Omaha is, in my opinion, a great place to live and a great place to visit. And no season is packed with more things to do than summer. I’ve gathered a list all the great things to do in Omaha this summer, including top places to go, things to do, and water activities that will help you stay cool in Omaha.
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UPDATED: This post was first published in 2019 and was updated in March 2024 with current event dates, exhibits information, and more.
Summer in Omaha unofficially starts over Memorial Day Weekend and runs through Labor Day Weekend. Will it feel like summer earlier? Yes, probably. Will it feel like summer later in September. Also yes.
Water activities in Omaha
1. Bumper boats
The only place you can find bumper boats is Fun Plex. Fun Plex typically opens for the season in late May.
2. Float Trips
You’ve heard of tubing, sure, but we also tank in Nebraska. Tube and tanking trips can be organized through Tank ‘N’ Tube River Rides, launching from Rawhide Creek Ranch at 4647 N. 230th Street, Elkhorn, Neb., and Elkhorn Outfitters, launching from Elkhorn Shores, 23301 W. Maple Road, Elkhorn, Neb. Float trips for both are on the Elkhorn River.
3. Inflatable water obstacle course
Just outside of southwest Omaha is Louisville State Recreation Area, which opened an inflatable obstacle course on one of its lakes in 2018. Climbing on the course is an additional fee from the daily park entry pass, and there is a time limit.
Next to the inflatable course is a nice, small sandy beach. The last time I was there, it was pretty busy with plenty of kids in the water and families dotting the shore. You’ll want to bring your own seating.
4. Paddling
You can kayaks classes through Neighborhood Offshore and Omaha Parks and Rec. For rentals, you can rent kayaks and canoes at Lake Manawa Beach (located inside Lake Manawa State Park in Council Bluffs, Iowa), and Neighborhood Offshore.
5. Paddle boats
Two state parks have paddle boat rentals by the half-hour: Mahoney State Park and Platte River State Park. Before going to either park, check out these guides: Mahoney State Park Guide and Platte River State Park Guide.
6. Public pools
Omaha parks has several outdoor pools – Gallagher Leisure, Miller Water Park, Camelot Traditional, Elkhorn Traditional, Lee Valley Traditional, Roanoke Traditional, Elmwood Leisure, Hanscom Leisure, Hitchcock Traditional, Karen Traditional, Spring Lake Traditional, Cryer Traditional, Deer Ridge Leisure , Oak Heights Leisure, Zorinsky Aquatic Center (which has a slide).
***Note: The hours and Omaha pool season have been limited each year due to staffing. You’ll want to double check hours before going.
The city has three indoor pools (Montclair, Mockingbird and Common Ground). Council Bluffs has two outdoor pools, including Pirate Cove Water Park (with water slides) and Katelman Water Park. Goldfish Swim School has feature afternoon Family Swim sessions that are open to the public.
7. Spraygrounds
Omaha Parks and Recreation Departments has nine spraygrounds typically open Memorial Day to Labor Day, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The best part? They’re free. Find them at: Benson Park, Fontenelle Park, Kountze Park, Orchard Park, Seymour Smith Park, Upland, Morton, and Westwood Heights. The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge Plaza is closed due to construction.
You’ll have to pay admission to Omaha’s zoo for this next sprayground, but it is, hands down, the coolest of them all: Alaskan Adventures. On the busiest of summer days, there may be a wait to get into it.
Other spraygrounds can be found at: Council Bluffs’ Bayliss Park and Fairmount Park, Shadow Lake Towne Center in Papillion, First National Bank Tower in downtown Omaha (more of a fountain you can play in), and Omaha Children’s Museum.
Located a few miles south of Omaha, Platte River State Park has a two-level spray ground (minimal entrance fee to the sprayground, but you also need a state park permit).
8. Standup Paddleboard (SUP)
You can rent SUP equipment or take classes through Neighborhood Offshore.
9. Beaches
Yes, there are beaches near Omaha. Granted they’re small sandy lakes, but we can’t be picky. The closest ones are:
- Lake Manawa State Park in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The closest beach on this list. You’ll need to pay to access the beach (and non-Iowa residents are supposed to pay an additional $5 park fee, as well). Kids under 2 are admitted for free to the beach. You’ll want to bring chairs and an umbrella, as it’s not the most shaded place.
- Louisville State Recreation Area. This is a popular spot, but also not very large.
- Two River State Recreation Area near Waterloo, Neb. The Two River’s beach is at a sand pit lake, so the water is very murky.
- Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area. There is more than one beach to choose from. Pack a picnic, bring some chairs and get comfy. There are plenty of spots with picnic tables near the waterfront. There is a lakeside restaurant and bar if you don’t fill like grilling or unpacking that picnic.
