Entertaining kids in Omaha is a breeze! You don’t need elaborate getaways or long drives to find exciting family activities. Omaha is brimming with fun things to do every day, offering something for every interest, whether your family is competitive, creative, or adventurous.
This guide is packed with ideas to help you plan the perfect family day out in Omaha. Many of these fantastic locations also offer family memberships, making your adventures even more affordable. Let’s dive into the best family-friendly activities Omaha has to offer!
Explore the Wonders of the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Sign for Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
The Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is often the first place that comes to mind for family outings, and for good reason! This world-class zoo and aquarium offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Wander through incredible animal exhibits showcasing creatures from around the globe, let the kids loose in the Adventure Trails play area, or cool off at the splash pad during warmer months. With 130 acres to explore, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium promises a full day of fun and unforgettable experiences for the whole family. Consider starting your day early to make the most of your visit and beat the crowds, especially during peak season.
For a different wildlife adventure, venture just a short drive from the city to the Wildlife Safari Park. This unique park allows you to drive or hike through expansive habitats and observe North American wildlife in a natural setting. Get up close (from the safety of your car!) with wolves, bison, elk, eagles, and more. It’s an immersive and educational experience that provides a different perspective on wildlife viewing compared to a traditional zoo visit.
Discover Omaha’s Kid-Friendly Museums
Child playing with water exhibit at the Omaha Children's Museum
Omaha’s museum scene is surprisingly vibrant and incredibly welcoming to families. For an afternoon of learning and interactive fun, you’ll find a variety of options to pique your children’s curiosity about the past, present, and future.
The Children’s Museum of Omaha is specifically designed for kids, with rooms filled with engaging and hands-on exhibits focused on science, art, and technology. It’s an ideal place for younger children to learn through play and exploration.
For a brand-new science museum experience, head to the Kiewit Luminarium, located along the revitalized riverfront in downtown Omaha. This modern museum offers cutting-edge exhibits and interactive displays, making science accessible and exciting for all ages.
Exterior view of the Kiewit Luminarium museum in Omaha
History buffs in the family will enjoy the Durham Museum, housed in Omaha’s beautifully preserved Union Station, and the Union Pacific Railroad Museum. Both museums offer kid-friendly exhibits and activities that bring history to life. The Durham Museum showcases Omaha’s rich history, while the Railroad Museum delves into the fascinating world of trains and their impact on American history.
A short drive outside of Omaha is the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum. This impressive museum boasts a vast collection of real aircraft and spacecraft, offering a thrilling glimpse into aviation and space exploration history. It’s a must-visit for families interested in planes, rockets, and the wonders of flight.
Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Joslyn Art Museum. While currently undergoing renovations until 2024, when it reopens, it promises to be even better than before. This stunning Art Deco building houses a diverse collection of art from around the world, spanning various periods and styles. Keep an eye on their website for reopening announcements and prepare to be amazed by its artistic treasures.
Make a Splash at Omaha’s Water Fun Spots
Sunset Hills Pool at Fun-Plex Waterpark in Omaha
Kids and water are a perfect combination, and Omaha provides numerous ways to cool off and have fun in the water. From splash pads and water parks to swimming pools, there’s a water adventure for every family.
For a full-fledged water park experience, Fun-Plex is the place to be! This Midwest gem features thrilling water slides, a wave pool, a relaxing lazy river, and a dedicated splash pad area for younger children. Fun-Plex offers a complete day of water-filled excitement for the whole family.
Mahoney State Park also boasts a fantastic water park with similar attractions to Fun-Plex, combined with all the other outdoor activities the state park has to offer. You can combine water park fun with hiking, nature exploration, and more for a well-rounded outdoor day.
If you prefer swimming pools, Omaha has plenty of options. Check out the various YMCA locations throughout the city, the Kroc Center, or Omaha’s public pools for affordable and accessible swimming. For a more private experience, Omaha also has a selection of private pools available for rent.
