor Education Center's GSSF Indoor League Series - Match 2 on October 1st or 5th. For this series, each match will be offered on two dates - attend on whichever day works best for your schedule (Tuesday or Saturday). This is the SECOND match for this series. Competitors must shoot in two out of the three available […]
Join Lincoln City Libraries & the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for a Family Fun Night geared towards Reptile Awareness. Stop by the Gere Library to meet some live reptiles (snakes, turtles & lizards) and learn about Nebraska’s native reptile species from Nebraska Game & Parks staff. There will be crafts and activities for the […]
Visually and sensory impaired guests will have the opportunity to touch, feel, hear, and smell at interpretative stations located throughout the Zoo. Nature experts from organizations across Nebraska will engage visitors at each station. Sensory Safari is a partnership with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Mary F. Tous Charitable Foundation and Nebraska Center for […]
Take your first shots with us! The biggest challenge for new shooters is getting started. First Shots makes getting started in shooting very easy - and, thanks to NSSF partnership*, it's only $10! At a First Shots seminar, you'll receive: -An educational introduction to the safe and recreational use of firearms -Individual and group training […]
Some critters that get a bad rap for being spooky. Join our park naturalists at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park this October and learn to love things like bats, spiders and snakes for their unique adaptations and their positive impact on the ecosystem. Meet at the Nature Center. A valid Nebraska state park vehicle permit […]
Join our park naturalists at Platte River State Park on Fridays in October from 4-6 p.m. for beginner astronomy activities! Make a constellation, use a star chart to identify seasonal stars, examine a moon globe and compare it to the moon you see in the sky and more. Use what you learn late at night […]
Our recreational archery club is open to participants who have previously been enrolled in JOAD at the intermediate level OR have achieved the listed prerequisites. There will be no formal archery lesson or achievements for this section - archers are able to come and work at their own pace and can request guidance if desired. […]
Registration for the Turpin Outdoor Education Center's GSSF Indoor League Series - Match 2 on October 1st or 5th. For this series, each match will be offered on two dates - attend on whichever day works best for your schedule (Tuesday or Saturday). This is the SECOND match for this series. Competitors must shoot in two out of the three available […]
Some critters that get a bad rap for being spooky. Join our park naturalists at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park this October and learn to love things like bats, spiders and snakes for their unique adaptations and their positive impact on the ecosystem. Meet at the Nature Center. A valid Nebraska state park vehicle permit […]
Enjoy an autumn hike with a park naturalist on Saturdays in October to look for seeds at Platte River State Park! Make observations, learn how seeds travel and identify the trees that certain seeds have fallen from. Meet at the Nature Center. A valid state park vehicle permit is required for entry.
Experience a 1824 Harvesting Style living history weekend at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park! Visitors will be able to glimpse the activities that would have taken place at this 1820s era outpost. Weekend Highlights: The theme for this weekend will be "Anticipating the arrival of Brig. General Atkinson". A bison butchering demonstration will also take […]
Join us for the 2024 Family Rendezvous at Platte River State Park's Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex! Enjoy a day of fall outdoor fun! Bring the whole family and spend the day enjoying: - nature activities - hatchet/tomahawk throwing - atlatl throwing - muzzleloader shooting - pellet gun gallery - archery - slingshots […]
Step back in time to see historic trades, talents, and other demonstrations come alive inside Arbor Lodge Mansion and out on the beautiful grounds during Living History Weekends at Arbor Day Farm. Experience daily life on the Morton farm. Special exhibits and demonstrations will highlight day-to-day activities on the prairie. Learn about the Morton family farm through […]
Mondays in October, you are invited to join in an evening of archery FOR women, taught by women. Choose from a four-week intro class or 'next-level' practice and coaching section, depending on your comfort with the material. The intro section features a lesson and time on the archery range practicing with a bow each week. Class goes from 5:30 […]
Mondays in October, you are invited to join in an evening of firearm education FOR women, taught by women. Choose from a four-week intro pistol class or a 'next-level' weekly practice and skill-building section, depending on your comfort with the material. The intro class features a lesson and time on the firearm range practicing with a pistol each week. […]
