Bustling Nebraska Metropolis Offers Artistic, Historical, and Heartland-Infused Weekend Excursion
Omaha, Nebraska, affectionately known as the "Gateway to the West," is a city that exceeds expectations, welcoming visitors with its warm Midwestern spirit and charm. This bustling metropolis is home to a unique blend of creativity, history, a thriving food scene, and a lively downtown area, making it an ideal destination for families seeking quirky and enjoyable outdoor experiences.
The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, ranked as one of the best zoos in the world, covers over 160 acres and offers world-class exhibits, including a huge indoor desert and jungle, a walk-through aquarium, an African Grassland, an Asian Highland, and a children's adventure trail. But the zoo is more than just a place to see animals; it functions as an expansive outdoor space with trails and naturalistic habitats, offering interactive and educational outdoor experiences for the whole family.
For families looking for a more adventurous way to explore the city, scavenger hunts in unique neighbourhoods are a great option. Try the Omaha’s Glorious Gateway Scavenger Hunt downtown or the Florence Neighborhood Frenzy. These hunts uncover hidden gems, historic landmarks, and local secrets, providing an exciting and engaging way to discover Omaha's charms.
The South Omaha Mural Art Walk is another vibrant and visually engaging family outing. This outdoor art walk showcases colorful murals and street art around South Omaha, offering a unique and artistic perspective of the city.
Cool off together at the Henry Doorly Zoo’s Alaskan Adventure spray ground, featuring 75 bronze sculptures and lots of water play. For more water fun, Fun-Plex offers 16 acres including mini golf and go-karts, plus there are many area spray grounds perfect for younger children.
Omaha's Lauritzen Gardens, located near the river, offer 100 acres of winding trails, themed gardens, and rotating exhibits. One of the highlights is the Topiary Garden Displays, where remarkable, large-scale topiary sculptures shaped like flamingos, bison, and other animals blend art and nature in a whimsical way.
For families with older kids or teens, paddleboard tours and tubing adventures along nearby rivers are exciting ways to enjoy Omaha’s outdoors. These activities, along with festivals, movies, and concerts in the park, particularly in summer, offer fun for all ages.
Omaha is also home to El Museo Latino, providing an intimate look into Latino history, art, and heritage, and is one of the only Latino museums in the Midwest. The Joslyn Art Museum, a great Midwest cultural institution, boasts a collection spanning from Renaissance to modern American works. Admission is free.
The Durham Museum, housed in the city's restored Union Station, contains exhibits on the transcontinental railroad, pioneer life, and westward expansion. It also features vintage passenger trains and streetcars, and a still functioning soda fountain. The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is a suspension bridge linking Nebraska and Iowa, offering a perfect view of Omaha's skyline.
The Old Market District, a historic and vibrant neighbourhood, offers coffee shops, boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries. Le Bouillon in the Old Market District offers upscale French cuisine, while The Twisted Fork is a cowboy-inspired grill and saloon. Ted & Wally's in Omaha offers delicious homemade ice cream.
Omaha's revitalized riverfront, featuring the Gene Leahy Mall and Heartland of America Park, offers walking trails, fountains, public art, and views of the Missouri River. These activities combine culture, adventure, and play, making Omaha ideal for families looking for quirky and enjoyable outdoor experiences.
[1] https://www.visitomaha.com/things-to-do/outdoor-activities/ [2] https://www.visitomaha.com/things-to-do/family-friendly/ [3] https://www.visitomaha.com/things-to-do/summer-fun/ [4] https://www.omahazoo.com/
The family-friendly outdoor activities in Omaha extend beyond the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, offering experiences like scavenger hunts in unique neighborhoods, the South Omaha Mural Art Walk, and water fun at spray grounds, Fun-Plex, and the Henry Doorly Zoo’s Alaskan Adventure spray ground.
The scenic Riverfront, featuring the Gene Leahy Mall and Heartland of America Park, is another vibrant location for families, offering a blend of culture, adventure, and play with walking trails, public art, and views of the Missouri River.
For those seeking a unique mix of culture and entertainment, Omaha offers a thriving food scene with restaurants such as Le Bouillon, The Twisted Fork, and Ted & Wally's, along with home-and-garden destinations like the 100-acre Lauritzen Gardens. Travelers can also immerse themselves in the city's history and heritage at El Museo Latino, the Joslyn Art Museum, and the Durham Museum, housed in the restored Union Station.
As the day turns into evening, families can enjoy a lively downtown area boasting a vibrant arts scene, shopping, and dining, making Omaha an ideal destination for quirky and enjoyable outdoor experiences that cater to all ages.
