Omaha is one of the better family destinations in the Midwest, mostly because of the zoo, but also because the city has invested in places where children can run, climb and touch. This guide organizes the options by type of day, with tips for different ages and weather.
The zoo is the main event
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is large, varied and mostly indoor-friendly. Children love the Lied Jungle, where you walk through an indoor rainforest, the walk-through shark tunnel at the aquarium, the Desert Dome and the dark, atmospheric Kingdoms of the Night. Younger children enjoy the train and carousel, and everyone enjoys the aerial tram. Plan a full day, arrive at opening, and schedule a midday break. Strollers and wheelchairs are typically available to rent, which saves little legs. In winter, the zoo's holiday lights event is a favorite evening outing.
Science and play on the riverfront
The Kiewit Luminarium is a hands-on science museum by the Missouri River. Exhibits explore light, sound, motion and natural phenomena, with room for children to push, build and test. It is an excellent rainy-day choice. Next door, the RiverFront parks include Gene Leahy Mall, with a large play area and slides that children remember long after the trip. Add the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge for a short walk with a state line in the middle, which older children often enjoy.
Trains and history
The Durham Museum in Union Station lets children step into restored railcars and see the Great Hall, and a soda fountain on site rewards good behavior. Lauritzen Gardens adds a model railroad display, and next door at Kenefick Park you can see a Big Boy steam locomotive, one of the largest ever built. Rail-loving children will enjoy comparing the two.
Planes and the outdoors
The Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum in Ashland, about half an hour away, features a vast hangar with bombers and an SR-71 Blackbird, plus simulators and interactive stations. Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue offers an elevated boardwalk through the trees and a raptor refuge where children can see owls, hawks and eagles up close. Both are good half-day trips for families with a car.
Seasonal fun
The Halloween Light Tour in October and the Holiday Light Tour in December, run by Ollie the Trolley, are gentle evening outings that suit families. Check age guidance when you book, because the operator also runs adult bar tours and the haunted cemetery tour, which is recommended for adults and older teens. In June, the College World Series brings a festive atmosphere and FanFest activities that can be fun for baseball-loving children.
Sample family itineraries
Three-day plan: Day one in the Old Market and the RiverFront with the Luminarium and the playground. Day two at the zoo. Day three at the Durham Museum and Lauritzen Gardens, or a day trip to Ashland. Add an evening trolley light tour if your trip falls in October or December.
Rainy-day plans
Choose the Kiewit Luminarium, the Durham Museum, the Joslyn Art Museum with its family programs, or the indoor exhibits at the zoo. Save the gardens, the riverfront and Fontenelle Forest for dry days.
Eating with children
The Old Market has family-friendly restaurants in the afternoon and early evening, and museum cafes are convenient. Try a Runza for a local flavor, and look for ice cream stops, which are a Nebraska tradition. Dundee has casual cafes that work for lunch. Pack snacks for the zoo and the car.
Where to stay
The Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha Downtown Old Market gives families two-room suites and a breakfast typical of the brand. The Homewood Suites by Hilton Omaha Downtown provides kitchens for longer trips. The Hilton Garden Inn Omaha Aksarben Village is calm and car-friendly, with the zoo a short drive away. Confirm bed configurations and any pool facilities when you book.
Practical tips
Dress in layers, bring a refillable water bottle, and build in downtime. Buy zoo and museum tickets from each venue's own site to check hours and timed entry. A little planning goes a long way, and Omaha rewards families who keep the schedule loose. Build in one unplanned hour each day for a playground, an ice cream stop or a nap, and let the children choose one activity, because the trip always goes better when they feel it is partly theirs.