Cruise down the river in a riverboat, sip a coffee, explore the Joslyn Art Museum which houses works of art from around the world, stroll through the Old Market area, visit the zoo and aquarium, view unique exhibits at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, and learn about Omaha’s history at the Durham Museum. The beautiful and romantic Lauritzen Gardens are not to be missed and you can catch an outdoor performance here during the warmer season.
Joslyn Art Museum
The Joslyn Art Museum has been delighting art-lovers since 1931. Over the years, the museum’s collections have grown to include over 11,000 pieces of art and historic relics. There are pieces by artists from around the world, and they cover a vast array of time periods. Some of the most popular exhibits include art by Veronese, Claude Lorrain, Jules Breton, and Auguste Renoir.
The museum also displays 18th and 19th century American art, works from the 20th century, and exhibits featuring ancient art from around the world. This is only a sampling of all the time periods you will travel through on your visit to the Joslyn Art Museum. Special exhibits are on display Tuesday through Sunday, so be sure to check those out.
2200 Dodge Street, Omaha, Nebraska, Phone: 402-342-3300
Old Market
The Old Market area is the place to go when you want to find something for everyone in your group. This area has practically anything you could imagine, including clothing shops, bookstores, art galleries, and shops for furniture, jewelry, and much more. If you enjoy spending time in museums, you will be pleased to learn that there are three different options, including a children’s museum.
Should you want to take a stroll around the area and learn about the history of Omaha at the same time, you can take a walking tour and find out everything there is to know. You might also want to take a trip to the Orpheum Theater or the Opera House if there happens to be a show or performance playing. There truly is something for everyone in the Old Market area.
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has a staggering 130 acres outside and seven acres inside, full of exotic animals from around the world. In fact, the zoo is so large that it is home to America’s largest indoor rainforest, where playful gibbons (a type of ape) swing from tree to tree.
Enjoy a visit to the Hubbard Orangutan Forest, where orangutans hang from the banyan trees, or stop by the largest indoor desert in the world where you’ll find fascinating creatures. Wander through the chilly polar regions and travel down the shark tunnel – you’ll end up at the aquarium, where you can observe extraordinary marine life from up close. This is just a taste of what you will experience during your visit to the zoo, which is open every day of the week.
3701 S. 10th Street, Omaha, Nebraska, Phone: 402-733-8401
The Durham Museum
The Durham Museum has a unique set of galleries that contain a well-rounded array of exhibits, each of which tells its own story from Omaha's history. Permanent exhibits feature model trains, which visitors can enter and explore, as well as a streetcar from the 1940’s.
The museum has several fascinating displays, including a documents and coin collection and photographs and artifacts from the Trans-Mississippi and International Exhibition of 1898.
While these are only a few permanent collections on display, the museum hosts diverse temporary exhibits throughout the year, ensuring you will learn something new with each trip. The museum is one of the best best things to do in Omaha for art lovers.
801 South 10th Street, Omaha, Nebraska, Phone: 402-444-5071
Lauritzen Gardens
Visit Omaha’s gorgeous Lauritzen Gardens, a botanical garden where you can admire a variety of blooming flowers, trees, and shrubs and see impressive animals such as elephants, rabbits, deer, and bears. If you have a dog, you can bring them along and give them a nice workout at the Leashes at Lauritzen area.
There are numerous events and performances held at the gardens, so check their site to make sure you catch one. Lauritzen Gardens also hopes to keep you on your toes and engage your mind and curiosity; they offer educational programs for adults and children, and summer camps are available as well.
100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, Nebraska, Phone: 402-346-4002
Omaha Children's Museum
At the Omaha Children's Museum, kids will have the opportunity to really explore the center and participate in plenty of hands-on action. There are interactive exhibits such as Maker-Space, where kids learn how to use tools and materials to create works of their own.
Future auto mechanics will find themselves in heaven at the Walker Tire and Auto Service Center, where kids can learn about and work on cars. Artistically minded children will love the Creative Arts Center, where they can make an array of handcrafted art. The museum is open from Tuesday through Sunday.
500 South 20th Street, Omaha, Nebraska, Phone: 402-342-6164
The OPPD Arboretum
The OPPD Arboretum is an outdoor education area where visitors learn all about electrical safety and the ways in which you can avoid hazards related with electricity. You will learn important steps to take when planting trees, plants, or gardens, and which trees can be safely planted near power lines.
As you wander around this outdoor classroom, you will also see some plants and trees that were purposefully planted to attract some of the local wildlife. This beautiful outdoor arboretum provides visitors with an enjoyable experience in which they can gain new knowledge and admire the lovely scenery.
The arboretum is located at 108th and Blondo streets in Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, Phone: 402-536-4131
Fun-Plex Water Park and Rides
Fun-Plex Water Park and Rides in Omaha is the ideal destination for a family day trip (or summer vacation). The amusement park is usually open from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year and you can visit on a daily basis or buy an economical Season Ticket for unlimited entry. There are loads of fun activities to keep all ages busy for hours – just a few of the water park highlights include the Motion Ocean Wave Pool, Rockin’ Rapids and Typhoon Falls Slides and the Double Trouble Drop Slide. Makana Splash and Li’l Lagoon are perfect for younger visitors. There are also several “dry” rides for kiddies and adults to enjoy.
Fun-Plex Water Park and Rides, 7003 Q Street, Omaha, NE 68117, 402 331 8436, website
Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts
A group of four artists opened the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts in 1981 with a mission of providing art by artists for artists. Perhaps it seems like a relatively simple statement to make, but this philosophy and the resulting museum have been a huge success in Omaha. They started in a warehouse, with artists experimenting at industrial sites.
Today, they take pride in their outstanding residency programs and the fact that they support research and experimentation in the arts and art education. Naturally, they are equally enthusiastic about furthering the art scene in the community. Check their website to see what they are featuring on a particular day, or simply show up and let yourself be surprised. Their displays and collections are constantly changing, something that keeps their visitors coming back time and time again.
724 South 12th Street, Omaha, Nebraska, Phone: 402-341-7130
Brother Sebastian’s Steakhouse and Winery
Modeled on the many Spanish monasteries which are dotted around California, Brother Sebastian’s Steakhouse is widely known for its warm and inviting atmosphere and the excellent food and service. The old world décor and charm of the restaurant is sure to set the scene for a relaxed dinner, and this is a perfect place to take your partner for a romantic celebration. The dinner menu features a long list of American favorites including appetizers like New England Clam Chowder and a classic Shrimp Cocktail. Entrees are highly praised and include specialties like Slow Cooked Prime Rib, several steak options and mouth-watering sea food and chicken dishes. They also have a comprehensive wine list.
Brother Sebastian’s Steakhouse and Winery, 1350 S. 119th Street, Omaha, NE 68144, 402 330 0300
Upstream Brewing Company
Upstream Brewing Company opened in 1996 and is Omaha’s first classic brewpub. The brewery offers a friendly and relaxed place where craft beer lovers can enjoy a pint or two of their favorite beer or have fun trying a new brew. All the artisan beers are brewed on the premises and include American Light Lager, IPA’s, Pilsner, Stout, American Pale Ale and Scotch Ale. Those who do not drink beer will find a list of wines, spirits and cocktails. The food is not just an after-thought at this brewpub – it is designed to complement their excellent beers and great pains are taken to source the best quality local produce and prepare it to perfection.
Upstream Brewing Company, 514 S. 11th Street, Omaha, NE 68102, 402 344 0200
