The centerpiece of the Childrens Adventure Trails area is the Treehouse, which stands nearly 40 feet tall! Additionally, they have elephants and plains zebras housed in a 30,000-square-foot herd room. As a fairly large metropolis, Omaha offers dozens of hotels around its downtown section, which encompasses the Henry Doorly Zoo. In behind the locomotives are several plazas, benches, and informative plaques built into the ground. 101 Best Attractions & Things To Do In Omaha (2023) Address: 515 N Riverfront Drive, Omaha, Nebraska. Among the zoo's claims to fame are the Dome Desert, known for being the largest indoor desert in the world, and the Lied Jungle, North America's largest indoor rainforest. But, they will give you and your family plenty of breathers throughout the day. These arent just simple water fountains. The Kingdoms of the Night exhibit, also touted as the largest nocturnal exhibit of its kind in the world, allows for a close-up look at creatures of the dark, from bats to beavers and other animals that most visitors may not even have heard of before. figure.wp-block-image img.lazyloading { min-width: 150px; } Ollie the Trolley, an iconic symbol of Omaha, Nebraska, offers a unique way to explore the city's charm and rich history. The largest of these lots features a preserved patch of land from the former Omaha Rosenblatt Stadium in the center. Address: 16406 292nd Street, Ashland, Nebraska, Official site: http://www.wildlifesafaripark.com. Omaha Facebook discussion on the new exhibit, We love going a few hours before closing because a lot of families have left for the day, especially if we are going on a Saturday where it will likely be busy! Kitty B., Kitty and Kevin, We usually go first thing or last thing in the day. Bolton C., Bolton Carleys BS-O-Rama, Winter is also a great time to visit less crowds, many indoor exhibits, and sometimes having the aquarium all to yourself!Julie S., Family Fun in Omaha, If you are local or nearby, get a season pass and dont try to do the whole zoo in a day, especially if you have young children. Take your family to one of the worlds top-rated zoos! The Rose Theater Downtown 8. This chart lists the members of the AZA and what your rate will be at the Henry Doorly Zoo! Address: 3215 State Street, Omaha, Nebraska. Deeper into the exhibit, youll find Himalayan marmots, Bengal monitors, Amur tigers, snow leopards, takin, goral, Indian rhinos, and Pere Davids deer. Henry Doorly Zoo And Aquarium South Omaha (Editor's Choice) 2. Omaha | Trellis Framework by Mediavine, 5 tips for visiting Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium in the winter, Oh My! 6 Insider tips for visiting the Omaha Zoo with Your Family - Des Moines Mom Address: 3701 S 10th Street, Omaha, Nebraska. Omaha Hiking & Biking Trails - Things To Do in Omaha - Visit Omaha You'll see a lot of animals outdoors still. 17 Comments You need more than a day to fully explore the Omaha Zoo, whether it's your first visit or your 100th. And, of course, the zoo encourages normal hygienic and sanitary standards. And, the water pumps make it look like these animals are splashing around their natural habitat! Additionally, you can grab a pass to the Wildlife Safari Park in Ashland, NE (about 30 minutes from the zoo) for a small extra fee. Wearing the hat of wife, mommy, employee, chef, ribbon tie-er and family calendar organizer, Kara knows a bit about juggling life and work. The pelicans can be viewed while crossing a bridge over a lagoon. Nebraska weather can be fairly unpredictable in March, but it will likely be on the cooler side. Seriously, the Omaha zoo one of the best zoos in the country and for very good reasons. One of the best places to start a tour, spend an afternoon, or enjoy a meal in the evening is the old historic district. Its an easy way to save a few bucks and avoid long lines at concessions stands. Not far from the visitors center, you'll also find the Mormon Pioneer Cemetery and the Winter Quarters Nebraska Temple. The Joslyn Art Museum was built in the late 1920s and opened in 1931 to great fanfare. