Jul 25, 2025
Omaha, Nebraska might surprise you with how much fun it offers for families! We packed a ton of kid-friendly activities into our weekend, from a top-rated zoo to impressive outdoor play spaces. Here’s how we spent our time and what we’d recommend for your own family trip.
Stop 1 – Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
This was hands-down the highlight of our trip! The Omaha Zoo is massive and incredibly well-designed. It kept our kids entertained for hours. We quickly learned why it is rated the #1 zoo in the nation.
To get all the tips, tricks and inside scoop on this amazing zoo, check out my post "Why Omaha's Henry Doorley Zoo Blew Us Away". It is full of all the information you would want to know before planning a visit to this zoo.
Stop 2 – Gene Leahy Mall Playground in Downtown Omaha
This urban playground was a total win. This is right in the heart of downtown Omaha and offers climbing structures, slides, grassy areas to play in and a nice river to walk along. It is such a unique space and our kids loved it! It is completely free and open to the public. Since it is right in the middle of downtown, it is close to numerous coffee shops and restaurants. Our kids spent a good hour and a half, climbing, sliding and exploring.
Stop 3 – KIPP: Kids Indoor Play Park
KIPP Omaha is one of the top indoor playgrounds in Omaha, and is a park the whole family can enjoy! It has trampolines, slides, obstacle courses, and a three story soft play gym in one section. Another section includes a mini village of small stores and restaurants where young kids can roll play. There is a infant and toddler area for kids ages 5 and under that includes softer play surfaces and gentle equipment. If that doesn't seem like enough fun for your kids, they also have an arcade zone! This place is full of fun and kept our kids entertained for hours. You do have to buy their special grip socks for an additional cost.
Stop 4 – Discovery Playground at Lewis & Clark Landing
Located on the scenic Missouri Riverfront, this Omaha playground is another amazing outdoor play space and it is fenced in! This playground got rated #5 in USA Today's Best Public Playgrounds. It has rocket style climbing structures, slides, zipline, swings, ropes, hills for running, musical instruments and interactive water features and more. This is a great playground for all ages and is wheel chair accessible. It is right along the river which gives you great views and a nice walking path. There are restrooms and restaurants near by as well. It is a beautiful area and definitely worth the visit if you are in Omaha.
Stop 5 – Fun Omaha Shops Kids Will Love
Hollywood Candy in Omaha’s Old Market is a quirky, retro-themed shop packed with vintage candy, handmade treats, a soda fountain diner, pinball arcade, movie theater, vinyl records, and antique collectibles. It’s part candy store, part nostalgic museum, and a fun stop for all ages.
If you want a sweet treat and support a small, local business, then Ted and Wally's is the place to go! Ted and Wally's Ice Cream Shop is a small, family-owned business that serves ultra- premium homemade ice cream. They use local ingredients from farmers, artisans and chefs to create a one of a kind ice cream that is sure to be loved by all!
Final Thoughts – Family Weekend in Omaha
Would we go again? Yes! Omaha is easy to get around, full of free & affordable fun, and perfect for a long weekend with kids. The zoo alone make it worth the trip, but once you are there, you will find there is so much else to enjoy!