Accessibility and Inclusivity in Omaha
Omaha attractions, parks, theaters and events offer a range of accessibility features for visitors with mobility, sensory, hearing, vision and cognitive needs. Because services can change, contact each venue before your visit if you need a specific accommodation.
Omaha Attractions
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium: The Omaha Zoo 4 All app can help visitors plan for sensory, mobility and cognitive needs.
The Durham Museum: Manual wheelchairs and electric scooters are available at the front desk on a first-come, first-served basis.
Lauritzen Gardens: Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow or reserve, subject to availability.
Omaha Children’s Museum: The museum offers wheelchair access and sensory-friendly programming.
Kiewit Luminarium: Accessibility features include high-contrast and large-text signage, captioned videos, wheelchairs, sensory kits and a sensory map.
Joslyn Art Museum: Accessibility services include assistive listening options, audio description resources, sensory kits and American Sign Language interpretation for select programs.
Omaha Theaters and Performing Arts
Omaha performance venues offer accommodations that may include accessible seating, assistive listening, American Sign Language interpretation, audio description, captioning and sensory-friendly performances. Check the venue’s accessibility information when choosing a performance.
CHI Health Center Omaha: Concerts and events have 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
The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and The RiverFront provide step-free routes and accessible outdoor spaces. The RiverFront also includes inclusive play areas, companion seating, accessible picnic areas and family restrooms.
Pipal Park: All-abilities play structure with wheelchair ramps and sensory 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.
