8 Favorite (And Easy) Hiking Trails Near Omaha
There are a lot of reasons why I take my kids hiking. It’s great exercise. It keeps the kids off screens. And we get to see more of our city and state when we look for new trails. Stumped on where to go for your next family hike? Here are a few of my family’s favorite trails to hike near Omaha to inspire your next outdoor adventure.
Heron Haven
Where: Omaha city limits
Why: Head here if you want a taste of nature but you’re short on time. This pretty wetland sanctuary in the heart of the city feels like an escape once you’re in the thick of it, but it’s not very large (so it’s great for little legs). Definitely venture to the little boardwalk over the pond. Read more about Heron Haven.
Hummel Park
Where: Omaha city limits
Why: This city park has easy to somewhat difficult trails, plus a nice visitor center (though, it’s only open during certain events). There are some interesting features on the trails, like the stairs that no one seems to agree on the number of them, plus unique slides. If you’re hiking with little ones, you may want to factor a little playtime in this unique Omaha playground.
Tip: Omaha City Parks & Recreation holds quite a few FREE activities each year that you should check out! My family has done a firefly night event and the Halloween themed one.
Fontenelle Forest
Where: Bellevue, Neb. (about a 10-mile drive south ofOmaha)
Why: Fontenelle Forest has 26 miles of trails, including an accessible boardwalk that makes it easy for wheelchairs and strollers to go deep into the woods. They also have Acorn Acres, a great children’s outdoor playscape, and the Raptor Woodland Refuge space that my kids insist we see each time we’re there. Both areas are open with some modifications.
Note: Fontenelle Forest does have a fee to enter.
Tip: While these trails have more signs posted than others, grab a map before heading out on your hike. If you have kids, consider checking out a backpack.
Hitchcock Nature Center
Where: Honey Creek, Iowa (about a 20-mile drive from Omaha)
Why: This park tucked in the Loess Hills is beautiful in any season. Fall is especially pretty at Hitchcock. You’ll find 10 miles of trails with a good mix of easy ridge lines and difficult, rugged trails, plus an accessible boardwalk. Review a map before you head out, because some trials are steeper than you would think and may be too difficult for young hikers.
The visitor center is top-notch with a lot of activities for kids that help them better understand the things they’ll see on the trails. There’s a lookout tower that kids enjoy, too. Time a visit well and participate in the Hawk Watch. Read my tips for visiting Hitchcock Nature Center every season of the year.
Note: There is a fee per vehicle to enter the park.
Tip: Check out a backpack at the visitor center. They’re free to borrow and include kid-friendly items to enhance your hike. If you’re visiting in the winter, you can check out snowshoes (they aren’t free).
Arbor Day Farms Tree Adventure
Where: Nebraska City, Neb. (about a 50-mile drive from Omaha)
Why: The South Table Creek Trail at the Tree Adventure is a favorite of my family. It has a couple bridges, some fun kids structures, and a bird sculpture-spotting game. There is a paved trail and a dirt trail at the Tree Adventure. They are not difficult to hike.
In addition to the trails, we love the outdoor education center, the treehouse, and super popular Treetop Village. Read more about the Tree Adventure.
Note: There is a fee per person to enter.
Tip: There are frequent special events held at the Tree Adventure, so check the calendar to time a fun visit. They have Halloween activities, Arbor Day activities (of course), and so much more.
Platte River State Park
Where: Louisville, Neb. (about 30-mile drive from Omaha)
Why: This is one of my family’s favorite Nebraska State Park, with a good variety of easy to difficult trails. A favorite trail that’s great for kids is very short and flat leading past a waterfall. There are definitely more difficult trails in this state park. It’s a tough call which park, Platte River or Hitchcock, have the best terrain for hikes out of this list. Read more about Platte River State Park activities.
Note: A valid state park vehicle permit is required.
Tip: Bring a map with you when exploring these trails. There aren’t a whole lot of signs out there, and you can end up taking a much longer hike than anticipated.
Schramm Park State Recreation Area
Where: Gretna, Neb. (about 30 miles from Omaha)
Why: Schramm Park used to be the “forgotten park” for me, but in 2019, I revisited it with my family and found a whole new appreciation for it. The trails are scenic, and the bridge is a memorable one. The trails aren’t very long here.
Schramm has an impressive aquarium and visitor’s center. There’s a fee to enter, but it’s a really nice facility. There’s also a nearby fossil dig site that kids will marvel at, as well as a water feature kids can wade in. One of the most recent park additions is the Treehouse Classroom. It’s usually open for a few hours on Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Note: A valid state park vehicle permit is required.
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
Where: Ashland, Neb. (about 30-mile drive from Omaha)
Why: Mahoney State Park is full of things to do, though it’s not a particularly great place for hiking. The trails that are in the park are pretty easy for kids, though. There’s a paved path around the park, too, though it’s not very shaded. One highlight for kids is the trail near the lookout tower, which leads you to an overlook where you might catch a train passing by.
Note: A valid state park vehicle permit is required.
Tip: Bring a swimsuit and cool off at the park’s amazing aquatic center after your hike. Or, keep the trail theme going and go on a horseback ride at Mahoney.
More places for hiking near Omaha
Want MORE ideas for nearby hikes? Read 35+ places to hike near Omaha or dive into a few trails in the Loess Hills that I’d recommend: 3 Places To Hike In The Loess Hills!
