11 Fun Things to Do in Omaha, as Recommended by Locals 

Historically called the “gateway to the west,” Omaha has an abundance of midwestern friendliness, charming neighborhoods, and green spaces—and its cost of living is highly affordable compared to national averages. As of 2025, there are over 1,000,000 people living, working, playing, and raising families in the Greater Omaha area (including counties in both Nebraska and Iowa). Thanks to international migration, the city is experiencing slow but steady growth and a rise in exciting cultural diversity. 

The citizens of Omaha are proud of their beautiful city and are more than happy to show visitors a good time! For this article, we asked some of the locals about their favorite attractions in the city, and they did not disappoint. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or an established resident, read on for some fun things to see and do in Omaha! 

1. Take the fam to the Discovery Playground or Downtown Slides 

Laura Coufal, founder of Omaha’s “The Simple Daisy,” offered some family-friendly suggestions sure to entertain people of all ages: “If I were visiting Omaha with my family for the weekend, I would spend some time downtown,” she says. “Be sure to take a stroll down by the Riverfront and let the kids play at the Discovery Playground at Lewis & Clark Landing or The Downtown Slides at Gene Leahy Mall.” (Apparently, Coufal isn’t the only one who appreciates the Discovery Playground—USA Today’s Readers’ Choice awards ranked it the fifth best public playground in the nation.) When you’ve worn everyone out, Coufal recommends a stop at Cone Flower (1241 Millwork Ave) “for the best ice cream ever!” 

Good to know: Hours are 5 am to 11 pm for both the Playground and the Slides. Onsite parking is available throughout the parks. 

2. Get educated at the Luminarium 

“While you are spending time down by the Riverfront, be sure to take the kids to the Luminarium,” says Coufal. The Kiewit Luminarium is a hands-on science center located near the Discovery Playground at Lewis & Clark Landing featuring over 100 interactive STEM and social sciences exhibits. The Luminarium attracts individuals of all ages, including adults on Thursday evenings for “Night Light,” an adults-only event with discounted admission and special events.  

Good to know: The Luminarium is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm, but hours may vary so check the site calendar before you go.  

3. Enjoy some Mediterranean cuisine 

Coufal had a suggestion for where to grab some dinner after you’ve worked up an appetite. “As you wind down for the day, if you’re looking for an evening meal that is out of this world, try Clio for an exquisite Mediterranean experience. (Omaha is known to be a foodie city after all). But be sure to make reservations, as it is a very popular place!” 

4. Mingle at a market or festival 

“Omaha is full of charm, culture, and creativity—there’s truly something for everyone here,” says Zenia Omaha’s Allison Bring. “Locally owned spots like Dundee and Benson offer great food, nightlife, and community vibes. In the warmer months, Omaha’s farmers markets, riverfront parks, and festivals make the city feel alive and connected!”  

5. Take a trolley tour of Omaha’s neighborhoods  

As marketing director for Ollie the Trolley, Deb Skinner knows a thing or two about seeing the sights in Omaha. “Omaha has so many attractions for all age groups,” she says. “Olley the Trolley, an Omaha Icon, offers public tours on some Saturdays and Sundays and a few during the week through some great neighborhood developments with restaurants and entertainment. For example, Midtown Crossing, Aksarben Village, and Blackstone have multiple restaurants and Jazz events in the summer months!” 

6. Learn about Boys Town 

Skinner also encouraged us to check out the iconic local neighborhood of Boys Town (featured in the 1938 movie of the same name). “Boys Town Village was established on December 12, 1917, by Father Edward J. Flanagan,” she says. “The Village serves as the organization’s national headquarters, and houses around 400 children and youth and the families that care for them. It also has a church, a museum (The Hall of History), a school, a post office, a fire station, visitor’s center, cafe and other buildings. The village is a historic landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places!” 

