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28 Best & Fun Things To Do In Omaha (Nebraska)

Omaha, Nebraska is one of the hippest and most exciting cities in all of the midwest.

It has a great deal of appeal for all kinds of demographics, from families looking for wholesome entertainment to young people looking to have the time of their life.

We’ve compiled an awesome list of the best and fun things to do in Omaha, Nebraska just for you!

1. Omaha Craft Brewery Tour

Omaha Craft Brewery Tour

Henny van Roomen / Shutterstock

Beer drinkers will have a great time in Omaha.

One of the top things to do in Omaha is to go on the Omaha craft brewery tour.

You’ll see nine different breweries and enjoy the distinct flavors of each one.

Instead of mass-marketed beers that have nothing going for them except a low price, these Omaha breweries provide originality and versatility.

You can add to the fun by listening closely to the guides and uncovering more about the brewing process.

If you’re looking for what to do in Omaha, you should definitely come on the Omaha craft brewery tour.

By the time you finish, you should have a whole new appreciation for beer.

This is definitely one of the best Omaha activities for beer fans.

2. Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

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A great bridge can be one of the finest parts of a city.

Omaha, Nebraska has the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.

If you’re looking for excellent free things to do in Omaha, you should take a stroll on the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.

You’re not limited to walking over this bridge, which goes over the Missouri River.

You can also run or even ride a bike.

You can also have fun exploring Omaha Plaza, located by the bridge.

The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is several thousand feet long, and every inch is wonderful.

It’s one of the top ways to experience Omaha, Nebraska.

Free activities like exploring this bridge show you some of the best qualities of an amazing city.

Address: 705 Riverfront Dr, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

3. Joslyn Art Museum

Joslyn Art Museum

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Omaha, Nebraska isn’t a city that just recently started having an arts scene.

One of the top art institutions in the region is the Joslyn Art Museum, which is nearly 90 years old.

It has continued to expand and grow in both size and reputation.

The thousands of pieces in this museum include ones that are centuries old at least.

You can see work from the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

They also host great temporary exhibitions, such as “Everyday People: The Art of James E. Ransome.”

Going to the Joslyn Art Museum is one of the best ways to experience culture in Omaha, Nebraska.

The museum is open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

General admission is free.

Address: 2200 Dodge St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

4. Dundee

You’re not likely to encounter any crocodiles in this Omaha, Nebraska neighborhood, but you will encounter plenty of great attractions.

This is one of the best places to go to in Omaha for fun activities.

It’s especially great to come to if you have a voracious appetite.

The food in Dundee is the kind that will have you licking your lips as you scan through the menus.

You can have a satisfying southern meal at Kith & Kin Southern Kitchen or some upscale Italian at Avoli Osteria.

There are also some fantastic shopping opportunities at places like Spruce Interiors & Gifts and Hello Holiday.

Coming to Dundee is one of the most fun things to do in Omaha.

You can have a very romantic time having a delicious meal and shopping for cool things with your partner.

It can feel wonderful to just walk around such a great neighborhood.

5. Malcolm X Birthsite

Malcolm X Memorial Foundation

Malcolm X Memorial Foundation

You might not know that Malcolm X, one of the most influential civil rights leaders in American history, was born in Omaha, Nebraska.

You can show your respect for this icon by visiting his birthplace.

Located in the city’s north, this is one of the most important places to visit for those who care about history.

Sadly, the home where Malcolm X was born isn’t around today.

But the land it resided on is still well-kept.

There’s also an impressive monument to label the site and give information about Malcolm X.

Going to the Malcolm X birthplace is free but there’s a lot of value in the experience.

It can help you to understand an icon’s origin story.

When you come to this site, you’ll understand more how important Omaha’s role in history is.

Address: 3448 Evans St, Omaha, NE 68111, USA

6. Old Market

Omaha Old Market

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If you’re looking for what to do while in Omaha, Nebraska that won’t have anyone in your group feeling left out, you should come to the Old Market.

No matter what your interests are or what your age is, you’ll have an excellent time in the Old Market.

It’s become one of the best tourist attractions in Nebraska.

Appropriate for its name, there’s lots of shopping to be done in The Old Market.

It includes, but isn’t limited to, fashion and accessories.

You can also see some of the top bookstores in the midwest.

Museum enthusiasts will also love checking out places like The Durham Museum and Omaha Children’s Museum.

Additionally, if you love live entertainment, there are amazing venues, such as the Orpheum Theater.

