A Weekend in Omaha with Kids: The Ultimate Family-Friendly Itinerary
If Omaha with kids isn’t on your travel radar, it should be. Located in eastern Nebraska, Omaha is one of the most underrated family destinations in the entire Midwest. It combines world-class attractions, incredible outdoor spaces, interactive museums, and one of the best zoos in the world, all in a city that’s surprisingly easy to navigate with kids.
We’ve been to Omaha multiple times over the past several years, and it’s easy to see why so many families return year after year. Between climbing through giant treehouses, exploring hands-on science exhibits, watching sea lions swim overhead, and racing across massive playgrounds, there was never a shortage of things to do.
If you’re planning a family getaway, here’s exactly how I’d spend a weekend in Omaha with kids.
Day 1: Nature, Science & Omaha’s RiverFront
Morning: Explore Fontenelle Forest
Start your Omaha adventure at Fontenelle Forest, one of the largest privately managed nature centers in the country.
This beautiful preserve features miles of trails, elevated boardwalks, and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. Your kiddos will love the forest’s nature-focused play areas and interactive exhibits.
One of the highlights is the elevated boardwalk that winds through the treetops, offering a completely different perspective of the forest.
Combine with TreeRush Adventures
Located right next to Fontenelle Forest, TreeRush Adventures offers an exciting aerial adventure course featuring zip lines, rope bridges, climbing elements, and obstacle courses.
There are courses designed for various ages and skill levels, making it a great option for families with older kids who love a little adventure.
We did it during a visit to Omaha last fall, and the Halloween decorations were so fun and spooky! My kiddos loved it and had so much fun – it’s the perfect family friendly adventure.
Note that the minimum age for this is 5.
Lunch in Old Market
Head into downtown Omaha for lunch – I highly recommend the Old Market area.
This historic downtown area offers tons family-friendly restaurants, desert spots, shopping, and you can even take a horse drawn carriage ride here.
We love Trini’s for delicious Mexican food, and you have to stop by Hollywood Candy for a sweet treat.
Another fun stop while you’re in this area – pop into the Omaha Visitor’s Center where you can get a free backpack and earn buttons at different attractions all over the city. Such a fun (and free!) souvenir for kids!
Afternoon: Kiewit Luminarium
One of Omaha’s newest attractions, Kiewit Luminarium is a hands-on science museum designed to encourage curiosity and exploration.
Here, kids are encouraged to experiment, build, create, and interact. With more than 100 interactive exhibits, it’s easy to spend several hours here, and it’s safe to say it will be a hit with the whole family.
Note: This museum is part of the ASTC Passport program! Learn more about it here, and how you can save big on your family’s admission.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Omaha RiverFront + Playgrounds
Spend your evening exploring the Omaha Riverfront. The recently reimagined parks along the river have quickly become one of the best family attractions in the city.
Make sure to take a stroll across the Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge – where you can actually cross over into Iowa. Then pop underneath to meet the famous troll, Omar!
Spend the rest of the evening walking along the RiverFront, playing at the parks, and grabbing dinner from the seasonal food trucks.
There are actually 3 different – yet all incredible – playgrounds along the RiverFront area, so make sure to check them all out! You can find a map of the area here.
Day 2: Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
Morning & Afternoon: Henry Doorly Zoo
No family trip to Omaha is complete without visiting Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium.
Consistently ranked among the best zoos in the world, this place is epic. The zoo is massive, so plan on spending the whole day here!
Some of the highlights include:
- Desert Dome: One of the largest indoor deserts in the world, featuring animals and landscapes from deserts around the world.
- Kingdoms of the Night: Located on the bottom level of the Desert Dome, this nocturnal exhibit is so unique and a great way to see some of the more elusive nighttime creatures.
- Lied Jungle: A massive indoor rainforest filled with waterfalls, monkeys, birds and lush vegetation.
- Scott Aquarium: Walk through underwater tunnels while sharks, rays & colorful fish swim overhead; don’t miss the penguins or hands-on touch tanks!
- Take a ride on the Skyfari: This open-air chairlift takes you on a scenic ride high above the exhibits, giving you a birds-eye view.
Day 3: Museums, Trains & Gardens
Morning: Durham Museum
Start your day at The Durham Museum, one of Omaha’s most stunning and unique attractions. Housed inside Omaha’s historic Union Station, the museum combines fascinating exhibits with stunning architecture – truly a stop both kids and adults will enjoy.
Your kiddos will love exploring the vintage train cars, interactive displays, and learning about how railroads helped shape the American West.
They also have a rotating exhibit on the bottom level that’s always so much fun for kids; check what’s current here.
Late Morning: Omaha Children’s Museum
Next, head to the Omaha Children’s Museum, a favorite for families with younger children. This hands-on museum is packed with interactive exhibits that encourage creativity, imagination, and play.
From climbing structures and pretend play areas to rotating exhibits, arts & crafts, and science-focused activities, it’s easy to spend several hours here.
Note: This museum is part of the ASTC Passport program! Learn more about it here, and how you can save big on your family’s admission.
Late Afternoon: Lauritzen Gardens
Wrap up your time in Omaha with a stop at Lauritzen Gardens, a beautiful 100-acre botanical garden overlooking the Missouri River.
While the gardens themselves are worth exploring, families absolutely cannot miss the recently opened Sofia’s Play Garden – an incredible nature-inspired play space designed specifically for kids.
With a huge water play area, tons of climbing opportunities, natural play elements, and pretend play, it’s the perfect place to spend the afternoon connecting with nature.
Where to Stay in Omaha with Kids
If you’re visiting for a weekend, I’d recommend staying either downtown or near the riverfront.
This keeps you close to many of Omaha’s top attractions while minimizing driving time.
Some family-friendly options include:
Final Thoughts
Omaha continues to be one of our favorite family getaways!
Between world-class attractions like the Henry Doorly Zoo, outdoor adventures at Fontenelle Forest, interactive exhibits at the Luminarium, and the beautiful riverfront parks, it’s a destination that offers something for every age, and we never seem to get tired of this lively city.
Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip or adding it to a larger Midwest adventure, Omaha is one family-friendly city that’s absolutely worth the visit.
