places to visit in omaha nebraska

Things to Do in Omaha, NE - Omaha Attractions

Things to do in omaha, explore popular experiences, ways to tour omaha.

Omaha Scavenger Hunt: The West’s Glorious Gateway

Outstanding Omaha Scavenger Hunt

Omaha Bar Hunt: Oh My Omaha!

Omaha Puzzling Adventure

Omaha City Scavenger Hunt by Operation City Quest

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Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Omaha by Zombie Scavengers

Tours & sightseeing.

Top Attractions in Omaha

Other Top Attractions around Omaha

What travelers are saying

• Henry Doorly Zoo
• The Durham Museum
• Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
• Lauritzen Gardens Omaha's Botanical Center
• First National's Spirit of Nebraska's Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park
• Heartland of America Park
• Gene Leahy Mall
• Charles Schwab Field Omaha
• Joslyn Art Museum

Home » Travel Guides » 25 Best Things to do in Omaha (Nebraska)

25 Best Things to do in Omaha (Nebraska)

Omaha is often overlooked by tourists and commonly planned into an itinerary as a quick stop off point. These opinions and plans soon change however when visitors set foot in the historic Old Market area of the cit, stroll along the riverfront or walk in the Dundee neighborhood and get a whiff of what’s cooking.

In the past Omaha was an important hub for transport but now it is one of the top ten cities in America with the most billionaires per capita. They are catered for well with great food and culture but all that can be enjoyed by us with less money to burn anyway.

Here is our list of the 25 best things to do in Omaha !

1. Visit the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Omaha’s zoo boasts not only one of the worlds largest indoor deserts but also North America’s largest indoor rainforest.

That’s not all; there is also over 7 acres of indoor exhibits, thousands of animals and underground caves covering a total of 130 acres! Plus the zoo is open all year making it great for rainy days too!

2. Sample beer at the Omaha Craft Brewery Tour

Stopping at nine breweries the Omaha craft brewery tour is the best way to sample the tastiest beer you are ever likely to find. All the featured beers are produced by dedicated locals who have made beer their entire lives.

Request a free explorer journal and you will receive all the information you need plus coupons for nine free beers, cheers!

3. Explore the historic Dundee Neighborhood

The Dundee Neighborhood offers a true culinary adventure making it one of the best places in Omaha to find top notch flavors. You will find a mix of garlic filled pasta, juicy burgers, tender pork belly and to finish; the sweetest,  saltiest desserts.

The streets are filled with tempting scents thanks to hard working chef based restaurants who source all their ingredients locally. Not hungry? Then head on down to Dundee Dell where you will find the nations largest collection of Scotch whiskey.

4. Ride a Historical train at The Durham Museum

Found in the stunning 1931 art deco union station, The Durham Museum offers numerous exhibits including an extensive range of refurbished trains, 1940’s shops, an array of artifacts featuring some of the worlds rarest coins and documents.

Be sure to visit the soda fountain for an authentic phosphate or perhaps a malt.

5. Potter around at The Old Market

The Old Market stretches across several blocks and is jam packed with charming buildings hosting obscure shops, art galleries, restaurants and flea markets. Winning itself a certificate of excellence on Tripadvisor the market is bursting with life day and night.

For breakfast why not head on down to the traditional diner on the corner of 12th st. and after a stroll choose from a variety of restaurants welcoming you in with a daily specials menu. Locals boast about the fun, friendly vibe no matter the time of day making it a great stop off for families of all ages and sizes.

The Old Market is large enough to keep yourself busy but small enough to feel like you have conquered it in a day. Be sure to sit and soak up the atmosphere and while you’re at it why not indulge in a craft beer whilst listening to some of the top rated street musicians in Omaha.

6. Relax at the Lauritzen Gardens

A truly unique museum offering an all year round plant display, the Lauritzen Gardens is a hidden oasis in the heart of the busy city. Wonder the 100 acres of breathtaking beautiful displays featuring themed gardens such as the Victorian garden of the brand new Marjorie K. Daugherty conservatory.

Be sure to hop on a tram for a tour, its the best way to get a feel for the calming atmosphere the garden provide. Its a great day out for all the family, Kids will love the model railroad and children garden!

After a mornings exploration why not take a long relaxing lunch in beautiful surroundings at the Lauritzen garden cafe, and don’t forget to visit the great little get shop offering a range of novelty fun gift for children and an extensive botanical book collection.

7. Learn about Nebraska’s wildlife at the Wildlife safari park

With a petting zoo and a very hands on approach children are sure to have a great day out at The Wildlife Safari Park. stretching across four miles the park is a drive-through adventure, customers boast about their close encounters with animals such as sandhill cranes and bald eagles.

Why not make a day of it and take picnic in the dedicated picnic area located at the wolf woods parking lot or stop off at the visitors center which offers a wide range of refreshing drinks and snacks.

The park is host to an amazing variety of beasts from Elk to bison and wolfs to eagles. don’t forget to visit the gift shop on your way out where you will find animal themes quality merchandise including stuffed toys, sweatshirts and more.

8. Stroll across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

This artsy 3,000 ft pathway crosses the Missouri river offering an on foot tour of Omaha’s beautiful skyline. Relish in the 3 acre plaza where you will find a whole host of entertainments from an interactive water fountain to the River Critters Environmental play area.

Connecting over 150 miles of outdoor trails and walks the Bob Kerrey Bridge offers a whole host of activities whether you visit by bike or on foot you are sure to have a great day!

If you are visiting in May or June why not pop down on a friday and catch some live music in the Plaza area which is surrounded by an amphitheater style grassy meadow. take a few blankets and chairs for a great day of music and adventure!

9. Visit the Joslyn Castle

Joslyn castle officially named “lyndhurst” is a 1903 mansion located on 3902 Davenport st (the Gold Coast historical district of Omaha). George and Sarah Joslyn were among the elite in Nebraska earning their fortune in the ready-print news industry, between them they built a home that mirrored their success in the business world.

The grounds are rich with a rare and exotic botanical collection from all over the globe. The plan for the property was designed by John McDonald and involved a carriage house, large green house, lily pond and more.

10. See a submarine at the Freedom Park Navy Museum

Located on the banks of the Missouri river and far off the beaten trail Freedom Park is an outdoor museum better suited to warm dry days. On display you will find a whole host of exciting historical military artifacts and many including the thrilling cold war era training submarine which has a dedicated tour.

The submarine is the only target a training USN submarine still around today. There is plenty more to see, freedom park is home to a large collection of aircraft including a helicopter, jets, a captains gig, lots of rocket launchers and more.

11. Hit the shops

Hosting a wide range of specialty shops Omaha is a great place to bag a quirky gift. One shop which rouses particular interest is the Tannebaum Christmas Shop rammed with everything jingly and wintery to get you in the festive spirit.

Jackson street booksellers offer a great selection of literature and art books, with a friendly cozy atmosphere and a special area for children, this little bookshop shop is well worth a visit. Sample the cities favorite fudge at the Old Market Candy Shop described on Tripadvisor as “Fun inside and in your tummy”

• 12.  See a concert

The CHI Health Center, situated in the North Downtown area of Omaha, is one of the city’s top venues for seeing a concert, game of sports or even visiting a convention. The modern appearance of the building is striking and hosts a variety of performances such as concerts and stand up comedy.

The conventions that take place at the Center include award ceremonies, work events and motivational speakers.

13. See the iconic fountain at the Heartland of America Park

The star of the show at the Heartland of America Park is its water fountain which springs from the ground to a towering height of 320 feet. The accompanying light show is also worth seeing and regularly attracts large crowds.

The park also has a World War 2 memorial and gondola rides courtesy of Heartland Gondolas.

14. Visit Boys town

Boys Town is the name of the National Historic Landmark District home to the Hall of History and Father Flanagan House. Annually, over 100,000 visitors from around the United States visit the town where Father Flanagan’s vision for a better America was founded.

Children were saved from lives of misery in the village and they begin new lives with better opportunities and hope.

15. Witness history at Florence Mill

The Florence Mill, in the Northeast of Omaha, is another of the city’s landmarks that has found its way onto the National Register of Historic Places. It is also a Nebraska State Historic Sight.

The mill is believed to have been built in 1846 and operated well into the mid 20th Century. The area of Florence is believed to have been inhabited by European settlers long before Nebraska existed. The settlers in the area made their livelihood from trading fur.

