Omaha, Nebraska is not your average midwestern city! Located in far eastern Nebraska, we are a big city close to lots of wide-open spaces. That’s one of the things so appealing about Omaha.
You can come to Omaha and explore all that our fine city has to offer, then jump in the car and be out in the country in no time to explore the country living at it’s finest. Our perfect location, right in the middle of the country, makes it easy to get here from both coasts.
You can take a direct flight to Omaha as well. We have a nice little airport that’s very easy to navigate- no long lines! My hometown of Omaha is a happening spot with lots of cool and fun things to do.
Believe it or not, the Omaha metro area is home to almost one million people, so there’s really a lot more people here than you think, but it’s not crowded. You’ve probably heard of one of our most famous locals, he just happens to be one of the richest men in the world. Does Warren Buffet ring a bell?! Warren could live anywhere! Do you really think he’d live in a cowtown?
Omaha’s a little bit of trendy and a whole lot of fun-much of it free! I’ve listed below some of my favorite completely free things to do in Omaha, Nebraska. If you visit us once, I guarantee you’ll be back. Enjoy your stay!
15 Free Things to Do in Omaha, NE
1. Walk The Bob
Check out the Bob Kerrey bridge in downtown Omaha. It’s the first suspension bridge in the country that connects two neighboring states, Nebraska and Iowa.
The bridge is even marked to let you know when you’re entering Iowa, so you can stand on the bridge with one foot in Omaha, NE and one foot in Council Bluffs, IA.
Don’t forget to take a picture with one foot in each state! You can even rent a scooter and ride the bridge if that’s more your style (bring a helmet)! In the Summer months there are usually concerts at the bridge that are totally family-friendly, and all free!
2. Boystown
Visit the famous Boystown and see where the magic happens for all those wonderful kids. At Boystown, you can tour the Village with a Boystown tour guide and get the inside scoop about all that makes Boystown the special place it is.
In addition to the Village, you can tour the Hall of History, beautiful Dowd Chapel, Father Flanagan’s House and the Garden of the Bible.
3. National Park Service Lewis & Clark Visitor Center
Come and learn some Omaha history at the Lewis & Clark Visitor Center located within the National Park Service headquarters on the banks of the Missouri River.
Here you can learn about the Omaha Indians and the land that was their home. You’ll also be able to see real Indian artifacts and even explore a teepee!
4. Old Market
While walking “The Bob”, you’ll be very close to one of Omaha’s best attractions, Omaha’s Old Market.
The Old Market is a very quaint, historic area South of Downtown and is known for its unique, local shops and restaurants.
There are lots of fun shops in the Old Market. Be sure to stop in at Tannenbaum, the shop devoted to Christmas, 365 days a year! There are also lots of hotels to stay at in the Old Market. Check out my guide to see how to get free hotel stays!
5. Joslyn Art Museum
Go to the premier fine arts museum in the state of Nebraska. Thanks to a grant, admission to this spectacular museum is free!
6. Bike Ride on the Keystone trail
The Keystone Trail is a paved, 25-mile trail throughout Omaha. On the trail, you’ll see all kinds of things from a unique vantage point. You may also get lucky and see foxes, deer, and geese.
7. Concert at Stinson Park
Stinson Park is a park situated in the Aksarben area on what used to be the horse track grounds.
Now the area has been redeveloped into commercial space with a big green space, Stinson Park, at the South end.
Stinson Park holds free concerts almost every Saturday night during the Summer Months. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy!
8. Explore beautiful Elmwood Park
Elmwood Park is a historic, 216-acre park in the center of Omaha, right off Dodge street.
Within the park be sure to visit the grotto for especially pretty views and peaceful surroundings.
9. Omaha Farmer’s Market
Check out the Farmer’s Market while in Omaha. From May through September, a into early October, The Omaha Farmer’s Market is held every Saturday morning in the Old Market; and every Sunday morning in Aksarben.
Each location has over 75 vendors with everything from fresh vegetables, beautiful fresh flower arrangements and more. It’s also a great place for people watching. And it’s dog-friendly so you can bring your furry friend!
10. Tour The Cathedral
The Cathedral is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Omaha.
It’s also a cultural center housing a history museum, art gallery, and gift shop. The Cathedral, built in the Spanish Renaissance style in 1905, is a work of art itself.
11. Forest Lawn Cemetery
Visit the largest, most beautiful cemetery in Omaha. Forest The lawn is something to behold.
At 349 acres of rolling hills, forests and lots of green space, it is Omaha’s historic burial place of many famous Omahans.
12. Memorial Park
Have a picnic in the park! Check out the rose garden and the historical markers honoring all of our men and women that have served in the armed forces.
13. See the Troll
Check out the giant blue troll! The blue troll is a new 300-pound bronze statue that sits below the popular Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.
14. Street Art
Omaha has many different types of street art for your viewing pleasure. Start with a mural tour in South Omaha on 24th street, then head down to Creighton University to see bronze statues including Billy Bluejay, the school mascot. This is just among the best free things to do in Omaha, Nebraska.
15. Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge Splash Pad
After walking “The Bob”, a quick cool down at the Splash Pad may be just what you and the kiddos need!
The splash pad is located right next to the bridge and is a very large area where kids can play in the water to their heart’s content.
There’s plenty of seating for parents and the view of the Missouri River is excellent.
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