7. Enjoy nature at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and Lauritzen Gardens

“When visiting a city like Omaha, people are often surprised,” says Madison White of local interior design studio Nest With the Nelsons. “I believe it is truly one of the Midwest’s best kept secrets! For me, the perfect day in Omaha starts with my go-to pick me up: Scooters Coffee. Locally founded, it is the perfect start to fuel before going to one of our proudest attractions, The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. I grew up going and visiting every summer, and it always surprises me! To me, it is not just a zoo, but a whole immersive experience to see the world’s ecosystems in one place. It is easy to see why it is constantly ranked one of the best zoos in the country!” Michel Thornhill of OmahaNebraska.com also recommends the Zoo. “With a wide range of exhibits covering different biomes, there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

Good to know: The zoo is open daily from 9 am to 5 am, but their hours may vary with holidays and private events, so check out their website before you go!  

Thornhill also recommends spending a day at Lauritzen Gardens, which “draws plant lovers to its 100 acres of beautiful flowers and plants including varieties indigenous to Nebraska.” 

8. Skate at Gene Leahy Mall 

“One of my other favorite activities to do when I need to get outside, whether it is a warm summer day or a cool winter night, is head down to Gene Leahy Mall and lace up my skates at the outdoor skating rink,” says White. “It brings such a small-town charm, even when you’re right in the heart of a city. If you visit during the holidays, you see people all bundled up with hot cocoa under the skating rinks twinkling lights. It’ll get you right into the Christmas spirit!” 

9. Meander around Old Market and the RiverFront 

As founder and owner of Oh My! Omaha, it’s literally Kim Reiner’s job to point visitors to the most exciting, entertaining things to do in the city. “Omaha has a way of surprising visitors,” she says, “it’s not a small town and the attractions here are world-class! There are a few things I always recommend doing when visiting Omaha. First, check out the Old Market, known for its brick roads, unique shops like Hollywood Candy and Made in Omaha, and amazing restaurants. Sip wine at La Buvette and dine at M’s Pub, or if you have kids, go to Zio’s Pizzeria.” 

Reiner also recommends a day with the kids on the river. “The RiverFront consists of three connecting parks (Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park, and Lewis and Clark Landing) with outstanding playgrounds, a skate ribbon and river views. Then, cap your trip off with dessert!” she says. “You can’t go wrong with ice cream at Ted & Wally’s or Coneflower Creamery. For a boozy sweet treat, go to Fizzy’s Fountain & Liquors.” 

10. Enjoy Omaha’s arts and culture scene 

Tara McNamara, director of communications at Omaha Performing Arts (O-pa), educated us on the amazing arts scene in the city. “O-pa is the largest performing arts organization in Nebraska,” she says. “It presents a wide range of arts and entertainment events at three world-class venues in downtown Omaha: the Orpheum Theater, the Holland Performing Arts Center, and Steelhouse Omaha. We draw audiences from across the state, the surrounding region, and beyond to experience the best of touring Broadway, dance, music, family programming, and more on our stages.”  

And because all of the venues are located downtown, there’s no shortage of things to do before or after the main event. “Attendees are able to explore the shops of the Old Market, enjoy a nearby restaurant, or relax in one of Omaha’s beautiful downtown parks before taking in a show.  

O-pa also serves the community through robust education and community engagement programs, both at its venues and in partnership with organizations across the community,” adds McNamara. “We also present the highly anticipated Jazz on the Green, Music at Miller Park, and Global Sounds free outdoor concerts each summer. And we aren’t slowing down! In March of 2026, O-pa will open the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement, which will allow us to serve even more of the community through our education and engagement programs.” 

11. Check out the city’s jazz scene  

Todd Bingham of Top Rail Fences had a suggestion for those with a passion for live jazz. “One of our customers actually told me about the Red Lion Lounge,” he said. “Since my partner and I are massive jazz fans, we had to check it out and were blown away by this beautifully revived historic venue. They offer live jazz every Wednesday night with no cover!” 

“The whole city actually has an incredible jazz heritage,” he adds. “And most people don’t even realize Omaha is a major incubator that launched the great Preston Love into Count Basie’s Orchestra—it’s an awesome city for jazzheads like us!”  

Unexpected Omaha  

When talking to the locals, the one thing we heard time and again was how pleasantly surprising Omaha is to first-time visitors. The city’s rich history, culture, and nightlife give it a lovely and memorable personality you’ll be talking about long after you’ve gone—and have you coming back for more! Planning to move to this unique city? Find your perfect nest with these Omaha apartments.