Family Calendar, July 4-10
This column includes events that are of interest to families. Material must be received at least two weeks before the event.
Address suggested material to Family Calendar, P.O. Box 81689, Lincoln, NE 68501 or e-mail to eandersen@journalstar.com.
* Friday, July 4
Fourth of July closings include Lincoln City Libraries, Lincoln Children’s Museum; Lincoln Children’s Zoo closes early at 4 p.m.
Uncle Sam Jam, begins with flag raising and concludes with Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra concert, 9 p.m. and fireworks, 10 p.m., Oak Lake Park, First and Charleston streets. Various family activities throughout the day.
Celebrate America, 9:30 a.m. kids parade and marching band; 10-11 a.m. patriotic program for all ages; 11-11:30 a.m. old-fashioned family games; 11:30-noon, hot dog lunch with chips, pop and watermelon, Cripple Creek Park, corner of Fir Hollow and Beaver Creek Lane. For information, call Nancy, 421-1570 or Mary, 261-8768.
1898 Independence Day celebration, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Stuhr Museum. Music, games, pie-eating contest, wagon rides, parade and hands-on activities.
Campfire program, “Thomas Jefferson and the American West,” 7:30 p.m., Homestead National Monument of America. Bring lawn chairs, insect repellent and drinking water. Free.
* Saturday
Kids in Parks program, 10 a.m.-noon, Homestead National Monument of America. Activities focusing on plants, birds, insects, macro invertebrates and trees. For families with children. Free. (402) 223-3514.
Friday Nights Live Series, with Hardwood Dash, country, rock and patriotic, 6:30 p.m., SouthPointe Pavilions, center courtyard, 27th Street and Pine Lake Road. $1 donation/person to benefit the Food Bank of Lincoln backpack program.
*Sunday
Pokemon TCG League, 1-5 p.m., Gauntlet Games, 3233 S. 13th St. Contact Noah, 217-2711.
Anime Matinee, 1:45 p.m., Eiseley Branch.
* Monday
Lincoln City Libraries storytimes, Toddlers: 10:30 a.m. Anderson Branch. Elementary ages: 4 p.m. Arnold Heights.
Toddlers storytime, 10:30 a.m., SouthPointe Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 2910 Pine Lake Road. New theme/activity each week. 421-7979.
Summer reading program, Butterflies with Dan “The Butterfly Man” from the zoo, 2:30 p.m., Bennett Martin Public Library.
* Tuesday
MOMS (Meeting Other Mothers) Group, 9:30-11 a.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 22nd and Washington streets. $3/first child, $1/each additional child. Kristin, 464-1481.
Summer Walk In Program: Animal Antics — Turkey Vulture and Other Scavengers, 10-11 a.m., Pioneers Park Nature Center, Prairie Building. All ages; $1/child.
Lincoln City Libraries storytimes, Preschool: 10:15 a.m. Bennett Martin; 10:30 a.m. Anderson, Gere and Walt branches; 7 p.m. Eiseley. Toddlers: 10:30 a.m. Walt; 10:35 a.m. Gere.
Summer reading program, Butterflies with Dan “The Butterfly Man” from the zoo, 2:30 p.m., South Branch.
* Wednesday
Kids Rule summer film series, “Horton Hears a Who!” (PG), 10 a.m., Lincoln Grand Theatre, 1101 P St. Admission: $2.50, includes popcorn.
Summer Walk-in Program: Rattle Your Bones — Old Bones, 10-11 a.m., Pioneers Park Nature Center, Prairie Building. All ages; $1/child.
Mothers Group, 10-11:30 a.m., Northeast Family Center, 6220 Logan Ave. 471-3700. Child care provided.
Summer reading program, Drums of the World with Michael Fitzsimmons, 10:10 and 11:15 a.m., Gere Branch.
Lincoln City Libraries storytimes, Preschool: 10:30 a.m. Eiseley, South and Walt branches; 2 p.m. South Branch. Toddlers: 10:30 a.m. Walt; 10:35 a.m. Eiseley.