Going to The Old Market is one of the best ways to spend time in Omaha.

It’s full of entertainment and activities that show how great this city is.

Some of the greatest things to see in Omaha are at The Old Market.

Address: 1100 Howard St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

7. The Durham Museum

If you’re looking for interesting stuff to do in Omaha, you need to come to The Durham Museum.

This is a great place to see how well Omaha preserves the past.

This is another one of the best Omaha attractions for the historically curious.

Some of the top parts of The Durham Museum’s permanent collection include “Baright Home and Family Gallery,” which includes a replica of a “Worker’s Cottage”.

Also, “The Byron Reed Collection” which contains some amazing artifacts from centuries past, including coins and medals.

There are also lots of great temporary exhibits.

If you’re looking for things to do in Omaha this weekend, you could check out “Sound the Alarm: The Making of the Omaha Fire Department.

The Durham Museum is one of the top points of interest in Omaha, Nebraska.

This museum is open on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 1 8 p.m., Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is $11 for adults, $8 for seniors (age 62 and up), and $7 for children (age 3 to 12). Children two and younger get in for free.

Address: 801 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68108, USA

8. Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

When you want to see art that really pushes the envelope in Omaha, Nebraska, you need to come to the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts.

The curators of this institution make sure to bring in artists and pieces that are going to take you out of your comfort zone.

This could be considered one of the top 10 places to see art in Nebraska.

Some of the exhibitions that have been at the Bemis Center include “I let them in. Conditional Hospitality and The Stranger” and “Sick Time, Sleepy Time, Crip Time: Against Capitalism’s Temporal Bullying.”

These are such great attractions because of how they inspire conversation.

You can really see how much importance topics like welcoming migrants are.

Going to the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is one of the top activities in Omaha, Nebraska.

You’ll get to see an array of beautiful and thought-provoking exhibitions.

It’s open on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Address: 724 S 12th St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

9. Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

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The fact that some of the best cities in the country have some of the best zoos is no coincidence.

In Omaha, Nebraska, you can visit the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.

This is a haven not only for the animals, who are remarkably well-cared-for, but also the visitors like you.

Between the zoo and the aquarium, you can see so many amazing species.

These include cheetahs, pygmy goats, sea lions, and sharks.

There are also plenty of great “Visitor Experiences,” such as feeding giraffes and getting a piece made for you by one of the “animal artists.”

One of the best travel hacks for your trip to Omaha, Nebraska is to come to the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.

It’s open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April 1 to October 31 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from November 1 to March 31.

Admission varies based on time of year, but it’s always free for children two and younger.

Address: 3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68107, USA

10. Lauritzen Gardens

Lauritzen Gardens

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One of the most romantic things to do in Omaha is to come to the Lauritzen Gardens.

There are so many amazing gardens here, and your favorite one might change constantly as you explore the whole area.

This is an extraordinarily fun time for visitors of all ages.

Some of the attractions that make up the Lauritzen Gardens include the Conversation Discovery Garden, the Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary, and Garden of Memories.

Your kids will be sure to love the Children’s Garden.

You can also take a relaxing tram ride as you tour the Lauritzen Gardens.

Lauritzen Gardens is one of the top places to visit in Omaha, Nebraska.

It’s typically open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children age six to 12.

Children under six get in for free.

Address: 100 Bancroft St, Omaha, NE 68108, USA

11. Roberts Skate Park

For many skaters, skateboards aren’t just a way to get around or show off some cool tricks.

Instead, it’s a way of life that lets them feel truly free.

If this describes you, then you definitely need to come to Roberts Skate Park when you’re in Omaha, Nebraska.

This concrete park is a skater’s dream.

There are quarter pipes and ramps that let you show off your skills.

You can also make good use of stairs.

Even if you’re a fairly novice skater, you’ll be able to have fun at Roberts Skate Park.

Whether you’re bringing a skateboard or in-line skates, you can have an awesome time at Roberts Skate Park.

This is also a great way to network with the Omaha skating community.

Roberts Skate Park is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Address: 730 N 78th St, Omaha, NE 68114, USA

12. Omaha Children’s Museum

Omaha Children's Museum

Omaha Children’s Museum

If you’re looking for great places to visit in downtown Omaha, you need to come to the Omaha Children’s Museum.

This isn’t just a place for kids to run around while adults are bored.

You can be just as engaged as your children are as you check out all the neat areas of this museum.

