Top Things To Do In Omaha

See the most popular attractions in Omaha ranging from museums to historic trails. The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is centrally located and known for its leading conservation efforts, a massive cat complex, and indoor habitat recreations like the jungle or desert.

The best things to do near Omaha:

• Boys Town, a national historic landmark district
• Durham Museum, housed in the former Union Station
• Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, 3,700 mile-long trail that passes through 11 states
• Lauritzen Gardens, public botanical gardens and arboretum
• Florence Mill, oldest mill in Nebraska now doubles as a museum and art gallery with a locally-sourced farmers market on Sundays

The Missouri River also acts as a Nebraska-Iowa state border. Stand in two states when you cross the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.

Popular attractions near Omaha include:

• Touring Joslyn Castle, once home to George and Sarah Joslyn built in 1903
• A history or district tour with Nebraska Tour Company
• Spacecraft exhibits, planetarium shows, and more at Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum
• See upwards of 110 different flower species at the home and gardens of Civil War General George Crook
• Learning about pioneer life at the Mormon Trail Center

With so many fun daytime activities in Omaha, it’s important to allot time for each city district. Midtown Crossing is a must-see district filled with unique shops, top-rated restaurants, and live entertainment ranging from music performances to outdoor movie showings.

Exciting activities near Omaha include:

• Shop at boutiques in small business districts like Shops of Legacy or Countryside Village
• Take a walk through the Berniece Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion, a total immersion exhibit at the zoo
• Book a Heartland History Tour, themed to send you back in time
• Catch a horse race at Horsemen's Park
• Learn about the Omaha World-Herald printing process on a John Gottschalk Freedom Center tour

Popular nightlife destinations in Omaha include concert venues, cocktail bars, local craft breweries, and casinos. Shop and eat in Omaha’s Old Market Entertainment District, a historical neighborhood now bubbling with shops, restaurants, and popular bars.

Other things to do tonight in Omaha include:

• See live performances at The Waiting Room Lounge or Slowdown, two local Omaha venues
• Gamble at the best casinos in Omaha like Horseshoe, Ameristar Casino, and Harrah’s
• See film as an art form at Film Streams at the Ruth Sokolof Theater, a nonprofit arthouse cinema
• Watch the Heartland of America Park and Fountain show
• Get your microbrewery fix in the Blackstone District, a revitalized historic neighborhood

Tooling around Omaha with the kids is never a dull time. Browse fun museum exhibits, live theater performances, and other things to do with kids in Omaha.

Family-friendly things to do near Omaha include:

• Spend the afternoon exploring exhibits at the Omaha Children's Museum
• The Joslyn Art Museum also has interactive exhibits for children
• See a kid-friendly, live theater performance at Rose Theater
• Cool off at the splash park on the Omaha side of Bob Bridge
• Sign the kids up for Hummel Day Camp, an outdoor nature-based program at the Hummel Park Nature Center

Omaha also has several reputable theaters and art centers. The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts spearheads an international artist-in-residence program to support the dreams of young artists. Other indoor art exhibits in Omaha can be found at Hot Shops Art Center and Love’s Jazz and Art Center.

Things to do indoors in Omaha include:

• Grab a drink at Lucky Bucket Brewery, locally recognized as one of the best microbreweries in Omaha
• Midwest Paranormal History Tours
• Explore Latino and Hispanic art and history at El Museo Latino
• Schedule a day of relaxation at a top spa or resort in Omaha
• Visit the aquatic center and indoor play place at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

Omaha is filled with exciting activities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. For Nebraskans, this often includes bird watching. Some of the best bird watching locations include Hummel and Dodge Park, Boyer Chute, Neale Woods, and Fontenelle Forest.

Active things to do near Omaha include:

• Fishing, boating, and off-roading at Keystone Trail
• Hiking along the West Papio Creek via the West Papio/Zorinsky Trail
• Guided paddleboard tours at Lake Zorinsky or Standing Bear Lake
• A ride on Screaming Eagle Zipline, the fastest, longest zip line in the Midwest
• Exploring multi-use trails, swimming, archery, and more at Platte River State Park

With its many parks, museums, and events, there is no shortage of things to do in Omaha. Here are a few more suggestions for how to spend your time in this vibrant city:

Visit the Omaha Children's Museum: This popular museum is a great place for kids to learn and play. With its many interactive exhibits, including a water play area and a mini-grocery store, the museum is a fun destination for families.

Explore the Omaha Zoo: This world-class zoo is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, gorillas, and polar bears. The zoo also has a number of special exhibits, including a tropical rainforest and a desert dome.

Take a stroll through the Omaha Botanical Gardens: Located on the outskirts of the city, the Omaha Botanical Gardens is home to a variety of plants, flowers, and trees. The gardens also host a variety of special events and exhibits throughout the year.

Go for a hike at the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium: This popular attraction is home to a variety of animals, including giraffes, lions, and gorillas. The zoo also has a number of hiking trails, which offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Visit the Omaha Farmers Market: This market, which is held on Saturdays, is a great place to find locally grown produce, handmade crafts, and other goods. The market is a popular destination for both locals and visitors, and is a great way to support local businesses.

Check out the Omaha Symphony: This professional orchestra, which is based in Omaha, performs a variety of classical and popular music. Attending a symphony concert is a great way to experience the city's thriving arts scene.

These are just a few of the many things to do in Omaha. Whether you're interested in the arts, nature, or just exploring the city, Omaha has something for everyone.

Frequently asked questions about Omaha:

What is the population of Omaha?
As of 2021, the population of Omaha was estimated to be around 487,300 people (The Greater Omaha area  is approximately 1.3 million).

Is Omaha a safe city?
Omaha is generally considered to be a safe city. However, as with any city, it's always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Is Omaha a good place to live?
Many people enjoy living in Omaha due to its affordable cost of living, strong economy, and abundance of cultural and recreational activities. Omaha is also home to a number of Fortune 500 companies, making it a good place for job seekers.

Is Omaha a good place to visit?
Yes, Omaha is a great place to visit! It has a rich history and culture, and there are many interesting things to see and do in the city. Omaha is also located in a convenient location, making it easy to access from other parts of the Midwest.

What is the weather like in Omaha?
Omaha has a humid continental climate, which means it experiences hot, humid summers and cold winters. The average high temperature in the summer is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average low in the winter is around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Omaha also experiences occasional thunderstorms and blizzards, which can bring heavy rain and snow.