16. Pop round to General Crook House

The former, now restored, home of General George Crook is situated at Fort Omaha and is a top example of a 19th Century American home. The building has won awards in the past and is authentically restored to fit the period of General Crook’s residence.

The garden is also somewhat of a draw for visitors and has 110 different species of prized flowers and plants within. Entry to the house costs a reasonable $7 and it is open seven days of the week.

17. Visit the birthplace of a former president

President Gerald R Ford, the 38th President of the United States, was born in the city of Omaha and is honored by this tactful memorial on Woolworth Avenue. Information about the memorial, and the president’s birth site, are housed in a building based on the design of the original house’s turret.

The memorial also features a rose garden which is modeled on the White House’s own. Entrance to the memorial is free.

18. Visit the birthplace of Malcolm X

Another famous birthplace within the city of Omaha is the birthplace of Malcolm X which was built, and continues, to pay respect to the Omaha native.

The memorial spans 14 acres and has an official marker which allows guests to pay their respects to the human rights activist. Nearby, and also worth visiting, is the Afroamerican bookstore.

19. Walk the Mormon Trail

The Mormon Trail is located at the Historic Winter Quarters in Omaha. The trail and Trail Center explore the history of 90,000 migrating Mormons on their way to the Rocky Mountains.

Displays in the Trail Center include a full sized log cabin that Mormons would have inhabited at the time as well as handcarts, oxen and wagons that would have also been part of the mass migration.

20. Admire some contemporary art

The best place to see contemporary art in the city of Omaha is without a doubt the Bemis Center for Contemporary Art. The center is an artist in residence program and is located in the Old Market area of the city.

Artists from all over the world live, work and showcase their talent in the studios on the second floor of the building. Entrance is free but donations are welcomed.

21. Admire some Jewish art

An art gallery with a difference, the Jewish Community Art Gallery is home to some of world’s leading art from the Jewish community. The gallery is also a great place to learn about Judaism in general and regularly hosts educational and historical exhibits to complement the artwork collections.

The gallery changes it exhibits on a monthly basis so there are always fresh and interesting things to see here.

22. Experience the country

A trip to Omaha wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the Nebraskan countryside. The Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Ranch offers tourists the perfect chance to do just that.

The ranch allows visitors the chance to pick their own berries and pumpkins as well as seeing the livestock of the ranch up close and personal.

The children’s play areas at the ranch allow kid’s to experience what it was like at a play area 50 – 100 years ago. Other activities include hay rides through the woods and tree houses.

23. Watch Herons

Heron Haven is, as you would expect from the name, a great place to see herons. The sanctuary is spring fed and is one of the last Oxbow wetlands in the Big Papillion Creek.

The area is a great place to chill out during your time in Omaha and the birds are beautiful. The area is within Omaha city limits.

24. Watch the Missouri River go by

Lewis and Clark Landing provides 23 acres worth of space to relax, sit back and admire the views of the Missouri River passing by.

The landing also plays host to a number of concerts and events throughout the year. There is also a firefighter memorial monument and the largest labor monument in the United States. The riverfront walk here is a great way to access the Bob bridge.

25. Ponder some fine art

The Anderson O Brien Fine Art Gallery has been the go to venue for the art community in Omaha for over 30 years now.

The gallery is regularly changing its exhibits which feature some of the best fine art from local artists in the Midwest region. Works on display here range from painting to sculpture.

25 Best Things to do in Omaha (Nebraska):

• Visit the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
• Sample beer at the Omaha Craft Brewery Tour
• Explore the historic Dundee Neighborhood
• Ride a Historical train at The Durham Museum
• Potter around at The Old Market
• Relax at the Lauritzen Gardens
• Learn about Nebraska’s wildlife at the Wildlife safari park
• Stroll across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
• Visit the Joslyn Castle
• See a submarine at the Freedom Park Navy Museum
• Hit the shops
• See the iconic fountain at the Heartland of America Park
• Visit Boys town
• Witness history at Florence Mill
• Pop round to General Crook House
• Visit the birthplace of a former president
• Visit the birthplace of Malcolm X
• Walk the Mormon Trail
• Admire some contemporary art
• Admire some Jewish art
• Experience the country
• Watch Herons
• Watch the Missouri River go by
• Ponder some fine art

Top Things to Do in Omaha, NE

Places to visit in omaha, explore popular experiences, ways to tour omaha.

Omaha Scavenger Hunt: The West’s Glorious Gateway

Outstanding Omaha Scavenger Hunt

Omaha Bar Hunt: Oh My Omaha!

Omaha Puzzling Adventure

Omaha City Scavenger Hunt by Operation City Quest

Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Omaha by Wacky Walks

Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Omaha by Zombie Scavengers

Tours & sightseeing.

Top Attractions in Omaha

Other Top Attractions around Omaha

What travellers are saying

• Henry Doorly Zoo
• The Durham Museum
• Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
• Lauritzen Gardens Omaha's Botanical Center
• First National's Spirit of Nebraska's Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park
• Heartland of America Park
• Gene Leahy Mall
• Charles Schwab Field Omaha
• Joslyn Art Museum

101 Best Attractions & Things To Do In Omaha, Nebraska (2024)

If there’s one recurring theme I notice with first-time visitors to Omaha, Nebraska, it’s this: Surprise. Omaha is not a big city, but it has most everything here that would would find in one. Only, it’s all much more affordable to do it all here. Ready to see what Omaha has to offer? Here are my favorite things to do in Omaha and the must-see attractions I recommend to all visitors.

And who am I? I’m a born and raised Omaha girl. I’m one of the city’s biggest fans.

D i sclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

UPDATED: This post as first published in 2022 and has been updated in March 2024 with new attractions.

Visit Omaha’s zoo

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is regularly ranked among the Top 5 zoos IN THE WORLD, and it just keeps getting better. No matter the season, there’s plenty to see in a day. And you’ll need a full day for it.

Visiting in the winter? Visit the world’s largest indoor desert and the huge Kingdoms of the Night exhibit underneath it. Then head over to one of the largest indoor rainforests before venturing a short distance to the impressive aquarium, where the shark tunnel will mesmerize you.

In the summer, visit the African Grasslands to see elephants, lions, and giraffes roam. The birth of several elephant calves this year has made everyone excited to visit soon.

Don't forget to pack towels and a change of clothes for kids, because they will get wet playing in the fun seasonal attractions, Children’s Adventure Trails and Alaskan Adventure waterpark.

Then there are the rides, the restaurant overlooking the rainforest, the IMAX…there’s a lot! Plus, at Christmas time, there's Zoolightful .

Address : 3701 S. 10th St., Omaha

Explore the Old Market

The most recognizable district in Omaha, the Old Market is a charming spot day or night. What once was Omaha’s bustling produce and market center now is full of hip restaurants, quirky stores and boutiques. The brick roads remain, the vegetable warehouses now are condos and bars.

Shop stores like Ray Gun, Made in Omaha, Jackson Street Booksellers, and Hollywood Candy. Browse the free galleries like Omaha Artist Co-op and Old Market Passageway Gallery. And dine at some of the city’s best restaurants like Boiler Room, or be entertained at places like Monster Club (a horror movie-themed restaurant) or Laka Lomo Rum Club (a tiki bar).

Expect to pay for parking (metered or lot), and know that surrounding the Old Market is a bunch of one-way streets.

Address : The Old Market is located in Downtown Omaha , Neb. It runs from Farnam Street on the north side to Jones Street on the south side, and from 10th Street on the east side to 13th Street on the west side. The main intersection is 11th and Howard – head there to get an iconic photo for Instagram.

Cost : FREE

Explore Omaha in every season

Each season in Omaha has its high points. Spring has St. Patrick's Day and fabulous live performances. Summer bursts with concerts, festivals, and fireworks. Fall is the prime season for farms, pumpkin patches, haunted housses and apple picking. And winter? There's snowshoeing, holiday celebrations, indoor waterparks.

• Fun things to do in Omaha in the spring
• Fun things to do in Omaha in the summer
• Fun things to do in Omaha in the fall
• Fun things to do in Omaha in the winter

Explore Omaha RiverFront

The RiverFront is a public-private funded three-park project that is a total game-changer for the city. The much-anticipated first stage of the project opened in mid-Summer 2022 and features the Gene Leahy Mall , a mega green space (40,000 square feet) with an outdoor concert pavilion, playground, sculpture garden, water feature, and dog park.