Grandparent Group, 1 p.m., Northeast Family Center, 6220 Logan Ave. 471-3700.
* Thursday
Parent and child playgroup, for children ages 9 months-5 years, 9:30-11 a.m., Northeast Family Center, 6220 Logan Ave. 471-3700.
Kids Rule summer film series, “Horton Hears a Who!” (PG), 10 a.m., Lincoln Grand Theatre. Admission: $2.50, includes popcorn.
Nature Crafts Walk-in Program, Brilliant Birds, 10-11 a.m., Pioneers Park Nature Center, Prairie Building. For ages 4-8; $1/child.
Lincoln City Libraries storytimes, Preschool: 10:15 a.m. Bennett Martin; 10:30 a.m. Eiseley, Gere, 7 p.m. Arnold Heights, Bethany. Toddlers: 10:35 a.m. Eiseley and Gere.
Summer reading program, Drums of the World with Michael Fitzimmons, 10:30 a.m., Walt Branch; 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Eiseley Branch. Saltdogs Visit, 10:30 a.m., Anderson Branch.
Wild Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m., Lincoln Children’s Zoo. Program: “Fabulous Fossils,” create an Ankylosaurus, unearth real bones in a Stego’s Big Dig; entertainment by Lance Schupbach, 6:30 p.m. Regular admission.
Music & Mozzarella series, RC Dub, 6-7 p.m.; opening act, Club Kicks, 5 p.m., Lincoln Children’s Museum. Free. Pizza pack with slice of pizza, breadstick and pop available for $2.
Pajamarama, 7 p.m., SouthPointe Barnes & Noble Booksellers. For grades K-4. Dress in PJ’s and enjoy stories and a snack.
* Shows
Planetarium Astronomy Fulldome Digital shows: “Secret of the Cardboard Rocket,” 2 p.m. Sundays; “The Enchanted Reef,” 1 p.m. Saturdays; “Dawn of the Space Age,” 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; “Origins of Life,” 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Admission: $8/adults, $5.50/children, (includes admission to UNL State Museum), Ralph Mueller Planetarium. 472-2641.
Hyde Observatory shows: “Jupiter” and “Summer Constellations.” Sunset-11 p.m. Saturday, Hyde Memorial Observatory. These shows end Saturday. Free. Suitable for all ages.
* Register now
Grandma’s Pocket, 9:30-11 a.m. three-week session Tuesdays beginning July 8 or July 29, Irving Recreation Center, 2010 Van Dorn St. Encourages child and parent to interact with others with activities; includes snack. For ages 20 months-4 years. $27/child. 441-7954.
Kids Cooking the Healthy Way, 10 a.m. Thursday, Cooper YMCA (Amy, 323-6407); 1 p.m. July 14, Northeast YMCA (Michelle, 434-9257); 6 p.m., Downtown YMCA (Karla, 434-9238). For ages 6-11. Preregistration required. Members/free, nonmembers/$10/family. For ages 6-11.
Froggy Went A Huntin’, 6-8 p.m. July 11, Pioneers Park Nature Center, Chet Ager Building. Hunt frogs, tadpoles and water insects and have fun in the mud. $8/person, $15/family. Register by Wednesday, 441-7895.
Green Bottoms presentation, 10 a.m. July 12, MilkWorks, 5930 S. 58th St., Suite W. Panel of mothers share information on re-usable diapers. Drawing for “green” products. Free, space limited. Call 423-6402 to register.
Wilderness Nature Camp: Wet and Wild for ages 6-8; Native Ways or Bike the Trails for ages 9-12, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. July 14-18, Wilderness Park. $140/child. Register and prepay by Monday. 441-7895.
Safe Sitter, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. July 15, Conference Center, lower level of the Medical Plaza, BryanLGH West, 2300 S. 16th St. Teaches children ages 11-13 basic lifesaving and safety techniques. $30/child. Preregistration required, 481-8886.
Butterfly Count, 9 a.m.-noon July 19, Pioneers Park Nature Center, Prairie Building. $5/person. For ages 12 and over. Register by July 16.
