Families

Fireworks are flying this Fourth of July weekend.

But if you're looking for something to do unrelated to Independence Day activities, here are a few happenings:

On Saturday, Homestead National Monument of America, near Beatrice, kicks off its summer series, "Kids in Parks." Every Saturday through Aug. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon, kids will be treated to free outdoor walks and activities. Themes change each week. Saturday's focus is Creek Critters. Other summer themes are: July 11, Birdie Basics; July 18, Elders of the Forest; July 25, The Great Bug Hunt; Aug. 1, Prairie Plant Prowl; and Aug. 8, Amazing Animal Adaptations.

Participants should wear sunscreen, bug spray and closed-toe shoes.

Sunday is Otter Day at the Lincoln Children's Zoo. From noon to 4 p.m., visitors will meet and learn more about RC, ET and Hanz, the zoo's otters.

In addition, visitors can hear the story of "Josh the Baby Otter," meet Josh the mascot and learn all about water safety. The book is written in memory of Joshua Collingsworth, a 2-year-old Lincoln boy who drowned in a swimming pool in 2008. The book and a plush Josh the Baby Otter toy will be available for purchase, all proceeds go to the Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation to educate children and parents about water safety.

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

Lincoln City Libraries closed.

Storytime Spectacular, 10:30 a.m., SouthPointe Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 2910 Pine Lake Road. "Celebrate America." 421-7979.

Uncle Sam Jam, 4-8 p.m. family activities and kids games; 5:30 p.m., Ashanti Band; 8:30 p.m, flag lowering; 9:15-10 p.m., Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra concert; 10 p.m., fireworks, Oak Lake, Sun Valley Boulevard and Charleston Street.

Family night swim program, 6-8 p.m., Woods Pool, 3200 J St. $5/admission/family.

* Saturday

Lincoln Children's Zoo closes at 3 p.m.

Lincoln City Libraries closed.

Lincoln Children's Museum open, regular hours.

Celebrate America celebration, 9:15 a.m., kids' parade and marching band; 10 a.m., patriotic program; 11 a.m., old-fashioned family games; 11:30 a.m.-noon, food, Cripple Creek Park, Pine Lake Road between 40th and 56th streets.

Kids in Parks summer program, "Creek Critters," 10 a.m.-noon, Homestead National Monument of America, Beatrice. For all ages. Free. (402) 223-3514.

"1899 Fourth of July Celebration," 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; parade, 2 p.m., Stuhr Museum. Regular admission.

July Campfire program, "A Musical Journey Across America," with Chris Sayre, 7:30 p.m., Homestead National Monument of America, Beatrice. Free.

* Sunday

Otter Day, noon-4 p.m., Lincoln Children's Zoo. Watch the otters and learn about water safety for children.

* Monday

Wild Hair Day, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Lincoln Children's Zoo. Wear your hair in a wild way and receive $1 off child's ticket and 50 cents off child's train ride.

Lincoln City Libraries storytimes, Toddlers: 10:10 and 10:40 a.m. Anderson Branch.

Storytime Spectacular, 10:30 a.m., SouthPointe Barnes & Noble Booksellers, "Cat and Dog."

*Tuesday

"Hour at the Museum," 10 a.m., Nebraska State History Museum, 15th and P streets. Historic storytelling, activities and crafts for kids through third grade. Free.

Summer drop-in programs: Animal Antics, "Turkey Vulture and Other Scavengers," 10 a.m., Pioneers Park Nature Center, Prairie Building. For all ages. $1/child.

Lincoln City Libraries storytimes, Preschool: 10:30 a.m. Anderson, Gere and Walt branches; 7 p.m. Eiseley. Toddlers: 10, 10:35 a.m. Gere; 10:30 a.m. Walt.

* Wednesday

Kids Rule Summer Film Series, "Monsters vs. Aliens" (PG), 10 a.m., Lincoln Grand, 1101 P St., and SouthPointe Cinema, 2920 Pine Lake Road. $3, includes free popcorn.

Lincoln City Libraries storytimes, Preschool: 10:30 a.m., Eiseley and Walt Branches; 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. South Branch. Toddlers: 10:30 a.m. Walt; 10:35 a.m. Eiseley.

Wild Wednesday, 5-8 p.m., Lincoln Children's Zoo. Theme: beautiful butterflies and bountiful bugs.

*Thursday

Free admission at University of Nebraska State Museum, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays in July, Morrill Hall, 14th and Vine streets. Regular admission for Planetarium shows.

Summer drop-in program: Water Wildness, "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow," 10 a.m., Pioneers Park Nature Center, Prairie Building. For ages 5 and older. $1/child.

Kids Rule Summer Film Series, "Monsters vs. Aliens" (PG), 10 a.m., Lincoln Grand, 1101 P St., and SouthPointe Cinema, 2920 Pine Lake Road. $3, includes free popcorn.

National Hot Dog Day, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Lincoln Children's Zoo. Special prices on hot dogs at Safari Cafe.

Lincoln City Libraries Storytimes, Preschool: 10:15 a.m. Bennett Martin; 10:30 a.m. Bethany, Eiseley and Gere branches, 7 p.m. Arnold Heights. Toddlers: 10, 10:35 a.m. Gere; 10:35 a.m. Eiseley.

Music & Mozzarella, 5 p.m. pizza; 6 p.m., Funky Mamma, Lincoln Children's Museum. Concert free; pizza pack, $3.

* Shows

Planetarium Astronomy shows: "Secret of the Cardboard Rocket," 7 p.m. Thursdays. "The Little Star That Could," 2 p.m., and "Two Small Pieces of Glass," 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Admission: $8/adults, $5.50/ages 5-18, $2.50/ages 4 and under, (includes admission to University of Nebraska State Museum), Mueller Planetarium. 472-2641.

Hyde Observatory shows: "One Small Step - Apollo 11" and "Summer Constellations," sunset to 11 p.m. Saturdays, Hyde Memorial Observatory. Free.

"Sesame Street Presents: The Body," through Sept. 6, Omaha Children's Museum, Omaha. Regular admission.

"Earth From Space," through July 19, Strategic Air & Space Museum, Exit 426 off I-80.

*Workshops/classes

"Successful Parenting Classes," presented by Family Service, eight-week class series, 6-8 p.m. Mondays July 6-Aug. 24, Family Service, 501 S. Seventh St.

Breast-feeding support groups for pregnant and breast-feeding women, contact La Leche League, Sara, 488-8269 or www.lllusa.org/web/LincolnNE.html or BryanLGH College of Health Sciences, 481-3328.