In August 2023, two more areas reopened: Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark Landing. All three areas are connected by walkways and easy to reach by foot.

The big draw to Heartland of America Park is the all-season Skate Ribbon and Farnam Pier. The Lewis & Clark Landing is fantastic to stroll around, with an amazing playground, urban beach, and sand volleyball courts. The city's new science center, Kiewit Luminarium, is also there!

Address : From about 14th Street between Douglas and Farnam streets, eastward, and then once at the riverfront, it will extend north and south.

Cost : FREE to $$

Explore Omaha after dark

After the sun goes down, there's still plenty of things to see and do around Omaha. Downtown Omaha is an obvious part of Omaha to begin exploring, with live music venues, shops, bars, and theaters, but there's plenty of more to see beyond downtown.

A lot of people ask about things to do at night with kids, and Omaha has plenty!

• Nightlife in downtown Omaha
• Omaha’s outdoor attractions...at night
• Experiencing local arts & culture
• Late night food in Omaha
• Nighttime activities for families & kids

Get close to history at The Durham Museum

My kids still refer to the Durham as “The Train Museum.” It’s way more than trains, but definitely, they are a highlight there as you can walk through old train cars and watch a humungous model train roam. The museum showcases Omaha history in exhibits as well as traveling special exhibits. In the past, they’ve have exhibits ranging from Muppets to dinosaurs to guitars.

Don’t miss visiting the old-fashioned soda fountain. If you don’t like root beer floats, treat yourself to a sundae.

The Durham Museum houses the city’s largest indoor live Christmas tree each year, and has a full season worth of holiday activities during “Christmas at Union Station.”

Address : 801 S. 10th St., Omaha

See what the Luminarium is all about

The newest attraction to open in Omaha is the Kiewit Luminarium. It's like a science center that explores more than STEM that's crossed with a children's museum for older kids. It describes itself as "A new place to play and learn."

Go with or without kids, you'll enjoy it either way. They have late nights every Thursday just for the 21+ crowd.

Where : 345 Riverfront Drive, Omaha, Neb.

Feel like a kid again at Omaha Children’s Museum

If you have a child who’s 8 or younger, you cannot go wrong taking him or her to Omaha Children’s Museum. Full disclosure: I used to work there.

You can spend at least three hours there before your kiddo tires out. Definitely visit the Imagination Playground with the huge water table and mini grocer store, as well as the Tinker Factory to work with real tools. There is usually one or two special exhibits at the museum, with super awesome ones opening each summer (I’m biased and I don’t care).

There is a small cafe upstairs, and an oh-so-tempting popcorn machine. Parents, they also serve coffee and mochas.

Where : 500 S. 20th St., Omaha

Cost : $$, but the museum is a member of the ASTC program, so if you have a membership to a science center, you may get four people admitted for free! Your home museum needs to be 90 miles from OCM.

Appreciate art at Joslyn Art Museum

Note : The museum is closed to the public for remodeling and expansion until September 2024.

Home to one of the largest collections of Native American art, Joslyn is the pride of the city. The museum’s collection span ears, though, from contemporary to Impressionist, Ancient Greek to surreal.

There’s a large space for families to create and do hands-on activities called Art Works.

There is a cafe inside the museum.

Address : 2200 Dodge St., Omaha

Cost : FREE, though some special exhibits may require a ticket

Drive through the safari

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium operates a second animal attraction just outside of Omaha, the Nebraska Wildlife Safari. It's mostly a drive-through experience where you'll see bison, Sandhill cranes, and elk.

Midway through, you can park and explore trails that lead to bears, wolves and bald eagles, among others. Young kids will like the little petting zoo area, too.

Address : 16406 N. 292nd St., Ashland, Neb. (about 20 miles west of Omaha)

Free Things To Do In Omaha

Omaha has a HUGE amount of free attractions and things to do, so much that I shared more than 60 free things to do in Omaha in one post!

A few of my most recommended free attractions: KANEKO, "The Bob," Joslyn Art Museum, and Heron Haven Nature Center . There's also the seasonally-open Freedom Park , a U.S. naval museum and park, and the outdoor sculpture garden, Pioneer Courage Park .

Addresses :

• KANEKO, 1111 Jones St., Omaha
• Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St., Omaha
• Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, 705 Riverfront Drive, Omaha
• Heron Haven Nature Center, 11809 Old Maple Road, Omaha
• Freedom Park, 2497 Freedom Park Road, Omaha
• Pioneer Courage Park, 1601 Dodge St., Omaha

Tour Joslyn Castle or other historic gems

Joslyn Castle (not to be confused with Joslyn Art Museum) is a not-so-secret hidden gem in Omaha. The historic mansion is well-preserved and open for public tours on select days. The tour can be a little info-heavy so not many kids will stay interested the entire time (I have one who would, one who wouldn’t last 10 minutes). Bring a camera because the place is gorgeous.

The grounds are always free and open to visit, and the gardens are exceptionally pretty in the spring and summer. Joslyn Castle has special events throughout the year, such as the popular Speakeasy series and a holiday boutique.

The Omaha Metro is home to other historic home that are open for tours including Gen. Crook House and General Dodge House. Learn more about them, other historical sites, and hidden gems of Omaha musuem scene here .

• Joslyn Castle and Gardens, 3902 Davenport St., Omaha
• Gen. Crook House, 5730 N. 30th St., Omaha
• General Dodge House, 605 S. Third St., Council Bluffs, Iowa

See what Boys Town is all about

The area known as Boys Town is a National Historic Landmark, and its history is tied to Omaha hisotry. There are a few places to visit while you're on campus, startting with the Visitors Center and Hall of History, where you'll learn more about the beginnings of the historic home for children.

If you're interested in the man who started Boys Town, you can also visit Father Flanagan’s home. I haven't written extensively about Boys Town, but it is among the city's historic sites and museums I recommend visiting at least once. And, as a quirky little bonus, you can find the World's Largest Ball of Stamps on the campus (right by the Visitors Center near the Dodge Street entrance).

Address : 13628 Flanagan Blvd., Boystown, Neb.

Eat all the foods at one of the food halls

Omaha has more than its fair share of talented local chefs. And now we have food halls that bring a lot of them together under one roof.

In 2019, Inner Rail Food Hall opened at Aksarben Village, and has abundant indoor and otdoor seating. Inner Rail is all quick-service restaurants with a definite world flavor appeal to it.

Omaha’s first food hall (actually, the state's first), Flagship Commons , opened at Westroads Mall in late 2015. Westroads is a pretty conveniently located mall near busy Dodge Street, as well as near Interstate 680. It has one a location of one of my family's favorite restaurants, Blatt Table + Beer. There are also great sushi and ramen quick-service restaurants there.

Most of Flagship’s seating is in a common area, with a mix of typical table seating, bar seating, and my favorite spot, a couch seating by a fireplace. Most seating is indoors, though if you dine at The Blatt, you can snag a table outside.

The newest food hall concept is Kamp, located in the Blackstone District.

• Inner Rail Food Hall, 1911 S. 67th St., Omaha
• Flagship Commons, 10000 California St., Omaha (north entrance)
• Kamp, 3618 Farnam St., Omaha

Pet cute farm animals

The pandemic one positive effect for my family: We actively sought outdoor experiences that made us happy. Those experiences typically involved cute animals.

Scatter Joy Acres is a long-running petting zoo of sorts, with many of its animals trained as service animals. Beyond the expected goats and hogs, you'll encounter a camel, peacocks, horses, donkeys, emus, a friendly porcupine, and many more critters. ** Scatter Joy recently moved outside of Omaha to rural Murray, Neb. **

Gifford Farm is a lovely, quiet little farm. It’s designed more for school groups, but every so often they will be open to the public on a Tuesday or on a Saturday for a special event. You'll find sheep, alpacas, and a variety of other farm animals. (PS: This is a cash-only place)

Make a reservation to visit the small non-profit Alpacas of the Heartland for an fun morning. You’ll each get a bag of carrots to feed more than 30 alpacas.

Pick produce off the plants (or buy from their farmstead), plus check out adorable animals at Nelson Produce Farm is more of a pick-your-own produce farm than an animal farm, but there are plenty of cute animals there, including chickens, cattle and horses. You can buy food to feed some of them, too.

