Free Things to Do in Omaha

In addition to a variety of special offers, Omaha provides fun free family entertainment.

Discover free things to do during your Omaha visit. Are we missing your favorite free Omaha activity? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

1. Reconnect at The RiverFront 

The RiverFront is a lively destination that bridges Omaha’s Old Market Entertainment District and North Downtown Entertainment District. Three parks encompassing 72 acres offer lush native landscapes, stunning city views, and diverse recreational offerings, from playgrounds to sand volleyball. Board game carts and art carts provide more free fun, as do regularly offered classes and activities, like yoga, STEM for kids, and movie nights.

2. Explore Hot Shops Art Center

More than 70 artists invite you to wander and explore this 92,000 square foot living art museum. Four "hot shops" feature working artists in glass blowing, pottery, bronze casting and blacksmithing, and 50 individual studios and two art galleries give visitors a look at artwork and how it is created.

3.  Visit Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts 

Find ever-changing and always-impressive art exhibitions. Seasoned artists and up-and-coming talent create remarkable works in an edgy, creative atmosphere.

4. Tour First National's Spirit of Nebraska's Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park 

More than 100 larger-than-life bronze sculptures (weighing between 400 pounds to 6 tons) parade through the buildings and streets of downtown Omaha. These special public art pieces tell the story of the pioneers' westward journey.

5. Chug to Kenefick Park

See two of the greatest locomotives ever to power the Union Pacific Railroad - Centennial No. 6900 and Big Boy No. 4023.

6. Enjoy Omaha Lakes

Slow down and unwind at one of Omaha's picturesque lakes offering fishing, boating, and other recreational activities all year long. 

7. Walk on Bob 

Stroll across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, a one-of-a-kind 3,000-foot-long cable-stay bridge connecting two states. Photo opp alert: stand in two states at the same time - one foot in Nebraska and one foot in Iowa. We call it Bobbing. Share your pic with #OmahaWeekend. And don’t forget to visit OMAR the Troll under the bridge.

8. Check out the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center 

Learn about their famous expedition, 390 National Parks and more. 

9. Step into history at the Mormon Trail Center at Winter Quarters

The Center offers state-of-the-art history displays of the Mormon trek from Illinois to Utah in the 1800s.

10. Experience KANEKO 

Explore art, design, architecture and more at KANEKO, an "open space for your mind."

11. Visit Mount Vernon Gardens 

It features a bluff setting similar to George Washington's Mount Vernon view of the Potomac.

12. Visit Memorial Park and the Monuments Honoring WWII, Korea, and Vietnam forces  

A visitor favorite is the All-American Rose Society Garden.

13. Stroll through the Cancer Survivors Park 

Don't miss this inspirational retreat to encourage people to understand and fight cancer.

14. Tour Boys Town's Hall of History, Visitors Center and the Father Flanagan House 

This National Historic Landmark District is also home to the World's Largest Ball of Stamps.

15. Find live music at Midtown Crossing's Turner Park

Pack a picnic, kick back, and enjoy live music at Turner Park. July through September enjoy smooth Jazz, infectious soul/funk, hot Latin beats and more.

16. See the Gerald R. Ford Birth Site and Gardens 

Experience this memorial to the 38th U.S. President who was born in Omaha. A kiosk modeled after the original house and a colonnade and Rose Garden modeled after the White House complete the site.

17. Check Out a Festival

Experience one of Omaha's many festivals during the warmer months - including the Summer Arts Festival, Florence Days, Cinco de Mayo, City of Omaha Celebrates America and fireworks, Santa Lucia Festival, Taste of Omaha, Greek Festival and Fort Omaha's Intertribal Powwow. 

18. Catch a Parade

Enjoy one of Omaha's many parades, including St Patrick's Day, Cinco de Mayo, Florence Days, Millard Days and  more.

19. Peruse the Omaha Farmers Market

Two market locations and times – one on Saturdays in the Old Market and one on Sundays in Aksarben Village – offer fun browsing (and often buying) of local producers’ offerings from early May to mid-October.

20. Interact with Omaha's Public Art Displays Sprinkled Throughout the City  

Enjoy larger-than-life jugglers, one of the country's largest public murals, and a sculpture ready to take a bite out of you!