In the museum’s permanent collection are endlessly fun places like “Zooland,” “Imagination Playground,” and the “Charlie Campbell Science Center.”

You might also come for special events such as “Tinkerfest” and “Bob’s Construction Night” with Bob the Builder.

Going to the Omaha Children’s Museum is a phenomenal experience no matter your age.

Museum hours vary based on the season.

Admission is $13 for adults and children and $12 for seniors, age 60 and up.

Children younger than two get in for free.

Address: 500 S 20th St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

13. Wildlife Safari Park

Families who are looking to spend some quality time in Omaha, Nebraska love coming to the Wildlife Safari Park.

You’ll see what it’s like to be on safari as you drive through the park and look at all the gorgeous animals.

Coming to the Wildlife Safari Park is one of the greatest parts of sightseeing in Omaha.

At this park, you’ll be near some of the most fantastic species around.

These include bald eagles, prairie dogs, pelicans, and elk.

It’s one of the most ideal places to visit after you’ve been to the zoo.

Visiting the Wildlife Safari Park is one of the most fun things to do in Omaha.

The park is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is $7.50 for adults, $5.50 for children, age 3 to 11, and $6.50 for seniors.

Address: 16406 292nd St, Ashland, NE 68003, USA

14. Molecule Man

Molecule Man

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There’s lots of great art to be seen around Omaha, but the trio of “Molecule Man” sculptures are some of the most impressive.

These are aluminum figures made to look like people, with their plates being full of holes to reflect on the molecular structure of humans.

Molecule Man Sculpture Plaza in nearby Council Bluffs, Iowa, has become of the biggest points of interest in the Omaha Metropolitan Area.

Designed by Jonathan Borofsky, this piece is focused on the theme of togetherness.

It’s heartwarming as well as impressive, as each of the pieces is 50-feet tall.

There’s also a wonderful garden on-site.

These sculptures should that there are great things around Omaha as well as in it.

If you’re looking for fun free activities, come to the Molecule Men sculptures.

It’s some of the most multidimensional artwork to be found in the midwest.

Address: Council Bluffs, IA 51501, USA

15. The OPPD Arboretum

OPPD Arboretum

OPPD Arboretum

Exploring an arboretum can feel like exploring a fantastic new planet in your own backyard.

Omaha is one of the most beautiful places in the United States because of things like The OPPD Arboretum.

It also has some very strong educational elements to it.

The OPPD Arboteum provides visitors with a lot of understanding of electrical safety and how it relates to trees and other plants.

There’s also the arboretum’s amazing horticulture and the different animals that have made a home out of the arboretum.

This is definitely one of the most soothing Omaha attractions.

The OPPD Arboretum is a lot of fun to visit, particularly if you’re into plants.

You’ll leave with a much better understanding of gardening safety.

It’s open every day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Address: 7108th and Blondo Streets, Omaha, NE 68164, USA

16. Joslyn Castle

Joslyn Castle in Omaha

Erwin Widmer / Shutterstock

One of the greatest architectural achievements in Nebraska is the Joslyn Castle, otherwise known as “Lyndhurst.”

This mansion is more than 110 years old. It is now a great place to come for tours when you’re in Omaha.

A visit to Joslyn Castle is one of the most unique sightseeing experiences you can have in Omaha.

It’s residents, George and Sarah Joslyn found wealth working in the media.

The design of their eponymous home shows that they were rich in taste as well as money.

Coming to this castle is one of the most exciting activities to do if you’re looking for things to do in Omaha this weekend.

Tours take place on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Thursday at 2 p.m., and the first and third Sunday of a month at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.

Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, age 60 and up, students, up to and including college, and military personnel.

Address: 3902 Davenport St, Omaha, NE 68131, USA

17. Alpine Inn

Alpine Inn

Alpine Inn

It might not be the most romantic dinner, but fried chicken at the Alpine Inn in Omaha is one of those treats you just have to try.

It’s some of the most delicious poultry you’ll ever come across, and you’ll be licking your fingers so that you can get every last bit down your throat.

You’ll also have some furry companions around.

Said companions are raccoons, who can be found roaming around the property.

They have no goal but to just chow down on some of your leftover bones.

That is if you haven’t already eaten it clean.

The Alpine Inn is one of the most addictive points of interest in Omaha.

If you look at the menu tonight, you’ll quickly see why it’s got such an outstanding reputation.