• Scatter Joy Acres, 4107 Waverly Road, Murray, Neb.
• Gifford Farm, 700 Camp Gifford Road, Bellevue, Neb. (about 5 miles south of Omaha)
• Alpacas of the Heartland, 7016 County Road 39, Fort Calhoun, Neb. (about 10 miles north of Omaha)
• Nelson Produce Farm, 10505 N. 234th St., Valley, Neb. (about 15 miles west of Omaha)

Cost : $-$$

Enjoy the good life in Benson

Benson is a neighborhood in Omaha has has evolved into an eclectic neighborhood that’s welcoming to all, with unique nightspots, a stellar concert venue, and a few places that kids will love. A good time to explore is on the first Friday of the month when art and pop culture collide in evening for Benson First Fridays. It's free and you can see a lot of great local art during BFF.

A few of my favorite places to visit with friends is the Beercade (exactly what it sounds like...pure awesomeness), Krug Park (a bar), and the beer garden at Bärchen. One of my favorite shops is in Benson too, Found, with an ever-changing selection of home decor. For live music, you've got to head to The Waiting Room.

Kids in tow? They'll love ice cream at Ted & Wally's and hot cocoa at the theme cafe, Edge of the Universe.

Most people refer to the stretch of Maple Street between 60th and 65th streets as Benson (where you'll find all the shops and restaurants), but it actually extends a bit more each way (and extends north and south of Maple into neighborhoods).

• Beercade, 6104 Maple St., Omaha
• Krug Park, 6205 Maple St., Omaha
• Bärchen Beer Garden, 6209 Maple St., Omaha
• Found Vintage Market, 6022 Maple St., Omaha
• The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St., Omaha
• Ted & Wally's, 6023 Maple St., Omaha
• Edge of the Universe, 6070 Maple St., Omaha

Celebrate quirkiness in Little Bohemia

Small in size but big on charm, Omaha's Litttle Bohemia is a neighborhood just south of the Old Market. It got its name because in the mid-1880s, Czech immigrants coming to Omaha created a community along 13th Street.

When of the city's oldest restaurants, Bohemian Cafe, closed in 2016, the neighorhood seemed doomed. But, it's enjoying a revival thanks to local entrepreneurs who've opened in the area, including Czech Inn who opened in the former Bohemian Cafe (and keep the vibe alive inside and out).

You'll find second-hand shops like New Wave Clothing and Pretty in Patina in Little Bohemia, plus quirky bars like Fizzy’s Fountain & Liquors and Beercade 2.

Little Bohemia is mostly along 13th Street, between Pine and William streets.

• Czech Inn, 1406 S. 13th St., Omaha
• New Wave Clothing, 1406 S. 13th St., Omaha
• Pretty in Patina, 1449 S. 13th St., Omaha
• Fizzy’s Fountain & Liquors, 1408 S. 13th St., Omaha
• Beercade 2, 1423 S. 13th St., Omaha

Go wild at indoor entertainment centers

Omaha has quite a few giant, indoor entertainment centers that are a lot of fun with a mix of arcade games, food, and sometimes bowling. Most are located in West Omaha, including Amazing Pizza Machine , Bowlero , Dave & Buster’s , Urban Air Adventure . The newest one to open in Omaha is Spare Time Entertainment. These activity centers are all in West Omaha .

Slightly different is the Activity Center at Mahoney State Park , which has climbing walls as well as a humungous indoor kids play area.

• Amazing Pizza Machine, 13955 S. Plaza, Omaha
• The MARK, 20902 Cumberland Drive, Elkhorn, Neb.
• Dave & Buster's, 2502 S. 133rd Plaza, Omaha
• Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure, 15364 Weir St., Omaha
• Spare Time Entertainment, 17202 Lakeside Hills Plaza, Omaha
• Activity Center at Mahoney State Park, 28500 W. Park Highway, Ashland, Neb. (about 25 miles west of Omaha along Interstate 80)

Fun places for a drink

At last check, Omaha has 17 craft breweries...check that, 18 breweries. 19? I dunno, there's always new ones popping up. I like enjoying a meal with my beer, so I'm happy wiht places like Benson Brewery or Upstream Brewing Co. , which have a menu alongside their beers. Upstream has the bonus perk of two great outdoor patios.

But, for just good beer, tthere are more than a dozen others from Kros Strain to Brickway Brewery and Distillery . If you like a little "show" with your beer, head to the Alpine Inn where the evening entertainment is a pack of trash pandas eating the table scraps outside the restaurant's windows.

Omaha has unique bars like the tiki bar Laka Lono Rum Club (I'm talking flaming cocktail drinks) or the riverside bar/restaurant, The Surfside Club.

And for some excellent cockttails, seek out one of the city's speakeasies, Alice , Wicked Rabbit, and Segreto .

• Benson Brewery, 6059 Maple St., Omaha
• Upstream Brewing Co., 514 S. 11th St., Omaha
• Kros Strain, 10411 Portal Road, La Vista, Neb., Omaha
• Brickway Brewery and Distillery, 1116 Jackson St., Omaha
• Alpine Inn, 10405 Calhoun Road
• Laka Lono Rum Club, 1204 Howard St.
• The Surfside Club, 14445 N. River Drive
• Alice, 17070 Wright Plaza Suite 10 (underneath Jam's restaurant)
• Wicked Rabbit, 1508 Harney St. (go into the cigar shop and find the secret door behind the shelves)
• Segreto, 3910 Farnam St. B (go down the ramp behind the bar)

Historic tours by trolley

The Durham Museum’s River City History Tours cover various themes from Omaha's seedy history to the city's storied jazz history. There’s a tour guide well-versed in history pointing out things along the way and sharing interesting stories related to the tour topic. The museum recently launched walking tours, too.

• The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St., Omaha

Lauritzen Gardens

Lauritzen Gardens is a colorful and serene place to visit any time of year. In the summer, visit gardens like the model train garden and the rose garden.

Year-round, visit the conservatory. It's a refreshing place to explore and there's even a waterfall in there.

The gardens often have a exhibition,, and their holiday display is among the best in the region.

Address : 100 Bancroft St., Omaha

Cross “The Bob”

The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge spans the Missouri River and it goes by the name “Bob” or, “The Bob.” Crossing it is “Bobbing.” The bridge has a popular photo opp in the middle - the Iowa-Nebraska state line is right in the middle of the river.

We usually ride our bikes across it, as there are trails on both sides of the river.

Address ; 705 Riverfront Drive, Omaha

Get your game on

Combine a coffee shop and bar with a huge collection of games and you get Spielbound. For a small fee, you can spend a whole day with friends or family playing nearly any board game, card came, or strategy game you can imagine.

Spielbound is essentially a game library, and lingering and browsing through the games is totally fine there.

Address : Spielbound Board Game Cafe, 3229 Harney St., Omaha

Go to a comedy show

Omaha has several of its own homegrown stand-ups and comedy troupes, and the city also attracts touring comedians. To see up-and-coming comedians, attend a show at The Backline, Blackstone Theater, or the monthly comedy show at Tiny House.

Touring acts will be at Funny Bone, the Orpheum Theater, Holland Performing Arts Center, and sometimes, CHI Healh Center Omaha.

• The Backline Comedy Theatre, 1618 Harney St., Omaha
• Blackstone Theater, 3624 Farnam St., Omaha
• Tiny House, 1411 S. 13th St., Omaha
• Funny Bone, 17305 Davenport St., Omaha
• Orpheum Theater, 809 S. 16th St., Omaha
• Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St., Omaha
• CHI Healh Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St., Omaha

Putt putt around

Like the idea of playing mini golf around a pirate ship, dinosaurs or glow-in-the-dark stuff? Omaha has several indoor putting options. Kids love the themed ones like Prehistoric Putt , Medieval Putt , and Pirate Putt.

The newest indoor mini golf spot will appeal to an older crowd (though it's all ages before 6 p.m.): The Fat Putter .

• Prehistoric Putt, 11134 Q St., Omaha
• Medieval Putt, 20915 Cumberland Drive, Elkhorn, Neb. (about 5 miles west of Omaha)
• Pirate Putt, 1718 Madison Ave., Council Bluffs, Iowa (about 5 miles east of Omaha)
• The Fat Putter, 111 N. 10th St., Omaha, Neb.

Golf like a pro

Whether you want an 18-hole course or just a simulation, Omaha has several great golf courses and golf simulators.

