The Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch offers families a welcoming modern library space that goes beyond books. With dedicated play areas, an extensive children's section filled with engaging materials, and regular story times and activity programs, it's a free community hub where kids can explore, learn, and socialize in a comfortable environment.
Weekday mornings or early afternoons are ideal for avoiding after-school crowds. Time your visit around scheduled story times (typically morning hours) for structured entertainment, or come during quieter periods if you prefer independent exploration.
This is a completely free resource for families with ample parking at the Reading Plaza location. The modern facility is fully accessible and family-friendly, though food and drinks are typically restricted to designated areas only.
The library hosts special programming during summer months including reading challenges and extended activity schedules. Holiday-themed story times and events occur throughout the year, with potential closures on major holidays.
Elkhorn's dining district is nearby with family-friendly options like Big Fred's Pizza and Las Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, both offering casual atmospheres and kid-approved menus perfect for a post-library meal.
Little Farm on the Prairie offers families an authentic working farm experience right in Omaha, where children can interact with farm animals, learn about agriculture, and enjoy seasonal activities. This hands-on destination combines educational opportunities with pure fun, from petting friendly barnyard animals to bouncing through hayrides and picking the perfect pumpkin in fall.
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium consistently ranks among the world's best zoos, offering an extraordinary day of exploration for families. From walking through the world's largest indoor desert and rainforest to marveling at underwater tunnels surrounded by sharks, this isn't just a zoo,it's an immersive adventure that will leave kids talking about it for months.
Lauritzen Gardens offers 100 acres of stunning botanical displays that naturally engage children's curiosity about plants, insects, and nature. Kids can explore winding paths through themed gardens, discover hidden sculptures, get hands-on at the children's garden with interactive water features and musical instruments, and learn about ecosystems in a beautiful outdoor classroom setting that feels more like an adventure than education.
Step back in time at The Durham Museum, housed in Omaha's stunning Art Deco Union Station. Kids get hands-on with history as they climb aboard authentic vintage train cars, explore a recreated 1940s soda fountain, and interact with exhibits that bring regional history to life. The beautifully restored building itself is an attraction, with its grand hall and period details capturing the golden age of rail travel.