Birdwatching changes seasonally. It’s time to wave goodbye to our summer residents and migratory birds that are moving on. Birds of a Feather is a monthly program where guests of all ages can explore bird-related topics with a naturalist. When weather permits, we will head outdoors for a hike or time in the birding area. […]
Wise and Wild is a program is designed for seniors (55 and up) who love the outdoors and want to enjoy time in the parks. We will share a variety of nature-related topics with activities indoors and out. Join us on your own or bring along friends of any age. These events will be held […]
Take your first shots with us! The biggest challenge for new shooters is getting started. First Shots makes getting started in shooting very easy - and, thanks to NSSF partnership*, it's only $10! At a First Shots seminar, you'll receive: -An educational introduction to the safe and recreational use of firearms -Individual and group training […]
Core 24: This training format provides 24 hours of foundational classroom content and field activities that allows to achieve “Master Naturalist In-Training” status. Once the Core training is complete you have until December 31st of the following year to complete 36 hours of Continuing Education opportunities to earn your Certified Status. Continuing Education opportunities are […]
Join our park naturalists at Platte River State Park on Fridays in October from 4-6 p.m. for beginner astronomy activities! Make a constellation, use a star chart to identify seasonal stars, examine a moon globe and compare it to the moon you see in the sky and more. Use what you learn late at night […]
Join us for the 29th Annual Haunted Hollow at beautiful Indian Cave State Park! Schedule of Events October 11 - 27 Halloween Scavenger Hunt - Have fun with the whole family and search the park for Halloween props with clues! Kids get a prize upon completion; adults get bragging rights! October 11 5:30 - […]
Our recreational archery club is open to participants who have previously been enrolled in JOAD at the intermediate level OR have achieved the listed prerequisites. There will be no formal archery lesson or achievements for this section - archers are able to come and work at their own pace and can request guidance if desired. […]
Come join the fun at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area on October 12 for our Halloween campsite decorating contest and trick-or-treating! The decoration judging and trick-or-treating will both take place from 5-7 p.m. A valid park entry permit is required.
Join us for a spooky good time at Ponca State Park for the 26th Annual Hallowfest on Saturdays, Oct. 12 and Oct. 19! ACTIVITIES -Outdoor education programs & games -S'more making -Pumpkin carving contest -Pumpkin roll obstacle course -Pets costume contest -Cabin & campground decorating contest (judging from 5-6 p.m.) -Trick-or-Treating Note: Due […]
Ever wanted to learn how to shoot? Want to learn a little bit about rifles? Not sure where to begin? Try Rifle is your place to start! This safe and first-time friendly program covers basic safety rules, handling demonstrations, and starter techniques. Participants get to shoot on the range as part of this one-hour class! […]
Step back in time to see historic trades, talents, and other demonstrations come alive inside Arbor Lodge Mansion and out on the beautiful grounds during Living History Weekends at Arbor Day Farm. Learn more about the ethnic heritage and customs of early Nebraskans. We will have representatives of various ethnic groups sharing information and demonstrations, as well […]
Join us at Platte River State Park for Breakfast and Birding! Start your Sunday morning with breakfast at Scott Lodge Restaurant then head outside to enjoy bird-themed resources and activities. Valid park permit required for entry.
Step back in time to see historic trades, talents, and other demonstrations come alive inside Arbor Lodge Mansion and out on the beautiful grounds during Living History Weekends at Arbor Day Farm. Learn more about the ethnic heritage and customs of early Nebraskans. We will have representatives of various ethnic groups sharing information and demonstrations, as well […]
Visit to Buffalo Bill State Historical Park every Saturday and Sunday in October for some spooky fall fun! Admission: $12/person. Children under 2 are free and must be accompanied by an adult. Valid park permit required for entry. Activities: - Horseback riding & horse-drawn wagon rides - Ax throwing - Giant hay slide - Zipline […]
Mondays in October, you are invited to join in an evening of archery FOR women, taught by women. Choose from a four-week intro class or 'next-level' practice and coaching section, depending on your comfort with the material. The intro section features a lesson and time on the archery range practicing with a bow each week. Class goes from 5:30 […]
Come join Elleinad Books and Nebraska Game and Parks for Spider Tales Storytime at 10 AM on Tuesday, October 15th! Educators will read a story using puppets, show spiders preserved in resin, and lead a fun spider craft activity for the kids. This free event is open to the public and welcomes all ages!
