My Top 12 Things to do with Kids in Omaha, Nebraska

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Omaha is the perfect destination for families, whether it’s for a weekend getaway or a 3-4 day vacation.

After exploring Omaha with our four boys, I can say it’s packed with year-round family-friendly activities that keep everyone entertained.

If you’re looking for an affordable trip, Omaha also offers many fantastic free things for families to enjoy.

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know to plan your own family getaway to Omaha, plus our top kid-approved activities! ⬇️

1. Spend the day at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium 🐘

The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is one of Omaha’s biggest draws for families- and for good reason!

If you haven’t visited yet, I highly recommend it! The zoo is truly amazing!

Plan to spend most of the day here, as there’s so much to explore.

Our kids’ favorite exhibits include Gorilla Valley, Scott Aquarium, Lied Jungle, and the Bay Family Children’s Adventure Trails. 🦍 🐠 🐒 🦋

In addition to the incredible animal exhibits, the zoo offers plenty of fun attractions.

You’ll find a carousel, several play areas (we love the Bay Family Children’s Adventure Trails), Alaskan Adventure splashgrounds, a train, and tram, just to name a few.

Honestly, our kids could easily spend half the day at the splashgrounds and the other half at the Bay Family Children’s Adventure Trails. 

➡️ Make sure to enjoy each attraction, but keep an eye on time – there’s a lot to fit in! 🐘 🦒 🐅 🦩

DISCOVER MORE TIPS FOR YOUR VISIT: Visiting the Omaha Zoo and Aquarium

2. Visit the Durham Museum 🚃

The Durham Museum is truly a hidden gem for families.

Located in Omaha’s Union Station, it wasn’t initially on the top of our family’s list of places to visit- but that changed during one of our Christmastime visits.

I really wanted to go to the Durham Museum to see its incredible Christmas tree and Great Hall decorations, so my family reluctantly agreed to go. Guess what? They LOVED it! Mom for the win!! 🙌

The Durham Museum has a number of trains and even a street car that you can walk through, which my kids loved.

The other exhibits are just as family-friendly, with large-scale artifacts that capture kids’ attention. The museum is quite immersive!

There are also a few hands-on activities for younger kids, like a play train, magnetic tiles, and gears.

If your kids are like mine, we always need to have a snack, so be sure to check out the Soda Fountain and Candy shop.

➡️ The Soda Fountain also serves lunch!

Visiting the Durham Museum is a fantastic way to explore and experience Omaha’s rich history with your family.

3. Play and relax at the Gene Leahy Mall 

The Gene Leahy Mall is a huge green space packed with fun activities for kids, including its iconic slides, the Cascades water feature, and the Arches Playground. 

Located between Douglas and Farnam Streets, the Gene Leahy Mall stretches from 13th to 8th Streets, offering plenty of area to explore!

There’s metered parking available around the area, but we often visit on Sunday mornings when parking is free- an added bonus!

If your staying near the Embassy Suites and Old Market area, it’s just a 10 minute walk to the Gene Leahy Mall. 

I highly recommend making a stop here when visiting Omaha.

It’s a perfect Sunday morning activity or any other time too. The kids will have a blast playing on all of the different play structures!

Also, keep in mind that your kids may want to get wet in the Cascades water feature, so be prepared with towels or a change of clothes!

PLAN YOUR OMAHA GETAWAY: 3-Day Itinerary for Your Family

4. Visit The Omaha Children’s Museum

Visiting the Omaha Children’s Museum is also a super fun thing to do with kids in Omaha. 

The museum is packed with interactive, imaginative exhibits that kids of all ages will enjoy, though it’s mostly geared towards kids under 8.

The Omaha Children’s Museum also always has some impressive temporary exhibits, so there is always something new and exciting to discover.

It’s a must-visit spot for a fun, hands-on experience with your kids!

FIND OUT MORE: Your Go-T0 Guide for Visiting the Omaha Children’s Museum

5. Take a Carriage Ride in the Old Market area

Taking a carriage ride through the Old Market area is a unique and memorable family activity in Omaha. 

Each carriage can fit 6-8 people, making it perfect for the whole family to ride together.

Be sure to check the carriage service’s website for more information and to make a reservation, as walk ups aren’t alway guaranteed. If your family is interested in this experience, I recommend reserving your spot online in advance.

6. Indulge in some ice cream at one of Omaha’s finest ice cream shops 🍨

The Old Market area has so many fantastic ice cream shops. 🍦

Some evenings, lines stretch out the doors and around the corner- a sure sign of just how good the ice cream is!