• Benson Golf Course, 5333 N. 72nd St., Omaha
• Beyond Golf Bar + Kitchen, 12040 McDermott Plaza, LaVista, Neb.
• Elmwood Golf Course, 6232 Pacific St., Omaha
• Iron Horse Golf Course, 900 Club House Drive, Ashland, Neb.
• Johnny Goodman Golf Course, 6111 S. 119th St., Omaha
• Knolls Golf Course, 11630 Sahler St., Omaha
• Spring Lake Golf Course, 4020 Hoctor Blvd., Omaha
• Topgolf, 908 N. 102nd St., Omaha
• Warren Swigart Golf Course, 3865 Parkview Drive
• Westwood Golf Course, 12929 West Center Road

X-Golf, 808 N. 102nd St.

Felius Cat Cafe

Yes there is a cat cafe in Omaha, and yes, you need to go (assuming you like cats). You order your coffee separately at Felius, and then pay for the amount of time you want to sit in the room, playing with the cats.

It’s a relaxing place…again, assuming you like cats.

Address : 522 S. 24th St., Omaha

Watch live theater

Omaha has a surprisingly large theater scene , with extremely talented local actors as well as touring productions passing through. Some of my favorite theatrical venues in Omaha are Omaha Community Playhouse , Bluebarn Theatre , and the Broadway Series presented by O-Pa .

If you’re looking for kids’ shows, see what’s happening at The Rose . Their June production is usually a top-notch musical.

• Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St., Omaha
• Bluebarn Theatre, 1106 S. 10th St., Omaha
• Broadway shows are at the Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St., Omaha
• The Rose, 2001 Farnam St., Omaha

See a live concert

We are spoiled in Omaha. Tickets to amazing concerts are a fraction of the cost in bigger cities. I've gathered a list of concerts by month so you can keep tabs on what's coming up!

Some of the city's best venues include The Slowdown , The Waiting Room, and both halls inside the Holland Performing Arts Center (the main concert hall and the intimate Holland Music Club . And we have big name shows, too, at CHI Health Center Omaha

For outdoor concerts, there are a few annual series and festivals that are top-notch every summer. There's the free summer series Jazz on the Green at Midtown Crossing and the Independence Day concert at Memorial Park, as well as tick.

• The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St., Omaha
• CHI Health Center, 455 N. 10th St., Omaha
• Jazz on the Green at Midtown Crossing, held in Turner Park between Dodge and Farnam streets at around 31st Avenue
• Memorial Park, 6005 Underwood Ave., Omaha
• Maha Festival, held in Stinson Park at Aksarben Village, 2285 S. 67th St., Omaha

Be one with nature at Fontenelle Forest

Miles and miles of trails are the draw to Fontelle Forest, though the rescued birds in the Raptor Woodland Refuge are a close second. Fontenelle is made for both the experienced hiker and inexperienced. You could spend hours on dirtt trails, or just an hour or so on the fantastic boardwalk that’s stroller-friendly.

Fontenelle is open in all seasons. In the winter, you can rent snowshoes to explore.

Don't skip the nature center. The lower level has a great space for kids.

Address : 1111 Bellevue Blvd N, Bellevue, Neb. (5 miles south of Omaha)

TreeRush Adventure

Located inside Fontenelle Forest, but not a part of Fontenelle Forest, is TreeRush, a ropes course for everyone, all ages. For kids ages 4-6, there’s KidRush Adventure Park, a low-to-the-ground ropes course that’s just challenging enough for kiddos to feel a part of the action. For everyone, there are varying levels of challenging courses.

It's a blast, and a workout. And sometimess they have evening sessions where you can walk among treetops on courses lit by strings of twinkle lights.

Address : Located inside Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd N, Bellevue, Neb. (5 miles south of Omaha)

Cost : $$ (this is seperate from admission into the forest)

Take me out to the ball game

Sure, a lot of cities either have a pro baseball team or a AAA. We have the Omaha Storm Chasers , for instance. It's a great outing for friends and families (splurge for passes to the kid's zone).

But, only one city has the NCAA Div. I Men’s College World Series , and that city is Omaha. For a few weeks every June, Omaha attracts thousands for the NCAA Men’s College World Series. Beyond the games, there’s the Opening Day Celebration, Fan Fest, a fun run, live music and so much more. It's a big party.

• Omaha Storm Chasers at Werner Park, 12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion, Neb. (about 5 miles south of Omaha)
• College World Series at Charles Schwab Field, 1200 Mike Fahey St., Omaha

See what tanking is all about

Tanking is a Nebraska thing. It's like floating or tubing, but in a livestock water tank.

Most tanking outfittters are located in central Nebraska in the Sandhills but you can have the tanking experience close to Omaha on the Elkhorn RIver with the outfittter Tank 'N' Tube River Rides . It's a memorable way to spend a summer day witth friends.

Pack the sunscreen.

Address ; Tank 'N' Tube River Rides, Elkhorn, Neb. (about 10 miles west of Omaha)

Have a ball at the lake

Just outside of southwest Omaha is Louisville State Recreation Area, home to the area's only inflatable obstacle course on water. It's exhausting and a lot of fun. If you haven't the energy for an obstacle course, just chill out at the sandy beach nearby.

For a more low-key day at the lake, explore Standing Bear Lake , which has a unique floating bridge and a fun sandy playground.

• Louisville State Recreation Area, 15810 Highway 50, Louisville, Neb. (about 15 miles southwest of Omaha)
• Standing Bear Lake, 6404 N. 132nd St., Omaha,

Spend the day at Fun-Plex

Omaha's very own amusement park is called Fun-Plex Waterpark & Rides. You can easily spend a summer day in the waterpark area, splashing in the wave pool, flying down waterslides or floating along the Lazy River.

But, there's a whole other side to Fun-Plex you'd miss out on. A personal favorite is the cart racing, but there is also a small rollercoaster, bumper boats, putt putt and an indoor arcade.

And for the 21+ crowd, there is a tiki bar in the waterpark, with a swim-up bar area.

Address : 7003 Q St., Omaha

Have a spa day

Feel like being pampered? Have a self-care day at one of these Omaha spas or salons:

• Becky with Utopia Massage (she comes to you, or you can book with her at Urbane Salon and Day Spa, 1007 Farnam St., suite 1, Omaha). Text 402-505-0701 to get the booking process started or request her at Urbane
• Harmony Med Spa, 6750 Mercy Road, suite 4, Omaha
• Loveland Nails & Spa, 8900 W. Center Road, suite 102, Omaha
• Martini Nails & Spa, 1008 S. 74th Plaza, Omaha

Shop your heart out

Love boutiques and shops? Omaha's got a few excellent shopping centers that have plenty of locally-owned stores witth unique inventory. A few favorites include Country Side Village , with shops like Gramercy, Village Pomegranite, and Made In Omaha, as well as bakeries, bars, and coffee shops; and Shops at Legacy , with shops like Posh Princess and Garment District, as well as excellent restaurants like Shucks and Blatt.

• Country Side Village, 8722 Countryside Plaza, Omaha
• Shops at Legacy, West Center Road and 168th Street, Omaha

Go to the “Star Wars” movie theater

There are movie theater chains, and then there is the Alamo Drafthouse. Each location has a different feel to it.

At the La Vista location, you'll find the ultimate theme: Star Wars. There's a Death Star in the lobby!

Address : Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (La Vista)

Enjoy the variety of food flights (and drink flights)

The demand for food flights and drink flights has grown tremendously in Omaha. It started with Zen Coffee announcing its hot and ice flights of four flavors, and then suddenly, we all started craving samples of everything.

If you want ice cream flights, head to Graley's in Papillion. Margarita flights? MULA in the Blackstone District is your place. And there's so much more!

• Zen Coffee Co., 132nd and Center street, Omaha
• Creamery & Confections, 147 N. Washington St., Papillion, Neb.
• MULA Mexican Kitchen, 3932 Farnam St., Omaha

Events and Festivals In Omaha By Month

Want to know what big festivals or annual events are happening in the Omaha metro area by month? Click the link below to jump to the month below:

Each section of this guide will have a list of events that occur during the month with relevant information. Click the included links to read more about it and get dates and details.

Events in January

• Midlands International Auto Show is held every January at the CHI Health Center Arena in Omaha.
• Annual Cathedral Flower Festival is held at the end of January at St. Cecilia Cathedral.