- Branched Oak State Recreation Area near Raymond, Neb. (the furthest on this list). This lake is larger than you’d expect, and with the watercraft on it, there are mini waves. The sand at this shore is not the most comfortable to sit on, so definitely pack a chair and a blanket to rest your feet on.
10. Camping
There are plenty of options for camping near Omaha, including those who prefer tent camping, RV camping, and glamping. You should also look at the spots offered through Tentrr and Campspot.
Omaha Attractions That Are Great In The Summer
You may have to brave summer vacation crowds at the following attractions, but I think it’s worth it. A good rule of thumb is to get there first thing in the morning, or at the end very of business hours. Here’s what some Omaha attractions, museums and landmarks has planned for the summer:
11. The Bob
The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge spans the Missouri River and it goes by the name “Bob” or, “The Bob.” Crossing it is “Bobbing.” We usually ride our bikes across it, as there are trails on both sides of the river. Be sure to take a picture straddling the state line for Iowa and Nebraska – it’s right in the middle of the bridge.
12. Do Space
Head to Do Space for hands-on tech activities for kids. Check out kits to play with robots and try new games. Adults may use the computers, all the available software, and 3D printer (there’s a fee for materials). Best of all – it’s FREE! ** Do Space has relocated to Omaha Public Library Milton R. Abrahams Branch, 5111 N. 90th St.
13. The Durham Museum
Expect The Durham Museum to usually has a busy summer since they open awesome traveling exhibits typically. The Durham Museum is a great place to spend the afternoon, crowds withstanding, since it’s so spacious and air-conditioned. If your kids love trains, this is the place to be.
There’s a big summer exhibit each year at The Durham Museum. In 2024, the exhibit that opens on June 22 is “Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall.”
14. Joslyn Art Museum**
**Note:Joslyn Art Museum will closed to the public starting in for massive renovations through early September 2024.***
Joslyn Art Museum is my go-to for a calming experience indoors. When I’m with my kids, we head to Art Works or check out an activity backpack and do all the activities. When we’re done, we head out to the water sculpture in front, where kids (and adults) can splash in. The outdoor sculpture garden is nice to explore, as well.
15. Lauritzen Gardens
Lauritzen Gardens is a colorful and serene place to visit in the summer. The kids’ favorite garden is open (the model train garden), for one thing. If it’s extremely hot, the conservatory is a refreshing place to explore, especially the more temperate room with the water feature.
16. Lewis & Clark National Park Head Quarters
At the base of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is the small building for the Lewis & Clark National Park Head Quarters. Inside, you’ll find a gallery of hands-on activities created for families (and adults who are kids-at-heart). A ranger may be available to talk about the artifacts and animal pelts on display.
When we visited the national park headquarters, the kids played dress up, learned about the animals Lewis & Clark encountered, and tried writing with a quill.
17. Old Market
The charming few blocks of brick road in the Old Market is worth a stroll when the weather’s right. Check out this post about free things to do in the Old Market. There are dozens of restaurants to choose from in the Old Market.
18. Omaha Children’s Museum
Each summer, the museum has two temporary exhibits that make a visit exciting even for regular. This place is best for kids under 10. Don’t miss building something in the Tinker Studio. Before you go, check out these insider tips for OCM.
19. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
Some of the zoo’s best attractions for kids are open in the summer, including Alaskan Adventure (a huge spray ground) and Children’s Adventure Trails. The zoo’s other seasonal activities, from Stingray Beach and Skyfari, are in full swing in the summer, too. Don’t miss the new Sea Lion Shores exhibit!
20. Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
Technically, it’s not in Omaha, but don’t overlook an afternoon at Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland, Neb. If your kid loves planes (or you do), it’s worth exploring. There’s also an educational kid’s area to check out.
21. Union Pacific Railroad Museum
Another one that’s not technically in Omaha, but close enough. The Union Pacific Railroad Museum in downtown Council Bluffs, Iowa, is a FREE museum, so if you have a train-loving kid, it’s a no-brainer place to visit.
22. Water parks & aquatic centers
If you’re looking for water slides, there are just a handful of water parks/aquatic centers to add to your list. Fun Plex is Omaha’s largest water park, and the closest we get to having a theme park with rides. It has a wave pool, slides, and a large water feature, as well as a small rollercoaster, go carts, and rides.
Tip: Fun Plex opened two new water slides in the summer of 2022.
Zorinski Park is a city park pool that has water slides. At Mahoney State Park in Ashland, Neb., is a great aquatic center with a regular pool, wave pool, slides and a sprayground. Kroc Center in South Omaha has an indoor aquatic park with slides, a little lazy river, and zero-depth entry pool.
