Family Activities in Omaha, NE — 2026 Guide
Omaha is home to one of the world's best zoos and a growing collection of family attractions that surprise visitors. This underrated Midwest city delivers outstanding value with unique experiences you won't find elsewhere.
Get personalized ideas — text Emmie at (877) 703-6643Indoor Activities
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
One of the world's best zoos with an indoor desert dome, jungle, aquarium tunnel, and IMAX theater.
3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68107
Visit websiteKiewit Luminarium
A new attraction blending science center, children's museum, and multicultural art exhibit.
1111 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68108
Omaha Children's Museum
Hands-on fun with train rides, carousel, and the Super Gravitron machine.
500 S 20th St, Omaha, NE 68102
Visit websiteDurham Museum
Located in historic Union Station with walk-through trains, model train displays, and rotating exhibits.
801 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68108
Spielbound Board Game Cafe
A coffee shop with a massive collection of board, card, and strategy games. Pay a small fee and play all day.
3229 Harney St, Omaha, NE 68131
Outdoor Activities
Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront
A state-of-the-art downtown playground with slides, climbing structures, splash pad, and green space.
1302 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68102
Lewis & Clark Landing
A destination playground with zip lines and river views at The RiverFront.
Fontenelle Forest
Hiking trails and scenic boardwalks through the forest. The Riverview Boardwalk is stroller-friendly.
1111 Bellevue Blvd N, Bellevue, NE 68005
Lauritzen Gardens
Beautiful botanical gardens with a model train garden, honeybee exhibit, and connection to Kenefick Park with giant locomotives.
100 Bancroft St, Omaha, NE 68108
Fun-Plex
A water park with water slides, wave pool, lazy river, splash pad, and seasonal events.
7003 Q St, Omaha, NE 68117
Free Things to Do
Gene Leahy Mall Playground
Free state-of-the-art playground and splash pad downtown.
Lewis & Clark Landing
Free zip line playground with Missouri River views.
Heartland of America Park
Free park with a lake, fountain, and walking paths.
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
Walk or bike across the Missouri River from Nebraska to Iowa on a free pedestrian bridge.
Rainy Day Plan
Henry Doorly Zoo (indoor exhibits)
Desert Dome, Jungle, and Aquarium are all indoors.
Kiewit Luminarium
Indoor science, art, and cultural exhibits.
Durham Museum
Historic Union Station with trains and exhibits.
Spielbound
Board game cafe for family game time.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring
- •Lauritzen Gardens spring blooms
- •Zoo opening season events
- •Omaha Farmers Market begins
Summer
- •Fun-Plex water park
- •RiverFront splash pads
- •College World Series
Fall
- •Vala's Pumpkin Patch
- •Zoo fall events
- •Fontenelle Forest fall colors
Winter
- •Holiday Lights at Henry Doorly Zoo
- •Christmas at Durham Museum
- •Ice skating at Ralston Arena
Nearby Day Trips
Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
25 miles southwest
Over 30 aircraft and spacecraft with interactive simulators in Ashland.
Mahoney State Park
35 miles west
Cabins, a water park, horseback riding, and hiking along the Platte River.
Lincoln
55 miles southwest
The state capitol, Sunken Gardens, Lincoln Children's Zoo, and the University of Nebraska campus.
Local Parent Tips
Henry Doorly Zoo consistently ranks as one of the top 3 zoos in the world. Budget a full day.
Omaha is extremely affordable. A family vacation here costs a fraction of coastal cities.
The Old Market district downtown is walkable and has great family-friendly restaurants.
Explore More Family Resources
Emmie finds activities your family will love
Text Emmie at (877) 703-6643 for personalized family activity ideas.
Free to start · No credit card required