As the largest city in Nebraska, Omaha is a bustling metropolis that offers many options for family entertainment. There’s no shortage of things to do in this Midwestern city, from museums and parks to zoos and aquariums.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of Omaha’s 10 best family-friendly activities to help you make the most of your time here.
Encounter Wildlife at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the best zoos in the world, and it’s easy to see why. With over 17,000 animals, including some of the rarest and most endangered species on the planet, this zoo is a paradise for any animal lover.
The zoo is home to a variety of exhibits. Check out Kingdoms of the Night to see nocturnal critters; the Desert Dome, where you’ll find animals and plants from the world’s deserts; and the Scott Aquarium, home to sharks, rays, and sea turtles.
Visitors can even take a ride on the zoo’s Skyfari to catch stunning views of the zoo and the city.
Get Climbing at Fontenelle Forest
Just six miles from Downtown Omaha, this 1,500-acre forest is the place to shelter from the sweltering summer sun. With 19 miles of trails to enjoy by bike or foot, the park also has its own nature center.
Time your visit to catch one of the frequent raptor shows, where you’ll have the chance to see majestic bald eagles, owls, and hawks up close.
Older kids and adults can enjoy an adrenaline rush on the treetop courses at TreeRush Adventure Park, while KidRush provides a more accessible trail for little ones.
Satisfy Kids’ Curiosity at the Omaha Children’s Museum
The Omaha Children’s Museum is a fun and interactive place where kids naturally learn through play. With areas that focus on science, art, and history, children of all ages will find something to capture their imagination.
Highlights include the Imagination Playground, where the little ones can build and play with giant foam blocks, and the STEAM Cave, which allows kids to explore and experiment with science and technology concepts.
Get Up Close With Nature at the Lauritzen Gardens
Lauritzen Gardens is a 100-acre botanical center with numerous plants and flowers from around the world. This outdoor estate is a beautiful and tranquil place to spend an afternoon with your family.
The gardens have themed areas like the Victorian Garden with a fountain and rose garden. Moreover, they also have the Model Railroad Garden with miniature landscapes and model trains.
Take a Stroll Inside Heartland of America Park
Heartland of America Park is a beautiful green space positioned within the heart of Downtown Omaha. With a lake, walking trails, and a fountain that shoots water over 300 feet in the air, it’s a great place to relax.
At the time of writing, the park is temporarily closed for construction work. When it reopens in late summer 2023, it promises new additions like the Skate Ribbon and a lakeside amphitheater.
Go on an Adventure at the Wildlife Safari Park
The Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari is the place to get up close and personal with wild animals in their natural habitat. Less than 30 miles west of the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium lies a 400-acre park. This park is the habitat of several free-range animals such as bison, elk, and white-tailed deer.
Visitors can take a safari bus tour or explore the park on foot. Kids will enjoy the petting zoo, where they can interact with goats, sheep, and other domestic animals.
Beat the Heat at Fun-Plex Waterpark & Rides
Fun-Plex is a fun place for families with a great waterpark featuring Rockin’ Rapids – a five-story twisting slide. The amusement park has classic carnival rides like roller coasters and bumper cars.
Uncover Stories From the Past at the Durham Museum
Located in the former Union Station, the Durham Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Omaha and the surrounding area.
This place has a vintage Omaha street, a train station exhibit, and a presentation on the city’s role in the Transcontinental Railroad.
You can also take a guided tour of the museum or participate in one of the many workshops on offer.
Test Your Endurance on the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge offers stunning views of the Missouri River and the Omaha skyline.
It’s a popular spot for walking, jogging, and biking, and it connects Omaha to Council Bluffs, Iowa. If you walk to the center of the bridge, you can straddle the line between the two states at the same time.
Visit the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
Located in nearby Ashland, the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum is a great place to learn about the history of aviation and space exploration. The museum celebrates some of the most famous aircraft in history, including the SR-71 Blackbird and the B-29 Superfortress.
Kids will love the space exhibit, which includes artifacts from the Space Race and a replica of the Apollo spacecraft.
The 10 Best Family-Friendly Activities in Omaha in Summary
Omaha is a vibrant city that offers plenty of options to entertain everyone in the family.
Omaha has tons of fun activities like the Henry Doorly Zoo and Omaha Children’s Museum. Never a dull moment!
Whether you’re a local looking for fresh inspiration or a tourist visiting for the first time, you’re guaranteed a memorable experience in the “Big O.”