We tried Dolci Ice Cream and Desserts, conveniently located across the street from the Embassy Suites, and it was absolutely delicious.

We also visited the Coneflower Creamery.

If you want to visit Coneflower Creamery to experience this ice cream shop for yourself, you will need to drive to 3921 Farnum Street and expect a long line down the block, but it’s worth it!

Another popular spot in the Old Market area is Ted and Wally’s, another great option for ice cream lovers!

7. Check out Hollywood Candy in the Old Market area 🍭

Hollywood Candy is an absolute must-visit- it’s packed with fun for everyone. 

First off, you’ll find just about any candy you could dream of. 

Both inside and outside, there are tons of fun photo ops, making it a great spot to snap some family pictures.

And here’s a surprise: the shop has vintage pinball machines and arcade games inside too!

I definitely recommend taking the time to wander through this candy shop as the kids will love it, and you will surely find a few more surprises along the way.

8. Stand in two states at once on the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

Walking across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge also known as “Bob” is a unique and free activity that your family will enjoy.

On a beautiful day, you’ll be treated to views of the Missouri River and the stunning Omaha skyline. 

A fun highlight of the bridge is “Bobbing”- standing in both Nebraska and Iowa at once!

Alternatively, it’s about a 10 minute walk from the Old Market area to the bridge.

It is also a short walk from the Heartland of America Park and Lewis and Clark Landing to the Bob Kerry Bridge as well as the Kiewit Luminarium.

This is an activity you could easily fit into a day with these other nearby attractions.

9. Take a picture with Omar the Blue Troll Statue

You can also head under the bridge on the Omaha side to find Omar– a fun blue troll statue that’s perfect for photos!  

Plus, you can pose with Omar’s oversized walking stick for an extra memorable shot. 📸

10. Visit the Kiewit Luminarium on the Riverfront ⚗️

Omaha’s newest museum, the Kiewit Luminarium, is truly one of a kind.

Located right next to the Discovery Playground at Lewis and Clark Landing, the museum has a prime spot along Omaha’s gorgeous riverfront.

While the Kiewit Luminarium is best suited for kids 5 and over, younger children with older siblings can still find plenty to enjoy.

We went to this museum because we have two older boys so the younger ones tagged along.

Without our older kids, I probably wouldn’t take children under 5 here. There is just not a ton for them to do.

BUT, children ages 4 and under are free so that is something to consider.

Our kids LOVED the Geometric Playground, designed for kids 5 and up.

They also had a great time exploring the Cast of Shadows exhibit, gears, Pile It High, Pulling Together exhibit, and so much more!

11. Explore Heartland of America Park and Lewis and Clark Landing

Downtown Omaha’s park system is truly impressive! It’s a fantastic setup that brings families into the heart of the city, and I wish more cities could figure out how to do this.

Omaha’s downtown parks include the Gene Leahy Mall (mentioned above), Heartland of America Park, and the Lewis and Clark Landing.

At the Lewis and Clark Landing, the Discovery Playground is a favorite, especially for kids.

With incredible climbing structures, slides, zip lines, sand and water play, my kids can spend hours here.

Between the Kiewit Luminarium and Discovery Playground, you can easily fill most of your day exploring Lewis and Clark Landing.

DISCOVER MORE: Heartland of America Park and Riverfront Guide

12. Enjoy roller skating or ice skating at the Skate Ribbon

In Heartland of America Park, the Skate Ribbon offers a fun spot for roller skating in warmer months and ice skating in the winter.

Skating at the Skate Ribbon is free, and you can bring your own skates or rent them onsite for $5 (adults) and $4 (kids 12 and under).

➡️ Pro tip: Fill out the waiver in advance if you plan to skate, and during the busy winter season, consider reserving an ice skating time ahead of time.

LOOKING FOR EVEN MORE TO DO: Take a short 50 minute drive explore Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City.

Family-Friendly Omaha

Omaha is an incredible family-friendly getaway with so much to offer!

These top 12 things to do with kids in Omaha will make your visit both entertaining and memorable.

Planning a trip during the Christmas season? Omaha also offers a variety of festive holiday activities perfect for a family weekend getaway. 🎄

Be sure to download my free travel itinerary planner to make organizing your Omaha adventure a breeze!

Grab your Omaha bucket list to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the fun things to do during your visit!

May you LOVE your adventure. KW