There are so many reasons we love summertime in Omaha, but we have to admit that the high temps are not always one of them! When the sun is high, it might be tempting to stay inside and enjoy your shaded, air-conditioned haven, but there are plenty of fun things to do around town that don’t require baking in the sun. We rounded up 18 ways to beat the heat and have a blast in Omaha, so get out there and explore! The air conditioning will still be there when you get back.
Go Swimming
The most tried-and-true way to avoid overheating during the summer is lounging (or splashing) in the pool! Grab your swimsuit, a towel and some flip flops and dive into this guide to Omaha’s best pools, water parks and lakes.
Go Paddling at Zorinsky Lake
Not only does the Zorinsky Lake area offer incredible paddle boarding and kayaking opportunities, but there are also great hiking and biking trails in the area! Once you’re done adventuring on land, splash into the lake to cool off. Check out this guide to the Zorinsky Lake area for more information.
Test Your Knowledge at a Local Trivia Night
How many random factoids do you know? Get a team together and put your knowledge to the test at one of Omaha’s 19 trivia nights! There is a trivia event at a local bar on almost every night of the week, so whether you’re a Geek Who Drinks or a pro pub quiz-taker, there are plenty of options.
Head to a Local Spray Ground
If you’re looking for a free, summertime activity that the kids will love, take them to a local spray ground! They can frolic in the water while you lounge in the shade nearby — it’s a great way to get outside and stay cool. Local parks with fun water features include Benson Park, Fontenelle Park, Kountze Park, Seymour Smith Park, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge Plaza and more, but you can also find splash pads and spraygrounds at the Omaha Children’s Museum, the Joslyn Art Museum, the Shadow Lake Towne Center and the First National Bank Tower.
Explore the Capitol District
The Capitol District is Omaha’s newest entertainment hub, offering shops, speakeasies, restaurants and fun exhibitions, as well as overnight accommodations at the Marriott. If you book a room at the hotel, you’ll have access to the posh rooftop pool (and all of the fabulous views that come with it), but there are plenty of other ways to beat the heat in this area! Stop into one of the newest bars or restaurants to see what the buzz is about.
Go on a Self-Guided Brewery Crawl
Photo courtesy of Farnam House Brewing Company and Brian Collins
There’s just something so satisfying about a cold, craft beer poured straight from the tap on a hot summer day. Fortunately, Omaha is home to an abundance of top-notch breweries ripe for exploring this season. Make it your goal this summer to visit a few local breweries that you haven’t yet tried. You can use this handy guide to plan!
Experience Nebraska’s Wild Side at the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari
Photo courtesy of The Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari
Experience a wildlife safari from the comfort of your car! The Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari is located just 30 minutes outside of Omaha and features more than 350 animals and 53 species from all over the world, including a large number of species native to north America. Drive through the park to witness demonstrations and see the animals in their natural habitat.
Go Ice Skating at the Ralston Arena
Ice skating year-round is possible at the Ralston Arena’s indoor rink! Admission for public skating is just $5 and includes skate rentals. It might seem silly to have gloves and thick socks with you when it’s so hot outside, but this activity lets you imagine that you’ve stepped into a winter wonderland!
Go Roller Skating with the Kids
Lace up those skates and try to stay on your feet! Roller skating is a challenging, fun and family-friendly activity — and it’s perfect for hot days. You can skate all season long at SkateDaze or Skate City.
Visit Your Local Library
Omaha Public Libraries have plenty of events throughout the summer, including readings, book clubs, teas, speed dating, poetry bashes, craft days and more. And if you’re not up for participating, you can always roam the shelves for a good book and curl up in a cozy chair somewhere.
Indulge in Some Ice Cream
In our opinion, ice cream tastes good year-round. But for some reason, the flavors just really stand out when it’s hot outside! Next time you’re screaming for ice cream, reward yourself with a sweet, summertime treat at one of these incredible local shops around Omaha — and try to find the butter brickle flavor if you can. It’s a local favorite, and it was invented here.
Take a Day Trip to Standing Bear Lake
Paddle boarding, kayaking and swimming await at Standing Bear Lake. The day-use facility is located just outside of Omaha and is, in short, a summertime paradise. You’ll find 3.3 miles of hiking and cycling trails, a picnic area, shaded shelters, a playground and the lake, which is perfect for a quick splash! Bring the whole family for a fun day under the sun.
Go Bowling at Maplewood Lanes
There’s something for everyone at this iconic bowling alley, which has served the Omaha area for more than 40 years. You’ll find casual game-by-game bowling, league play, great food and a full bar. It’s affordable and perfect for a day out with the whole family!
Enjoy the Lauritzen Gardens at Twilight
Omaha’s breathtaking botanical center is a popular attraction at all times of the year, but the blooms are absolutely spectacular in the summer! During the summer months (until September 5), the venue stays open later on Mondays and Tuesdays to allow for romantic, twilight walks through the park’s many gardens. It’s an ideal way to beat the heat, but also a wonderful way to end the day. In fact, it’s one of our favorite summertime date ideas!
Experience Omaha’s Art Galleries and Museums
Photo courtesy of the Joslyn Art Museum
Between the Joslyn Art Museum, the Omaha Children’s Museum, El Museo Latino and the Durham Museum, there are plenty of ways to absorb Omaha’s culture during the summer months — and many (like the Joslyn) even offer free admission! Check out our guide to Omaha’s 15 most popular landmarks to help you plan your next museum outing.
See A Movie at Alamo Drafthouse
Summer is one of the best seasons of the year for movie-going because there are so many good films out! Alamo Drafthouse goes above and beyond to offer you a unique, cinematic experience. Expect themed events, sing-alongs, fun swag for purchase, and delicious food and drinks that are delivered to your table during the film.
Explore the Indoor Exhibits at the Zoo
The zoo is home to thousands of animals from around the globe, as well as 130 acres of exhibits and gardens (including seven acres of indoor exhibits). In fact, the museum is home to the world’s largest indoor desert (the Desert Dome) which spans more than 84,000 square feet! Even if you stay completely indoors, it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring. Browse through the exhibits here.
Escape Within an Hour from a Local Puzzle Room
The Escape Omaha invites groups to work together, solve puzzles and hopefully escape within 60 minutes! The puzzle rooms limit group size in order to foster a collaborative atmosphere and ensure that everyone can work towards solving the mystery. It’s a great challenge for kids and adults alike, and while you’re working to escape the room, you can also escape the heat outside. Plus, the different room options ensure that you can try something new each time you visit. Do you think you’re up for the challenge?
What’s your favorite way to stay cool in the summertime?
Let us know in the comments!