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Taste of Des Moines: Our Favorite Local Businesses + HUGE GIVEAWAY! --mv-create-title-primary: 1.875em; Omaha offers some of the most fun things to do in Nebraska! Thanks for the tip on choosing the aquarium over the gorilla house! Each of the major exhibits we described below: Just inside the main entrance lies the Lied Jungle, a 1.5-acre rainforest-based exhibit inside of a nearly six-story building. There have been cases where the zoo has closed for the day due to snow; in cases of inclement weather, call ahead before visiting. more, Omaha - Eppley Airfield Airport One Way Transfer, Omaha Scavenger Hunt: The Wests Glorious Gateway, 2562 Leavenworth St Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68105-1661, 1111 Bellevue Blvd N Ste A, Bellevue, NE 68005-4008, 1400 Capitol and 1600 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68102-1637, 2564 Leavenworth St, Omaha, NE 68105-1662, 2701 23rd Ave, Council Bluffs, IA 51501-6958, 1111 Bellevue Blvd N, Bellevue, NE 68005-4008, 3434 Richard Downing Ave, Council Bluffs, IA 51501-7962, Hotels near Lauritzen Gardens Omaha's Botanical Center, Things to do near University of Nebraska Omaha, Lauritzen Gardens Omaha's Botanical Center, First National's Spirit of Nebraska's Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park, Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge: Tickets & Tours, Omaha Children's Museum: Tickets & Tours, Charles Schwab Field Omaha: Tickets & Tours, Heartland of America Park: Tickets & Tours, St. Cecilia's Cathedral: Tickets & Tours, First National's Spirit of Nebraska's Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park: Tickets & Tours, Union Pacific Railroad Center: Tickets & Tours, Omaha Community Playhouse: Tickets & Tours, [Private] Seoul Seventeen Carat Tour - Guide Only, Palawan: Puerto Princesa and El Nido - 4 Days and 3 Nights, Cebu Moalboal Beach, Sardine Run, Sea Turtle Viewing + Canyoneering Tour, PUERTO GALERA Island Hopping & Snorkeling, Full-Day Corregidor Island Tour from Manila, Lewis & Clark Landing and Riverfront Park. One of the highlights is the Suzanne and Walter Scott Great Hall where the exhibits are showcased in the fully restored main hall featuring impressive Art Deco architecture. I suggest staying in the aquarium, not in the gorilla house. Kara originally hails from northwest Iowa where she met her husband, Lance, through a 4-H fashion show. Most importantly, the app has a sensory-friendly map that helps families find quiet spaces, low-light zones, high-touch areas, and good places to run around! For $7 per person, you can take a round-trip train ride through the zoo. Weather permitting, you can catch a ride on Sues Carousel at the zoo any time between 10am and 4pm. The Henry Doorly Zoo thrives during the summer. The Safari Park is open from April to October. Top Things to Do Near Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha, NE twenty.async = 1; Seriously, the Omaha zoo one of the best zoos in the country and for very good reasons. Tickets can be purchased online directly from the Henry Doorly Zoo website. The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is centrally located and known for its leading conservation efforts, a massive cat complex, and indoor habitat recreations like the jungle or desert. At nearly an acre, the Henry Doorly Zoo Desert Dome is the largest indoor desert in the world. Non-members pay $5 for access to Stingray Beach, while zoo members pay $4. Attractions Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium offers alternate ways to see the Zoo. Half a century later, in 1952, the Omaha Zoological Society was founded with the goal to improve the quality of the zoo. Kara enjoys yoga, reading, gardening, cooking, sewing in straight lines and singing along to musicals. Great article. There are wooden rocking chairs for a little bit of comfort. The beauties of underwater life are on full display in Omahas Henry Doorly Zoos aquarium. (Many would say that the indoor exhibits are the best parts anyhow!) })(window, document, "script", "https://scripts.stay22.com/letmeallez.js"); Yikes! Its an interactive attraction that lets kids and adults watch stingrays up close as they roam their 80-foot-long pool. However, beer is available for purchase at the Durham TreeTops Restaurant overlooking the Lied Jungle. Omaha Children's Museum Downtown 3. They were born in early 2022! Take a "Skyfari" around the Zoo. Its quite a sight to see the underside of a shark or stingray as it swims above your walkway! Additionally, if you are traveling to the zoo during the summer, warm-weather gear like sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and water bottles are a wise investment. The Omaha zoos newest food offerings are available at Glacier Bay Landing. And, it even has a separate habitat for its nearly three dozen flamingos. The most popular exhibits are located near the main entrance (at the top of the hill). You can also feel and even feed the sea critters! Is it pretty busy during that time? Think of the pavilion as a zoo preview! The best things to do near Omaha: Boys Town, a national historic landmark district Autism Action Partnership also provides sensory kits at the main entrance. You can walk right up to, and in some cases, inside, your choice of a mine sweeper, the USS Hazard, a small submarine, the USS Marlin, and a Douglas A-4D Skyhawk fighter jet. You'll also find a wide assortment of hotels located nearby. Be sure to