Blog > BEST ATTRACTIONS IN OMAHA NEBRASKA
🎉 Discover the Best of Omaha & Beyond
Whether you're new to the area or just looking for a fresh adventure, Omaha offers a wide variety of attractions—perfect for families, history lovers, outdoor explorers, and art enthusiasts alike.
🦁 Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
Voted one of the best zoos in the world, this iconic Omaha destination features:
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The Desert Dome (world’s largest indoor desert)
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The Lied Jungle (massive rainforest)
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A walk-through aquarium tunnel, gorilla valley, and skyfari chair lift
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Kid-friendly splash grounds, interactive exhibits, and seasonal train rides
🌷 Lauritzen Gardens – Omaha’s Botanical Center
A peaceful urban oasis with:
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100+ acres of plant collections and themed gardens
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Glass conservatory with tropicals and seasonal displays
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Model train exhibit and rose gardens
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Special events like holiday poinsettia shows
🏛 Durham Museum (Union Station)
Step back in time inside Omaha’s grand art-deco train station:
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Restored passenger trains and 1940s storefronts
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Regional history exhibits and rotating Smithsonian shows
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Family-friendly scavenger hunts
🎭 Orpheum Theater & Holland Performing Arts Center
For a night out:
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The Orpheum hosts Broadway productions, ballet, and opera
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Holland Performing Arts features jazz, classical, and touring musicians
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Both venues offer incredible architecture and acoustics
🌉 Old Market District & Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
Explore cobblestone charm, shops, restaurants, and galleries in the Old Market. Then walk the Bob Kerrey Bridge and take a selfie in two states at once!
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Great for dates, brunch, or a night on the town
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Frequent outdoor concerts and art walks
📍 Old Market
📍 Bob Kerrey Bridge Info
🚀 Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
Just outside Omaha near Ashland, this museum features:
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Dozens of aircraft like the SR‑71 Blackbird
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Flight simulators and space exhibits
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Educational activities for kids
🐾 Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park
Drive through a 4-mile preserve and see:
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Bison, elk, wolves, bears, and eagles
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Walking trails and an interactive visitor center
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Great for a half-day family outing
📍 omahazoo.com/wildlife-safari
🎡 Gene Leahy Mall & Heartland of America Park
Recently redesigned, the new riverfront parks include:
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Modern playgrounds and splash pads
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Skate ribbon, art installations, and amphitheater
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Fountain shows and event space near downtown
⛺ State Parks: Mahoney, Platte River, & Schramm
Within 30 minutes of Omaha, enjoy:
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Ziplining, horseback riding, and waterparks
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Hikes with stunning river views
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Lodges and cabins for weekend getaways
⚾ College World Series (CWS) – Downtown Omaha
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What it is: The College World Series is an annual NCAA baseball tournament held every June in Omaha, crowning the national college baseball champion.
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History: The event has been hosted in Omaha since 1950, originally at Rosenblatt Stadium before moving to the modern Charles Schwab Field in 2010.
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Venue: Charles Schwab Field Omaha, a state-of-the-art stadium located in downtown Omaha, offers seating for over 24,000 fans and top-notch amenities.
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Experience: Beyond the thrilling baseball games, CWS creates a festival-like atmosphere with daily live music, beer gardens, retail tents, and fan zones.
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Nearby Attractions: Visitors can explore the vibrant Old Market and NODO Districts for dining, shopping, and nightlife before and after games.
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Why it’s special: It’s one of the premier events in college sports, drawing thousands of fans nationwide to celebrate baseball, community, and summer in Omaha.
📍 College World Series Official Site
📍 Charles Schwab Field Omaha
📍 Old Market District
🧪 Kiewit Luminarium (Omaha Riverfront)
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What it is: An 82,000 sq ft multi-sensory science museum with 100+ interactive exhibits across four immersive galleries—Catch Waves, Dig Deeper, Find Yourself, and Make It Count.
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Location: 345 Riverfront Dr, at Lewis & Clark Landing.
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Admission: Adults $24.95, youth (5–17) $19.95; discounts for seniors, students, military, veterans, and teachers; free for children under 4 and daytime members.
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Hours: Daily 10 AM – 5 PM.
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Why it’s unique: Designed to ignite curiosity and creativity, with hands-on STEM experiences for all ages and abilities.
📞 402‑502‑3366 | ✉️ info@kiewitluminarium.org
📍 kiewitluminarium.org
🎖 American Heroes Park (Bellevue)
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Overview: Bellevue’s 73-acre tribute to military service, located off Mission Ave on Jerry Ryan Plaza along the Missouri River.
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Features:
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10-acre pond with a 0.6-mile paved trail and the Inez Boyd Fountain
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A new four-times-larger all-inclusive playground (opened June 2025, $2.8 million investment)
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Heroes’ Plaza, 9/11 Memorial, fishing pier, picnic shelter (“WoodmenLife Pavilion”), sports fields, and future amphitheater
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Why families love it: It’s fully accessible and built for community gatherings, honoring heroes while providing fun and relaxation for all ages.
🗺️ See Full Attraction Guide
Want to browse the full list with hours, location, and insider tips?
👉 omahaguide.com/things-to-do/attractions
Looking for a home near the action?
Let’s talk about neighborhoods near the Zoo, Lauritzen Gardens, Old Market, or wherever you want to live your best Omaha life.
📞 Nicki Headen
Top Producing Realtor® with eXp Realty and your Omaha area expert
📱 402‑990‑7423
📧 headenhomewithnicki@gmail.com