We’re thankful you’re spending Thanksgiving in Omaha. After savoring your holiday feast, stretch your legs and explore the city’s fresh air and festive spirit. Here are five fun ways to get moving in Omaha this Thanksgiving Day.

  1. Stroll around a lake with peaceful views.
  2. Complete a 0.9K marathon (and pause to stand in two states at once).
  3. Zip down the slides at Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront.
  4. Hit the Paths of Discovery on a bike.
  5. View public art on a brisk downtown walk.

Stroll around a lake with peaceful views.

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dog at lake

Omaha-area lakes offer trails with scenes inspiring tranquility. Lake Cunningham offers a 6-mile paved trail where blue herons and bald eagles often make appearances. Walk part of it and loop back, or tackle the full circle for a bigger challenge. Other popular destinations include Lake Zorinsky’s 7-mile path and Standing Bear Lake’s 3-mile loop. Dogs are welcome on leash. Discover more outdoor fun.  

Complete a 0.9K marathon (and pause to stand in two states at once).

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Bob mom and son

If a turkey trot isn’t in your plans, take a lighthearted “mini-marathon” across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, affectionately known as Bob. The .9K stretch offers sweeping river views and the chance to “Bob” with one foot in Nebraska and one in Iowa. Snap a photo and share it with #ItHappensOnBob for a chance to be featured on our social channels.

Zip down the slides at Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront.

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fall at the slidesBurn off dessert energy with a few rides down the iconic slides at Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront. The thrill of racing down — and the sprint back up the stairs — makes getting your steps in surprisingly fun. Two smaller slides nearby are perfect for younger kids. Bring a piece of wax paper for extra speed and prepare to laugh like a kid again.

Hit the Paths of Discovery on a bike.

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Keystone TrailConsider packing your bike for your Thanksgiving trip to Omaha — or rent a bike from Heartland Bike Share. You’ll discover over 85 miles of paved interconnected trails with wide-open views. West Papio Trail passes several lakes and parks. Another route, the Omaha RiverFront Trail, first offers urban landscapes, including Heartland of America Park and Lewis and Clark Landing. Heading north, rural landscapes take over, ending at the beautiful Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge.

 

View public art on a brisk downtown walk.

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Fertile Ground MuralSee Omaha’s story told through art on this easy 1.7-mile route. Start at Charles Schwab Field Omaha to view “The Road to Omaha.” Then continue south to “Fertile Ground," one of the nation’s largest murals. Next, walk a short .4-mile stretch to “Dangos” by renowned sculptor Jun Kaneko outside Hilton Omaha. Head west on Dodge Street to "Spirit of the Wilderness" and "Pioneer Courage Park" to admire lifelike bronze and stainless steel sculptures that celebrate Nebraska’s heritage. The .6-mile walk back feels as easy as pumpkin pie.

 

If you're too turkey-fied to get out on Thanksgiving Day, try these suggestions on Friday. Extra tips: for indoor fun, hit some Black Friday Sales at Omaha's shopping centers or explore 6 acres of indoor exhibits at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (the Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving Day but open on Friday).