Enjoy many hiking and walking trails in the Omaha Area with kids!
Looking for more outdoor fun? Find the best Parks and Playgrounds in the Omaha Area here!
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge
Location: 1434 316th Lane, Missouri Valley, IA
Cost: Daily entrance fees per vehicle.
Visit DeSoto’s Visitor Center, Auto tour route, Hiking trails, Steamboat Bertrand Discovery Site.
Note: DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge limits access to some of the refuge roads during the fall and spring waterfowl migration season. This includes the south entrance gate, as well as the south and east side of the loop road. This limited access is in effect each year from October 15-April 14.
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
Location: 28500 West Park Hwy, Ashland, NE
Cost: Park Entry Permit is required.
Families can visit the aquatic center and indoor playground, explore the park’s hiking and biking trails, climb the observation tower and enjoy sledding and ice skating during the Winter months.
Fontenelle Forest
Location: 1111 Bellevue Blvd N, Bellevue
Admission Cost. Memberships available.
Trails, boardwalk, children’s play areas, special programming and classes throughout year. (Pictured above)
** Members of Omaha Public Libraries, Council Bluffs Public Library, and Bellevue Public Library can check out a pass to visit Fontenelle Forest beginning May 1, 2018! Find out more here!
Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Location: 3701 S. 10th Street, Omaha
Admission Cost. Memberships available.
One of our favorite Omaha treasures, the Zoo provides many walking areas to view the animals and a playground.
Heron Haven
Location: 11809 Old Maple Rd., Omaha
Cost: Free. Donations welcome.
Heron Haven is a spring-fed wetland sanctuary with trails and special programming throughout year, including family-friendly 2nd Saturday events.
Hitchcock Nature Center
Location: 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, IA
Cost: Park Permit Required.
Picturesque area full of hiking trails, an observation tower, Visitors Center, and fun special events. Find out more about the scenic trails here!
Hummel Park Nature Center
Location: 3033 Hummel Park Rd., Omaha
Cost: Free. Special programs throughout year (some have small charge).
Hiking trails, Gaga pit, Frisbee / Disc Golf course, Hummel Hike Club, special programs throughout year.
Lauritzen Gardens
Location: 100 Bancroft St.
Admission Cost. Memberships available.
Stroll around the beautiful Botanical Gardens with paved walking paths. See a model train railroad, indoor Conservatory, Visitor Center, and many themed garden areas.
Lied Platte River Bridge – closed
Location: 19790 Hwy 31, Gretna, NE 68028
Cost: Free
The two short trails on each side of the bridge connect to Highway 31 on the north and Highway 66 on the south, providing a scenic view of the Platte River
OPPD Arboretum
Location: 108th & Blondo
Cost: Free
The OPPD arboretum is an outdoor education area where you can walk along paved pathways.
Platte River State Park
Location: 14421 346th St., Louisville, NE
Cost: Park Entry Permit is required.
Enjoy the park’s picturesque waterfall, scenic hiking and biking trails, and two observation towers that allow those who climb to the top a spectacular view of both the Platte River and Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, which is just across the river.
Recreation Areas
- Chalco Hills Recreation Area / Wehrspann Lake (154th and Giles Road)
- Lake Zorinsky (3808 S 156th St)
- Prairie Queen Recreation Area (Highway 370 and 132nd Street)
- Prairie View Recreation Area (180th Street, one-half mile south of NE Highway 36)
- Standing Bear Lake (6404 N 132nd St)
- Walnut Creek Recreation Area, Papillion (SW of Highway 370 and 96th Street)
Schramm Park
Location: 15810 Hwy 50, Louisville, NE
Cost: Park Entry Permit is required.
Families can explore a geologic display, feed fish in cool water trout ponds, tour the Schramm Education Center (admission charged) and enjoy a picnic on the bluffs.
Wildlife Safari Park
Location: 16406 N. 292 Street, Ashland
Admission Cost.
Open end of March through October. See website for dates.
There are over two miles of hiking trails throughout Wildlife Safari Park. Hike through Wolf Canyon or head over to the lake, visitors are sure to find a trail for all level of hikers to enjoy.
More Popular Walking Locations:
- Gene Leahy Mall (1302 Farnam, Downtown Omaha)
- Halleck Park (1/4 mile to the east of Washington and Lincoln Streets in downtown Papillion)
- Heartland of America Park (800 Douglas St, Downtown Omaha)
- Lakeside Hills Park (173rd and Francis behind Lakeside Hospital)
- Memorial Park
- Many Omaha Parks
- Schwer Park (702 West Centennial Road, Papillion)
Do you have a favorite to add? Please contact us and we will add it to the list!
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