It’s open from Monday to Friday from 11 a.m to 1 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 1 a.m.

If you’re looking for what to do about your appetite, The Alpine Inn has plenty of answers.

Address: 10405 Calhoun Rd, Omaha, NE 68112, USA

18. Omaha Culinary Tours

Omaha Culinary Tours

Omaha Culinary Tours

Even as you’re eating some of the greatest fried chicken you’ve ever had, you’ll still want to try as many different cuisines as you can.

One of the most enjoyable tourist attractions is Omaha Culinary Tours.

You’ll sample food from some of the hottest spots in Omaha, Nebraska.

There are different kinds of tours, both in terms of food styles as well as transportation.

You can go on two different walking tours, the “Old Market Tour” and “Blackstone District Tour.”

Most of the tours, though, are bus tours.

These include the “Classic Steakhouse Tour,” the “Sweet Treats Tour” and the “Slice of Omaha Pizza Tour.”

If you’re coming to Omaha this weekend, you should go on one of the Omaha Culinary Tours.

Find a tour that sounds like it aligns with your tastebuds and book your spot right away.

Prices range from $50 to $120.

19. Freedom Park Navy Museum

Freedom Park Navy Museum

Freedom Park Navy Museum

When you want to learn but also want to get some fresh air in Omaha, Nebraska, you should come to Freedom Park Navy Museum.

This museum is outside and contains plenty of incredible military memorabilia.

Vessels used under the sea and in the air can be seen at this museum.

You can see a submarine from the Cold War as well as rocket launchers and jets.

These are incredibly strong pieces of equipment.

If you’re enthusiastic about the military, coming to Freedom Park Navy Museum can be one of the most satisfying experiences you have while visiting Omaha, Nebraska.

Coming to Freedom Park Navy Museum is a very good idea for something to do in Omaha this weekend.

Tours typically take place on weekends from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., but you’re able to schedule ones at other times if you get in touch.

There is no charge for these tours.

Address: 2497 Freedom Park Rd, Omaha, NE 68110, USA

20. Jazz on the Green

Jazz on the Green

Jazz on the Green

Jazz is one of those styles of music that can take some getting used to.

However, once you’ve fallen under its spell, it can be hard to pull away from it.

If you need to know how to plan a trip to Omaha that involves music, you need to come to Jazz on the Green.

This is an outdoor event that’s perfect for jazz devotees and those with little experience with the genre.

Jazz appreciation can grow by seeing it performed live.

You can turn this into a romantic night, snuggling up with your partner as you listen to some sultry and lively tunes.

If you’re looking for musical fun in Omaha, Nebraska, you need to come to Jazz on the Green.

These performances take place on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

Admission is free.

Address: 3110 Farnam Plz, Midtown Crossing, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

21. River City Star

River City Star

River City Star

Omaha’s sole riverboat has only been around for about a decade.

However, it makes up for lost time by being one of the most fun tourist attractions in the whole city.

It takes you down the Missouri River and possesses a whole lot of retro charm.

With a design that hearkens back to the 40s, the River City Star might make you feel like an old-fashioned movie star.

You can get a great view from the higher deck.

You can have so much fun mingling with other passengers and absorbing the beauty of the region.

River City Star is especially great to experience at night.

There are evening dinner cruises that make for very romantic affairs.

A night spent on the sea is particularly great when you’re on the River City Star.

Address: 151 Freedom Park Rd, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

22. The Centurylink Center

Centurylink Center

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CHI Health Center Omaha is where to go for entertainment in North Downtown Omaha.

You can see all kinds of awesome performances.

Coming here is what to do if you love seeing people performing at the top of their game.

Some of those are actual games, as CHI Health Center Omaha
hosts sporting matches, such as basketball games.

You can also see terrific concerts here, including musical and comedic ones.

This space also makes for an excellent convention-hosting environment.

When you’re looking for what to see for entertainment in Omaha, there’s a good chance that events at CHI Health Center Omaha will come up.

You could be one of more than 17,000 people at a sold-out event.

If you’re in North Downtown Omaha, you have to at least walk by this venue.

23. Florence Mill

Florence Mill

Florence Mill

There are lots of cool new developments in Omaha, Nebraska, but there’s an especially neat thing that’s more than 170 years old.

The Florence Mill hasn’t been in use for decades, but it’s still cared-for as a site focused on Omaha historic pride.

Today, the Florence Mill commemorates the industriousness of Omaha residents.

