If you’re looking for ways to get outside with your family this summer in Omaha, we’ve rounded up some of the best family-friendly activities around town. Whether you want to keep it low-key with a trip to Lauritzen Gardens or you want to play hard all day at Fun-Plex, there’s an array of options when it comes to outdoor recreation around the Omaha area.
Explore What’s in Bloom at Lauritzen Gardens
Where? 100 Bancroft Street
Check out the variety of family-friendly programs offered at Lauritzen Gardens, including Lil’ Sprouts and family workshops. The gardens provide a variety of landscape features and natural areas which create a habitat for various wildlife species — so keep your eyes peeled for critters. The bird life in particular is diverse, with over 100 species of birds being observed at the gardens throughout the years. After your garden exploration, swing by the ConAgra Café or J’s Coffee for a quick bite to eat or an afternoon pick-me-up. Plants in bloom will depend on the season, with current highlights including roses, hollyhocks, spiny bear’s breeches, and numerous wildflowers. Tickets to Lauritzen Gardens can be purchased in advance online, with nonmember adult tickets being set at $15 and children’s tickets set at $9 for ages 3 through 12.
Explore the Trails of Fontenelle Forest
Where? 111 North Bellevue Boulevard
Escape city life for a few hours and enjoy the quiet solitude that can only be found in nature. Tackle the one-mile Cottonwood trail, where you can sometimes spot beaver activity or the wheelchair-accessible Gifford Memorial Boardwalk trail that leads hikers from the wetlands to the Great Marsh, ending at a two-story observation blind. The nature center is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and the Raptor Woodland Refuge is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. All trails are open from sunrise to sunset and parking is free. Pups are not allowed on any forest property, so Fido will have to sit out this outdoor adventure. General admission to the forest begins at $9 for kiddos ages 2 to 17 and $15 for adults. If you’re a member, admission is always free!
Practice Your Kick Flip at Roberts Skate Park
Where? 730 North 78th Street
Roberts Skate Park is Omaha’s largest skate park, boasting 14,000 square feet of space to practice your tricks. This is the city’s first designated skating area located inside a city park. Both skateboarders and in-line skaters are welcome and the design of the course includes something for all skill levels, all the way from beginners to pros. Features such as ramps, stairs, quarter pipes, a grinding block, and a fun box that transitions into a snake run will keep kiddos busy for hours. Rules are posted at the park, so make sure to wear a helmet and skate at your own risk! The park is open during daylight hours only.
Hone Your Pickleball Skills at the Bemis Park Courts
Where? 3401 Lincoln Boulevard
Pickleball is a game that can be played by both the young and old, as well as everyone in between. Kids will love that the rules are easy to learn and that they get to burn off some energy outside. Bemis Park features two outdoor hard courts. Players will need to create their own lines and the courts can be reserved in advance with a court permit that costs $5 per hour from April 1st through October 31st. Make sure to bring your receipt, as your proof of permit will be used to place you ahead of walk-on players. Portable nets are available. Other outdoor courts that permit pickleball include Roanoke Park, Cottonwood Park, Rockbrook Park, and Miller Park.
Play a Round of Footgolf at Elkhorn Ridge Golf Course
Where? 20025 Elkhorn Ridge Drive
Check out the latest sporting crave that combines components of both golf and soccer. Footgolf is sure to be a blast for the whole family. The game is traditionally played on a real golf course, with a size 5 soccer ball and 21-inch cups. Normal golf rules are in place, so you’re already a step ahead if you’re an avid golfer. Footgolf at Elkhorn Ridge is available from May to September on Sundays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Additional times may be made available for groups of 20+, which is perfect if you’re planning a birthday or family get-together. Families can bring their own soccer ball or grab a rental ball for $3. No cleats are allowed on the grounds and kicking or running on the green is prohibited.
Visit the Animals at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Where? 3701 South 10th Street
If you haven’t made time to visit the Omaha Zoo yet, what are you waiting for? The zoo was voted #1 in the nation, so come check out over 160 acres of plants, animals, and habitats from around the world. Exhibits include the Asian Highlands, where you’ll find red pandas, sloth bears, and the Amur tiger habitat. In the Lied Jungle, keep an eye out for waterfalls, swinging gibbons, and pygmy hippos! Additional attractions at the zoo include the giant screen theater, a carousel, the stingray beach, and giraffe encounters. There’s even an Alaskan Adventure splash ground with spraying features that make for a great pitstop on a hot afternoon. General zoo admission during the summer months is priced at $24.95 for kiddos ages 3 to 11 and $31.95 for ages 12 and up. Children 2 and under get in free!
