Omaha Outdoor Activities: Top 5 Things to Do

Looking for some exciting outdoor adventures in Omaha? Well, you are in the right place. I would say Omaha’s got a bunch of really amazing spots to explore and soak up some sunshine, so whether you’re super into hiking or perhaps just want a chill place to hang out, Omaha truly does have something awesome for everyone. These locations and pastimes stand out as gems for outdoor enthusiasts. Get ready to check out my top five, and get ready for fun!

1. Lauritzen Gardens: A Botanical Paradise

First on the list, we’ve got Lauritzen Gardens, which really is just one sweet oasis right in the heart of Omaha. It’s almost like stepping into another lovely universe. You see, this amazing botanical garden goes on for 100 acres, so that means that, for one, you can stroll through all kinds of different garden areas, like a chill Victorian Garden or the super peaceful Japanese Garden. I think the best time to come might be during the spring or summer, when all the flowers are popping off with color. And you should totally keep an eye out for different events and exhibits that they throw throughout the year.

My opinion? I visited a floral exhibit last summer, and to be honest I was completely floored at all of the creativity that I observed with botanical arrangement. It’s very a great place, and would be highly suited for anyone, like your, who enjoy peace and quiet from the usual grind of everyday life. The architecture itself is fascinating, which may attract those with an eye for aesthetic beauty. So, anyway, remember Lauritzen Gardens, it might just be your perfect Omaha escape.

2. Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium: Wild Adventures

So next, we’re gonna chat about the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium! Listen, this is seriously like, not even a regular zoo, but this is more like, the one to beat, as this is considered by some, to be one of the very best zoos, pretty much on Earth. What I would have you know is that this massive complex is totally more than just looking at cool animals. No, this particular spot boasts a huge variety of stuff to do outside, for all types of ages and people. Make sure to watch the lions roar out on the African grassland area, check out some of the neat and bizarre penguins down at the Antarctic, or see some Orangutans go swinging around over at the Jungle. It truly has everything!

Don’t be thinking this all that’s offered! You really should check out “Stingray Beach,” which is a cool interactive spot where you get a chance to get to touch these little sea puppies yourself, so that might be kind of fun for you and maybe the little ones as well, who knows! The zoo also rocks some of the greatest, pretty darn breathtaking views and walking paths, thus it is almost one amazing outdoor day out that really does go far, in terms of adventure and nature’s beauty, really all smashed into one location! Now, how is that for adventure?

3. Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge: A Walk Above the Missouri

Now we’re gonna talk about the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, that is known locally as just “the Bob.” What happens is it hooks Omaha up with Council Bluffs, IA. This bridge actually is, totally, like, just for walkers and bikers, and gives you, perhaps, these wonderful views of the Missouri River plus downtown. If you’re up for something a bit interesting, I highly recommend you take a step and stop right at the state line which sits directly at the midpoint and, like, maybe get that sweet snapshot of you straddling both Nebraska, very neat, right?!

And guess what? Around the bridge, there is almost always events and concerts happening, pretty good, particularly during the hot summer days. Just so you know, in my opinion, sunsets seen from here can just steal your breath right from you, basically painting the water along with the skies in these bright tints. So this bridge really can just give an absolutely unforgettable and remarkable view to the skyline. The area provides access to great places for a nice bicycle, maybe for you, or a romantic hike with you and your better half. So that seems kind of like your thing, right?

4. Lake Manawa State Park: Water and Trails

Up next we are heading out a little from Omaha, very far towards Lake Manawa State Park which actually sits, nearly over by Council Bluffs. If you are super into being on or, near water, this would be the place you want to be, for that reason this has it all from playing around with Jet Skis, swimming at the awesome sandy beaches, and going out boating; if you are really into being active on dry earth, there are just miles to spend traversing trails. Did you know there is room for campers to come set their stuff down to enjoy several days being really closer towards what is really Mother Nature herself!

Plus, you might even try throwing in some hooks to give the local fishing spots at Big Lake, so perhaps you may catch one nice fish to toss to cookout? Actually, as I was saying before, from friends to family, if you’re down with adventure or tranquility it is a spot of beauty for everyone to go and spend their quality time.

5. Fontenelle Forest: Hiking and Nature Exploration

Wrapping things up, we are looking to take things slow right now at Fontenelle Forest, right on what is actually just on the cusp with Bellevue, that area gives you what some might describe as an unbelievable glimpse toward beauty with many outdoor possibilities! You know the thing that really gets a good wrap is miles towards exploration, what’s even greater is being able to witness birds in high amounts as also their wildlife with a better lens.

Another great thing you have that comes available toward you at this great spot comes in what is better identified through the known “Raptor Woodland Refuge”; you’ll take sight with birds like the Owl but the great Eagle close by to you! As such that I know to be just in time while actually climbing to hike it that I had gotten to explore over one cool elevated sidewalk by viewing above on top in all parts around in Mother Nature.