For the past couple of years a large group of bloggers have teamed up to bring you great budget-friendly, family fun ideas for things to do around cities across the nation! With high gas prices, many people stay close to home, looking for summer fun to be had in (or near) their hometown over the summer. I’ve covered both Arizona & Omaha in the Staycation series for the past two years & am thrilled to do it again!
A little background…
If you didn’t know from reading Mom Endeavors previously or from all my college football posts, Mr.“Mr. Mom Endeavors” and I are college sweethearts–we met at the University of Nebraska. Yes, we’re HUGE Husker fans! He grew up in Omaha and his parents still live there. So, although we live in the Phoenix area now, we’re rather familiar with (and quite fond of) the largest city in Nebraska! We go back at least once each year & now especially with the little guys, we always enjoy finding budget-friendly, family fun things to do! So, whether you’re local to the Omaha area (or will be visiting sometime in the near future, like us), here’s a highlight of some of the great things to check out this summer:
Favorite Places & Special Exhibits:
The Durham Museum — The newest exhibit is “A T-Rex Named Sue“, running from May 25th to September 8th. Talk about a fun thing for dinosaur-loving kiddos! To add to the experience, the “Excavation Station” opens June 8th, where little ones can dig in the “dig pit” and learn more about paleontology!
The Joslyn Museum — Omaha’s fabulous Art Museum! And, the BIG news is that free general museum admission to ALL, everyday, begins May 25th!!!
Strategic Air & Space Museum – We have yet to take the boys here, but I think they would love it. Located between Omaha & Lincoln, it’s not a far drive at all. For the summer, they have some special fun going on: Hops, Props, & Wings. Starting Thursday, May 30, they’ll remain open until 9pm every Thursday evening. Each week will feature a different local beer to sample and a different themed chicken wing to eat, plus live music!
Henry Doorly Zoo – This is our personal Omaha favorite. If we lived there, we would definitely be members! It’s WELL worth the cost of admission! Currently, there is a special exhibit at the zoo which is another great option for those with little dinosaur lovers…Dinosaurs Alive! The Lost Valley. The exhibit runs April 12 – October 13, 2013, featuring fifteen animatronic, life-size dinosaurs, a fossil dig site and unique dinosaur gift shop! I think the boys would love this!
Kountze Planetarium at UNO– There are public shows (usually the 1st weekend of each month) at the planetarium. Would be a a great inexpensive & educational summer family night out!
Outdoor Activities:
Shakespeare on the Green – Shows run from June 20, 2013 – July 07, 2013 (Recurring daily). This year’s lineup features Titus Andronicus & Twelfth Night!
Omaha Farmer’s Markets:
- Omaha Farmer’s Market in Aksarben Village – Sundays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m; May 5 — October 20
- Omaha Farmer’s Market in the Old Market – Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m; May 4 — October 19
- Village Pointe Farmers Market – Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; May 4 – October 5
Splashpads & Playgrounds – There are a number around the city, including 5 run by the City of Omaha. Click the link for locations & full details.
Downtown/Old Market – On days that aren’t too hot & humid, there are so many fun things to downtown and in the Old Market. And, while you’re down in that general area, you can have some fun at Heartland of America Park, Lewis & Clark Landing, or take a stroll along Gene Leahy Mall and slide down the slides. Our boys LOVE the slides!!
College World Series – Probably Omaha’s most well-known summer activity! For sports fans, this one is a summer must! Be sure to check out the College World Series site for details on schedules, times, tickets, etc!
Omaha Adventure Card!!
This year, Omaha visitors can request an Omaha Adventure coupon card (for free) at www.omahaadventure.com. There is more than $50 in savings in the Omaha Adventure coupon card. Each coupon is good for up to 6 people!!
Attraction discounts include:
- Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo – $2 off Admission
- Omaha Children’s Museum – $2 off Admission
- The Durham Museum – $2 off Admission
- Lauritzen Gardens – $2 off Admission/Tram Combo
- Joslyn Art Museum – $2 off $10 @ the gift shop
Shopping & Restaurant coupons include:
- Amazing Pizza Machine – $5 off RiVT90 buffet & pack
- Omaha Visitors Center – $2 off Smoothie at the Visitors Center
- Coupon card holders can visit Sheels in Village Pointe Shopping Center for Village Pointe shopping coupon book good for $300 in coupons
All coupons are good until October 31, 2013 and are good for up to 6 people!
If you’re not already a fan, be sure to like Mom Endeavors & Visit Omaha on Facebook!
What are YOUR favorite summer activities/places around Omaha?
7 Responses
Omaha is close enough for us to make a long wekend trip. Thanks for the tips. I may look into getting the card.
Thanks, Carol! We’re getting a card for our trip back there this summer! Can’t wait! The boys are going to love all the dinosaur stuff!!
I just realized I’ve never been to Nebraska! My parents would drive for all their trips when I was a little girl, but this is one of the few states I haven’t been to. Sounds like a lot of lovely ideas!
There are indeed a lot of fun things there!! The zoo really is one of the very best in the country! Sounds like you need to make a trip there sometime! 😉
We are in KC and love to make a weekend trip to Omaha. The zoo is awesome and we also enjoy the Children’s Museum. Thank you for the other recommendations!
Fun, Ashley! We have two sets of VERY good friends that live in KC! 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the list!