The Wildcat Hills preschool programs will meet once a month at 10am MT at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center. Certified staff will lead various programs that include a story, hands-on activities and themed lesson. Activities will focus hands-on learning and observations, specifically targeted for early learners’ ages 2-6 years. A valid Nebraska Game and Park […]
Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Lincoln City Libraries for an afternoon of reptile art! October is Nebraska Reptile Month and the annual K-12 art contest is going on the entire month of October! Join educators at Gere Branch Library on October 15th from 1:30-3pm to draw, paint, or sculpt an entry for […]
Homeschool Hikes is a monthly nature exploration program hosted by the Schramm Education Center geared towards homeschool families. Each month, families can join a naturalist for a guided hike on the Schramm Park State Recreation Area hiking trails. During the program, participants will ask questions, draw, observe, and make discoveries in nature. Participants will have […]
The Wildcat Hills homeschool programs will meet once a month at 10 a.m. MT at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center. Certified staff will lead various programs each month that will showcase a different theme; focusing on ecosystems, animals, adaptations, and habitats found only in western Nebraska. Activities will focus hands-on learning and observations, targeted to […]
Homeschool Hikes is a monthly nature exploration program hosted by the Schramm Education Center geared towards homeschool families. Each month, families can join a naturalist for a guided hike on the Schramm Park State Recreation Area hiking trails. During the program, participants will ask questions, draw, observe, and make discoveries in nature. Participants will have […]
Second Shots Pistol is designed to build on the handgun skills introduced in our FIRST SHOTS course. It's also a good refresher for those who are years out of practice. Students learn more about ammunition, loading a magazine, clearing a pistol and locking the slide back, and handling malfunctions. Plus, students get the practical experience […]
Some critters that get a bad rap for being spooky. Join our park naturalists at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park this October and learn to love things like bats, spiders and snakes for their unique adaptations and their positive impact on the ecosystem. Meet at the Nature Center. A valid Nebraska state park vehicle permit […]
Join our park naturalists at Platte River State Park on Fridays in October from 4-6 p.m. for beginner astronomy activities! Make a constellation, use a star chart to identify seasonal stars, examine a moon globe and compare it to the moon you see in the sky and more. Use what you learn late at night […]
Get ready to sip, savor, and shell-ebrate the flavors of fall with a wild twist! Glacial Till Vineyard and Nebraska Game and Parks have teamed up for a one-of-a-kind collaboration, introducing Slowpoke Cider—a limited-edition tangerine cider inspired by Nebraska’s state reptile, the Ornate Box Turtle. This sweet and citrusy brew is as vibrant as the […]
Join us for a spooky good time at Ponca State Park for the 26th Annual Hallowfest on Saturdays, Oct. 12 and Oct. 19! ACTIVITIES -Outdoor education programs & games -S'more making -Pumpkin carving contest -Pumpkin roll obstacle course -Pets costume contest -Cabin & campground decorating contest (judging from 5-6 p.m.) -Trick-or-Treating Note: Due […]
Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for a Community Fishing Event at Fontenelle Park Pond, a 4-acre pond at 45th Street and Ames Avenue and bisected by Fontenelle Boulevard in northwest Omaha. Community Fishing Events provide opportunities for people of all ages who have never fished or have not fished in years to learn […]
Join us for the 29th Annual Haunted Hollow at beautiful Indian Cave State Park! Schedule of Events October 11 - 27 Halloween Scavenger Hunt - Have fun with the whole family and search the park for Halloween props with clues! Kids get a prize upon completion; adults get bragging rights! October 11 5:30 - […]
A mentored Youth Waterfowl Hunt will take place on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 8 a.m. Mountain Time at Clear Creek Wildlife Management Area. In-person registration begins at 8 a.m. at the Clear Creek WMA office. Youths ages 11-15 are welcome to attend free of charge. Space is limited to 25 youths; pre-registration & Hunter Education […]
Join us at Platte River State Park for Breakfast and Birding! Start your Sunday morning with breakfast at Scott Lodge Restaurant then head outside to enjoy bird-themed resources and activities. Valid park permit required for entry.
