5 Omaha Family Activities That Promote Healthy Teeth

Family activities in Omaha.

Ready to get out?

More than likely, you’ve found yourself wanting to do more outside the house with your family at least once. But when are you supposed to find the time? It takes so much effort to put together the outings that you’re left scrambling if you even try to do something. These two problems often leave us in the same place time and time again—in our homes, wishing to be anywhere else. We’re in Omaha; there are plenty of places to explore!

Even though it can sometimes feel like a struggle to get there, taking the family out can make a bigger impact than you might realize. Not only does it do wonders for mental health, but it also lets your children learn about the world around them. It might surprise you to realize that they can even learn about their oral health during these family outings!

The Importance of Family Time

A lot of the things we find important in life can be replaced, but quality time with your family isn’t one of them. Every moment spent with those kiddos helps create a bond that can’t be broken, and life-long memories that they will always hold dear to their hearts.

While going on these family adventures, your children won’t even realize that it’s a learning experience—and that’s exactly how we want it! Teaching our kids about the world around them helps reinforce healthy habits, including dental care.

Don’t worry, sneaking in a little extra learning while on these outings doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, you might already be doing it! Here are 5 ideas to get your family outside and learning.

5 Ideas for Omaha Family Activities

Visit the Omaha Zoo.

There’s always something fun going on at the zoo. In fact, our own zoo right here in Omaha was rated the #1 zoo in the nation. 160 acres of plants, animals, and special habitats are sure to keep you and your family coming back for more.

But what about the healthy learning part of the journey? It’s simple! Pack a bag of healthy snacks for your kiddos. Throw some carrots in there and talk about which animals also eat carrots and why it’s so good for them—the vitamins inside help strengthen tooth enamel. Create a classic snack of Ants on a Log and ask them what animals might eat the celery. You can even have them act out how they think an elephant or monkey would look trying to munch through the peanut butter. Trust us—this is certain to create loads of laughs!

Go for a family hike at Fontenelle Forest.

Taking the family on a hike is sure to be great for multiple reasons. First, it gets the whole family to exercise. Second, even the littlest, high-energy toddler is bound to get tired. Third, there are all sorts of things to learn about and explore!

If you haven’t explored it yet, The Fotenelle Forest is the perfect place to take the family on that hike! Just take a look at their trail map, and set out! Even if you don’t quite have the energy for a full hike, their new playground, Acorn Acres, just opened on October 9.

Learning about the nature around them is sure to happen while exploring the Fontenelle Forest. All you have to do is ensure you’ve packed enough water for all of their adventures. You can talk about how the trees and flowers also drink water, or even about where the rain flows when it rains.

Attend a local farmer’s market.

One glorious thing about farmers’ markets is that they are always changing! Pack up the family and head out to the Omaha Farmers Market and pick out tooth-friendly fruits and veggies. This doesn’t have to be complicated. Remember that those healthy vitamins and minerals are the goal when picking out your fresh veggies! It not only helps your little one grow strong, but it helps keep their teeth strong and healthy.

Plan a family picnic at a park.

Creating outings for your family doesn’t have to be a hassle. Sometimes it can be as simple as packing a bag full of nutritious food and heading out to the closest park. Let your little ones climb all over the place and get some energy out, then finish off the outing with some tasty sandwiches, veggies, and fresh-cut fruit. You never know what your littles might learn through the adventure!

Take a family bike ride on the Keystone Trail.

Most kiddos go through at least one phase in their life where they want to go as fast as humanly possible. If your child is in one of these phases, or even if it seems to be their lifestyle, it’s time to pack up those bikes and take a trip to Keystone Trail. The entire trail is nearly 16 miles, so you might not take the whole journey with the little ones, but you are sure to have a blast speeding through the miles!

While you are going slow enough to talk, teach your kiddos about healthy habits. Talk to them about how daily movement is important for their well-being and how it makes them feel good!

Reminder to Schedule Your Child’s Dental Cleaning

For absolutely everyone, it’s important to go to regular dental cleanings. Yes, this includes infants as well as adults! After you soak in the family time, whether at the zoo or on the trail, make sure you’ve got your kiddo’s next dental cleaning on the calendar. Thankfully, these appointments can be made in only a few clicks. These check-ups do more than just clean the teeth; they help prevent painful issues that could easily become costly.

If you’re looking for other things to do outside with the family, we have even more for you! Go on, get outside and make memories, all while teaching your children about dental care.