15 Fun Things to Do in Omaha with Kids — Family-Friendly Activities!
Without question, Omaha is a vibrant city full of culture, adventure, nature, and history.
And although Omaha isn’t well known as a family vacation spot, there are many entertaining activities to do there with kids.
Omaha has countless adventure opportunities, from instructive museums to a renowned zoo.
We’ve compiled a list of Omaha’s top family-friendly attractions to simplify your vacation planning process.
- Henry Doorly Zoo And Aquarium — South Omaha
This Omaha haven for wildlife, one of the top zoological parks in the world, was established in 1894.
Why We Recommend This Activity
It’s simple to understand why this zoo receives so many accolades and high grades with its more than 130 acres of intriguing exhibits.
While touring the zoo, you can get up and personal with various creatures, including red pandas, snakes, sharks, and gorillas.
Additionally, it features a variety of fascinating displays, including the most extensive indoor desert ecosystem in the world.
Recommended Ages
All ages can enjoy the exhibits and programs at the Henry Doorly Zoo.
- Omaha Children’s Museum — Downtown
Due to its educational exhibits, this children’s museum in downtown Omaha has earned several significant honors.
Why We Recommend This Activity
What should I do with the kids when it’s pouring in Omaha?
This museum offers a wealth of informative permanent displays ideal for energetic, curious children.
Our favorites include the Wiggle Room, Science Show, Creative Arts Area, and Maker Space.
Recommended Ages
Children ages 12 and under will enjoy the activities, games, and programs at the Omaha Children’s Museum.
It is often included in Omaha’s must-do activities for families with young children.
- Joslyn Art Museum — Downtown
Are you looking for free family activities this weekend in Omaha?
This free museum, which has been open since 1931, is ideal for families looking for unique and affordable family-fun activities.
Why We Recommend This Activity
You can explore this lovely museum and observe its eye-catching exhibits for everyone’s favorite price of zero bucks.
It also features an interactive area where kids can imagine, create, and explore while drawing.
Recommended Ages
This free museum offers a range of exhibitions and activities for kids, teens, adults, and children ages three and up.
- Fontenelle Forest — Bellevue
This 1,400-acre area, designated a National Natural Landmark, entices families with its refreshing beauty and children’s camps.
Why We Recommend This Activity
You can have a relaxing and beautiful nature getaway at Fontenelle Forest with everything you need.
In addition to having hiking routes, it also has picnic areas and kids’ camps.
Aerial courses allow young explorers to fly through the forest’s tree canopy.
Recommended Ages
Adults, teenagers, and children aged three and up can participate in activities and events at Fontenelle Forest.
- Lauritzen Gardens — South Omaha
This 4-acre garden has been a favorite family destination in Omaha since it opened in 1982.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Take a stroll through the magnificent Lauritzen Gardens and be astounded by the blossoming and aromatic flowers displayed there.
They also added a kid-friendly garden, interactive games, and a model railroad garden attractions.
Even wild turkeys are known to meander about the arboretum.
Recommended Ages
Attractions and programs are available at Lauritzen Gardens to occupy children ages three and above.
- The Durham Museum — Downtown
This hidden gem, located in the center of Omaha’s downtown, draws visitors with its fascinating architecture and instructive displays.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Kids fascinated by trains will appreciate the museum’s walk-through trains and model display.
Of course, there are a ton of exhibits at the museum that showcase the fascinating history of the area.
Additionally, the museum’s magnificent art deco building will astound you.
Recommended Ages
All ages of children who enjoy history will enjoy the Durham Museum.
- The Rose Theater — Downtown
This historic downtown theater, built in 1927, presents kid-friendly musicals that are both inspiring and heartwarming.
Why We Recommend This Activity
The Rose Theater is unlike any other venue for the performing arts.
This theater, housed in a beautifully restored palace, aims to enlighten kids through live performances and art instruction.
Recommended Ages
Children three and older should watch their programs.
Parents will also appreciate this theater’s performances.
- Eugene T. Mahoney State Park — Ashland
This public leisure facility in Ashland offers year-round enjoyment for teenagers, children, and adults.