Events in February

• Mardi Gras is celebrated at a few places in Omaha. Upstream Brewing Co. has a more family-friendly atmosphere with live music, face painting, and food specials (at least, earlier in the evening). Crescent Moon’s party is a bit more adult, with Hurricanes, drink specials, Cajun food, and live music.
• Temperature Tuesdays are a big deal in Nebraska, at least, for Runza lovers. The price of a Runza sandwich each Tuesday in February is whatever the temperature is at 10 a.m. (with purchase of fries and drink).
• Omaha Fashion Week typically hold its Spring event in February.
• Omaha Film Festival typically is held at the end of February or in early March.

Events in March

• One of the largest parades of the year, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade , is held the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day in downtown Omaha.
• Lenten Fish Fries are a big deal in Omaha, and they’re usually held on Friday nights during Lent at various churches, community halls, and some restaurants.

Events in April

• The NE SciFest is held around the state in April, with several locations in Omaha hosting events.  
• Earth Day is celebrated on the Saturday after Earth Day each year in Elmwood Park.
• Bockfest , an annual tradition of blessing and tapping the bock beer, is every April at Crescent Moon (typically outdoors under tents). This is the event where they poke the beer with a hot iron.
• Junkstock is held twice a year at Sycamore Farms in Waterloo each year. Typically over the course of two weekends in April and May and then again for two weekends in September and October.

Events in May

• Living History Weekends at Fort Atkinson are usually held the first weekend starting in May and running through October.
• Cinco de Mayo festivities are over one weekend in May, including a parade on Saturday, in South Omaha.  
• Farmers markets around Omaha , including ones in the Old Market, Aksarben Village, and Village Pointe, begin opening weekly starting in early May and running through mid-October
• The Renaissance Festival of Nebraska is typically held over two weekends in May
• Celebrate CB is a weeklong celebration in May held around Council Bluffs and includes a popular Saturday parade and carnival.
• Toast Wine Festival , celebrating Nebraska wines, is held over two days in May each year.
• Annual Florence Days Parade is held in May
• Summer exhibit or exhibits open at Omaha Children’s Museum typically the Saturday before Memorial Day.  
• The summer exhibit at The Durham Museum typically opens on a Saturday in May.

Events in June

• NCAA Men’s College World Series is held over the course of 10 days every June and includes games, Fan Fest, and more.  
• Taste of Omaha is held one weekend in June, typically in early June.
• Omaha Summer Arts Festival is held one weekend in June and features hundreds of visual artists, two stages of musical performances and a children’s fair.
• The Blues & Balloons Festival is held the first Saturday in June at Soaring Wings Vineyard and Brewery in Springfield.
• Papillion Days is held over a weekend every June and features a parade, carnival, and the Market in the Park.  
• Bellevue Rocks RiverFest is held one weekend in June on the riverfront in Bellevue, Neb.

Events in July

• Omaha Performing Arts presents Jazz on the Green at Midtown Crossing starts the Thursday after the Fourth of July. It’s a free event and typically people bring huge picnic spreads for it.
• Omaha Storm Chasers usually have Independence Day fireworks celebrations following one or two games each July.  
• The Santa Lucia Festival is held over five days in July. There’s music, a crowning of a queen, and lots of food.  
• Native Omaha Days Festival is held on the odd years at the end of July or early August. It’s a reunion of North Omahans and lasts about a week.
• Omaha Children’s Museum holds its annual Fairytale Ball in July each year.
• Railroad Days is in July at railroad-themed attractions in Council Bluffs.  
• Playing With Fire is a free blues concert series held one weekend in July and one weekend in August.  
• The City of Omaha’s Celebrate America Memorial Park concert is held every July, followed by a large fireworks display.
• The one-day Ribstock Festiva l is held in July each summer.
• Omaha Under The Radar Festival is held every July at various locations in Omaha.
• Heartland Pride Festival is held every July in Omaha, and includes a parade and youth pride festival.
• Maha Festival is an annual music festival in July. ** Note : The festival is canceled for 2024**
• Gretna Days is held at the end of July each year.
• Benson Days is held at the end of July each year.  
• Westfair is held at the end of July at the Westfair Fairgrounds & Amphitheater in Council Bluffs.  

Events in August

• The Nebraska Balloon and Wine Festival is a two-day event in August featuring both hot air balloons and Nebraska wines.
• Playing With Fire is a free blues concert series held one weekend in July and one weekend in August.
• Omaha Fashion Week’s Fall Showcase is typically held in August.
• Omaha Greek Festival is held over a three-day weekend every August.  
• The Pinnacle Bank Championship , a stop on the PGA tour every August, is held over several days in Omaha.  
• Millard Days is held every August for five days.
• Dundee Day is held one day in August each year, featuring a sidewalk sale and parade.
• The Midlands Pirate Festival is held one weekend in August each year.

Events in September

• Septemberfest is held over Labor Day Weekend, and includes a carnival, music, and parade.
• Afro Fest Omaha is held in early September each year, and features food, live entertainment and the Children’s Village.
• Omaha Whiskey Fest is every September in downtown Omaha.
• The Harvest Festival is held the last Saturday in September at Soaring Wings Vineyard and Brewery in Springfield.
• The annual Intertribal Powwow is held one day in September and highlights traditional dance, storytelling, and foods of the state’s Indigenous Peoples.
• Fields of Flight Hot Air Balloon Festival is held in September at Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard in September.
• Omaha Restaurant Week is held over 10 days every September at various locations in Omaha. 
• Midwest Winds Kite Festival is held in September at Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard in September.
• Oktoberfest celebrations are held at various times throughout September, including popular events outdoors at Crescent Moon and at the German-American Society .  

Events in October

• Howl-O-Ween Safari is held over a weekend in October at the Wildlife Safari, 16406 292nd St., Ashland, Neb, featuring a hayrack ride, enjoy dinner and Halloween-themed games, roast some marshmallows, and more.
• Baseballoween is a free event held in October at Werner Park in Papillion, Neb. 
• The Great HALL-oween Haunt is held in October at The Durham Museum.
• Japanese Ambiance Festival is held one weekend in October at Lauritzen Gardens each year.  
• Omaha Symphony holds the family-friendly concert Symphony Spooktacular one Sunday in October each year. 

Events in November

• Holiday Lights Festival kicks off on Thanksgiving night and runs through early January.
• “ A Christmas Carol” is performed every November through December at Omaha Community Playhouse.  
• “Santa’s Magic” interactive show is held at Omaha Children’s Museum starting on Black Friday and running through Dec. 23 each year.
• The annual Holiday Poinsettia Show is held at Lauritzen Gardens from mid-November through early January.  
• Christmas at Union Station , featuring the largest indoor live Christmas tree in the city, is at The Durham Museum from late November through early January.  
• Christmas Tree Lighting & Parade is held in November at Shadow Lake Towne Center in Papillion, Neb.
• Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium holds Zoolightful in November and December.

Events in December

• Noon Year’s Eve celebration are typically held on Dec. 31 at The Durham Museum and Omaha’s Zoo. All-day festivities for Bubbly New Year’s are held at Omaha Children’s Museum on Dec. 31.
• New Year’s Eve Fireworks are held in downtown Omaha at 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve each year.

Q. What is there to do at night in Omaha?

A. Nightlife beyond the bar scene is more varied than you’d think. There are comedy clubs like The Funny Bone and The Backline; karaoke havens like Renos; and several escape rooms. There are also restaurants, bars and breweries that hold a weekly trivia night — and it seems like there’s one every night off the week!

Omaha’s zoo and the Wildlife Safari also offer another unique nighttime option: Campouts. You’ll have to plan in advance, though, and reserve a tent or space for your family. There are 21+ campouts at the zoo, too, as well as seasonal food truck nights for adults.

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Book a stay in Omaha

Want to stay at one of my favorite hotels in Omaha? Check out the following:

• Embassy Suites Omaha (Downtown/Old Market) – Within walking distance to Old Market, Capital District, and the RiverFront, and the best hotel near the zoo
• Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel – In the hip Blackstone District, great outdoor pool and brunch
• Cambria Hotel Omaha Downtown – Great view of Schwab Park, usually a lower rate than other comparable downtown hotels

Looking for condos or home rentals instead? Check out the variety VRBO !

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Monday 14th of February 2022

Flying Timber indoor axe throwing, The Monster Cafe, Midwest Paranormal Historical Tours.

