THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Omaha area boasts lots of outdoor activities, even when it is cold MARJIE DUCEY
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World-Herald Staff Writer
MICHAEL FORSBERG
Elsa Forsberg walks a trail before sunset at Audubon Spring Creek Prairie near Denton, Nebraska.
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January 2022
t’s always so tempting to spend the coldest days of winter bundled inside on the couch, watching a movie. But somehow, those sunny, 30 degree days start to seem warmer and the kids get antsy stuck inside. So here’s some fun activities to get you off the couch and outside. You don’t have to go far to find nature. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium offers a backyard adventures camp from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 17 for ages 6 to 8 and 9 to 11. Seek out species native to Nebraska and learn how to find them in your own backyard. Cost is $65 with a zoo membership and $70 without. Have you ever tried snowshoes? Fontenelle Forest rents them for $5 for one hour. It’s best to call for reservations at 402-731-3140. If that sounds too strenuous, the one-mile ADAaccessible Riverview Boardwalk is an easier stroll that still provides a great view. Fontenelle’s Acorn Acres is a one-acre outdoor playscape for kids willing to venture outdoors or they can check out birds of prey at the Raptor Woodland Refuge. If it’s too cold outdoors, Habitat Hollow has re-opened for the younger kids in your family. It includes nature coloring and baby birder stations, a critter observation area (turtles, frogs, salamanders, snakes) and a make-and-take option. The popular Mudpies program returns to Fontenelle Forest this month. It’s a structured program for children ages 3 to 5 years that encourages exploration of nature and interaction between a child and their caregiver. Each week, a natural science topic is explored through crafts, outdoor exploration, songs, stories, outdoor hikes and more. Each program will feature a different craft or activity, along with story time and an outdoor guided hike. The Tuesday and Thursday morning classes are $5 per child for members. Nonmembers pay $5 per child plus daily admission for accompanying adult(s). One adult is required for every two children. Preregistration is required. Winter birding is also popular and you’d be surprised how many birds can be spotted at