Related post: 20+ Outdoor waterparks near Omaha!
23. Omaha RiverFront
Just north of the Old Market in Downtown Omaha is the redesigned Omaha RiverFront, featuring Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park, and the Lewis & Clark Landing. There are awesome modern playgrounds, Skating Ribbon, an amphitheater for performances, a dog park, little splash area, and a ton of daily FREE activities held this summer.
24. Kiewit Luminarium
You can’t miss the building next to Lewis & Clark Landing’s playground — it’s the Kiewit Luminarium, a wonderful science center-meets-creative lab. It’s full of hands-on activities, and even a climbing area for younger kids.
Things To Do At Parks Near Omaha
24. Fishing
A few of the best options are in state parks just outside of Omaha. Our favorite is Platte River State Park, where if you time it right, your kids can get some pointers from a park ranger.
25. FootGolf
It’s soccer. It’s golf. It’s FootGolf. Find FootGolf courses at Elkhorn Ridge Golf Course in Elkhorn, Neb.
26. Hiking
Hummel Park has a few trails, some for moderate skill levels. The park has a hiking club that heads out on the first Saturday of the month. The nature center is great, too. I have several favorite trails, though, so check out these seven other easy hiking trails near Omaha.
27. Playgrounds
Hummel Park has the most unique slides you’ll find in the area, but they’re for slightly older kids. Looking for a sand-free playground? Head to Stinson Park at Aksarben Village. For a large, wooden playground, check Dream Playground at Lake Manawa State Park in Council Bluffs, Iowa. One of my kids’ new favorites is the playground at Platte River State Park (there’s even a kid’s zipline).
And as mentioned earlier, the playgrounds at Gene Leahy Mall and Lewis & Clark Landing in downtown Omaha are great. For more park ideas, read about the 8 Great Parks In Omaha.
28. Trail Rides
Guided horseback rides are available at state parks like Mahoney State Park and Platte River State Park. There are age and weight limitations and they differ per park. Mahoney also has pony rides for younger kids. Rides are seasonally offered. For more trail rides options, check out this list of horse trail rides near Omaha (and camps, and lessons, and…etc.)
29. Waterfall
There is only one natural waterfall near Omaha, and it’s located just off a trail at Platte River State Park. It’s not large, by any means, but it’s a favorite of mine and it’s an easy hike for kids. The water is shallow, so you can walk in the water around it to cool off.
30. Zip line & ropes courses
There are two places to zip line in Nebraska and it’s near Omaha. Go Ape has a zip line course at Mahoney State Park in Ashland, Neb, TreeRush Adventure Park with two courses (one being great for kids ages 4-6) at Fontenelle Forest.
Things To Do Indoors In Omaha When It’s Too Hot
When the temperature hits 90 or hotter, I start looking for things to do indoors. Here are some fun indoor places to visit on hot summer days:
31. Indoor activity centers
Rather than call them what they are, kid-sized hamster climbing tubes, we’ll call these things indoor play areas. You’ll find awesome ones at the Kroc Center in South Omaha, Mahoney State Park’s Activity Center, and at a few fast food restaurants around Omaha, especially Chik-fil-A.
32. Archery Games
I tried out Archery Games with friends, and it’s a workout…but a fun one! Figuring out a bow and arrow in the archery arena may frustrate younger kids, but older kids may get the hang of it pretty easily.
33. Axe throwing
This is a fun thing to do with a group, older children or as a couple. Some places, like Axe Games, allow younger kids to throw if they’re supervised, but let them know ahead of time that you’re bringing a kid. Other places to look into include Flying Timber Axe Throwing and Craft Axe Throwing.
34. Bowling
Bowling alleys in Omaha include Maplewood Lanes, West Lanes Bowling Center, Bowlero, Papio Bowl, Chops Bowling Alley, and Western Bowl. Some are straight forward bowling allies; others offer additional activities like laser tag.
Tip: If your family regularly bowls, be sure to sign them up for the Kids Bowl Free program.
35. Cheap movie series
Two cinemas I keep an eye are Film Streams and Marcus Theaters. Film Streams‘ Forever Young Family & Children’s Series is high quality new films or films from our childhood, and tickets are only $5 for the series! These are screened at the Dundee location of Film Streams.
There are three locations of Marcus Theaters in the metro area that usually run the low-price kids’ movie series. The locations that run these films usually are at Village Pointe, Majestic and Twin Creek.
