11 Awesome Omaha Parks To Visit This Summer
When the weather turns warm, we all want to get out of our house. For my money, parks are the best option for families in our city — they’re free, they’re fun, they’re plentiful. If you’re bored with your neighborhood park, here are some of my family’s favorite parks in Omaha.
UPDATED: This post was first written in 2018 and updated in March 2025 to include new parks.
Lewis & Clark Landing
Where: The RiverFront at 321 Riverfront Drive.
Why: The Discovery Playground at Lewis & Clark Landing is a large playground with equipment you can’t find anywhere else. The design is spectacular! There’s a mini zipline, slides, musical instruments, turf hills, crawly tunnels, and a water feature. And best of all, it’s enclosed by a fence and there’s only one way in and out. Restrooms and a water fountain are nearby.
Within walking distance are two more parks worth checking out. Heartland of America Park is more of a green space, though you’ll find some swings overlooking the lake. The highlight of Heartland of America Park is the Skate Ribbon, a super activity year-round.
Gene Leahy Mall is the other nearby park, with another fantastic playground (also fenced in with only one entrance/exit). Gene Leahy Mall has the iconic large slides, as well as a fun water feature for cooling off in the summer. There’s lots to explore in that area. If you’re bringing your family dog along, there’s a dog park at Gene Leahy Mall.
Sand: No (though, there is a manmade sandy beach nearby)
Benson Park & Spray Ground
Where: 7002 Military Ave.
Why: This park’s playground is outstanding — and a no-sand playground to boot. It’s great in all seasons, but especially fun in the summer when the popular splash pad is open. The small lake is nice for a stroll and fishing is allowed.
Sand: No
Elmwood Park
Where: 802 S. 60th St.
Why: This park’s playground was updated in recent years, with some nice climbing areas added to it. Elmwood is one of my favorite parks because of the open space and the trails surrounding it. Take a short walk through the woods to imagine a little escape from the city.
And if you’re so inclined, there is a fitness area right next to the playground where you can sneak in some weight-bearing exercises in while the kids play (I’m never so inclined).
Sand: Yes
Hanscom Park
Where: 3201 Woolworth Ave.
Why: Omaha’s oldest park often gets overlooked by shinier new parks. However, its playground was updated in 2017, and it’s a great one. This park also has the perk of lots of gorgeous trees, a nice little lake, a pool, and a dog park.
Sand: Yes
Hummel Park
Where: 3033 Hummel Park Road
Why: This is our favorite city park for hike! It also has the best special events (so check the city’s calendar from time to time). The playground consists of rather large metal slides. They look cool, and my kids love them, but if you’re a nervous parent, I’d stay clear until your kids are steady climbers.
Sand: No
Lawrence Youngman Park
Where: 192nd Street and West Dodge Road
Why: This lakeside park has a pretty sizeable playground, a boat ramp, and fishing is allowed. And the covered picnic area is a nice bonus.
Sand: Yes
Standing Bear Lake
Where: 6404 N. 132nd St.
Why: I like Standing Bear Lake for the lovely trail, but it recently opened new playground with a Native American theme. The good news is: It doesn’t have sand.
Sand: No
Zorinsky Lake Park
Where: 3808 S. 156th St.
Why: This is my absolute favorite park to run the trails, and they’re good for bike rides, too. The trail to the west of 168th Street is so wooded, you’ll feel removed from the city. The main playground near the boat ramp is huge and a hit with kids. An accessible playground is under construction, as well.
Sand: Yes
Great playgrounds near Omaha
If you look beyond the Omaha metro, you’ll encounter more fun parks to visit.
Dream Playground
Where: Lake Manawa State Park, Council Bluffs, Iowa
Why: Dream Playground is a large playground located in Lake Manawa State Park in Council Bluffs, Iowa, was originally designed by kids’ submissions of what the perfect playground would look like. In 2019, it reopened with an updated look and long-lasting material (no more splinters!). There are several elements that draw from Council Bluffs history. Plus, it’s just awesome. Lake Manawa State Park also has trails and a small beach.
Unlike other parks on this list, Dream Playground is in a state park that does charge an entrance fee for out-of-state visitors. It’s $5 per vehicle.
Sand: Yes
Belles’ Play Garden
Where: River’s Edge Park on the Council Bluffs’ side of the Pedestrian Bridge
Why: While on the small side, this playground is one of the cutest playgrounds I’ve encountered in recent years. Build on fall-safe flooring, the playground has a whimsical setting that includes a pelican play structure. Nearby, there’s a water feature to cool off in. There’s a huge green space for running around and kite flying, as well as paved trails that are perfect for a bike ride.
The exciting thing about River’s Edge Park is that there are a lot of plans in the works. The next park features planned include a Tree Top Walk and Adventure Tower (both scheduled to open later in 2025). Eventually, the park will add a pier and dog park.
Sand: No
Playground at Platte River State Park
Where: Louisville, Neb.
Why: While most state parks in Nebraska have some sort of playground, the playground at Platte River State Park stands out from them all. Spread out, the playground has nature- and animal-inspired climbing structures, slides, and my kids’ favorite attraction, two zip lines. The playground is easy to find inside the park, since it’s located right along the main road and near the marina. Restrooms are super close to the playground, though.
You need a daily state park permit to enter Platte River State Park.
Sand: Yes
I’d love to know your favorite parks in Omaha! Please leave a comment with your favorites.
