The Most Popular Omaha NE Family Activities

By Joane Bringle


Omaha is the biggest city in Nebraska and its economy benefits greatly from the tourism industry. It borders the Missouri River and serves as the headquarters for five Fortune 500 companies, including Union Pacific, the country's largest railroad company and ConAgra, maker of packaged foods. Guests can find a variety of family activities in Omaha NE.

The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is among the top attractions in the city. Many experts consider it to be one of the best zoos found anywhere around the world. Its operators are dedicated to education, recreation, research, and conservation. It has its roots in the Riverview Park Zoo, which opened in 1894 and has served more than 25 million guests over the past four decades.

Among its most popular exhibits is the Desert Dome, the world's largest geodesic dome housing a massive indoor desert habitat. The Lied Jungle houses a huge indoor rainforest and the nocturnal animal exhibit, named the Kingdoms of the Night, features the biggest indoor swamp in the world. The zoo houses more large cats in captivity than any other facility of its kind.

The Zoo Railroad loops through the property and has 2.5 miles of track, which was laid by the Union Pacific railroad. An oil-powered steam locomotive hauls the train around the track. Guests may also travel through the zoo on a trackless tram navigating the walkways and featuring four stops. The Skyfari is an aerial tram that transports guests between the rhinoceros exhibit and the Butterfly and Insect Pavilion.

The 71,000 square foot Kingdom of the Seas Aquarium features four distinct aquatic habitats. Guests can experience temperate ocean zones, coral reefs, polar regions and the Amazon Rainforest. The shark tank with its pedestrian tunnel is among the most popular exhibits. Visitors can walk through the tunnel as coral reef fish, sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles swim all around them.

Another popular spot for families with small children is the Children's Museum. Located on South 20th Street, the facility features multiple interactive exhibits offering kids a hands-on experience as well as other areas dedicated to various activities. Among the popular permanent exhibits are the Creative Arts Center, the Splish Splash Garden, and Imagination Playground. Traveling exhibits come and go throughout the year offering an ever-changing experience for guests every time they visit.

These are the most popular family activities in Omaha NE. Visitors can also visit any of the city's many parks and arts museums. Baseball fans can take in the annual College World Series each June at TD Ameritrade Park.




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