For younger children who love splash pads, Benson Park, Fontenelle Park, and Levi Carter Park are just a few of the many parks in Omaha with fantastic splash pad areas. These parks offer free and fun ways for little ones to cool down and play during warmer weather.
Explore Omaha’s Playgrounds for All Ages
Benson Park Playground equipment in Omaha
Playgrounds are essential for kids’ development, providing spaces to learn, burn energy, socialize, and stay active. Omaha is fortunate to have a wide variety of playgrounds, both indoors and outdoors, to keep children entertained year-round.
Outdoor playground highlights include The Riverfront, a beautifully redeveloped area with modern play structures, Seymour Smith Park, which features accessible playground equipment for children of all abilities, Benson Park, and Dream Playground in nearby Council Bluffs. These parks offer diverse play experiences and scenic outdoor settings.
Arches Playground at Gene Leahy Mall in Omaha
When the weather turns less favorable, indoor playgrounds provide a great alternative. Backyard Playworld, the Kroc Center, and Mahoney State Park’s indoor playground offer indoor play spaces for active kids. For more high-energy fun, consider trampoline parks like Sky Zone or bounce house venues like BounceU.
For toddlers and preschoolers, Omaha offers specialized kid’s gyms and indoor play centers focused on safe and age-appropriate play. GO! Kid’s Gym, KiDS Body Shop, and PE 101 Kids Gym are excellent options. We Rock The Spectrum provides a sensory-friendly and inclusive environment for children on the autism spectrum.
Playful Pines is a newer indoor play area in West Omaha, offering monthly memberships and punch passes for regular play, as well as music classes and educational programs. It’s a great option for families in West Omaha looking for indoor play opportunities.
Immerse Yourselves in Omaha’s Nature Scene
Couple walking on a bridge at Mahoney State Park surrounded by trees
Despite being a city, Omaha boasts a surprising amount of natural beauty and green spaces. Take advantage of the numerous outdoor recreation opportunities available for families to connect with nature.
Popular outdoor destinations include Fontenelle Forest, a large nature preserve with trails and educational programs, Chalco Hills Recreation Area, Lake Manawa, Standing Bear Lake, Zorinsky Lake Park, and Mahoney State Park. These locations offer hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and simply enjoying the outdoors.
Trees and walking path in Fontenelle Forest in Omaha
For a unique blend of nature and art, visit Lauritzen Gardens. This expansive botanical garden features stunning floral displays, themed gardens, a model train garden, and a honeybee exhibit. Lauritzen Gardens also connects to Kenefick Park, home to two impressive locomotives, adding a touch of industrial history to your nature walk.
Engage in Family-Friendly Competition
Mini golf course feature at The Fat Putter in Omaha
A little friendly competition can be a great way to bond as a family and create fun memories. Omaha offers various options for families to test their skills and enjoy some lighthearted rivalry.
Arcade games are always a hit, and The Amazing Pizza Machine offers a vast arcade alongside pizza and dining. For a more immersive experience, try Omaha Virtual Reality and dive into virtual worlds together. If your family enjoys board games, Spielbound is Omaha’s board game cafe, offering a huge selection of games to play while you enjoy snacks and drinks.
Bowling is a classic family activity, and many bowling alleys in Omaha participate in the “Kids Bowl Free” summer program, offering free games for kids. Check out local alleys for family-friendly bowling fun year-round.
For adrenaline-pumping competition, head to Fun-Plex and race go-karts. Escape rooms are another exciting option for older children and teens, challenging families to work together to solve puzzles and “escape” within a time limit. Get Out: Omaha and Locked In are popular escape room venues in Omaha.
Finally, for a more relaxed competitive activity, try miniature golf at Prehistoric Putt, featuring dinosaur-themed courses. A little friendly competition can add excitement and laughter to your family outings.
Learn and Grow Together with Educational Activities
Parent and baby swim class at Aqua-Tots Swim Schools in Omaha
Learning together as a family can be a rewarding and enriching experience. Omaha offers various educational activities for families with children of all ages.
