It’s wintertime in the Midwest, so this list is packed with ideas for indoor fun perfect for friends, couples and families. While we are all about bundling up and hitting the slopes, snowshoeing, and Bobbing, there’s something ultra-cozy about planning for more predictable indoor fun. From board games and movies to arcade games and theater, your next memorable indoor adventure awaits in Omaha. Read on for 10 ways to enjoy visiting Omaha in the new year.
1. Make Edu-Play-tional Memories
Award-winning Omaha Children’s Museum is a 60,000 square-foot imagination station that provides families with memorable experiences in a hands-on environment. Open year-round with a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits, the museum invites kids to explore, play, and learn. There’s something new to discover every time you come. Complete your visit with the Super Gravitron’s massive ball drop, a ride on the carousel and a visit to the museum store.
2. Cozy Up with One of 3,300+ Board Games
Record-breaking memories await at Spielbound Board Game Café in Midtown Crossing, a comfy spot that is home to the country’s largest collection of playable board games. Take a seat at a custom-made table and enjoy some friendly competition along with pizza or other snacks, locally-roasted coffee and craft beer on tap.
3. Admire Vibrant Blooms to Brighten the Winter Season
The lights of the holidays are being taken down, but there is vibrant color and life to be found at the Saint Cecilia Cathedral Flower Festival held for three days every January. Breathe in the scent of beautiful blooms as you explore floral creations made by local designers, admire the iconic architecture of this landmark Omaha building and even grab a bite to eat.
4. Savor the Glow of a Giant Fireplace
Located inside the bustling Westroads Mall, the cool Flagship Commons offers a modernized food hall experience. With eight local eateries, visitors can get a curated taste of big Omaha flavor in one stop. Enjoy a meal, snack, drink, or all of the above by the cozy fireplace (especially after an afternoon of shopping).
5. Enjoy Dinner and a Flick
Experience a piece of Omaha history at Film Streams at the Dundee Theater, Omaha's nonprofit arthouse cinema screening new American independents, foreign films and documentaries, along with a repertory program of classic themed series, and director retrospectives. Arrive early for dinner– adjoining eatery Lola's serves Mediterranean-inspired fare (and fresh baked sourdough bread). If you find yourself downtown, Film Streams at the Ruth Sokolof Theater is another location.
6. Go Wild at a Massive Indoor Arcade
Spend the day at the Amazing Pizza Machine, the ultimate all-indoor entertainment center. Be a kid (or feel like one again) and enjoy boundless play in 60,000 square feet of rides and attractions including laser tag, go karts, mini bowling, virtual reality, and more than 170 arcade games. No need to leave for lunch or dinner; bring your appetite and enjoy unlimited dining at the Amazing Buffet continuously stocked with fresh pizza, pasta, salad, soups, breads, desserts, beverages and more.
7. Catch a Kids-Focused Performance
The Rose Theater is Omaha's premier venue for the performing arts for children and families. Housed in a beautifully restored 1927 vaudeville palace, The Rose offers families a taste of the arts at a budget-friendly price. Upcoming 2024 productions include “Charlotte’s Web” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
8. Take a Swing at Putt-Putt Golf
Engage in some friendly competition at a local indoor putt-putt spot. Miniature golf meets a tropical Jurassic world at Prehistoric Putt, where you can putt among 20 realistic dinosaurs after choosing between two 18-hole courses complete with custom-made obstacles like warped walls, a half-pipe, Plinko, volcanoes and more. Medieval Putt also offers a similar themed experience.
9. Slurp Hot Soup at an Omaha Eatery
Nothing warms the body and cheers the soul like a hot bowl of soup. Consider lobster bisque at Sand Point New England Fare, French onion soup at Timber Wood Fire Bistro, chicken enchilada soup at Stokes, or tom yum soup at Sea Thai. Find more Omaha restaurants here.
10. Escape the Winter Doldrums with a Challenge
A collection of local escape rooms keeps visitors guessing… and coming back for more. Crack the code to successfully escape and revel in your success with a photo to prove you made it out. Local favorites include Locked Room Omaha, Entrap Games and Escape De Facto.
For even more ideas on what to do in Omaha in January and any other time of the year, head to VisitOmaha.com.