Omaha   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Shannon Ramos | EyeEm

6 Best Things To Do in Omaha

Updated Dec. 9, 2022

If you're in town for any amount of time, you'll probably find yourself in downtown's Old Market . This historic area features restaurants, shops, art galleries and even some of our other top things to do like the Durham Museum , the Omaha

• All Things To Do

Old Market Old Market free

If you're looking for the heart of Omaha, you'll find it in Old Market. Here, the brick-paved streets are trotted on by horse-drawn carriages (for tourism) and lined with popular sites like the Joslyn Art Museum and the Omaha Children's Museum . There are independent coffee shops like Aromas and 13th Street Coffee Co. and fine dining establishments like The Boiler Room. There is a host of art galleries and shops too.

Most travelers say a visit to Old Market is a must, though some recommend parking your car near the Durham Museum and walking through the area, as the streets are bumpy (due to the cobblestones) and parking can be hard to come by. For more information on Old Market, visit the official website . 

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

From the peccaries in the Desert Dome to the cute Rockhopper penguins and the 70-foot shark tunnel in the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium to the Western lowland gorillas in Hubbard Gorilla Valley, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo affords a well-rounded animal experience. And did you know that it also features the world's largest indoor rainforest? Plus, the zoo's IMAX Theater plays documentaries that the whole family will enjoy. The zookeepers also hold daily animal presentations, which are a particular hit among children.

Recent visitors said it's obvious that the animals are cared for and treated well, and recommend wearing good walking shoes, as you'll easily spend hours traversing the large zoo.

Joslyn Art Museum Joslyn Art Museum

The Joslyn Art Museum contains mostly 19th and 20th-century European and American art, featuring artists like Winslow Homer, Mary Cassatt, Claude Monet and Edgar Degas, among others. But it also contains a pretty sizeable American Indian collection. The Chihuly glass chandelier also impressed recent travelers, as did the building's art deco architecture, with one reviewer saying the museum (and what it contains) looks like it belongs in Florence, Italy.

Located in Old Market on Dodge Street, the Joslyn Art Museum is usually open Tuesday through Sunday with extended hours on Thursday. General admission is free daily, though there may be a charge for special exhibitions and events. For more information, visit the museum's website .

The Durham Museum The Durham Museum

The Durham Museum, which is affiliated with the prestigious Smithsonian Institution, chronicles Omaha's history through exhibits on the Plains Indians and to-scale models of blue-collar cottages. The actual building, a restored train station, is neat too, as are the train cars on display. There's even a working soda bar, where you can slurp a milkshake after touring the museum.

Recent visitors said the musuem caters to all ages, and children especially will enjoy wandering through the train exhibits. Others appreciated that the museum's exhibits made it easy to imagine what life was like for earlier generations, saying the attraction taught them a lot about Omaha's history and residents.

Lauritzen Gardens - Omaha's Botanical Center Lauritzen Gardens - Omaha's Botanical Center

The Lauritzen Gardens - Omaha's Botanical Center blooms with roses, herbs and peonies, among other flowers and greenery. And there are 3 miles of trails on which to enjoy these sweet-smelling specimens. 

Recent travelers said this is a must-visit, especially for families. In addition to the outdoor gardens, the attraction also boasts an indoor conservatory as well as a model railroad garden (a hit with little kids). For those not up for the walk, reviewers suggest taking the tram (which costs $3 per person) for an hour-long, narrated tour of the 100-acre property. Keep in mind that the tram is only in operation from May through October.

Omaha Children's Museum Omaha Children's Museum

Located in the Old Market area, the Omaha Children's Museum contains a Creative Arts Center that allows kids to "make-and-take" art projects. There's also an Imagination Playground with a farm, a firehouse and a market, among other interactive exhibits, which are great for young children.

Recent visitors said their kids had a blast at this museum, and loved that it offered a lot of educational activities and interactive exhibits.

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Top Omaha Attractions

Fun is sprinkled throughout the city with a wide range of entertainment for the whole family. the top omaha attractions listed below are uniquely omaha, open year-round and offer a variety of experiences. .

Explore caves and more in the world's largest indoor desert . Stand in two states at once when you take a walk on Bob , Omaha's Instagramming, tweeting pedestrian bridge. Become an artist and create your own work of art or stroll through 100 acres of botanical beauty .  

Omaha makes it easy to find these gems with giant blue push pins marking locations. Interactive and downloadable maps are available to help you navigate your Omaha adventure. 

16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Omaha

Written by Lana Law Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

A delightfully compact downtown makes for easy sightseeing in Omaha. Many of the attractions can be visited on foot or are only a short drive from the main city center area.

One of the best places to start a tour, spend an afternoon, or enjoy a meal in the evening is the old historic district. Tastefully restored buildings in this central area are home to restaurants, shops, and galleries. Nearby is the waterfront, with lovely parkland and the impressive Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.

The city is home to several interesting museums and public art displays, including the Spirit of Nebraska's Wilderness . More family-focused attractions include the Children's Museum and the extremely popular Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.

Find the best things to do with our list of the top attractions in Omaha.

See also: Where to Stay in Omaha

1. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

2. wander the old market district, 3. visit the durham museum, 4. first national's spirit of nebraska's wilderness and pioneer courage park, 5. see the baroque art at the joslyn art museum, 6. take in a show at the performing arts center, 7. enjoy the greenery at lauritzen gardens, 8. take the kids to the omaha children's museum, 9. go for a ride over the bob kerrey pedestrian bridge, 10. saint cecilia cathedral, 11. stroll around the lewis & clark landing, 12. see the trains at kenefick park, 13. see the ships at freedom park navy museum, 14. drive past animals at the lee g. simmons conservation park & wildlife safari, 15. mormon trail center at historic winter quarters, 16. learn a bit of history at the malcolm x house site, where to stay in omaha for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in omaha, omaha, ne - climate chart.

This huge facility, spread out over 160 acres, is home to unique exhibits and is one of the state's most popular attractions. Among the zoo's claims to fame are the Dome Desert , known for being the largest indoor desert in the world, and the Lied Jungle, North America's largest indoor rainforest .

The Kingdoms of the Night exhibit, also touted as the largest nocturnal exhibit of its kind in the world, allows for a close-up look at creatures of the dark, from bats to beavers and other animals that most visitors may not even have heard of before.

The zoo is also home to the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium , where visitors can walk through a 70-foot-long shark tunnel.

Should you work up an appetite, the Zoo's Glacier Bay Landing, a recreation of an Alaskan port town, has a variety of dining options. A children's play structure is also located here, as are changing rooms.

Address: 3701 S 10th Street, Omaha, Nebraska

Official site: http://www.omahazoo.com/

In the heart of downtown Omaha is the Old Market District, where a variety of historical buildings from the 19th century line cobblestone streets. It's a wonderful place to wander around, and some of Omaha's best and most interesting cafés and restaurants are in this area. You'll also find a wide assortment of hotels located nearby.

Galleries abound, and their offerings are diverse, ranging from eclectic to more contemporary. The Old Market attracts locals and tourists alike and is relatively compact and well signposted for easy navigation.

In a spectacular Art Deco building, the huge Durham Museum is an urban renewal project that has shown tremendous results. Originally one of the nation's busiest train stations, the 1931 building was restored to its former glory in 1995 after an extensive renovation.

The museum showcases the history of the local area. One of the highlights is the Suzanne and Walter Scott Great Hall where the exhibits are showcased in the fully restored main hall featuring impressive Art Deco architecture.

Also of note are the Steam Locomotive Stations where the inner workings of this world-changing technology are showcased with hands-on displays. The Durham Museum is an easy stroll southwest from the Old Market area.

Address: 801 South 10th Street, Omaha, Nebraska

Official site: www.durhammuseum.org/

This free attraction is one of the most unique permanent outdoor art installations in the nation. Made of bronze and stainless steel, it is one of the largest of its kind in the world.

Although the sculpture park is spread out over five city blocks , the installations are not adjacent. That said, it is easy to follow the flow from one piece to the next. The series shows a wagon train and pioneers making their way through hilly and muddy terrain, as well as a herd of bison and a flock of geese.

The meandering procession terminates at the First National Tower. Visitors can walk right up to and around the sculptures, which are 1.25 times life size.

The Joslyn Art Museum was built in the late 1920s and opened in 1931 to great fanfare. It was a gift to the people of Omaha from Sarah Joslyn to commemorate her husband George.

The impressive exterior is clad in Etowah Fleuri marble, which shows a pink hue in the light, and the interior displays a mix of marbles from across Europe and Morocco. The Joslyn Museum is Nebraska's largest art museum , with notable collections of Baroque art and Greek pottery.

