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29 BEST & Fun Things To Do In Omama, NE

Explore the top attractions in Omaha, NE! From historical sites, museums, and parks to unique local eateries and breweries, find fun for all ages in Omaha.

Tobi Miles
October 9, 2022
29 BEST & Fun Things To Do In Omama, NE

Are you worried about entertaining the kids on your upcoming trip? No need to be concerned; Omaha offers something to suit every age group. This beautiful city provides everything you're searching for, including opportunities to teach your family members some history while having fun together.

Omaha, which is home to historical sites, museums, waterparks, go-kart tracks, and other attractions, will keep visitors entertained. Go see the many breweries in the area and gorgeous nature parks, or take a self-defense class. Omaha has everything.

Below, we have all of Omaha's best activities listed. Of course, some of them are not in Omaha but close by, in neighboring cities and towns, allowing you to see the area as a whole.

1. Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

creighton_ccas / Flickr

Map It: 724 S 12th St Omaha, NE 68102 | Phone:  (402) 341-7130 | Website | Hours:Thursdays–Saturdays, 11 AM – 5 PM | Entrance: Free

The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, established in 1981 by artists for artists, provides support for today's creators through a global residency program, transient exhibitions and commissions, and creative public programming.

The historic Old Market neighborhood's Bemis Center plays a crucial role in the presentation and comprehension of modern art, connecting Omahans to a global conversation about current cultural creation.

2. Enjoy the First National's Spirit of Nebraska's Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park 

Heather Buelow / Flickr

Map It: 101 S 16th St, Omaha, NE 68102, United States | Phone: (402) 602-3930 | Website | Entrance: Free

More than 100 life-size bronze sculptures that weigh between 400 pounds and six tons stampede through the streets and buildings of downtown Omaha for six blocks. These unique works of public art depict the westward migration of the pioneers.

There are different works of art throughout each section in which you find them. They're pretty neat to check out. You can observe them, or make a game out of seeing how can find all of them first.

Related Read: 30 Best Restaurants in Lincoln, NE

3. Midtown Crossing

Ali Eminov / Flickr

Map It: 31st-33rd and Farnam-Dodge Sts Omaha, NE 68131 | Website | Hours: 24hrs | Entrance: Free

In midtown Omaha, a 16-acre mixed-use development with seven buildings and 297 condominiums and 196 apartment units as well as upscale and casual food, entertainment, and shopping is called Midtown Crossing at Turner Park.

This is a section where you'll find everything you need in one section of the city. So regardless if you want food, or shopping, there's plenty of activities offered here.

4. Visit the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

Thomas Hawk / Flickr

Map It: 705 Riverfront Dr Omaha, NE 68102 | Phone: (402) 444-5900 | Website | Hours: 24hrs| Entrance: Free

Take a stroll across the 3,000-foot-long, one-of-a-kind cable-stay Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, which connects two states. This is a bridge that's worth stopping for a few photo opportunities as well as to get a nice overall view of Ohama.

Related Read: 20 Best Camping Spots In Nebraska

5. The Mormon Trail Center 

Ali Eminov / Flickr

Map It:  3215 State St Omaha, NE 68112 | Phone: (402) 453-9372 | Website | Hours: Daily/ 11am-5pm| Entrance: Free

In Omaha, Nebraska, there is a visitor attraction called the Mormon Trail Center at Winter Quarters that features displays about the Latter-day Saints' westward exodus. On the Mormon Trail's temporary Latter-day Saint settlement known as Winter Quarters, it is located on that site's historic ground.

6. TreeRush Adventures at Fontenelle Forest

TreeRush Adventures at Fontenelle Forest / Facebook

Map It: 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N Suite A Bellevue, NE 68005 | Phone: (402) 807-0440 | Website | Hours: Open Seasonally by appointment| Entrance: Adult: $49

At TreeRush Adventures at Fontenelle Forest, climb, zip, and swing through the old-growth tree canopy. You can do this with family, friends, coworkers, and teammates! Take time to explore zip lines, hanging bridges, rope ladders, and other airborne surprises.