Camp Discovery: Water All Around, 9:30-11:30 a.m. July 21-25, Pioneers Park Nature Center, Prairie Building. For ages 3-6. $55/child. Register by July 14.
Summer dance camp, Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company, July 28-Aug. 6, The Temple Building, 12th and R streets and Mabel Lee Hall, 14th and Vine streets. Applications are available at 477-8446. Fee: $325/ages 8 and under, part time; $585/ages 9 and over, full time. For information, visit www.aratsincorportated.org/lmbc.
* Workshops/classes
SECURE car seat fitting station, 45- minute session by appointment. Receive individualized instruction on installation and use of child’s car seat (infant-age 6). $20/car seat. For appointment, 219-7000 or www.SaintElizabethOnline.com.
Breast-feeding telephone support, and weekly educational support groups for pregnant and breast-feeding women. Topics include breast-feeding, birth choices, child development and nutrition. LaLeche League, 441-9509.
Breast-feeding Cafe, for pregnant and breast-feeding mothers, mother-to-mother support from La Leche League, 10:30 a.m.-noon Fridays, Eiseley Branch Library, 1530 Superior St.
Breast-feeding support group for moms, 1:30-2:30 p.m. every Wednesday, BryanLGH College of Health Sciences, Room 200, 5035 Everett St. 481-3328.
Mom Talk, for breast-feeding mothers and their babies, Mondays 7 p.m.; Wednesdays and Fridays 10 a.m., MilkWorks, 5930 S. 58th St., Suite W (Trade Center). 423-6402.
* Coming up
Campfire program, “An Introduction to the Mountain Dulcimer,” 7:30 p.m. July 12, Homestead National Monument of America. Bring lawn chairs, insect repellent and drinking water. Free.
Railroad Days Festival, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. July 12-13, Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St., Omaha; The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St., Omaha; Union Pacific Railroad Museum, 200 Pearl St., Council Bluffs, Iowa; Historic General Dodge House, 605 Third St., Council Bluffs, Iowa and Railswest Railroad Museum, 16th Avenue and South Main Street, Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Summer Fun Fair, 4-8 p.m. July 13, Southern Heights Presbyterian Church, 5750 S. 40th St. Indoor/outdoor games, activities, bounce house, entertainment by the SHPC Puppet Theatre and the String Beans. Free.
Day Out with Thomas 2008: The Great Discovery Tour, hourly 9 a.m.-4 p.m., July 18-20 and 25-26, Fremont & Elkhorn Valley Railroad, Fremont. Times sold out: 10 a.m. July 19 and 26. $18/ages 2 and over. For tickets, call (866) 468-7630 or visit www.thomasandfriends.info.
* Family viewing
Current G or PG movies. All movies currently in the theater and running through next Thursday unless otherwise noted. Movies are rated up to ****
OPENED WEDNESDAY
KIT KITTREDGE: AN AMERICAN GIRL. Breslin is a 10-year-old in the Depression trying to help her family survive by writing for the local paper in this sweet, sentimental family movie that is linked with the popular American Girl dolls. G. (Grand) **½
IN THEATERS
KUNG FU PANDA. Jack Black supplies the voice of Po, a panda who wants to be a kung fu fighter, in this computer-animated martial arts movie parody that is funny from start to finish. PG. (Grand, East Park, Edgewood, SouthPointe) ***½
WALL-E. A robot left alone on Earth falls in love, then has to teach people how to return to the planet in this touching, entertaining film with little dialogue that is the best Pixar picture since “Finding Nemo. PG. (Grand, Edgewood, East Park, SouthPointe) ****
VIDEO RELEASES
The Spiderwick Chronicles (PG), available now.
The Land Before Time: Through the Eyes of a Spiketail (NR), available now.
* Places to go
In Lincoln:
Ager Play Center, 1300 S. 27th St.; 441-6788.
Lincoln Children’s Zoo, 1222 S. 27th St.; 475-6741; www.lincolnzoo.org.
Hyde Memorial Observatory, Holmes Park, 70th Street and South Shore Boulevard, south side of Holmes Lake.
