Autism affects people of all races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and early support and access to resources can make a significant difference in helping individuals develop communication, social, and life skills.
Things To Check Out In The Community
Movies on the Green
- Recurring monthly on the 1st Thursday until August 6, 2026
- Granary Green
Dinosaurs Around the World: The Great Outdoors
- Recurring daily until September 7, 2026 At
- Lauritzen Gardens
Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume
- Recurring weekly on Monday until October 19, 2026
- The Durham Museum
Benson First Friday
- Recurring monthly on the 1st Friday of the month
Curiosity Crew: Dinos! Ages 6-11
Monday, June 08,6:00pm–7:00pmView all dates Central Library
Curiosity Crew is a one-hour, hands-on STEM program for children ages 6-11 that blends play, exploration, and early learning!
Registration required Register for event
College World Series At The Riverfront
Where: Charles Schwab Field Omaha, 1200 Mike Fahey St
When: June 12th at 6 p.m.
Omaha Freedom Festival Where: Malcolm X Memorial Foundation, 3448 Evans St
When: June 14th at 12 p.m.
Held at the historic Malcolm X Memorial Foundation, this vibrant, all-day festival is a cornerstone event in Omaha’s North Omaha neighborhood. The Omaha Freedom Festival is a powerful celebration of Black culture, community, and freedom, coinciding with Juneteenth – the nationally recognized holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
3rd Annual Global Sounds Music Festival
Where: Upland Park, 3104 Jefferson St
When: June 7th at 4 p.m.
Celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of Omaha with music, dance, and international flair at the 3rd Annual Global Sounds Music Festival. This exciting, family-friendly event brings together sounds and styles from around the world to create an unforgettable summer evening.
The festival lineup includes a vibrant mix of global musical acts, from Afrobeat and Latin fusion to Balkan brass, reggae, and traditional folk ensembles.
2025 Multisport National Championships Festival
Where? Lake Cunningham, 8965 State St
When? June 4th-8th
The 2025 USA Triathlon Multisport National Championships Festival is set to bring five thrilling days of competition and community spirit to Omaha. This prestigious event, presented by Mutual of Omaha, is one of the most anticipated gatherings in the world of amateur multisport racing. With no qualification required, athletes of all experience levels are invited to compete, from first-timers trying their hand at duathlon or triathlon to seasoned racers aiming for a national title or a spot on Team USA.
More Things To Do In Metro Omaha
More Things Going On In Omaha
Montclair Neighborhood Farmers Market
- Recurring weekly on Thursday
- 1001 N. 30th St. Omaha, NE 68131
Summerfest at River's Edge + Drone Show
Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park on june 5th
Omaha Farmers Market – Old Market
- Recurring weekly on Saturday until October 10, 2026
- Omaha Old Market
Global Sounds Music Festival + Fireworks
- Jun 07, 2026
- Omaha
- Starting: 4:00 PM
- Free
About
Celebrate music from around the world at Global Sounds, a high-energy evening of live performances, dancing, food and fireworks. Enjoy global rhythms and local flavor
Omaha Farmers Market - Aksarben Village
- Jun 07, 2026Recurring weekly on Sunday until October 11, 2026
- Omaha
- From: 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM
- Free
About
Experience the Omaha Farmers Market at Aksarben Village every Sunday. Shop for produce, herbs, meat, plants, baked goods, jams, jellies, coffee, cheeses, crafts and much more!
NCAA Men's College World Series
- Jun 12, 2026Recurring daily until June 22, 2026
- Omaha
- Prices vary
- :(402) 554-4422
About
Cheer on your favorites during the NCAA® Men’s College World Series® as the top eight college baseball teams in the nation compete for the NCAA Division I Men’s Baseball Championship.
For ticket information and a full schedule of games and activities during the Greatest Show on Dirt®, visit NCAA.com/CWS. Don't miss The 75th Anniversary Celebration at The RiverFront featuring live music, family fun and fireworks.
Omaha Freedom Festival
- Jun 13, 2026
- Omaha
- Free
About
Celebrate Juneteenth at the Omaha Freedom Festival with daytime family fun, raffles, kickball, basketball challenges, dance activities and community booths.
Omaha Freedom Festival Free Community Concert
- Jun 13, 2026
- Omaha
- From: 8:30 PM to 11:00 PM
- Free
About
Enjoy a free live concert featuring Keri Hilson and Lyfe Jennings. Doors open at 7pm. Fireworks end the evening with a bang.