Visitors of all ages (4 to adult) can go at their own pace while negotiating treetop routes that present varying degrees of difficulty. At TreeRush Adventures, experience the Rush of elation, empowerment, amazement, and fulfillment.

7. Scatter Joy Acres

Scatter Joy Acres

Map It: 4966 Newport Ave Omaha, NE 68152 | Phone: (402) 709-9401 | Website | Hours: Tuesday & Thursday-Saturday: 10am-3pm Sunday: Noon-3pm | Entrance: $10/Person Weekend

Located in Omaha, Nebraska, Scatter Joy Acres is a 26-acre urban animal therapy and rescue ranch. The people in our community who need assistance the most—at-risk children, people with developmental disabilities, elders, people who are homeless or mentally ill, veterans, and people who are reentering society—are helped by our accredited AAT program.

They save and care for neglected, abused, and abandoned animals. The Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) program provides training for therapists for those animals who we are unable to place in a loving, permanent home.

You can visit them and engage with the animals in our petting zoo, which is also open. Lunch can be enjoyed at our play area if you pack a picnic.

Related Read: 21 Best Romantic Midwest Getaways

8. Alpacas of the Heartland

Alpacas of the Heartland LLC / Facebook

Map It: 7016 County Rd 39 Fort Calhoun, NE 68023 | Phone: (402) 426-1909 | Website | Hours: call for an appointment | Entrance: $6/person

Alpacas of the Heartland is an alpaca farm run by a small family. They breed and sell alpacas but also raise them for their fiber. (Neither owner works a full-time job at the alpaca farm.) The only times that Washington County will permit them to host these visits are in the months of September, October, and November for a price.

They welcome monetary donations when people visit them outside of these hours. On their website and on Facebook, they regularly offer available dates for visitors.

All visits must be scheduled in advance, and the dates are chosen to accommodate Sheri's pharmacy hours and alpaca care duties. Additionally, they are permitted to sell alpaca goods on their land in the months of September, October, and November.

9. Gather in Omaha

Grow Omaha

Map It: 1108 Howard St Omaha, NE 68102 | Phone: 402-260-8686| Website | Hours: Open 5pm daily| Entrance: Free

Gather is a brand-new American restaurant and bar with its very own ON-SITE FARM that is situated in the Old Market and serves creative cuisine.

Indulge in dishes like crispy Brussels sprouts or steamed pork buns at our craftsman-style bar during happy hour, or savor small plates like their Korean-marinated Wagyu steak or elk Bolognese in the historic urban-chic dining room.

Additionally, the Old Market restaurant offers gluten-free and vegetarian/vegan alternatives, private dining, and outside seating on two patios for enjoying a handmade cocktail with an artisanal flair.

Related Read: Best Time To Visit Wyoming

10. Jukes Ale Works

Carter's Heating & Air INC / Facebook

Map It: 20560 Elkhorn Dr Elkhorn, NE 68022 | Phone: (402) 779-8496 | Website | Hours: Tue-Thu: 11am - 10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am - 11pm, Sun: 11am - 9pm| Entrance: Free

The Jukes family is passionate about craft brews. The Jukes frequent beer festivals, brew pubs, and any other establishment that showcases and sells craft brews because they adore the community's lively culture and diverse vibe.

Olde Towne Elkhorn's Jukes Ale Works is a boutique brewery and restaurant that serves a wide selection of meals and has 19 beers on tap.

The remaining beers will be seasonal and specialty brews, with seven being offered all year long. The entire Jukes family is delighted to share their labor of love with the neighborhood and craft beer enthusiasts around the nation.

11. KANEKO

a4c. / Flickr

Map It: 1111 Jones St Omaha, NE 68102 | Phone: (402) 341-3800 | Website | Hours: Thu & Fri: 1pm - 7pm Sat & Sun: 12pm - 5pm | Entrance: Free

In order to explore creativity throughout the full range of human activity, including art, science, philosophy, entrepreneurship, urban planning, and education, KANEKO was created as a public, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization.

