This July, soak up the sun, stop to smell the roses, jam to live music, and cool off with icy treats in Omaha. Celebrate the heart of summer in the Heartland with these 10 suggestions.
1. Go Bobbing
What is 3,000 feet long, is supported by two pylons, and is Omaha’s most eligible bachelor? The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, or “Bob.” Bob makes all your bridge wishes come true when you go Bobbing – standing in two states at once. Tag your Bob pics #ItHappensOnBob.
2. Stop and Smell the Roses
At Lauritzen Gardens, witness more than 2,000 rose plants blooming at Rose Garden. Their perfume will make you swoon. Next, check out nearby George Washington-inspired Mount Vernon Gardens where 16 rosebeds pop with color. At Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens, 170 rose bushes accompany presidential mementos.
3. Gape at Apes
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has a newly reopened Orangutan Forest. Check out the ginger-haired primates in their sweet new digs! You might even come face-to-face with one through the glass -- an incredible experience. For even more primate-related fun, check out The Durham Museum's new exhibit "Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall."
4. Discover What’s SUP?
Water fun can make for some of the most thrilling memories. Ride the water with paddleboard tours with Elkhorn Outfitters or a standup paddleboard rental from Neighborhood Offshore.
Driftwood Paddle Adventures on Instagram
5. Create Your Own Ice Cream Crawl
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a signature summer treat. Coneflower Creamery crafts its artisanal ice cream from locally sourced milk, cream and fruit. Ted & Wally’s slow churns their super-premium made-from-scratch ice cream with 18 percent butterfat. Mail-order favorite eCreamery serves specialty ice cream, gelato and dairy-free sorbet. You can customize your flavor from home at eCreamery.com. And at Mixins, ordering ice cream is an experience. Watch as servers roll ice cream, mix ingredients, and even write your name in syrup. Check out more on Omaha’s sweets scene here.
6. Vibe to Live Music
Warm weather and live music mean July has arrived in Omaha. Jazz on the Green returns to Turner Park at Midtown Crossing on Thursday evenings. Live on the Lawn concerts rock Zorinsky Lake Park on Friday nights. The Saturdays at Stinson series offers free music, food vendors and activities for kids from 7-10 pm on July 6, 13 and 27. Music at Miller Park's July show features Enjoli & Timeless. The Blues hit Turner Park during the free Playing with Fire concert series on July 11, 12 and 13. Tempo of Twilight Outdoor Concert Series delivers beautiful music and scenery at Lauritzen Gardens. And riot grrrls and indie rock fans celebrate the second year of GRRRL Camp. Find info on more musical happenings and concerts here.
7. Check out Garden of the Zodiac
One of the charms of visiting a new city is finding tucked-away places. Garden of the Zodiac, accessible through the beloved Old Market Passageway, is one of those hidden gems. The garden features 12 pieces created by Swiss artist Eva Aeppli.
8. Chill Out at Fun-Plex
Fun-Plex has acres of family fun in the heart of Omaha. Try out water slides, a splash playground, a wave pool, a lazy river or a swim-up bar. Splash on with more Omaha water fun ideas.
9. Bar Hop The Blackstone District
Ready for a summer scene? Head to The Blackstone District for pedestrian-friendly fun. This bustling bar and restaurant scene offers visitors many choices. Craft cocktail bar Nite Owl has a late-night menu featuring thick burgers, salty fries and fresh salads. Corkscrew Wine & Cheese offers an expertly curated selection of wines and an equally thoughtful list of nonalcoholic drinks. Beer lovers slake their thirst at Scriptown Brewery. KAMP Blackstone is a funky space with a central bar and delicious food options. Discover more Blackstone inspiration here.
10. Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride
Omaha celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with the Heartland Pride Parade and a post-party festival at CHI Health Center Omaha. Discover LGBTQ+-friendly vendors, local artisans, an 18+ area, food and beverages and a star-studded entertainment lineup.
Find plenty more to do in Omaha in July and beyond at VisitOmaha.com.