36. Climbing Walls
Mahoney State Park has a climbing wall and a bouldering wall at the park’s Activity Center (must pay state park admission fee, as well as fee for climbing). Approach Climbing Gym is another option for the public. UNO also has a climbing wall and it’s free for UNO students, and pretty inexpensive for non-students (kids must be at least 5 years old). One of the newest indoor climbing wall places is MW Climbing.
37. Crafting
I’m a fan of The Makery, which is more of a drop-in create experience. We went there for a TAGG event and loved that with the TAGG program, The Makery will donate a portion of proceeds from any project you make there. Also check out It’s Yours Pottery in West Omaha.
38. Entertainment centers
These entertainment centers cater to different ages. For arcade games, laser tag, and other activities that may appeal to older children and adults, go to the Amazing Pizza Machine, The MARK and Dave & Buster’s. The city’s newest entertainment centers is Spare Time. For families with younger kids, there is a Chuck E. Cheese in Midtown Omaha.
39. Escape rooms
Escape rooms in Omaha include Get Out Omaha, House of Conundrum, The Escape Omaha, Entrap Games, and Locked Room Omaha. Escape rooms, generally, are better for older kids or going there with a group of your friends. Younger kids will like the occasional escape rooms held at the Millard branch of the Omaha Public Library branches (check the calendar for when these one-day programs are held).
40. Gyms for kids
More for younger kids, gyms are popping up everywhere to give kids a chance to run, tumble, and climb safely. Gyms with public play hours include GO! Kids Gym (UPDATE: Business will close after April 28, 2024), KIDS body shop, and PE 101 Kids Gym. Premier Gymnastics’ open gym will appeal to older kids, especially those training in gymnastics, tumbling or parkour. You don’t have to be a member to go to the open gym.
41. Mini golf/putt putt
Like the idea of playing putt putt around a pirate ship or dinosaurs? Omaha has several indoor putting options, including the very popular The Fat Putter in downtown Omaha. See the full list of Omaha area places to putt putt indoors (and outdoors).
42. Trampoline parks & other places to jump
For trampoline parks, Omaha has three places to go to in Omaha: Sky Zone Trampoline Park, Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park and Altitude Trampoline Park. Urban Air is the more expensive option for trampoline parks, but it also has an indoor ropes course and a ninja course (as well as a large play area). The Hub in Council Bluffs is another indoor trampoline park option. BounceU is a large, indoor bounce house center. You’ll have to sign wavers before playing at any of these places.
43. Cuddle cats
Yes, cuddle cats. You can book a time at Felius Cat Cafe to mingle with their adoptable cats.
Biggest Events & Exhibits In Omaha This Summer
44. College World Series
This kind of goes without saying, right? For a few weeks every June, Omaha attracts thousands for the NCAA Men’s College World Series. Beyond the games, there’s the Opening Day Celebration, Fan Fest, a fun run, live music and so much more.
45. Drive-In Movie Series
The Omaha area has two options for drive-in movies now, both starting up their series in mid-May. Falconwood Park is located in Bellevue, Neb. and Quasar Drive-In is in Valley, Neb. Falconwood Park has announced several FREE movies for the summer.
46. Free outdoor concerts
Every weekend (and many weekdays), you’ll find a free outdoor concert. Some of my favorites series include Jazz on the Green at Midtown Crossing and the Saturday concerts at Stinson Park. Here are some more free shows around Omaha, separated by neighborhood:
- Midtown: Rockbrook Village Friday Night Concert Series (Fridays, FREE; fireworks on the final night)
- West Omaha & westward: Live on the Lawn at Zorinsky Lake
- South: Music & Memories Concert Series at Shadow Lake Towne Center (Fridays, FREE)
47. Nebraska Passport stops
Start collecting stamps for the Nebraska Passport right here in Omaha – there are usually a few stops. The program runs from May to October each year. This is a great way to discover hidden gems.
48. Games at Werner Park
Attending an Omaha Storm Chasers game is more than just watching a game of baseball. The season starts in early May. For kids, Werner Park has a play zone and a mini golf area. More recently, Union Omaha started having their soccer games at Werner Park, as well.
49. Summer festivals
Every weekend seems to have competing festivals to attend. For a fuller list of festivals by month, click
Here are some of the big ones to know about:
Downtown: Santa Lucia Festival (July); Omaha Fashion Week (August)
Midtown: Omaha Summer Arts Festival (June); Maha Music Festival (July)
West Omaha & westward: Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival (August)
Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend are their own special kind of weekend in Omaha, too!
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Want to stay at one of my favorite hotels in Omaha? Check out the following:
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Teresa | Happymomhacks
Friday 28th of June 2019
Love the section on water activities with the kids. Perfect list for summer. The float trip sounds like so much fun!