Lincoln Children’s Museum, 1420 P St.; 477-0128; www.lincolnchildrensmuseum.org.
Morrill Hall, University of Nebraska State Museum and Ralph Mueller Planetarium, 14th and U streets; 472-2642.
Museum of Nebraska History, 15th and P streets; 471-4754; www.nebraskahistory.org.
National Museum of Roller Skating, 4730 South St.; 483-7551.
Pioneers Park Nature Center, 3201 S. Coddington Ave.; 441-7895.
Elsewhere:
Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, Schramm Park State Recreation Area, 21502 W. Highway 31, Gretna; (402) 332-3901.
Arbor Day Farm’s Tree Adventure Pavilion and Lied Greenhouse, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City. (402) 474-5655 or www.arborday.org.
Audubon Spring Creek Prairie, southwest of Lincoln, follow Southwest 98th Street south out of Denton for three miles. (402) 797-2301.
Durham Western Heritage Museum, 801 S. 10th St., Omaha; (402) 444-5071; www.dwhm.org.
Edgerton Explorit Center, Nebraska’s Hands-on Science Center, 208 16th St., Aurora. Two miles north of I-80 at the Aurora exit. (877) 694-4032.
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, located 25 miles east of Lincoln, off I-80 at exit 426; (402) 944-2523.
Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History, Lied Super Screen Theater and McDonald Planetarium, 1330 N. Burlington Ave., Hastings; (402) 461-2399 or (800) 508-4629
Henry Doorly Zoo and Lozier IMAX Theater, 3701 S. 10th St., Omaha; (402) 733-8401.
Homestead National Monument of America, four miles west of Beatrice on Nebraska 4; (402) 223-3514.
G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari, I-80 exit 426, between Lincoln and Omaha; operated by the Henry Doorly Zoo. (402) 944-WILD, or (402) 733-8401.
Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St., Omaha; (402) 342-6164.
Strategic Air and Space Museum, 28210 W. Park Highway, Ashland (I-80 Exit 426). (800) 358-5029 or www.strategicairandspace.com.
Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, 3133 W. Highway 34, Grand Island. (308) 385-5316.
Address suggested material to Family Calendar, P.O. Box 81689, Lincoln, NE 68501 or e-mail to eandersen@journalstar.com.
* Friday, July 4
Fourth of July closings include Lincoln City Libraries, Lincoln Children’s Museum; Lincoln Children’s Zoo closes early at 4 p.m.
Uncle Sam Jam, begins with flag raising and concludes with Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra concert, 9 p.m. and fireworks, 10 p.m., Oak Lake Park, First and Charleston streets. Various family activities throughout the day.
Celebrate America, 9:30 a.m. kids parade and marching band; 10-11 a.m. patriotic program for all ages; 11-11:30 a.m. old-fashioned family games; 11:30-noon, hot dog lunch with chips, pop and watermelon, Cripple Creek Park, corner of Fir Hollow and Beaver Creek Lane. For information, call Nancy, 421-1570 or Mary, 261-8768.
1898 Independence Day celebration, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Stuhr Museum. Music, games, pie-eating contest, wagon rides, parade and hands-on activities.
Campfire program, “Thomas Jefferson and the American West,” 7:30 p.m., Homestead National Monument of America. Bring lawn chairs, insect repellent and drinking water. Free.
* Saturday
Kids in Parks program, 10 a.m.-noon, Homestead National Monument of America. Activities focusing on plants, birds, insects, macro invertebrates and trees. For families with children. Free. (402) 223-3514.
Friday Nights Live Series, with Hardwood Dash, country, rock and patriotic, 6:30 p.m., SouthPointe Pavilions, center courtyard, 27th Street and Pine Lake Road. $1 donation/person to benefit the Food Bank of Lincoln backpack program.
*Sunday
Pokemon TCG League, 1-5 p.m., Gauntlet Games, 3233 S. 13th St. Contact Noah, 217-2711.
Anime Matinee, 1:45 p.m., Eiseley Branch.
* Monday
Lincoln City Libraries storytimes, Toddlers: 10:30 a.m. Anderson Branch. Elementary ages: 4 p.m. Arnold Heights.