The museum is also known for its collection of works by Alfred Jacob Miller, Karl Bodmer, Charles Bird King, and Henry Inman.

Address: 2200 Dodge Street, Omaha, Nebraska

Official site: www.joslyn.org/

The Omaha Performing Arts Center is actually two venues: the Orpheum Theater and the Holland Center for the Performing Arts . The Orpheum Theater, constructed in 1927, is the host to traveling Broadway shows, dance shows, and traveling comedians among others.

The Holland Center for the Performing arts is housed in a modern, architecturally acclaimed building noted for its fine acoustics. It has had the honor of hosting some of the world's premiere musicians and is the home of the Omaha Symphony.

Official site: https://www.omahaperformingarts.org/

These 100-acre gardens are in the riverfront hills area of the city and make a pleasant place to visit to observe nature in its finest form. Lauritzen Gardens were founded in 1995 and have grown and expanded their displays from the initial rose, herb, and shade hosta gardens among others.

Now visitors will find gardens focusing on many themes, from English and Victorian, to one on Nebraskan prairies, called Song of the Lark Meadow. The gardens also feature a model railroad, education center, and a bird sanctuary.

Address: 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, Nebraska

Official site: www.lauritzengardens.org/

First founded in 1976, the Omaha Children's Museum is popular with locals and visitors alike. The museum has eight permanent indoor exhibits and one outdoor exhibit. Themes focus on creativity, arts, science and technology, zoology, and much more.

During the summer months Sandy's Splish Splash Garden , which is outside and typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat. The Omaha Children's Museum also hosts special exhibits on a regular basis; check the website for the latest updates.

Address: 500 South 20th Street, Omaha, Nebraska

Official site: http://www.ocm.org/

The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is unique in the fact that it is one of the only foot bridges to connect two states. A plaque marks the spot where the two states meet. The bridge makes for a great stroll after dinner or for snacks at the beautifully restored Old Market part of town, which is located very nearby.

Just down from the bridge is Lewis & Clark Landing, an open space with a National Park visitor center detailing their journey.

On the far side of the "s" curving bridge is the city of Council Bluffs. The distance from one side of the bridge to the other is 3,000 feet. Bicycle enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the bridge connects to a large trail network in both cities.

For those with an interest in floral displays, or just looking to take a break in beautiful surroundings, the Lauritzen Gardens are just a short pedal away.

Set high upon a hill, the twin bell towers of this lovely cathedral are one of the city's key landmarks. The cathedral was started in 1905 and is said to contain more than three million bricks. According to some of the stories about the cathedral, every one of the bricks had to be dipped in water before the architect would allow them to be mortared.

The beautiful stained glass windows are more than 500 years old. In one section of the glass, the Virgin Mary is shown holding an ear of corn. The exterior of the cathedral does not do it justice; visitors should try to sneak at least a peek of the beautiful interior.

Address: 701 N 40th Street, Omaha, Nebraska

Official site: http://www.stceciliacathedral.org/

Just down the river from the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is the Lewis & Clark Landing. Combine your trip across the river on the bridge with a stop here, where you'll find interpretive displays on the exploits of Lewis & Clark.

The 23-acre park is a pleasant place to linger, with picnic tables, benches, beautiful views, and water features. A national park office has additional information, and the 20-minute film by Ken Burns is well worth watching if you have the time.

Address: 515 N Riverfront Drive, Omaha, Nebraska

As you drive west along Interstate 80 and look up to your right, you'll see two locomotives perched on a high bluff. If your curiosity is piqued or you are a train buff, make a detour to visit Kenefick Park.

Here, you'll find the world's largest diesel-powered locomotive , the impressive Centennial 6900. In addition to being the largest diesel powered locomotive, it is also the largest ever built. Since the park is all about extra large locomotives, it only makes sense that Kenefick Park should also have the world's largest steam locomotive , named Big Boy No. 4023.

In behind the locomotives are several plazas, benches, and informative plaques built into the ground. The park is named after John C. Kenefick, Union Pacific's former Chairman and CEO. The park is free to enter. Combine a visit with a trip to Lauritzen Gardens located in the same area.

Official site: https://www.lauritzengardens.org/about/kenefick_park/index.asp

This large grassy area on the banks of the Missouri River is a great spot to stretch your legs and catch up on some military history.

You can walk right up to, and in some cases, inside, your choice of a mine sweeper, the USS Hazard, a small submarine, the USS Marlin, and a Douglas A-4D Skyhawk fighter jet. The massive anchor and propeller garden also makes for great photo opportunities.

The park is free and open daylight hours. Tours are available on Saturdays.

Address: 2497 Freedom Park Road, Omaha, Nebraska

Get up close and personal with bison, elk, and deer from the comfort of your car at the Wildlife Safari Park in Ashland, about 30 minutes from Omaha. A four-mile driving route takes you right through the animal paddocks where these large creatures are literally just a few feet from your car.

In addition to the driving tour, walking trails take you past the wolf, bear, and avian enclosures. One of the most entertaining exhibits is the Prairie Dog Town. Here, you can watch these industrious critters scurry about, popping up every now and again from their warren of tunnels.

A visit here can be combined with a stop at the Strategic Air And Space Museum.

Address: 16406 292nd Street, Ashland, Nebraska

Official site: http://www.wildlifesafaripark.com

This free attraction showcases information on one of 90 winter settlements used by the Latter Day Saints in their famous westward track to their final goal of the Salt Lake Valley.

Inside the visitors center, you'll find maps, historical artifacts, and a wealth of information about this historic and challenging journey. Not far from the visitors center, you'll also find the Mormon Pioneer Cemetery and the Winter Quarters Nebraska Temple. An interesting sculpture by Avard Fairbanks titled Tragedy of Winter Quarters is nearby.

Address: 3215 State Street, Omaha, Nebraska

Although the house where he first lived was torn down a few years before 1970, the site where it once stood is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places .

Those interested in Malcolm X's life will want to stop by and read the large historical marker located behind the visitor center. The visitor center is only open on weekends and is staffed by volunteers. Be sure to ring the bell if it appears no one is around.

The park is one of 49 sites throughout the country that are part of the National Park Service's We Shall Overcome itinerary.

Address: 3448 Pinkney Street, Omaha, Nebraska

Luxury Hotels:

• Omaha Marriott Downtown Capitol District is a recently opened 4-star property that anchors the city's Capitol District, which is a dining and entertainment destination downtown. The rooms and suites are comfortable, with contemporary décor. Amenities include a restaurant, coffee shop, swimming pool, and fitness center.
• Another luxury option is the Magnolia Hotel Omaha . It features trendy rooms and suites with fun patterned furniture and rugs. If you're traveling with kids, there are family rooms available. The hotel is also pet friendly. Amenities include valet parking, a restaurant, and a fitness center.
• In a central location near the Civic Center and historic Old Market, Hilton Omaha offers spacious rooms and suites including options for families. Amenities include an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, spa with a sauna, fitness center, and a restaurant. Airport transportation is available, and the Hilton is a pet-friendly hotel.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Residence Inn by Marriott Omaha Downtown/ Old Market Area is a great 3-star pick in a central location. The hotel offers a free airport shuttle, as well as a complimentary hot breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Accommodation is in spacious studios and one- and two-bedrooms suites that all come with full kitchens. Kids stay free here, and the property is pet friendly.
• The affordable Hampton Inn Omaha Midtown - Aksarben Area is another family-friendly property, with clean and comfortable rooms and suites. The hotel offers guests a free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking. There is an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and a convenience store on-site. The front desk is open 24 hours.
• The wellness-themed Even Hotels Omaha Downtown features in-room exercise zones, as well as a fitness studio. They also offer healthy food and beverage choices at their restaurant. The rooms and suites feature all natural Eucalyptus linens. Amenities include an indoor swimming pool, free airport transport, and dogs are allowed to stay.

Budget Hotels:

• Super 8 By Wyndham Omaha/West Dodge is a decent budget option with clean rooms. There is a free hot breakfast featuring biscuits and gravy, waffles, and the brand's signature cinnamon rolls. The hotel is pet friendly, and kids stay free.

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More on Nebraska: This is a state with a wide range of attractions. Should you find yourself intrigued by the state and its friendly inhabitants, have a read through our list of sights you won't want to miss in Nebraska . If you have some time and are heading west on Interstate 80, stop in for at least a quick visit to the state capitol, Lincoln .

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