pack some wet wipes to wipe everyone off with if they pet the animals or just put their hands where everyone else has been. Bolton C., If you plan to spend the entire day there, bring a, We take a look at the IMAX schedule before we head to the zoothat way we can plan according to see shows we havent seen before. Kitty Boone, Kitty and Kevin. Its fairly private with a fence around it and shaded by umbrellas. excludes: [], After a decade of living in central Iowa, Kara is still figuring out which way is north. font-size: 1em; For a mere $4 per person, you and your children can enjoy a ride on Sues Wildlife Carousel. As you can see, there is plenty to do in Omaha! Omaha Visitors Center That discount may go up to 30% off on Member Appreciation Days. In the heart of downtown Omaha is the Old Market District, where a variety of historical buildings from the 19th century line cobblestone streets. This wild open-air ski lift takes riders from one end of the park to the other and gives them a gorgeous view of several exhibits. Exploring Shoal Creek Living History Museum With Kids. There is also a Chrysalis Hatching Room where you can see worms and caterpillars cuddled in their caccoons. The Holland Center for the Performing arts is housed in a modern, architecturally acclaimed building noted for its fine acoustics. And, the giraffes and white rhinos are just around the corner. Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo: 10 Things Only the Locals Know If youre up for a true adventure, visit the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium for an unforgettable day! Youll be immersed in these incredible movies not only because of the incredible visuals but because of the QSC brand stadium audio system! 15 Fun Things to Do in Omaha with Kids (for 2023) The zoo takes measures to cool people off, like having misters and there is the big splash park, but it's still going to be crowded and most of the paths won't be shaded. Parking is free. The official Visit Omaha website has a handy guide for hotels in the Omaha area. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Enter the aquarium and have sharks, sea . Whether you want an 18-hole course or just a simulation, Omaha has several great golf courses and golf simulators. The Simmons Aviary is temporarily closed, but when it is open, this 1.3-acre exhibit features a boardwalk, elevated walkways, and the chance to see a wide variety of exotic birds. Each guest through the gate means another conservation story continues, and all 160-acres means families run wild so animals across the globe can run free. - August 1, 2022 0 Our family are avid connoisseurs of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo. This is one fun attraction thats included with admission to the zoo. Address: 500 South 20th Street, Omaha, Nebraska. The first version of Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo originally opened in 1894 under the name, Riverview Park Zoo. By 1898, the zoo had 120 animals. Stephanie Le / Shutterstock.com. Get up close and personal with bison, elk, and deer from the comfort of your car at the Wildlife Safari Park in Ashland, about 30 minutes from Omaha. The Old Market attracts locals and tourists alike and is relatively compact and well signposted for easy navigation. --mv-create-subtitles: 1.125em } I recruited Omaha and regional bloggers to join me in sharing the best tips with you, including the best time to visit the Omaha zoo! It has slides, climbing nets, and bridges galore. Tips for Visiting the Omaha Zoo | Family Fun in Omaha You're timing may coincide with some schools' spring break, but I'd say even then, it won't be very busy especially since you're going on a weekday. My tip: There are two areas suitable for nursing your baby with a little privacy. } A children's play structure is also located here, as are changing rooms. Plus, kids two years old and under get to ride for free! 16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Omaha A Locals Guide to Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo 2023. , and I will try to answer it (or point you in the right direction). The Childrens Adventure Trails offers five acres worth of interactive learning experiences and activities. The main entrance is located at the south end of the zoo complex, nearer to Bert Murphy Avenue. Over 30 animals decorate this family-fun ride, each covered in shiny enamel and bringing a sense of whimsy to everyone who passes by. Galleries abound, and their offerings are diverse, ranging from eclectic to more contemporary. While all of the exquisitely done outdoor exhibits are fun to do, if the weather isn't being as friendly as the locals, just go to the. You can see an outcropping of meerkats, hyraxes, and monitors when you first enter. Once theyre done splashing around, there is a convenient changing area located nearby! The Childrens Adventure Trails are great for imaginative play, exploration, wading, and getting your feet wet, but the Alaskan Adventureis straight up a childrens splash pad. The park is one of 49 sites throughout the country that are part of the National Park Service's We Shall Overcome itinerary. It has had the honor of hosting some of the world's premiere musicians and is the home of the Omaha Symphony. There are also a lot of attractions worth exploring, including museums, art galleries, bars, and restaurants that improve the quality of life in Omaha. 