KANEKO was created as an "open space for your mind," a location where critical analysis of other people's ideas through a range of exhibitions. The public can visit KANEKO's galleries for FREE.

12. Heartland of America Park and Fountain

pensivelaw 1 / Flickr

Map It: 800 Douglas St Omaha, NE 68102 | Phone: (402) 444-5955 | Website | Hours: May 1 to Oct 31, Monday- Friday: 11am -1pm & 5-11pm, Saturday & Sunday:10:30am -11pm | Entrance: Free

Currently being built as part of the $325 million The RiverFront undertaking in downtown Omaha. Watch the breathtaking water jet and light show at the Heartland of America Park Fountain.

Heartland of America Park's connection to nearby Lewis & Clark Landing, which offers sweeping vistas of the Missouri River, will be strengthened as a result of renovations to The RiverFront. The park will reopen with gondola rides once more. positioned across the street from the famed Old Market neighborhood.

13. Chalco Hills Recreation Area

TheBeaguePicture / Flickr

Map It: 8901 S 154th St Omaha, NE 68138 | Phone: 402-444-6222 | Website | Hours: Open Daily 6am - 10pm 

The 245-acre Wehrspann Lake is located at this public recreation area. This leisure area offers fishing, no-wake boating, and picnic shelters; for day use only. It is connected to Omaha's trail system.

14. Ditmars Orchard and Vineyard

Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard / Facebook

Map It: 10475 225th St Council Bluffs, IA 51503 | Phone: (712) 256-7053 | Website | Hours: Thu-Sat: 10am - 6pm, Sun: 11am - 5pm 

Ditmars Orchard provides family entertainment in the countryside with pick-your-own strawberries and sunflowers in the summer and apple orchards and pumpkin patches in the fall.

Don't leave without a bottle of their specially-bottled preserves, salsa, butter, or any other of their year-round special events. Make it a date with a wine flight. A children's playground and handcrafted foods like their renowned apple cider doughnuts are further attractions.

15. Fontenelle Forest

Patrice LIENARD / Flickr

Map It: 1111 N Bellevue Blvd Bellevue, NE 68005 | Phone: (402) 731-3140 | Website | Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.| Entrance: $11.00 adults

Over 1,500 acres of woodland, prairie, and wetlands may be found in Fontenelle Forest, a privately owned non-profit and one of the biggest private nature centers in the country.

It has 17 miles of paths. A mile-long, ADA-accessible boardwalk provides opportunities for wildlife observation and beautiful Missouri River views.

16. Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo

Dave Rogers / Flickr

Map It: 3701 S 10th St Omaha, NE 68107 | Phone: 402-733-8401 | Website | Hours: 9am - 5pm Daily | Buildings open until 6pm | Entrance: Zoo admission pricing changes seasonally 

By investing in the preservation and protection of species worldwide, the Omaha Zoo redefines the meaning of the word "zoo." Every visitor that passes through the gate means that a new conservation tale is started, and the 160 acres allow families to roam freely so that animals all around the world can live freely.

In addition to a well-known conservation program, Omaha's Zoo provides a range of worthwhile travel experiences. Explore the largest indoor desert and North America's largest indoor rainforest.

For a chance to observe thousands of creatures from all over the world in their natural habitat, explore the remote places and underground caverns. With indoor exhibits covering more than 7 acres, Omaha's Zoo is a must-see all year long.

17. Infusion Brewing Company - Little Bohemia

Infusion Brewing Company - Little Bohemia / Flickr

Map It: 1406 S 13th St Omaha, NE 68108 | Phone: (402) 401-6431 | Website | Hours: Mon-Thu:3pm - 12am, Fri: 3pm - 2am, Sat: 12pm - 2am ,Sun: 12pm - 11pm 

Infusion offers up their microbrews year-round while switching up the seasonal brews practically weekly using a traditional 7-barrel pub brewing equipment. You can't come to Omaha without soaking your tastebuds with some of Omaha's best brews! And right here is where you'll find them.