Thing To Do Next Month
coming soon
Also We Need Volunteers
We are actively giving back through community outreach programs, sensory supply drives, and autism awareness events.
To make this possible, we are inviting community volunteers and local sponsors to help us build meaningful relationships that support families affected by autism and developmental challenges.Together, we can begin building the support systems families need today, while working toward the center they deserve tomorrow.
More Things To Check Out
Autism-Friendly & Sensory-Friendly Places in Omaha
These locations are commonly visited by families because they either offer sensory accommodations, quiet spaces, or flexible environments.
Sensory-Friendly Gyms & Play Spaces
- We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym – sensory-safe play gym designed for children with sensory needs
- Amazing Pizza Machine – arcade + buffet with quieter weekday hours
- Urban Air Adventure Park – open play areas; mornings often quieter
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park – offers sensory-friendly jump times at some locations
Educational & Indoor Exploration
- Omaha Children's Museum – interactive exhibits for kids
- Kiewit Luminarium – hands-on science experiences
- Omaha Public Library – story times, quiet reading areas, and kids programs
Outdoor & Nature Spaces
Outdoor areas are often best for sensory regulation because there is more space and fewer intense stimuli.
- Lauritzen Gardens – calm walking paths and open areas
- Fontenelle Forest – trails and nature programs
- Zorinsky Lake Park – open green space and walking trails
- Chalco Hills Recreation Area – large outdoor area ideal for low-stress family outings
Tips When Planning Family Outings
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1. Plan Ahead When Possible
Before going somewhere new, try to look up information about the location and even visit it in advance if possible.
Check for things like:- Crowd levels
- Quiet spaces
- Parking distance
- Noise levels
- Sensory-friendly hours or accommodations
Many venues now provide accessibility details that can help families prepare.
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2. Visit During Less Busy Times
If possible, try visiting places early in the day or during off-peak hours when crowds, noise, and stimulation are lower. This can make a big difference in helping children feel comfortable and increase the chances of creating a positive experience.
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3. Bring Familiar Comfort Items
Having familiar items available can help regulate sensory overload.
Examples include:
- Favorite sensory toys
- Weighted stuffed animals
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Chewable sensory jewelry
- Tablets or communication devices
- Comfort blankets
These items can provide a sense of stability in new environments.
Our Center Is Nothing More Then A Dream Without Help From The Community So Click Below To Learn More Today
Be one of the individuals who go above and beyond by donating or by becoming a sponsor to aid and assist with community events , givebacks and more for Knami's Helping Hands.
Visit our donation and volunteer center to learn more about our sponsorship programs and opportunities but if you want to see our different on going community projects the click below. .
More Things To Check Out
Recurring Family Events in Omaha
These happen regularly and can the most frequent updated hours can be found on google
Farmers Markets
- Aksarben Farmers Market – spring through fall
- Old Market Farmers Market
- Papillion Farmers Market
Why they work well for autism families:
- flexible arrival times
- open space
- short visits possible
Free Outdoor Concerts
Many parks host summer concerts but the few below host them quite frequently
Examples include events at:
- Stinson Park
- Turner Park
- Gene leahy mall
Outdoor Movie Nights
Common during summer in parks and community centers.
Typical locations include:
- Gene Leahy Mall
- Heartland of America Park
These events are ideal because families can bring blankets, snacks, comfort items and even feel no stress whenever they want to leave early if needed.
Tips When Planning Family Outings
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4. Preview the Experience
If possible, show photos or videos of the place before visiting.
Talking through what the day will look like can help reduce anxiety and create expectations.You can explain things like:
- What the building looks like
- What activities may happen
- How long the visit may last
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5. Build Breaks Into the Day
Schedule short breaks throughout the outing. Quiet breaks allow children time to regulate before continuing activities.
Helpful break ideas:
- Sitting in the car for a few minutes
- Visiting a quiet corner or outdoor space
- Walking away from crowds briefly
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6. Create a Flexible Plan
Even with preparation, plans may need to change.
Allow yourself flexibility and remember that leaving early or adjusting the activity is completely okay.The goal is a positive experience, not a perfect schedule.
