You had a fun day planned full of outdoor activities and then it rained, or was too windy or cold or hot to be outside for very long. Luckily, Omaha is full of family-friendly fun both indoors and outdoors!
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Enjoy these 10+ ideas of FREE things to do indoors in Omaha:
1. Explore the ArtWorks interactive space at Joslyn Art Museum. We recently visited for the first time and the kids loved all of the creative activities! While at the Museum, check out an Art Pack, a theme-based backpack to use as you explore the Museum galleries. (Closed Mondays and major holidays.)
2.[UPDATE: The Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium at Schramm Park State Recreation Area is closed for renovations. Construction is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2018.]
See many fish at the Aksarben Aquarium near Schramm Park. The last time we visited, they offered a fun scavenger hunt for the kids.
3. Not far is the Holy Family Shrine, a beautiful glass chapel overlooking I-80 that serves as a place of rest and solitude for people of all faiths.
4. Visit Boys Town including the Hall of History, Dowd Chapel, Father Flanagan House, and Leon Myers Stamp Center, and see the world’s largest ball of stamps.
5. Climb in the Indoor Children’s Play Areas at Oak View Mall and Westroads Mall.
6. See huge exhibits of ‘stuffed’ animals at Bass Pro Shop or Cabela’s.
7. Rent a Free Kids Movie at Family Video. They have a great selection where you can rent kids movies for free!
8. Visit your Local Library for storytimes, special events, or check out some books together. Join the Summer Reading Program and participate in many of the special activities!
- Public Libraries: Omaha, Bellevue, Gretna, LaVista, Sump Memorial Library in Papillion, Baright Public Library in Ralston
9. Explore the Union Pacific Railroad Museum. (Open Thursday – Saturday. Closed holidays. See website for times.)
10. Visit the Do Space Technology Center and play in the Kids Room or take a Free Class including Littles Lab for ages 3-5. View and sign up for upcoming events here. Membership cards are Free and are now required for entry into Do Space classes and programs, so please bring your Do Space card with you to class.
11. Visit KANEKO where they often have exhibitions kids will enjoy. See their current exhibitions here.
12. Discover Free Kids Programs in Omaha including crafts, building activities, storytimes, Kids Clubs, and more!
13. Visit the Omaha Kids Calendar for special upcoming events, and sort by those that are Free or Indoor!
14. During the SUMMER, participate in the Nebraska Passport Program. Pick up your booklet and collect stamps at any one of 80 stops around Nebraska – many are in the Omaha area for a chance to win prizes.
For $5 or less:
- Visit an Omaha Community Center for open gym time with your little ones for as little as $1/adult, and special events throughout the year.
- Play in the big indoor play area at Mahoney State Park. ($2/person. Daily or Annual Park Entry Permit required.)
- Participate in the Kids Bowl Free (summer only) or Kids Skate Free programs. (Skate and shoe rental extra.)
- $5 Tuesdays at Marcus Theaters.
- Swim at Montclair or Mockingbird Indoor Pools.