18. Heartland B-cycle

Tony Webster / Flickr

Map It: Various Points in the city Omaha, NE 68102 | Phone: (402) 957-2453 | Website | Hours: 24hrs| Entrance: $8 per hour

Over 300 bikes and 70 stations make up Omaha's bike-sharing system. They now have electric bikes with pedal assistance in their system! With a top speed of 17 mph, these bikes match your pedaling effort, making exploration of Omaha more enjoyable than ever!

You can pick up and drop off a B-cycle at any station. At any Heartland B-cycle station or on the BCycle App, you can purchase a 24-hour pass for just $8 that gives you access to limitless 1-hour trips.

The quickest way to start riding is with the BCycle App. On the app, you can purchase your pass, rent bikes, find stations, find e-bikes, and obtain directions. It has never been simpler to explore Omaha on a bike share.

19. El Museo Latino

Wikimedia Commons

Map It: 4701 S 25th St Omaha, NE 68107 | Phone: (402) 731-1137 | Website | Hours: 11am-5pm Wednesday-Friday and 11am-2pm Saturday. Closed Sunday-Tuesday. | Entrance: $5 adults

El Museo Latino is the Midwest's first museum and cultural center dedicated to Latino art and history. View world-class exhibitions that highlight local, national, and international Latino art and culture in both permanent and traveling displays.

Year-round bilingual educational programs, including exhibits, workshops, talks, and demonstrations are provided, as well as ongoing classes in art, theater, dance, and music.

Special occasions, performances by "CHOMARI" Ballet Folklorico Mexicano, and concerts by regional and international performers are also provided by this amazing group. English- and Spanish-language guided tours are available for groups upon request. Wheelchair users can access the building.

20. The Upstream Brewing Company

Upstream Brewing Company / Facebook

Map It: 514 S 11th St Omaha, Nebraska 68102 | Phone: (402) 344-0200 | Website | Hours: Mon-Thu: 11am - 1am, Fri-Sat: 11am - 2am, Sun: 10am - 12am | Entrance: Free

Upstream Brewing Company earned a reputation for having terrific cuisine, fantastic beer, and friendly service when it first opened in 1996. The best thin-crust pizzas and appetizers in Omaha, pub classics, hand-cut steaks made with "Omaha Steaks" beef, daily flown-in fresh fish, pasta dishes, main course salads, sandwiches, and a fantastic kids' menu are all on the menu at Upstream.

The bar offers a large selection of spirits and wines in addition to 14 different varieties of our own fresh, handcrafted beers and root beer on tap.

21. Durham Museum

David Hanlon / Flickr

Map It: 801 S 10th St Omaha, NE 68108 | Phone: (402) 444-5071 | Website | Hours: Tues-Sat 10AM-4PM; Sun/Noon-4pm | Entrance: Adults: $13 

The Durham Museum is located in Omaha's stunning Art Deco Union Station, a National Historic Landmark. The museum is home to a remarkable variety of ongoing displays, such as rebuilt train coaches, storefronts from the 1940s, various relics documenting the history of the area, and the Byron Reed collection, which contains some of the rarest coins and records in the whole world.

Due to The Durham's relationship with the Smithsonian and its ties with the Library of Congress, National Archives, and Chicago's Field Museum, there are also remarkable traveling exhibits available. During your stay, make sure to visit the genuine soda fountain and sip on a malt.

22. Culxr House

Culxr House

Map It: 3014 N 24th St Omaha, NE 68110 | Phone: (402) 320-4769 | Website | Hours: Mon-Sat: By Appointment 

A community hub with an emphasis on giving artists and creatives a secure environment to develop their skills and get access to resources to do so. A skate park is also on the premises, where you can also host events, art displays, open mics, music performances, pop-ups, and bike rides.

23. Inner 10 Weapons and Training

Tutu Lee / flickr

Map It: 8910 Military Rd Omaha, NE 68134 | Phone: (402) 452-3682 | Website | Hours: Monday: 10AM-5PM , Tue-Sat: 10 AM - 9 PM, Sunday: 10 AM - 6 PM| Entrance: $11.10 / 30 minutes.