This mill was constructed by Mormons, towards the mid-19th century.

The mill itself has more or less vanished, but there are also great attractions to be found at the Winter Quarters Mill Museum and ArtLoft Gallery.

There’s a grain elevator, installed more than a century ago.

You can also see photos and news pieces from pioneer times.

Going to the Florence Mill is a lot of fun if you love learning about how life was for ordinary folks in the past.

This attraction is open from May 1 to October 1 from Wednesday to Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children.

Address: 9102 N 30th St, Omaha, NE 68112, USA

24. Heartland of America Park

Heartland of America Park

Nagel Photography / Shutterstock

You may be swelled with patriotic pride when you visit this downtown Omaha park.

The Heartland of America Park is one of the most fun Omaha attractions.

No matter how many parks you’ve been to in your lifetime, this could easily rank as one of the finest.

A powerful fountain is at the heart of the Heartland of America Park’s attraction.

Its water shoots several hundreds of feet in the air.

If you’re looking for things to do at night in Omaha, Nebraska, there’s a spellbinding light show that occurs at the fountain.

You can also ride a gondola or take a tour on the General Marion tour boat.

A trip to downtown Omaha is not complete without going to the Heartland of America Park.

You’ll have so much fun and enjoy so many different activities.

Address: 800 Douglas St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

25. Nebraska Crossing Outlets

Nebraska Crossing Outlets

Nebraska Crossing Outlets

Going on vacation makes for a great excuse to go shopping.

This area has a great shopping environment with the Nebraska Crossing Outlets.

There are dozens of shops here, appealing to everyone in the family.

You can have ample amounts of fun going on a shopping spree at the Nebraska Crossing Outlets, which is located near Omaha in Gretna, Nebraska.

Some of the stores you can check out include Coach Outlet, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, and Carter’s.

There’s also superb places to eat, such as Auntie Anne’s and Pieocracy.

If you’re wanting to find a fun place to spend part of a weekend around Omaha, you should come to the Nebraska Crossing Outlets.

Being near so many awesome stores is a shopper’s paradise.

This mall is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Address: 21209 Nebraska Crossing Dr, Gretna, NE 68028, USA

26. General Crook House

General Crook House

General Crook House

General George Crook is a military legend with ties to this area.

His home is a great place to visit for historical education.

When you come to the General Crook House, you can be near an institution of true Omaha legend.

This house goes back to 1879.

It has been kept in such great shape that it doesn’t show its age in a negative way.

There’s also a stunning heirloom garden on the property.

It’d be a great idea to visit the General Crook House this weekend.

It’s open from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, students, and military personnel, and $3 for children age 6 to 11.

Address: 5730 N 30th St, Omaha, NE 68111, USA

27. The Surfside Club

Surfside Club - Omaha

Surfside Club – Omaha

There’s no ocean around Omaha for you to catch waves, but The Surfside Club can offer you something just as good: a hearty meal.

With the Missouri River as a backdrop, you have the ideal environment for enjoying a dinner.

Plus, you have the excellence of the menu itself.

On this menu are items that will have you absolutely drooling.

There are double cheeseburgers, catfish, pork tenderloin, and much more.

Plus, there’s live music, Wednesday and Friday through Sunday.

The Surfside Club is the place to be if you want to have a truly scrumptious meal.

You’ll be wanting to try as much on the menu as possible.

The Surfside Club is open from Tuesday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Address: 14445 N River Dr, Omaha, NE 68112, USA

28. President Ford Birthplace

Gerald R. Ford Birthsite

Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock

Gerald Ford became President under very stressful circumstances, following the resignation of Richard Nixon.

He’s also a native son of Omaha.

You can see the late President Ford’s birthplace.

For no charge, you can see where an American leader was born.

It’s a beautiful space, which includes a rose garden, reminiscent of the White House’s famous one, dedicated to the president’s late wife, Betty.

Busts of the Fords can be viewed here.

Gerald Ford was the 38th person to receive the honor of becoming President of the United States.

His birthplace does a great job of honoring his legacy.

He may be gone, but this memorial shows he won’t be soon forgotten.

Address: 3202 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, NE 68105, USA

Start Planning Your Trip To Omaha

If you’re ever in or near the Omaha area, you can count on finding a lot of excellent things to do and top-notch hospitality.

This city was great in the past and it continues to be great today.

When you come here, you’re near all kinds of midwest greatness.