Summer is right around the corner and with it, an abundance of extra family time. It can be hard to balance enjoying all the city has to offer and keeping your budget in check — which is why we’re here to help!
Luckily, we live in a vibrant community full of rich history, art and culture worth exploring without having to spend a dime. To prove it, we rounded up some of our favorite free family-friendly activities in the Omaha area. Whether you want to visit a local museum, experience virtual reality for the first time, or go statue hunting in one of our many incredible parks, we found something for everyone!
Explore Omaha’s History and Art Scene
Watch Art Demonstrations at the Hot Shops Art Center
Photo courtesy of Ken Guthrie via Hot Shops Art Center
Hot Shops Art Center is located just north of Old Market and contains 50 art studios, four art galleries, four anchor “Hot Shops” — including Crystal Forge, Bruning Sculpture, C.K. Fabrications and Hot Shops Pottery — and many other exhibition spaces. This center provides space for artists to work on their craft, therefore supporting the local art community. Peruse the art galleries, workspaces and even watch a demonstration or two for free. For those wanting to take something home with you, there’s always the option to purchase some of this amazing local art!
Explore Boys Town
Boys Town has been a National Historic Monument since 1985. Go exploring in this historic area and see some of the best sites Omaha has to offer, including the Hall of History, the Boys Town Visitors Center, and the Father Flanagan House — all for free! This district also happens to have the largest ball of stamps, so you can cross that off your bucket list, too!
Joslyn Art Museum
We couldn’t write an article about free activities in Omaha without mentioning one of our favorites — the Joslyn Art Museum! This critically-acclaimed museum is filled with national, international and local art. Admission is completely free, as are most events. You can even get a free tour during museum hours, giving you the ability to choose how you want to experience the art.
KANEKO
Photo courtesy of Ben Semisch via KANEKO
KANEKO is a public, non-profit cultural organization that strives to cultivate art and creativity in our community. They offer various galleries and exhibits on storytelling, painting, design and more. They also offer a wide variety of free workshops, including classes on art and poetry. So stop in and get a taste of Omaha’s creative spirit without having to spend a dime!
Union Pacific Railroad Museum
The Union Pacific Railroad Museum is located in downtown Council Bluffs in the unique Beaux Arts-style building that formerly housed the Carnegie Library, the city’s first free public library. The gorgeous museum is a destination for railroad fans around the country, offering fascinating exhibits on the Union Pacific Railroad and the story of pioneer migration (you’ll even be able to spot a few artifacts from NP Dodge’s founding fathers!) Admission is free, but donations are always welcome.
Learn Something New
Brush Up on Your Technology Skills at Do Space
Photo courtesy of Do Space
Why not spend the day learning something new? At Do Space, you can learn the basics of computer software, coding, social media marketing and even 3D printing. These classes are offered at no cost and are open to all different ages and skill levels! They even offer classes all about games, including virtual reality experiences, board games and iPad apps. Check out their calendar of events to see what’s going on this month.
Check out a Local Library
Omaha Public Libraries offer plenty of events throughout the year, including readings, book clubs, tea parties, speed dating, craft days and more. No matter your age, there’s an activity perfect for you at the library. And, if you don’t feel like participating in group events, you’re always welcome to roam the shelves and curl up with a good book in one of their cozy chairs.
Get Outside!
Midtown Crossing at Turner Park
The 16-acre Midtown Crossing community is one of the most popular neighborhoods in the Omaha area. They offer a diverse selection of restaurants and shops as well as plenty of free activities throughout the year, including “Yoga on the Rocks” from May through August, “Monday Night Movies” from June through August, and “Miracle on Farnam from November through January.
Ride the Bike Trails
Throughout the year, you’ll see walkers, joggers, bicyclists, skaters and cross-country skiers taking advantage of Omaha’s 85 miles of paved trails. Explore the city and our amazing park systems by going on a sightseeing ride along The Field Club Walking and Biking Trail, a one and half mile trail through Omaha’s Historic District. This is perfect for an afternoon family outing! Due to the recent flooding, many trails have been closed. You can find the complete list of trail closures here.
Have a Ball at Zorinsky Lake
Zorinsky Lake offers more than 255 acres of public park space, two modern playgrounds, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, a football field, hiking and bicycle trails, and an easily accessible fishing dock. It is also home to one of the few native tallgrass prairies remaining in eastern Nebraska — Bauermeister Prairie. Pack a picnic lunch, a ball and your sense of adventure, and start exploring this natural paradise!
Interact with Omaha’s Public Art Displays
Omaha is home to some larger than life art displays sprinkled throughout the city. Spirit of Nebraska’s Wilderness and Pioneer Courage parks consist of more than 100 individual bronze pieces that cover more than six city blocks. Fertile Ground, a 32,500 square foot mural, is considered to be one of the largest public murals in the country. Here in Omaha, you’ll find art in the most surprising places. Go on an adventure to find it all!
Take a Walk Across “Bob”
The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge (more fondly known as “Bob the Bridge”) is one of Omaha’s most famous and cherished landmarks. The 3,000-foot steel structure spans the Missouri River and connects Omaha to Council Bluffs via a pedestrian walkway. And because the bridge crosses the state line that separates Nebraska from Iowa, you can claim to be standing in two places at once! Spend time walking the path with the kids and enjoying the incredible views of the Omaha skyline.
What did we miss?
Did we forget your favorite free activity in the area? Let us know in the comments!