Feed your enthusiasm for spring in Omaha, which has blooming flowers, delicious food and can’t-miss events to jumpstart the new season. Read on for ten things visitors will love to do in Omaha in April.

 

1. Catch Live Music at North Omaha Music and Arts 

North Omaha Music and Arts Photo credit: Bob Bailie

North Omaha Music and Arts offers complimentary weekly gatherings featuring live band performances, followed by open sessions welcoming all musicians, MCs, and vocalists to join or simply observe. Jazz takes center stage on Mondays, while Wednesdays spotlight contemporary music. Discover inspiration, connect with fellow musicians, savor exceptional music, and dive into a lively musical community.

2. Marvel at Tulips and Daffodils

Lauritzen Gardens

Blooming flowers will brighten your visit to Lauritzen Gardens, where colorful tulips greet guests and 500,000 cheery daffodils blossom in Omaha’s botanical gardens. Enhance your visit with a tram ride, warm up in the 17,500-square-foot conservatory, and grab a bite at the gardens’ indoor café.

3. Say “Cheers” at Omaha’s Beautiful Cocktail Bars

Proof

A quintessential cocktail experience awaits at the Berry & Rye, Proof and Hotel Deco–with beautiful bottle shelf displays as a backdrop. Our suggestion: Hit up all three for an unforgettable night out on the town.

4. Walk Among Pioneers

Pioneer Courage Park

First National’s Spirit of Nebraska’s Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Parks is one of the world’s largest collections of bronze and stainless steel, featuring 123 pieces and installations weighing anywhere from 400 lbs. to six tons each. These public art pieces tell the story of the pioneers' westward journey and stampede through six blocks of buildings and streets of downtown Omaha.

5. Sink Your Teeth into a Hand Pie

Carter & Rye

Carter & Rye serves delectable made-from-scratch sweet or savory hand pies at its bakery and at select farmers markets seasonally. The woman-owned neighborhood bakery uses fresh, local ingredients whenever possible. After grabbing your portable snack, head to nearby Hanscom Park to enjoy.

6. Hunt for Gently Loved Merchandise

Pretty in Patina

Uncover secondhand treasures at local businesses stocked with well-loved goodies. Status carefully curates its shelves with authentic pre-loved luxury handbags and accessories. Flying Worm Vintage’s racks are filled with colorful clothing and western gear, classic leather jackets, baby tie-dyes and more mixed in. Pretty in Patina is known for its designer clothes, jewelry, and accessories. Shop 'til you drop in Omaha.

7. Spy Animals from Your Vehicle

Person Watching Bison at Wildlife Safari Park in Omaha

Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari, operated by Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, is freshly open for the season. This 4-mile drive-through North American wildlife adventure boasts overlooks and nature trails. Plus, for two years running, USA Today 10Best Awards has named it the No. 1 Best Safari Park.

8. Experience High-Flying Fun

Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum

Smithsonian affiliate Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum is home to the nation’s largest collection of Cold War aircraft and artifacts. Its 300,000 square feet houses an impressive collection of iconic aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft, including the Apollo Command Space module. Those looking for a little adventure can’t miss the flight simulator. A special exhibit on Leonardo da Vinci's inventions runs through May 5. 

9. Find the Perfect Book

Jackson Street Booksellers

Phones and e-readers make terrible souvenirs, but good old-fashioned books, on the other hand, are much easier to bring home. Bibliophiles are invited to peruse Omaha’s independent bookstores. Jackson Street Booksellers is stocked from floor to ceiling with secondhand books. The Next Chapter is a charming stop selling new books, gifts, greeting cards and more; the owner, Shelly, continued the bookseller tradition in her family by opening her store in Omaha after her parents closed their Nebraska bookstore after 40 years in business. The Bookworm is a family-owned business hosting authors from various genres. Find more Omaha indie bookstores and comic shops here

 

10. Enjoy Dinner and a Show

It’s pure entertainment at Alpine Inn, an Omaha dive–and proud of it. Known for its fried chicken and famous for the raccoons who eat it (mostly at night), Alpine Inn promises a one-of-a-kind experience you can only find in Omaha.

Want your fun all mapped out? Check out this spring break itinerary for families. For even more ideas on what to do in Omaha in April and any other time of the year, head to VisitOmaha.com.