For younger children, music lessons at Baby Maestro or Kindermusik provide engaging and developmentally appropriate musical experiences. Parent and tot swim lessons at Aqua-Tots Swim Schools are a fantastic way to introduce babies and toddlers to the water and build essential water safety skills.
Fit4Mom offers unique stroller workouts for busy moms, providing an opportunity to get fit, connect with other families, and enjoy outdoor exercise with their little ones.
Mangelsen’s offers a wide range of fun and educational classes for older children and adults, including crocheting, cake decorating, jewelry making, and more. These classes offer a chance to learn new skills and bond over shared creative experiences.
For those interested in dance, Omaha has numerous dance studios offering classes for various ages and styles. Exploring dance together can be a fun and active way to learn something new.
Unleash Creativity with Art Experiences
Kids painting pottery at That Pottery Place in Omaha
Creating art together as a family is not only fun but also beneficial for children’s development. Art activities spark creativity, improve motor skills, encourage self-expression, and provide a healthy outlet for emotions. Plus, finished art projects become cherished mementos of your family time.
Omaha has several places where families can explore their artistic sides. That Pottery Place and Paintin Place Ceramics offer pottery painting and glazing experiences. The Makery hosts weekly workshops and art classes for various ages and interests. These creative spaces provide all the supplies and guidance you need to make lasting artistic memories together.
Enjoy Live Performances at Omaha Theaters
Performance of Sound of Music at The Rose Theater in Omaha
Omaha boasts a thriving performing arts scene, offering a wide range of live entertainment for families. From the Omaha Symphony to Broadway shows and family-friendly plays, there’s a performance to suit every taste.
The Rose Theater is a renowned community playhouse specifically dedicated to family-friendly productions. Attending a play at The Rose Theater is a wonderful way to introduce children to the magic of live theater and perhaps even inspire their own theatrical aspirations.
Omaha Performing Arts hosts a variety of kid-friendly events, including Broadway shows, National Geographic Live presentations, dance performances, and other special productions. Experiencing live theater together is a memorable and enriching family activity.
Cheer on Local Teams at Omaha Sporting Events
Aerial view of Charles Schwab Field in Omaha during a baseball game
For sports-loving families, Omaha offers plenty of opportunities to catch live games year-round. Omaha is famously home to the College World Series, but the city’s sports scene extends far beyond baseball.
You can enjoy baseball games at Werner Park or Charles Schwab Field, Creighton University basketball games at the CHI Center, or University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) hockey games at Baxter Arena.
UNO Mavericks hockey team playing at Baxter Arena in Omaha
Other local teams include the Lancers (amateur hockey) and Omaha Beef (indoor pro football), who play at Liberty First Credit Union Arena. Attending a local sporting event is an exciting way to spend time together and support Omaha’s teams.
Indulge in Sweet Treats Around Omaha
Ted and Wally's Ice Cream Parlor storefront in Omaha
Everyone in the family can agree on the joy of a delicious treat! Heading out for a special snack is a simple yet universally loved family outing. Omaha has a fantastic selection of sweet treat destinations to satisfy every craving.
For ice cream lovers, eCreamery, Ted & Wally’s, and Coneflower Creamery (named the top ice cream shop in the U.S. by Yelp in 2023) are must-visit spots. For candy cravings, Hollywood Candy and Old Market Candy Shop offer an overwhelming selection of sweets.
If baked goods are your family’s weakness, try Goodly Cookies, Sweet Magnolias Bake Shop, Jones Bros Cupcakes, or the Brownie Bar. No matter your family’s favorite sweet treat, Omaha has a shop ready to delight your taste buds.
Omaha truly is a fantastic city for family fun, offering a diverse range of activities to create lasting memories.
Spending quality time with your children in Omaha will be just as enjoyable for you as it is for them. Omaha’s family-friendly activities are far from boring or forgettable, providing unique and enriching experiences for everyone. So, plan your Omaha family adventure this weekend – play, learn, explore, and create unforgettable moments together. You’ll cherish these family memories for years to come!