Toddlers storytime, 10:30 a.m., SouthPointe Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 2910 Pine Lake Road. New theme/activity each week. 421-7979.
Summer reading program, Butterflies with Dan “The Butterfly Man” from the zoo, 2:30 p.m., Bennett Martin Public Library.
* Tuesday
MOMS (Meeting Other Mothers) Group, 9:30-11 a.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 22nd and Washington streets. $3/first child, $1/each additional child. Kristin, 464-1481.
Summer Walk In Program: Animal Antics — Turkey Vulture and Other Scavengers, 10-11 a.m., Pioneers Park Nature Center, Prairie Building. All ages; $1/child.
Lincoln City Libraries storytimes, Preschool: 10:15 a.m. Bennett Martin; 10:30 a.m. Anderson, Gere and Walt branches; 7 p.m. Eiseley. Toddlers: 10:30 a.m. Walt; 10:35 a.m. Gere.
Summer reading program, Butterflies with Dan “The Butterfly Man” from the zoo, 2:30 p.m., South Branch.
* Wednesday
Kids Rule summer film series, “Horton Hears a Who!” (PG), 10 a.m., Lincoln Grand Theatre, 1101 P St. Admission: $2.50, includes popcorn.
Summer Walk-in Program: Rattle Your Bones — Old Bones, 10-11 a.m., Pioneers Park Nature Center, Prairie Building. All ages; $1/child.
Mothers Group, 10-11:30 a.m., Northeast Family Center, 6220 Logan Ave. 471-3700. Child care provided.
Summer reading program, Drums of the World with Michael Fitzsimmons, 10:10 and 11:15 a.m., Gere Branch.
Lincoln City Libraries storytimes, Preschool: 10:30 a.m. Eiseley, South and Walt branches; 2 p.m. South Branch. Toddlers: 10:30 a.m. Walt; 10:35 a.m. Eiseley.
Grandparent Group, 1 p.m., Northeast Family Center, 6220 Logan Ave. 471-3700.
* Thursday
Parent and child playgroup, for children ages 9 months-5 years, 9:30-11 a.m., Northeast Family Center, 6220 Logan Ave. 471-3700.
Kids Rule summer film series, “Horton Hears a Who!” (PG), 10 a.m., Lincoln Grand Theatre. Admission: $2.50, includes popcorn.
Nature Crafts Walk-in Program, Brilliant Birds, 10-11 a.m., Pioneers Park Nature Center, Prairie Building. For ages 4-8; $1/child.
Lincoln City Libraries storytimes, Preschool: 10:15 a.m. Bennett Martin; 10:30 a.m. Eiseley, Gere, 7 p.m. Arnold Heights, Bethany. Toddlers: 10:35 a.m. Eiseley and Gere.
Summer reading program, Drums of the World with Michael Fitzimmons, 10:30 a.m., Walt Branch; 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Eiseley Branch. Saltdogs Visit, 10:30 a.m., Anderson Branch.
Wild Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m., Lincoln Children’s Zoo. Program: “Fabulous Fossils,” create an Ankylosaurus, unearth real bones in a Stego’s Big Dig; entertainment by Lance Schupbach, 6:30 p.m. Regular admission.
Music & Mozzarella series, RC Dub, 6-7 p.m.; opening act, Club Kicks, 5 p.m., Lincoln Children’s Museum. Free. Pizza pack with slice of pizza, breadstick and pop available for $2.
Pajamarama, 7 p.m., SouthPointe Barnes & Noble Booksellers. For grades K-4. Dress in PJ’s and enjoy stories and a snack.
* Shows
Planetarium Astronomy Fulldome Digital shows: “Secret of the Cardboard Rocket,” 2 p.m. Sundays; “The Enchanted Reef,” 1 p.m. Saturdays; “Dawn of the Space Age,” 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; “Origins of Life,” 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Admission: $8/adults, $5.50/children, (includes admission to UNL State Museum), Ralph Mueller Planetarium. 472-2641.