Join us in celebrating the facility's 10 year anniversary and enjoy some outdoor family-friendly spooky time this October! Register groups of 2 to 10 to experience a guided fall hike through our archery field course. Participants will get to explore the twisted trail and make 12 stops at archery stations to take aim at wickedly […]
October 21st, 2024 | 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm (CST) Register Here I will describe the world wide Motus system role in Nebraska and how to use the publicly available information. What the future plan for expansion of Motus in Nebraska and how Master Naturalists can get involved. Presenter: Glenn Pollock, Citizen Scientist Presenter Bio: […]
Mondays in October, you are invited to join in an evening of archery FOR women, taught by women. Choose from a four-week intro class or 'next-level' practice and coaching section, depending on your comfort with the material. The intro section features a lesson and time on the archery range practicing with a bow each week. Class goes from 5:30 […]
In celebration of October as Nebraska Reptile Month, Nebraska Game & Parks and the School of Natural Resources will be hosting a large-scale family-friendly reptile fun night! Join us at Hardin Hall (33rd & Holdrege, Lincoln, NE) from 4:30-7:00pm on Thursday October 24, 2024 for a night to celebrate reptiles. Dennis Ferraro (UNL Herpetologist) will […]
Take your first shots with us! The biggest challenge for new shooters is getting started. First Shots makes getting started in shooting very easy - and, thanks to NSSF partnership*, it's only $10! At a First Shots seminar, you'll receive: -An educational introduction to the safe and recreational use of firearms -Individual and group training […]
Join our park naturalists at Platte River State Park on Fridays in October from 4-6 p.m. for beginner astronomy activities! Make a constellation, use a star chart to identify seasonal stars, examine a moon globe and compare it to the moon you see in the sky and more. Use what you learn late at night […]
Our recreational archery club is open to participants who have previously been enrolled in JOAD at the intermediate level OR have achieved the listed prerequisites. There will be no formal archery lesson or achievements for this section - archers are able to come and work at their own pace and can request guidance if desired. […]
Enjoy an autumn hike with a park naturalist on Saturdays in October to look for seeds at Platte River State Park! Make observations, learn how seeds travel and identify the trees that certain seeds have fallen from. Meet at the Nature Center. A valid state park vehicle permit is required for entry.
Ever wanted to learn how to shoot? Want to learn a little bit about rifles? Not sure where to begin? Try Rifle is your place to start! This safe and first-time friendly program covers basic safety rules, handling demonstrations, and starter techniques. Participants get to shoot on the range as part of this one-hour class! […]
Step back in time to see historic trades, talents, and other demonstrations come alive inside Arbor Lodge Mansion and out on the beautiful grounds during Living History Weekends at Arbor Day Farm. The weekend is full of Vintage Halloween frivolity as we celebrate Halloween history, customs, and games throughout the 52-room mansion. Mansion admission is $9 adults, $7 youth […]
Join us at Platte River State Park for Breakfast and Birding! Start your Sunday morning with breakfast at Scott Lodge Restaurant then head outside to enjoy bird-themed resources and activities. Valid park permit required for entry.
Step back in time to see historic trades, talents, and other demonstrations come alive inside Arbor Lodge Mansion and out on the beautiful grounds during Living History Weekends at Arbor Day Farm. The weekend is full of Vintage Halloween frivolity as we celebrate Halloween history, customs, and games throughout the 52-room mansion. Mansion admission is $9 adults, $7 youth […]
Visit to Buffalo Bill State Historical Park every Saturday and Sunday in October for some spooky fall fun! Admission: $12/person. Children under 2 are free and must be accompanied by an adult. Valid park permit required for entry. Activities: - Horseback riding & horse-drawn wagon rides - Ax throwing - Giant hay slide - Zipline […]
Mondays in October, you are invited to join in an evening of archery FOR women, taught by women. Choose from a four-week intro class or 'next-level' practice and coaching section, depending on your comfort with the material. The intro section features a lesson and time on the archery range practicing with a bow each week. Class goes from 5:30 […]
Join us on October 28th from 6-8PM for a serene nature journaling workshop at dusk on the picturesque Spring Creek Prairie. Watch the fading light cast a golden hue over the swaying grasses and wildflowers. As the sun dips below the horizon, participants will be guided through nature journaling prompts to capture the beauty and […]
Join us on Halloween day, Thursday, Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for some spooky fun at Schramm Education Center! Activities • Gouge a Gourd: Learn to use an atlatl (spear-thrower) or a sling shot as you take aim at some pumpkins. (ages 5+) • Learn from a Leaf: Collect leaves that have […]
Join us for a spooky good time at Fort Robinson State Park’s Haunted Halloween! The event will be on Halloween -- Thursday, Oct. 31 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Mountain Time. The park will be offering one night of FREE camping on Halloween night! To reserve a site, contact the park’s headquarters at 308-665-2900. Activities -Camp & […]
Our recreational archery club is open to participants who have previously been enrolled in JOAD at the intermediate level OR have achieved the listed prerequisites. There will be no formal archery lesson or achievements for this section - archers are able to come and work at their own pace and can request guidance if desired. […]
Join us for the Fort Atkinson Candlelight Tour! Each stop along the way will reveal another part of the evening's theme, "The Election of 1824 and the Return of General Henry Atkinson". This walking tour among the historic buildings and around the grounds will take approximately one and a half hours. Please wear walking shoes […]