Omaha Weekend Getaway: 3 Day Itinerary for Your Family
Omaha, Nebraska is such an amazing city to visit with kids. Our family loves Omaha so much that we visit 2-3 times a year!
No matter the season, Omaha always offers something new and exciting!

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In the summer, we spend our days playing at Omaha’s riverfront parks and enjoying the zoo. 🦍 🦒 🐘
At Christmastime, we love walking through downtown, admiring the lights and checking out all of the holiday attractions and events. 🎄
As a smaller city, Omaha is easy to explore, with short travel times between attractions, you can fit a lot into a weekend.
Our go-to hotel is the Embassy Suites Omaha Downtown Old Market, perfectly located within walking distance to the Old Market and the riverfront parks, making it an ideal home base for our adventures!
You might be thinking….”Wow, you are really raving about Omaha, so what’s there to do?”
No worries- I’ve got you covered. Keep reading to find out the perfect itinerary for your family’s Omaha weekend getaway. ⬇️
Omaha Itinerary Day One
Morning
After starting your day with breakfast (if you’re at the Embassy Suites Omaha Old Market, you’ll get a complimentary one), head out to the zoo for your first day in Omaha.
Many people come to Omaha to visit the renowned Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.
It is known to be one of the best zoos in the county, and I couldn’t agree more!
It is a major draw for visitors, and it might even be the main reason you are visiting Omaha!
You will definitely spend the majority if not all of your day at the zoo!
DISCOVER MORE: Tops Tips for Visiting the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Besides all of the impressive animal exhibits like Hubbard Gorilla Valley, the Desert Dome, and Lied Jungle, there are also many entertaining play spaces that the kids will go crazy over!
Our boys love the Bay Family Children’s Adventure Trails- they could easily spend an hour or more exploring and playing here! With a cool pirate ship, fun slides, and insect-themed play structures, it’s definitely worth checking out! 🏴☠️ 🦋🕷
This exciting play area is located near the zoo’s North Entrance, making it a great spot to start your day.
When it’s time for lunch we usually head to the Sea Turtle Cafe, conveniently located right outside the aquarium.
Afternoon
If it is a hot summer day, the kids surely will want to spend time at the zoo’s splash pad.
➡️ Make sure to bring swimsuits and towels!
I would maybe save this for later in the day after you have seen most all of the animal exhibits although this may also be when the splash pad is the most busy.
Expert Tip
There really is no “right” or “wrong” way to go through the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. We have taken so many different routes through the zoo and each worked super well. Do whatever is best for your family. Depending on whether you enter the zoo via the Main or North Entrance may also determine your route for the day.
Evening
After a fun-filled day at the zoo, I recommend spending your evening getting some take-out and enjoy an evening of swimming and relaxing at your hotel.
If you are staying at the Embassy Suites Omaha Old Market, you could easily walk to a number of fantastic restaurants in the Old Market area for dinner as well!
Omaha Itinerary Day Two
Morning
If you are staying at the Embassy Suites Old Market, you will be able to start your day off with a delicious cooked-to-order breakfast.
After having breakfast, I recommend spending your morning visiting Omaha’s unique and super fun downtown parks.
If you do the Gene Leahy Mall first, the kids will get to play at Arches Playground and try out the iconic Gene Leahy Mall slides.
When the kids have had their fill of the Gene Leahy Mall, you can walk to the Heartland of America Park and Lewis and Clark Landing.
Lewis and Clark Landing at the Heartland of America Park is located along the riverfront.
Parking
There are free parking lots at the Lewis and Clark Landing which is adjacent to the Kiewit Luminarium. The parking lots are usually very busy but there are enough people constantly coming and going that you should quickly find a spot.
The kids will also want to spend some time playing at the Discovery Playground at the Lewis and Clark Landing.
This playground is AMAZING! My kids could spend hours here.
➡️ We love this park so much that we even stopped here on our road trip to Colorado to take a break from driving.
DISCOVER MORE: Heartland of America Park and Omaha Riverfront Guide
Then, plan on having lunch at the Fig Cafe right next to the Discovery Playground and inside of the Kiewit Luminarium.
Must Know Information
There is a separate entrance to the Fig Cafe from the outside. This means that you can enjoy food and beverages from the Fig Cafe without paying admission to the Kiewit Luminarium.
Afternoon
After enjoying lunch at the Fig Cafe, you may want to visit the Kiewit Luminarium.
I would say this museum is more geared for ages 6 or above.
Another option for the afternoon is to walk across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. This bridge will take you across the river into Iowa.
You can see the bridge from riverfront near the Discovery Playground at Lewis and Clark Landing. If you are looking at the river, it will be to your left.
➡️ Make sure not to miss Omar the Blue Troll underneath the bridge.
Also, while on the bridge, you will get to stand in two states at once!
DISCOVER OMAHA: Top 11 Things to do with Kids in Omaha
Evening
Plan on having dinner at a restaurant in the Old Market area such as the Old Spaghetti Works and take a carriage ride afterwards.
Another great family-friendly dining option is the Twisted Fork Grill and Saloon.
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Omaha Itinerary Day Three
Morning
Depending your kids’ ages and interests, there are a few great options for your morning.
For families with younger children, I recommend visiting the Omaha Children’s Museum. It’s full of hands-on exhibits that are perfect for little ones.
FIND OUT MORE: Omaha Children’s Museum Family Guide
The Lauritzen Gardens Botanical Center is another fantastic choice, offering a peaceful setting to explore with the family.
Or, you could opt for some extra time at Heartland of America Park, Lewis and Clark Landing, or the Gene Leahy Mall.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, head to the Durham Museum, where you can grab lunch at the nostalgic soda fountain before exploring the rest of the museum. 🥤
Your kids will love walking through the old train cars, and the museum’s exhibits are super family-friendly! 🚃
We were pleasantly surprised by how much our kids enjoyed the Durham Museum. They thought it would be boring, but they absolutely loved it!!
I highly recommend adding this to your itinerary-it’s a fun experience for all ages!
Evening
In the early evening, take some time to explore the Old Market area again.
And don’t miss a stop at the Hollywood Candy shop– it’s such a cool spot!
This candy shop is full of surprises around every corner. I won’t give them away, but trust me, you kids will go wild for this place!
Plus, there are vintage pinball and arcade games, so don’t forget to bring some quarters for a few rounds of pinball.
After enjoying the fun, games, and sweets at Hollywood Candy, head over to Twisted Fork Grill and Saloon for dinner, then top off the night with some ice cream for dessert at Dolci Ice Cream and Desserts just around the corner.
Expert Recommendation
If you have an extra day in Omaha, consider taking a short road trip to Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City. It is just a short 45 minute drive from downtown Omaha and so much fun!
DISCOVER ARBOR DAY FARM: Top Things to do at Arbor Day Farm with Kids
Omaha Itinerary Bucket List
Here is a list of all of the places and attractions I mentioned in this blog post.
- Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
- Gene Leahy Mall
- Heartland of America Park including Lewis and Clark Landing
- Kiewit Luminarium
- Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
- Omar the Troll Statue
- Omaha Children’s Museum
- Lauritzen Gardens
- Durham Museum
- Old Market carriage ride
- Hollywood Candy Shop
As you can see, Omaha DOES INDEED have so much to offer families and all of its visitors.
If you are planning to visit during the Christmas season, I have even more tips and ideas for your weekend getaway!
CHRISTMAS FUN IN OMAHA: Family Christmas Getaway to Omaha: Top Holiday Activities
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May you LOVE your adventure. KW