Cool Off at the Floating Playground at Louisville State Recreation Area
Where? 10 Main Street
Kiddos of all ages will love the unique challenge of the floating playground. This water playscape features a climbing wall, a dome, monkey bars, and more. Participants must be at least 6 years old and know how to swim before they enjoy the course. Lifeguards are on duty as well. The playground is open seasonally from mid to late May and into August. Play sessions are batched in 90-minute groups, scheduled for 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM. All sessions are weather-dependent, so keep an eye on the forecast before you head out. You can pick up tickets in person at the kiosk near the playground. Ages 13 and up are priced at $18 and children ages 12 and under are priced at $13. Admission costs include the rental of a required lifejacket.
Enjoy Fresh Goodies at the Omaha Farmers Market
Where? 11th & Jackson Streets
A trip to the farmers market can be just as exciting for little ones as it is to adults. With so many fresh, colorful fruits and veggies on display and homemade goods to sample — an afternoon at the market can be both educational and fun. To embrace the outdoors even more on this outing, consider riding bikes to the Omaha Farmers Market! If you don’t have your own set of wheels, Omaha B-Cycle rents out bikes. The Aksarben Village Market also has a free bike valet for additional convenience. Pets are welcome to tag along as well. Support local and enjoy an array of homemade baked goods, snacks, breakfast burritos, and more.
Chase Waterfalls at Platte River State Park
Where? 14421 346th Street
Platte River State Park makes for a great day trip adventure from Omaha. Pack up a picnic and load the car up with your necessities before you head out to the park and embark on the Waterfall Trail. There are restrooms near the parking lot for any last-minute business. Families will enjoy the picturesque trail, featuring plenty of trees and shade for hotter days. You can hear the water trickling as you walk, as well as spot local wildlife such as deer! Even once you pass the main waterfall, there are smaller ones along the rest of the trail. Kiddos will have plenty of rocks to hop across and even a bridge to traverse. The state park also has a spray park, as well as two observation towers that allow for an expansive view of the Platte River Basin.
Have a Blast at the Fun-Plex Waterpark
Where? 7003 Q Street
Fun-Plex is well known as being Nebraska’s premier destination for all things summer and fun. As the largest waterpark in the state, Omaha residents have easy access to endless water activities. Rides and attractions include the double trouble drop slides, rockin’ rapids, typhoon falls, the lazzzy river, and the motion ocean wave pool. There’s something for everyone, even if you’re not a fan of thrill rides! Food and drink options are plentiful, including chicken strips, cheeseburgers, pizza, funnel cakes, and of course — ice cream! Aside from water activities, there is also a ride park that will keep you firmly on solid ground. New for the 2024 season is Wipeout! Test your family’s stomachs on this dizzying adventure. Other rides include the go-karts, tilt-a-whirl, Ferris wheel, and the carousel. The littlest members of the family will enjoy the kiddie options, such as the race-go-round and the Fun-Plex Express.
Drive Through the Wildlife Safari Park
Where? 16406 292nd Street
This safari park has been voted top in the nation, so embark on this thrilling summer outdoor adventure that spans four miles in Ashland. Experience North American wildlife up close and personal from the comfort of your vehicle! There will be an opportunity to stretch your legs on the various trails and overlooks where you can spot elk, bears, wolves, and bison. Check out the Eagle Aviary as well, where you’ll see bald eagles and whooping cranes. Admission prices are set at $10 for kiddos ages 3 to 11 and $12 for adults (ages 12 and up). Seniors and military members receive a discounted rate. You may even want to consider a combo membership to the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and Wildlife Safari Park for endless summer excursions!
Float Down the Elkhorn River with Tubing & Adventures
Where? 25205 Harrison Street
Head over to nearby Waterloo to enjoy your river excursion with Tubing and Adventures. As one of the area’s best outfitters for all your Elkhorn River adventures, your family is sure to have a blast on the water while staying safe and ensuring that the environment is respected. This one-stop-shop provides tubing, kayaking, and camping gear. Take the family on a float down 7 scenic miles of the Elkhorn River, which takes around 3.5 to 6 hours by tube or 2 to 3 hours in a kayak. Tubing & Adventures even provides buses to transport you upstream to the drop-off location. Families can use the checklist to ensure they have everything they need in order to have a successful summer afternoon, including sunscreen, water shoes, snacks, towels, water, and a dry bag for their cell phones and electronics.
Take a Jaunt Across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
Where? 705 Riverfront Drive
If you’re looking for a family-friendly and budget-friendly outdoor adventure, a trip to the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is perfect! Enjoy this 3,000-foot-long walkway that stretches across the Missouri River. Kiddos will get a kick out of being able to stand in two states at once as they travel from Nebraska to Iowa. Continue the fun by exploring the 3-acre Omaha Plaza, which features an interactive water jet fountain. The Bob Kerrey Bridge is also connected to over 150 miles of nature trails, so feel free to walk or bike around to your heart’s content. Make sure to say “hi” to OMAR the blue troll who hangs out under the pedestrian bridge.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors This Summer in Omaha!
With so many ways to get outside, what are you waiting for? The family will love outdoor adventures such as hiking in Platte River State Park or playing pickleball on a local court. Try new sports, activities, and locations this summer while you take full advantage of the warm weather.