10 Best Things to do in Omaha with Kids!

Traveling with kids is always about finding places that are fun, safe, and easy to enjoy. Omaha makes this simple, as it has zoos, parks, museums, gardens, and outdoor spaces that welcome families. Whether you are planning a weekend trip or a longer stay, Omaha offers activities that keep children entertained while giving parents a chance to relax and enjoy the city. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 10 best things to do in Omaha with kids, explained each spot in detail, practical tips for parents, and why these places stand out.

1. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Covering nearly 160 acres, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is one of the largest zoos in the United States and offers exhibits that families can enjoy in every season. A favorite stop is the Lied Jungle, the biggest indoor rainforest in the country, where guests walk along tree‑covered paths surrounded by birds and waterfalls. Another highlight is the Desert Dome, the largest indoor desert in the world, showing plants and animals from dry regions across the globe. To make exploring easier, families can ride the zoo’s train, tram, aerial tramway, or carousel, turning the visit into a full day of fun and learning.

2. Omaha Children’s Museum

The Omaha Children’s Museum is a place where kids and families can learn by playing together. Inside, children find fun exhibits such as a pretend grocery store, a science lab, a giant ball machine, and a workshop that helps them understand how tools and machines work. There is also an auto shop area to explore, spaces where kids can dress up in costumes, and art corners where they can paint or build. Special exhibits change often, while daily programs include short science shows, craft activities, and interactive story times, keeping children busy, curious, and learning throughout the day.

3. Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium

The Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums located inside a zoo anywhere in the world. Families can walk through a 70‑foot tunnel where sharks, sea turtles, and many kinds of fish swim above and around them. The aquarium is divided into sections that show life in different waters, from bright coral reefs to cold ocean regions and even the Amazon River. Visitors can see penguins, jellyfish, rays, and colorful fish as they move from one display to another. The aquarium help guests feel surrounded by marine life, making the experience exciting for both kids and adults.

4. Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum

The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum tells the story of the U.S. Air Force with a strong focus on Cold War history and space exploration. The museum includes two large hangars filled with aircraft, a theater for films and presentations, and a tall glass atrium that welcomes visitors. Guests can see famous planes like the SR‑71 Blackbird along with other historic aircraft and missile displays up close. Exhibits also highlight space travel, nuclear defense systems, while displays of science and flight, making the museum easy for families to understand while still offering a deep look at U.S. military history.

5. Wildlife Safari Park

Nearby Omaha, Wildlife Safari Park gives families a chance to see animals in wide open spaces while staying in the comfort of their own car. The park has about four miles of drive‑through roads where visitors can spot elk, bison, deer, and other North American wildlife moving freely. There are also two miles of walking trails that lead to areas like Wolf Canyon and the Eagle Aviary, where kids and adults can get closer views of animals. The park also runs special programs such as day camps, guided nature walks, and overnight campouts, making it both a fun and educational place for family outings.

6. Union Pacific Railroad Museum

Built in 1904, Union Pacific Railroad Museum tells the story of how the railroad helped shape the nation. Exhibits explain the building of the transcontinental railroad, the early days of train travel, and the workers who kept the rail lines running. One section lets guests try a train simulator, while another shows how rail travel changed everyday life in the early 1900s. There is also a special area about President Abraham Lincoln and his role in starting the railroad system. Families often come here to learn through old photographs and artifacts that bring the railroad’s story to life in an engaging way.

7. Lauritzen Gardens

Covers 100 acres, Lauritzen Gardens is one of Omaha’s most peaceful outdoor spaces where families can walk, relax, and learn about plants. The grounds include outdoor gardens, a woodland trail, a floral display hall, and the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory. Kids enjoy spending time at Sofia’s Play Garden, while families often stop by the model railroad garden, which is a favorite for many visitors. Throughout the year, the gardens host events such as yoga sessions, dog‑friendly evenings, and special art or plant shows. Narrated tram rides are available for those who want to learn more in a simple way.

8. Charles Schwab Field Omaha

Opened in 2011, Charles Schwab Field Omaha is a baseball stadium owned by the City of Omaha and managed by the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority. It seats about 24,000 people, but for larger events the capacity can be expanded to nearly 35,000. The venue is best known as the home of the NCAA Men’s College World Series, which has been played in Omaha since 1950. Over the years, the stadium has hosted other events too, including the Big Ten baseball tournament. A large video screen inside the stadium shows replays and highlights, making the experience engaging for fans.

9. TreeRush Adventures at Fontenelle Forest

The TreeRush Adventures at Fontenelle Forest is an outdoor ropes and zipline park in Bellevue where families can enjoy the forest in an active way. Spread across about six acres, the park has two main areas — one designed for younger kids and another for ages seven and older. There are seven different trails with more than 100 challenges, including rope bridges, swinging steps, and over ten zip lines that reach heights of up to 55 feet. The park sits next to the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center, giving guests the chance to also explore walking trails and join nature programs during their visit.

10. Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park

The Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park sits between Omaha and Lincoln and gives visitors a fun way to enjoy the outdoors by climbing, swinging, and ziplining. The Treetop Adventure course includes rope bridges, Tarzan swings, and long ziplines — some stretching up to 440 feet, spread across more than 40 challenges set on high platforms. The Treetop Journey offers a smaller course with about 25 obstacles and shorter ziplines that rise up to 25 feet above the ground. A unique option is the Nights at Height experience, where guests move through the course after dark with lights guiding the way.

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