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We live in Des Moines and go to Omaha a LOT! It's a really fun place to go with kids. I'll try to cull some tips from a few local FB moms groups, but here are my tips/ recommendations:

- We try to stay at the Holiday Inn Downtown/ Airport (https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/omaha/omafc/hoteldetail). It's a mediocre hotel, but there are separate suites area in most rooms which is helpful with kids and the staff is very friendly. And my kids LOVE the water park (tip - you can break all the rules at that park as there is no monitoring). I have also stayed closer to the Old Market area, and that's nice.

- We always go get ice cream at Ted & Wally's in the Old Market Area (https://tedandwallys.com). I dreamt about the strawberry ice cream waffle cone I had there every night of the last 3 months of my 3rd pregnancy :).

- You can get into the zoo for 1/2 price if you belong to your local zoo. We actually bought a zoo membership because it's so much more affordable and we can get in 1/2 price to tons of other zoos (but we go several times a year).

- My boys (almost 5 and 3) LOVE the Children's Museum, although I get a little overstimulated/ tired if we're there when it's too busy or for too long. If you belong to any other science center/ children's museum, you may be able to get in free. It's definitely worth a visit!

- There are big slides in downtown Omaha that are fun to try out. And there are TONS of other kid-friendly things to do but honestly we always run out of time after the water park at the hotel, zoo, & children's museum.

Have a wonderful time! And let me know if you have any other questions.

Lived there for 5 years and relocating back this summer - I grew up in Iowa and even moving to Omaha I was like, "there can't be anything to do there";) But 5 years and one kid later, I'm a convert!!

The zoo is amazing and they are in the middle of a multi-year, multi-million dollar renovation (rivals DC and San Diego)! Really look over their site and make a priorities list - if it's hot, hit the indoor (rainforest, desert dome, aquarium), get there early. Probably will want an option for double-riding (stroller or wagon). You could spend the whole day, or part, depends on the day and your family.

The Lauritzen Gardens is a great spot for kids, they have some large train engines to walk/run around, a train garden to watch the model trains snake all around a natural landscape, and a beautiful conservatory. Good for expending energy!!

If you have anyone into planes there is an "air/space" museum a few minutes outside the metro area - mainly a big hanger, but lots to see.

The Saturday farmer's market in Old Market is fun to walk around and get breakfast, you can stroll to the Gene Leahy Mall where the slides are.

The Durham train museum can be fun depending on family interests - if you're only there a weekend I would prioritize the zoo and gardens.

Check out http://www.familyfuninomaha.com