Why We Recommend This Activity
This state park is unrivaled when it comes to families.
This family wonderland has something for everyone, including an aquatic facility, hiking trails, and an ice rink.
No matter what time of year you visit this state park, you’ll discover something extraordinary there.
Recommended Ages
This state park offers a range of activities so that you may go there with a baby or a teenager.
It entertains guests of all ages.
- Fun-Plex Waterpark And Rides — Ralston
Since 1979, Fun-Plex has been one of Nebraska’s top family summer vacation destinations.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Without Fun-Plex, no list of the top family-friendly activities in Omaha would be complete.
The largest waterpark in the state offers acres of pure family entertainment and a variety of thrilling family activities.
There is a go-kart track, swim-up bar, wave pool, slides, and lazy river.
Recommended Ages
Visitors of all ages will enjoy and value the Fun-abundance Plex’s of kid-friendly activities.
- Wildlife Safari Park — Ashland
A 440-acre drive-through animal park called Wildlife Safari is tucked away in Ashland.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Families are astounded by the remarkable animal experiences at Wildlife Safari Park.
You’ll feel like being on a genuine safari expedition as you explore this park and interact with the animals.
As you drive through this park, you’ll encounter elks, ducks, pronghorn antelopes, bison, and white-tailed deer.
Recommended Ages
Families with children of all ages will appreciate the beautiful, cozy, and safe Wildlife Safari Park.
- Chalco Hills Recreation Area — Chalco
This leisure facility near Omaha provides many outdoor family activities and is home to a 246-acre artificial lake.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Chalco Hills is not just called Omaha’s best outdoor leisure destination for nothing.
The location has many bicycling, hiking, and fishing areas, making it ideal for families that love the outdoors.
And if nothing else appeals to you, you can simply unwind and picnic with the group.
Recommended Ages
The play areas and activities at Chalco Hills Recreation Area are suitable for adults, teenagers, and children of all ages.
- Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge — Downtown
The magnificent Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge elegantly connects the Iowa and Omaha states.
Why We Recommend This Activity
When you cross this famous cable bridge connecting Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Omaha, you can simultaneously be in two states.
And while you’re there, take some time to admire the breathtaking vistas of the Missouri River and the cityscape.
As an added treat, your kids can have fun and cool down at the splash tucked away on the Omaha side.
You can also make use of anything for free.
Recommended Ages
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is a fun pit stop for Instagram-obsessed teenagers, parents, and kids ages three and older.
- Old Market — Downtown
Old Market is a charming downtown area that will captivate you and your crew in various ways.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Old Market, with its antique buildings and cobblestone streets, is a photographer’s dream for young people.
Even better, the area is filled with stylish shops and eateries that are sure to please any palate.
Our favorite restaurant in this area is Spaghetti Works, which serves eat-all-you-can Italian dishes like pasta.
Recommended Ages
This old neighborhood has lots to offer everyone.
Your family will love visiting this neighborhood, whether they enjoy fine dining or photography.
The most excellent aspect is that it’s appropriate for kids of all ages with different interests.
- OPPD Arboretum — Northwest Omaha
This arboretum has been a favorite hangout for Omahans and guests who want to take in the outdoors without leaving the city ever since it opened in 2004.
Why We Recommend This Activity
This arboretum offers more than just picturesque views.
It’s a great place to exercise and burn off calories with its picturesque walking routes.
Additionally, it contains unique elements that teach visitors about the varieties of local plants and shrubs, as well as an outdoor classroom.
Recommended Ages
The OPPD Arboretum is a pleasant, entertaining, and instructive attraction for adults and kids ages three and older.
- Elmwood Park — Midtown Omaha
This historical park was established in 1889 and was formerly well-known for its spring-fed watercourse.
It is now a well-liked location and one of the best family-friendly activities in Omaha.
Why We Recommend This Activity
This historically significant park can amuse your family for the entire day thanks to its 216 acres of space.
This park features a golf course, picnic spots, and a playground. Not to mention that it has a city pool and it is lovely.
Recommended Ages
Families find it difficult to become bored at Elmwood Park.
This park will please adults, teens, and kids of all ages thanks to its abundance of age-friendly amenities.