13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Nebraska, 14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Lincoln, NE, 16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Omaha, 17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Des Moines, IA, Iowa Travel Guide: Plan Your Perfect Trip, Iowa in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Sioux Falls, SD, 15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kansas City, Kansas, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kansas City, MO, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kansas, Kansas in Pictures: 13 Beautiful Places to Photograph, Nebraska in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph, From Christchurch to Queenstown: 4 Best Ways to Get There, The Cultured Biker: Mixing Biking & the Arts in Bentonville, AR, 24 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, https://www.lauritzengardens.org/about/kenefick_park/index.asp, sights you won't want to miss in Nebraska, Average minimum and maximum temperatures for Omaha, NE in, Average monthly precipitation totals for Omaha, NE in, Average monthly snowfall totals for Omaha, NE in. You can jump on at the Omaha Depot, which is in the same area as Sues Wildlife Carousel. 12 Fun Activities In Omaha For Memorial Day Weekend Beer and alcoholic beverages are available at select afterhours events throughout the year, like Late Nights at the Zoo and Ghouls & Glow. The area has been carefully constructed to reflect African geography. Surprisingly, the penguin feeding was kinda dull? While your child runs from activity to activity, expert zoo employees will be nearby to provide exciting animal encounters and guidance through the trails! During the summer months Sandy's Splish Splash Garden, which is outside and typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat. Downtown Omaha Attractions | Capitol District Hotel Mark your calendars for the first-ever FREE Royal Summer Market, July 22! Join Royal Flooring for a fun afternoon featuring a star-studded lineup of Des Moines Pediatrician and Family Medicine Guide, Des Moines Preschool and Early Childhood Education Guide. The trees of water misters. McDonald's locations at 132nd and Maple and the one near Omaha's zoo (on South 13th Street) also has one. Originally one of the nation's busiest train stations, the 1931 building was restored to its former glory in 1995 after an extensive renovation. document.documentElement.className = document.documentElement.className.replace( 'no-js', 'js' ); In addition to the driving tour, walking trails take you past the wolf, bear, and avian enclosures. Hefflinger Dog Park Omaha, NE Dog Park at Dewey Park Omaha, NE Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront Omaha, NE Scriptown Brewing Company Omaha, NE Field Club Trail Omaha, NE Warren Buffett's Omaha Omaha, NE Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium Omaha, NE An Intimate Look at Omaha If you're looking for something exciting to do during Memorial Day weekend in Omaha, then heading to the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is a great option. Dog Friendly Activities in Omaha, NE is hosted at "DoubleTree Omaha Southwest". It was clear by the voice of the people that the Henry Doorly Zoo could not be beat! Also, the zoo offers a spend the night at the zoo. Beneath the Desert Dome is the Mahoney Kingdoms of the Night attraction. When we have been in March it has been not busy at all, and pretty cool out, so I'd plan on a coat for walking between buildings. If you havent visited recently, you need to add it to your calendar! Theyre truly a leader in zoology, biology, and sustainability among experts worldwide! Some are cooler than others. One of the great things about the zoo is that you can bring your own food, which, really cuts down on the cost of the trip. Official site: https://www.omahaperformingarts.org/. The zoo gives kids a chance to get face to face with some of the most weird and wonderful creatures we have on this planet, AND they can learn all about them as they go! I love my hometown, Omaha, but cannot resist the thrill of travel. Walk through the worlds largest indoor desert and the largest indoor rainforest in North America. There are things like the area where you can feed the birds that you dont even know exist if you dont consult the map. Bolton Carley. Every building except the Lied Jungle will stay open until 6pm. .lazyloaded { So, there are lots of places to take care of nurse and care for baby! I have helped many families moving to Omaha. So, grab a bag or cooler and pack it with plenty of snacks and your lunch for the day. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. We are planning a trip on October 8th is that too late to be able to see all the animals or do the start putting them inside for winter? Leila's Rose is hosted at "The Slowdown". Designed to look like an insect when seen from an aerial view, the 14,000-square-foot Grewcock Butterly and Insect Pavilion has waterfalls, vegetation, a water lily pool, and more! And, Antarctica 2D, a film showcasing new footage of many of the coldest continents aboveground and underwater wildlife. Obviously, a few of the outdoor exhibits are closed at this time of year, but there is still plenty to enjoy! Kara became a boy-mom in June of 2011 to Lucan and a girl-mom to Gracelyn in December of 2014. I wrote a post about healthy zoo at the food you can read it here. aid: "ohmyomahallc", Review the map in advance and agree on what are the must-see exhibits. Kim Schenkelberg, Great places to cool off on the hot summer days are the aquarium, gorilla exhibit, Expedition Madagascar, Wild Kingdom Pavilion, Kingdoms of the Night, the IMAX Theater, and the new splash park! Julie S., Family Fun in Omaha, Get to the zoo early and head to the back exhibits. s.Stay22 = s.Stay22 || {}; The Hawkins Giraffe Encounter gives visitors a chance to see the giraffes and help feed them at various times throughout the day. If memory serves me correctly, most outdoor animals are less active or napping during the heat of the day. The Alaskan Adventure splashpad attraction, located near Sues Wildlife Carousel, offers a variety of sprinklers, splashes, and mists. Various concessions and eateries are conveniently located throughout the zoo with food and drink available for purchase. Admission to the Lozier IMAX Theater is included in any Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo membership. }; One of the most entertaining exhibits is the Prairie Dog Town. Kingdoms of the Night also features the worlds largest indoor swamp, which spans a quarter-acre and contains beavers, alligators, and other swamp critters. So, check your expectations at the entrance. And, dont forget about the AZA Reciprocity Program for discount admission to other zoos. Youre not in San Francisco, but you can still take a tram to get around! The Scott Aquarium contains over 1.2 million gallons of water and is one of the largest in-zoo aquariums in the world. There are many stylish hats with SPF protection. As this official map shows, Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo offers an extensive array of exciting animal exhibits, wild creature features, and fun, interactive attractions. Its tough to see the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in one day. It has a few healthy and vegetarian entrees, as well as some unique desserts (particularly the cookie dough options). Things to Do in Omaha - Choice Hotels Check out the videos below and plan an expedition to Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. The 11 Best Things To Do In Omaha, Nebraska Sage Scott Updated: Jan.10.2022 The Omaha, Nebraska, skyline Photo credit: Visit Omaha Activities and Interests Architecture Art Destinations History and Culture Museums Nebraska Omaha United States Wildlife Nebraska is one of the least-visited states in the nation. The Desert Dome mimics real-world desert environments across the 42,000 square feet interior. This program is an engaging presentation highlighting 35 different birds, their habitat, and our ongoing responsibility to conserve these sacred species. Ive helped many families relocate to Omaha. Throughout the day the theater holds animal discovery interactive presentations as well as The Birds of Flight Program. The Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo is home to endless in AND outdoor exhibits. The Owen Sea Lion Shores features a pool that contains 275,000 gallons of saltwater and houses California sea lions and harbor seals. The city is home to several interesting museums and public art displays, including the Spirit of Nebraska's Wilderness. While the Garden of the Senses isnt just visually impressive, it ignites all the senses! Beating the heat and running around a 160-acre zoo complex sure can work up an appetite! I definitely agree with the start at the back and work your way forward and then up the elevator or ride the tram.