If you plan to spend any time in the city, you will almost certainly end up in the Old Market district of downtown. In addition to restaurants, stores, and art galleries, this historic district is home to some of our other major attractions, including the Durham Museum, the Omaha Children’s Museum, and the Joslyn Art Museum. The renowned Henry Doorly Zoo and Omaha’s Botanical Centre, which both hug the Missouri River, are located in the Lauritzen Gardens.
1. Omaha Children’s Museum
The Omaha Children’s Museum, which is situated in the Old Market neighbourhood, has a Creative Arts Centre where children may create “make-and-take” artwork. For young children, there’s also an Imagination Playground featuring interactive displays like a market, a firehouse, and a farm.
According to recent visitors, their kids had a great time at this museum and appreciated all of the interactive displays and educational opportunities it provided.
- Address:Â 500 South 20th St.
2. Lauritzen Gardens – Omaha’s Botanical Center
The Botanical Centre of Omaha’s Lauritzen Gardens are full of roses, herbs, lilies, and other flowers and plants. And you can enjoy these pleasant-smelling plants on 3 miles of walks.
Recent visitors said this is a great place to go with kids. The attraction has more than just gardens outside. It also has an indoor conservatory and a model railway park that kids love. People who don’t want to walk should take the $3-per-person tram for an hour-long tour of the 100-acre site with commentary. In case you forgot, the bus is only running from May to October.
- Address:Â 100 Bancroft St.
3. The Durham Museum
The famous Smithsonian Institution runs the Durham Museum, which tells the story of Omaha’s past through displays about the Plains Indians and life-sized models of working-class cottages. It’s also cool that the building itself is a restored train station and that there are train cars on show. After seeing the museum, you can even get a milkshake at a real soda bar.
Recent tourists said that the museum is fun for people of all ages, but kids will really enjoy looking around the train displays. Some people liked how the museum’s displays helped them imagine what life was like in the past. They said the site taught them a lot about Omaha’s history and people who lived there.
- Address:Â 801 South 10th St.
4. Joslyn Art Museum
Most of the art in the Joslyn Art Museum is from the 19th and 20th centuries and comes from Europe and the United States. It includes works by Winslow Homer, Mary Cassatt, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and others. However, it also has a pretty big collection of American Indian artefacts. Recent tourists were also amazed by the Chihuly glass chandelier and the art deco architecture of the building. One reviewer said that the museum and its contents look like they belong in Florence, Italy.
You can find the Joslyn Art Museum on Dodge Street in Old Market. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday, with longer hours on Thursday. Everyday, general entry is free, but there may be fees for certain events and exhibitions. Go to the museum’s website to find out more.
- Address:Â 2200 Dodge Street
5. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
The Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo has a lot of different animals to see. There are peccaries in the Desert Dome, cute Rockhopper penguins and a 70-foot shark tunnel in the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium, and Western lowland gorillas in Hubbard Gorilla Valley. Additionally, did you know that it has the biggest indoor jungle in the world? Family-friendly films are shown in the zoo’s IMAX Theatre. A lot of kids really enjoy the animal shows that the zookeepers put on every day.
People who have recently been to the zoo said it’s clear that the animals are well taken care of. They also said to wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be walking around for hours.
- Address:Â 3701 South 10th St.
6. Old Market
Old Market is the place to go to get to the heart of Omaha. Brick-paved streets are crossed by horse-drawn carts for tourists, and well-known places like the Joslyn Art Museum and the Omaha Children’s Museum line the sides. There are small coffee places like Aromas and 13th Street Coffee Co., as well as high-end restaurants like The Boiler Room. There are also many shops and art studios.
Most travellers say that they have to go to Old Market. However, some say that you should park your car near the Durham Museum and walk through the area instead, since the streets are bumpy from the cobblestones and parking can be hard to find. Visit the main website for Old Market to learn more.
- Address: Omaha, NE
Conclusion:
Omaha, nestled in the heart of Nebraska, offers a diverse range of experiences and activities that cater to various interests. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, the city has something for everyone. Whether you’re exploring world-class museums, savoring delicious cuisine, or immersing yourself in the vibrant local scene, Omaha’s unique charm leaves a lasting impression. Don’t miss the opportunity to embrace the warmth of Midwestern hospitality and create unforgettable memories in this dynamic and welcoming city.
FAQ’s
1. Q: What makes Omaha a compelling destination for experiences and activities?
Omaha boasts a diverse range of attractions, blending cultural richness with outdoor adventures, making it an appealing destination for a wide array of interests.
2. Q: Are these activities suitable for families with children?
Yes, many of the featured experiences cater to families, offering engaging activities suitable for children and adults alike. Omaha provides a family-friendly environment for memorable outings.
3. Q: Can these activities be enjoyed year-round, or are they seasonal?
While some activities may be season-specific, many can be enjoyed throughout the year. It’s advisable to check specific seasonal availability for outdoor activities and events.