Hyde Observatory shows: “Jupiter” and “Summer Constellations.” Sunset-11 p.m. Saturday, Hyde Memorial Observatory. These shows end Saturday. Free. Suitable for all ages.
* Register now
Grandma’s Pocket, 9:30-11 a.m. three-week session Tuesdays beginning July 8 or July 29, Irving Recreation Center, 2010 Van Dorn St. Encourages child and parent to interact with others with activities; includes snack. For ages 20 months-4 years. $27/child. 441-7954.
Kids Cooking the Healthy Way, 10 a.m. Thursday, Cooper YMCA (Amy, 323-6407); 1 p.m. July 14, Northeast YMCA (Michelle, 434-9257); 6 p.m., Downtown YMCA (Karla, 434-9238). For ages 6-11. Preregistration required. Members/free, nonmembers/$10/family. For ages 6-11.
Froggy Went A Huntin’, 6-8 p.m. July 11, Pioneers Park Nature Center, Chet Ager Building. Hunt frogs, tadpoles and water insects and have fun in the mud. $8/person, $15/family. Register by Wednesday, 441-7895.
Green Bottoms presentation, 10 a.m. July 12, MilkWorks, 5930 S. 58th St., Suite W. Panel of mothers share information on re-usable diapers. Drawing for “green” products. Free, space limited. Call 423-6402 to register.
Wilderness Nature Camp: Wet and Wild for ages 6-8; Native Ways or Bike the Trails for ages 9-12, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. July 14-18, Wilderness Park. $140/child. Register and prepay by Monday. 441-7895.
Safe Sitter, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. July 15, Conference Center, lower level of the Medical Plaza, BryanLGH West, 2300 S. 16th St. Teaches children ages 11-13 basic lifesaving and safety techniques. $30/child. Preregistration required, 481-8886.
Butterfly Count, 9 a.m.-noon July 19, Pioneers Park Nature Center, Prairie Building. $5/person. For ages 12 and over. Register by July 16.
Camp Discovery: Water All Around, 9:30-11:30 a.m. July 21-25, Pioneers Park Nature Center, Prairie Building. For ages 3-6. $55/child. Register by July 14.
Summer dance camp, Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company, July 28-Aug. 6, The Temple Building, 12th and R streets and Mabel Lee Hall, 14th and Vine streets. Applications are available at 477-8446. Fee: $325/ages 8 and under, part time; $585/ages 9 and over, full time. For information, visit www.aratsincorportated.org/lmbc.
* Workshops/classes
SECURE car seat fitting station, 45- minute session by appointment. Receive individualized instruction on installation and use of child’s car seat (infant-age 6). $20/car seat. For appointment, 219-7000 or www.SaintElizabethOnline.com.
Breast-feeding telephone support, and weekly educational support groups for pregnant and breast-feeding women. Topics include breast-feeding, birth choices, child development and nutrition. LaLeche League, 441-9509.
Breast-feeding Cafe, for pregnant and breast-feeding mothers, mother-to-mother support from La Leche League, 10:30 a.m.-noon Fridays, Eiseley Branch Library, 1530 Superior St.
Breast-feeding support group for moms, 1:30-2:30 p.m. every Wednesday, BryanLGH College of Health Sciences, Room 200, 5035 Everett St. 481-3328.
Mom Talk, for breast-feeding mothers and their babies, Mondays 7 p.m.; Wednesdays and Fridays 10 a.m., MilkWorks, 5930 S. 58th St., Suite W (Trade Center). 423-6402.
* Coming up
Campfire program, “An Introduction to the Mountain Dulcimer,” 7:30 p.m. July 12, Homestead National Monument of America. Bring lawn chairs, insect repellent and drinking water. Free.
Railroad Days Festival, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. July 12-13, Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St., Omaha; The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St., Omaha; Union Pacific Railroad Museum, 200 Pearl St., Council Bluffs, Iowa; Historic General Dodge House, 605 Third St., Council Bluffs, Iowa and Railswest Railroad Museum, 16th Avenue and South Main Street, Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Summer Fun Fair, 4-8 p.m. July 13, Southern Heights Presbyterian Church, 5750 S. 40th St. Indoor/outdoor games, activities, bounce house, entertainment by the SHPC Puppet Theatre and the String Beans. Free.
