Accessibility and Inclusivity in Omaha
Omaha provides accessible and inclusive experiences for visitors of all abilities. The city’s attractions, parks and performance venues are designed to be welcoming and easy to navigate.
Omaha Attractions
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium: Download the Omaha Zoo 4 All app for a personalized visit. The app supports sensory, mobility and cognitive needs.
The Durham Museum: Electric scooters and manual wheelchairs are available free of charge. They are provided on a first-come, first-served basis at the front desk.
Lauritzen Gardens: Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow or reserve. Supplies are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Motorized scooters are not available.
Omaha Children’s Museum: The museum is fully wheelchair-accessible, with sensory-friendly programming and special events designed for children with disabilities.
Kiewit Luminarium: The Luminarium offers universal access, including high-contrast, large-text signage, captioned videos, curbside pickup and dropoff, wheelchairs, sensory kits and a sensory map showing areas with varying levels of stimuli. Most exhibits feature front-facing wheelchair access.
Joslyn Art Museum: Assistive listening systems are available, including hearing loop technology. Guests may request ASL interpretation, and select programs include it as part of the experience. Mobile guides provide verbal artwork descriptions, and sensory kits are available at the Welcome Desk.
Omaha Theaters and Performing Arts
CHI Health Center Omaha: All concerts and events are ADA-compliant, with ASL interpretation, assistive listening devices, closed captioning and accessible seating.
Omaha Community Playhouse: Both OCP theaters feature infrared sound systems. The annual production of “A Christmas Carol” includes a shadow-interpreted performance. OCP also operates VROOM! Mobile Sensory Theatre, which brings performances to children with sensory sensitivities.
The Rose Theater: The theater offers ASL-interpreted and audio-described performances, along with sensory-friendly showtimes.
BLUEBARN Theatre: Select performances include ASL interpretation.
Holland Performing Arts Center and Orpheum Theater: Guests have access to curbside dropoff, ASL interpretation, assistive listening devices, audio description, closed captioning, sensory-friendly shows and a social experience narrative.
Outdoor Activities in Omaha
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge: This scenic crossing over the Missouri River is fully accessible.
The RiverFront: Three connected parks include sloped paths, inclusive playgrounds with sensory-friendly elements, companion seating, accessible picnic spots and multiple family restrooms.
Accessible Playgrounds in Omaha
Pipal Park: All-abilities play structure with wheelchair ramps and sensory features.
Gene Leahy Mall: Ramped play zones with tactile and motion-based features.
ALLPLAY Inclusive Playground at Seymour Smith Park: Omaha’s largest accessible play space. Built with ramps, wide platforms and more than 20 interactive features on a cushioned surface with shaded areas.
ALLPLAY Water Park: Step-free splash park with misters, fountains and sprays. Free to the public and open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.
Indoor Play Options for All Abilities
We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym: A sensory-safe space designed for children with autism and other developmental needs. The gym includes swings, a zip line, climbing structures and a quiet room for calm moments.
Omaha Events
Omaha hosts sensory-friendly festivals and community celebrations. These gatherings create welcoming spaces where everyone can join in the fun.
Common Senses Festival: Held in May, this month-long festival explores art, science and the human senses at venues across Omaha. Installations, performances and hands-on activities are intentionally designed to be inclusive and sensory-friendly.
Making Memories Zoo Night: Each September, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium partners with Autism Action Partnership to host Zoo Night for the autism community. Guests enjoy animal encounters, exhibits and sensory-friendly zones.
Trick-or-Treat at Munroe-Meyer Institute: Every October, Munroe-Meyer Institute hosts a fully accessible trick-or-treat night. Children with disabilities can enjoy themed rooms, treats and activities in a safe, sensory-friendly environment.
Sensory-Friendly Nights at Kiewit Luminarium: Throughout the year, Kiewit Luminarium offers sensory-friendly evenings with adjusted lighting and sound. Designed for adults 18+, these events provide a calmer museum experience while keeping exhibits interactive and hands-on.