Top Sensory-Friendly Activities in Omaha
Activity Ideas
- splash pads
- trampoline parks during quiet hours
- indoor play gyms
- art or craft activities
- library programs
- sensory play sessions
- nature walks
- playground visits
- Omaha Police Mounted Patrol Barn – Meet the horses and officers (call ahead!)
- Home Depot Kids Workshops – First Saturday of each month.
Tips When Planning Family Outings
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7. Communicate Needs When Needed
Many staff members at venues are willing to help if they understand what is needed.
You can politely ask for:
- A quieter seating area
- Assistance with lines
- Directions to a calm space
Most places want families to feel welcome.
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8. Celebrate Small Wins
Every successful outing — even short ones — is progress.
Positive experiences help build confidence for both children and parents over time. -
9. Use Community Resources
Organizations like Knami’s Helping Hands aim to help families discover sensory-friendly activities, community events, and supportive environments that are welcoming to individuals with sensory needs. Checking community resources can help families discover places that already understand and support autism-friendly experiences.
What Does Volunteering Consist Of
Community members can be local heroes and support our mission in several ways:
Community Outreach Members
Help connect Knami’s Helping Hands with local businesses, organizations, and community leaders.
Event Support & Event Management
Assist with organizing autism awareness events, community outreach programs, and sensory supply drives.
Community Supply Drive Support
Help collect, organize, and distribute sensory items to families in need.
Delivery & Community Assistance Volunteers
Assist with delivering supplies and helping families access sensory tools and resources.
Community Awareness Advocates
Help raise awareness about autism resources and community support opportunities.
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What Donations Do We Accept ?
Outside of visiting our donation center we also accept year-round donations of , new toys, hygiene products, and other essential supplies. this way in addition to monetary contributions we can assist those in need with items that can be redistributed. Also we gratefully accept items of value that can be auctioned to help raise funds for our cause as well.
Redistributable items families always typically need include but are not limited to ;
Bath colors( dissolvable ), Foam soap,Bath crayons ,Mini sensory cups and pouring toys, Chew necklaces / chewable sensory jewelry, Kinetic sand, Weighted stuffed animals,safety mats/ crash pads, LED sensory strips,Night lights,Lava lamps and other items that can be found on Our amazon wishlist.
Once obtained , these contributions are distributed to individuals and families in need throughout the year at community pop ups and directly to the door of those in need, so help us make a direct and lasting impact in the community.
A Couple Final Things To Consider For Sensory Challenged Families
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Connect With Other Families And Individuals
Sometimes the best advice comes from families and people who have similar experiences. So in addition to networking in public be sure to join local support groups, community events, and outreach programs because they can help families share tips, discover new activities, and build supportive networks.
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Remember Its Ok That You Feel Overwhelmed
More times then not as protectors of autistic individuals we feel like we are being over protective, intrusive to others space and ect. however you must remember you are just trying to expose , create and normalize new experiences so sometimes things won't go how you imagine and that's ok because with attempts come practice and experience just like when you used to fall off of a bike and get back up.
Outdoor Play Areas in the community
- Lewis and Clark Landing at The Riverfront has a stunning spot for riverside strolls, sliding, playing, or just about anything else your heart desires.
- Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is a awsome go to a walk outdoors and fun time for kids thanks to splash pads on both sides of the river!
- American Heroes Park in Bellevue – Great views, peaceful trails, fishing, a brand new epic playground, and maybe even a football game.
- The Dream Playground at Lake Manawa – A top-tier playground, and yep, it’s free.
Fill in your information and say , "I want to become A Sponsor, Volunteer or both Today !" along with the best time of day to contact you. Once complete a registered agent will be in contact.
Its never to late to give back
Being autistic is not a choice, however accepting them is so remember, helping one person might not change the whole world, but it could help us change one community at a time and at the very least it will always change the world for the individuals we directly assist.
Even When You Buy A Item You're Still Donating however if no souvenir is needed then select a instant dotation of option of your choice from below
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Helping Hands Logo Unisex Cotton Crew Tee
Regular price From $22.52 USDRegular priceUnit price perSale price From $22.52 USD -
Autism Awareness Hoodie
Regular price From $40.00 USDRegular priceUnit price perSale price From $40.00 USD -
Autism Advocate, Educate, Love, Acceptance Uni-Sex Champion Collab
Regular price From $54.99 USDRegular priceUnit price perSale price From $54.99 USD