Things To Do
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
This is always a top spot to visit for anyone coming to Omaha! Ranked consistently as one of the top zoos in not only the nation, but also internationally, this is a spot that can fill an entire day with fun. Even if the weather is poor, there are still six acres of indoor exhibit spaces to explore, including the Desert Dome (one of the world's largest indoor deserts and includes the world's largest nocturnal animal exhibit), Lied Jungle (one of the world's largest indoor rainforests), Scott Aquarium, Butterfly and Insect Pavilion, Expedition Madagascar, and the Hubbard Gorilla Valley. Bonus: This zoo is widely regarded as one of the most ethical, with conservation, research, recreation, and education at the forefront of its mission. 3/14/24 Update: For the 2nd year in a row, Henry Doorly Zoo has been given the title of #1 Zoo, #1 Zoo Exhibit, and #1 Safari Park in the nation by USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice!
Vala's Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard
Many think of Vala’s as the area’s unofficial autumn amusement park. The attraction sits on a 400-acre farm where the Vala family grows pumpkins and 30 varieties of apples. Thousands of people travel from across the region in the fall to spend a day (or more) enjoying caramel apples, turkey legs and kettle corn while taking in more than 50 attractions and live shows. Enjoy the photo above of Becca with her brother and cousins, Megan and Stephanie, at Vala's in 1994! :)
The Old Market
Explore Omaha's Old Market Entertainment District, an historic area that has been transformed into a lively shopping, dining and nightlife destination. Street musicians and artists offer entertainment as you wander in and out of the many boutiques and galleries that line the cobblestone streets. Innovative restaurants, original steakhouses, local pubs, quaint cafes and jazz clubs make the Old Market a favorite stop when visiting Omaha!
Block 16
Here's a fun story from Becca: On the day that we booked a BUNCH of venue tours in Omaha, I got our first appointment time wrong (whoops!) and we had time to spare. So I took Spencer to a burrito joint to get a breakfast burrito, thinking he'd otherwise get hangry. Then in between tours, a few hours later, I swung over to Block 16 to grab some lunch. Now let me tell you the absolute WRATH I received from Spencer upon walking into this restaurant. He was LIVID that I let him eat that breakfast burrito and ruin his appetite for lunch, knowing what was going to be offered at this spot. Needless to say, I had to promise to take him back on our next trip with an empty stomach. So if you're in the mood for some absolutely mouth-watering farm-to-table street food, make plans to stop here. But ye be warned, it is always very busy! Be ready to fight someone for a table. And pro tip: You can order online and have it ready in-store when you arrive! (Note: Stretchy pants are required here.)
Kochava Coffee
There are lots of wonderful locally owned coffee shops in the area, but this one has rave reviews and is within a few blocks of our venue! Skip the Starbucks and support a small business! P.S. - On the opposite end, on behalf of our Matron of Honor, Malorie Kokes, we ask that you do not give your patronage to the other local coffee shop near our venue - Howlin’ Hounds Coffee. If you want to be nosy as to why, Malorie is very happy to explain if you ask her! :) We know this is an unusual request, but we promise, we wouldn’t say it if it wasn’t important to us!
Zipline Brewing Co. Omaha Taproom
Whether it’s the light zest of a cold ale, the mild flavor of a frosty lager, or the heavy malt taste of a dark stout, Omaha is gaining national recognition as a top beer city. And this brewery is a personal favorite - Zipline! Other notable local breweries include: Lumen Beer, Kros Strain Brewing, Monolithic Brewing, Infusion Brewing Co., Bearded Brewer Artisan Ales, and Vis Major Brewing Company. Click the link below for information on the "Craft Beer Penny Pack" - a free coupon pack to "Buy 1, Get 1 for a Penny" at 12 participating craft breweries!
Hollywood Candy
There are really no words to describe this candy store, because it's so much more than that! You have to step inside to believe it. Hollywood Candy has offered treats and amusements in Omaha’s Old Market since 2007. They have a fresh selection of handmade candies, fudge, plus aisles full of vintage candy bars and tasty finds from around the world. If you’re thirsty, head over to the giant cooler to discover 150+ flavors of chilled soda pop. Drop into the 50's-style Fairmont Diner for a sandwich or a tasty ice cream treat, where the jukebox is always playing a favorite song from the past. The store also features a vintage pinball arcade, a movie theater where free movies are shown regularly, plus displays of movie memorabilia and curiosities that owner Larry Richling has collected for decades. Everywhere you look, there’s something fun that will bring a smile.
Kiewit Luminarium
Welcome to Kiewit Luminarium, a place for people of all ages, identities, and backgrounds to explore astonishing phenomena at the intersection of science, art, and human perception. Now open on Omaha’s reimagined RiverFront, Kiewit Luminarium will rekindle your curiosity and change the way you see the world. With more than 100 interactive exhibits, a kaleidoscope of engaging programs, and weekly special events, there will always be more to explore.
The RiverFront
Founded in 2018, The RiverFront combines three parks in the heart of downtown Omaha into one identity. After undergoing renovations, the three parks now connect, serving as a gathering space between the historic Old Market and vibrant north downtown Omaha. Lewis & Clark Landing - Includes riverside sidewalks, sand volleyball, sports courts, Kiewit Luminarium, and the Discovery Playground. (This is a great area for the kids!!!) Heartland of America Park - Includes a roller skating ribbon, a pier out to the Missouri River, bocce ball terrace, horseshoe pits, lakeside amphitheater, and a playground. Gene Leahy Mall - Includes green space, sculpture garden, arches playground, performance pavilion, community slides and swings, dog park, and a promenade.
The Durham Museum
Hello, history buffs! The Durham Museum makes its home in the National Historic Landmark of Omaha's beautiful Art Deco Union Station. The museum houses an extraordinary array of permanent exhibits including restored train cars, 1940s store fronts, numerous artifacts showing the history of the region, and the Byron Reed collection which includes some of the world’s rarest coins and documents. There are also impressive traveling exhibits through The Durham’s affiliation with the Smithsonian and other national and international museums and lending institutions. During your stay, be sure to stop by the authentic soda fountain and enjoy a phosphate or malt.
KANEKO
KANEKO is a 501(c)(3), public, nonprofit, interdisciplinary cultural organization founded with the mission of exploring creativity across the whole spectrum of human activity—including art, science, philosophy, entrepreneurship, urban planning, and education. Established in three refurbished historic warehouses in Omaha’s Old Market by internationally renowned sculptor Jun Kaneko and his wife Ree, KANEKO was conceived of as “open space for your mind,” a place where thoughtful examination of others’ ideas through a variety of exhibitions and public programs leads us to new and exciting ideas of our own. KANEKO's galleries are FREE and open to the public.
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
I'll let this one speak for itself: "Hi, I'm Bob. I'm a bridge. Technically I’m a 3,000 ft. pedestrian bridge, but actually I’m a 3,000 ft. magic trick – suspended in air by mere cables (and two really tall towers and a whole lotta something going on under the water), but other than that it’s all magic. For my next trick, since I’m the first walking bridge to connect two states (Nebraska and Iowa), if you stand in just the right spot “POOF” you’re in two places at the same time. Take a photo and now you're "Bobbing"…trust me, it’s a thing. Like most bridges, I have a troll. At first, it was weird, but OMAR has become my true, blue friend. So get to know me (and OMAR) a little better." Click on the link button below to learn more!