Day Out with Thomas 2008: The Great Discovery Tour, hourly 9 a.m.-4 p.m., July 18-20 and 25-26, Fremont & Elkhorn Valley Railroad, Fremont. Times sold out: 10 a.m. July 19 and 26. $18/ages 2 and over. For tickets, call (866) 468-7630 or visit www.thomasandfriends.info.
* Family viewing
Current G or PG movies. All movies currently in the theater and running through next Thursday unless otherwise noted. Movies are rated up to ****
OPENED WEDNESDAY
KIT KITTREDGE: AN AMERICAN GIRL. Breslin is a 10-year-old in the Depression trying to help her family survive by writing for the local paper in this sweet, sentimental family movie that is linked with the popular American Girl dolls. G. (Grand) **½
IN THEATERS
KUNG FU PANDA. Jack Black supplies the voice of Po, a panda who wants to be a kung fu fighter, in this computer-animated martial arts movie parody that is funny from start to finish. PG. (Grand, East Park, Edgewood, SouthPointe) ***½
WALL-E. A robot left alone on Earth falls in love, then has to teach people how to return to the planet in this touching, entertaining film with little dialogue that is the best Pixar picture since “Finding Nemo. PG. (Grand, Edgewood, East Park, SouthPointe) ****
VIDEO RELEASES
The Spiderwick Chronicles (PG), available now.
The Land Before Time: Through the Eyes of a Spiketail (NR), available now.
* Places to go
In Lincoln:
Ager Play Center, 1300 S. 27th St.; 441-6788.
Lincoln Children’s Zoo, 1222 S. 27th St.; 475-6741; www.lincolnzoo.org.
Hyde Memorial Observatory, Holmes Park, 70th Street and South Shore Boulevard, south side of Holmes Lake.
Lincoln Children’s Museum, 1420 P St.; 477-0128; www.lincolnchildrensmuseum.org.
Morrill Hall, University of Nebraska State Museum and Ralph Mueller Planetarium, 14th and U streets; 472-2642.
Museum of Nebraska History, 15th and P streets; 471-4754; www.nebraskahistory.org.
National Museum of Roller Skating, 4730 South St.; 483-7551.
Pioneers Park Nature Center, 3201 S. Coddington Ave.; 441-7895.
Elsewhere:
Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, Schramm Park State Recreation Area, 21502 W. Highway 31, Gretna; (402) 332-3901.
Arbor Day Farm’s Tree Adventure Pavilion and Lied Greenhouse, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City. (402) 474-5655 or www.arborday.org.
Audubon Spring Creek Prairie, southwest of Lincoln, follow Southwest 98th Street south out of Denton for three miles. (402) 797-2301.
Durham Western Heritage Museum, 801 S. 10th St., Omaha; (402) 444-5071; www.dwhm.org.
Edgerton Explorit Center, Nebraska’s Hands-on Science Center, 208 16th St., Aurora. Two miles north of I-80 at the Aurora exit. (877) 694-4032.
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, located 25 miles east of Lincoln, off I-80 at exit 426; (402) 944-2523.
Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History, Lied Super Screen Theater and McDonald Planetarium, 1330 N. Burlington Ave., Hastings; (402) 461-2399 or (800) 508-4629
Henry Doorly Zoo and Lozier IMAX Theater, 3701 S. 10th St., Omaha; (402) 733-8401.
Homestead National Monument of America, four miles west of Beatrice on Nebraska 4; (402) 223-3514.
G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari, I-80 exit 426, between Lincoln and Omaha; operated by the Henry Doorly Zoo. (402) 944-WILD, or (402) 733-8401.
Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St., Omaha; (402) 342-6164.
Strategic Air and Space Museum, 28210 W. Park Highway, Ashland (I-80 Exit 426). (800) 358-5029 or www.strategicairandspace.com.
Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, 3133 W. Highway 34, Grand Island. (308) 385-5316.
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