The best, most individualized service in martial combat and indoor shooting facilities is what Inner 10 Weapons and Training is thrilled to offer.

For private or group training for Omaha and the neighboring regions, the indoor range is furnished with the best tools available. The shooting range is a family-run business that places a high priority on excellent customer service, instruction, and safety. a sitting area.

24. The Gene Leahy Mall at The Riverfront

mallory bart media / Flickr

Map It: 1302 Farnam on the Mall Omaha, NE 68102 | Phone: (402) 444-5955 | Website | Hours: Daily 5am-11pm | Entrance: Free 

The Gene Leahy Mall is located in the center of Omaha. The Riverfront Revitalization Master Plan, which reunites the downtown Omaha and Council Bluffs park complexes to the Missouri River for the first time in many generations, is absolutely dependent on its rehabilitation and reinvention.

The 14.8-acre park was established in 1977 as part of a surge of urban renewal that introduced green space to the heart of the city.

25. 1912 Benson

1912 Benson

Map It: 6201 Maple St Omaha, NE 68104 | Phone: (402) 964-2900 | Website | Hours: Mon-Thu: 4pm - 2am, Fri-Sun: 11am - 2am | Entrance: Free

1912, is located in venerable Benson, Nebraska. It offers a unique rooftop patio, handcrafted margaritas, distinctive boiler makers, and craft beer. The 150-person rooftop deck at 1912 is available for private gatherings.

26. Anderson O’Brien Fine Art Gallery

creighton_ccas / Flickr

Map It: 3220 Farnam St, Suite 2101 Omaha, NE 68131 | Phone: (402) 884-0911 | Website | Hours: By appointment only 

For almost 30 years, Anderson O'Brien Fine Art has offered renowned local painters to the art world. Local artists from the Midwest region regularly have new works (sculptures, paintings, pottery, blown glass, jewelry, etc.) on show. Project design, appraisal and estate services, installation, and consultation are all offered by Anderson O'Brien Fine Art.

27. Attend a Flourish Event

PinkMonkey Solutions / Flickr

Map It:  618 S 184th St, Elkhorn, NE 68022, United States |  Phone: (402) 502-9901 | Website | Hours: Mon-Sat: 10am-7pm Sun: 12pm-6pm | Entrance: Free

If you’re a couple looking for a destination wedding, Nebraska is highly overlooked! You can take the time to attend a flourish event, and get a better idea of what you want for your big day. You can even book the venue and get down to some serious planning.

28. Artists’ Cooperative Gallery Ltd

Wikipedia

Map It: 405 S 11th St Omaha, NE 68102 | Phone:  (402) 342-9617 | Website | Hours: Tues - Thur/noon-6pm; Fri&Sat/11am-10pm; Sun/noon-6pm | Entrance: Free

The first fine art cooperative gallery in Omaha has been a component of the Old Market since 1975. The gallery is run and staffed by 35 artist members who work in different media.

Every month at the start of the month, the entire gallery is changed out, with a unique rotating exhibit in the "featured exhibit" section showcasing fresh or avant-garde work by their artists.

Then they host a party (that is free and accessible to the public) to debut the new feature show, often from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on First Friday.

29. Lazlos Brewery and Grill

Lazlos Brewery and Grill / Facebook

Map It: 2425 S 192nd Ave Omaha, NE 68130 | Phone: (402) 289-5840 | Website | Hours: Sun-Thu: 11am - 10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am - 12am  

The well-liked Third Stone Brown, the prestigious LunaSea ESB, and the Brewer's Whim, a limited-edition seasonal variety, are all house-brewed beers. To assist you in combining your favorite beer, ask the server. Your server will know what's best paired together for an unforgettable flavor and experience!

Tobi Miles
Article updated:
March 28, 2024
A nomadic wordsmith savoring the world's flavors and penning stories that turn every journey into an epic.
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