While the College World Series holds a special place in the heart of Omaha, it is not all that the city has to offer. Hidden inside the city of 434,000 are activities even the college student budget can afford. From restaurants to movies and everything in between, Omaha is a secret gem with so much to offer.
Here are things to do while in Omaha:
1. Visit the Henry Doorly Zoo
An Omaha classic, this zoo has been voted as the “Top Zoo in the World” by TripAdvisor and is known as one of the largest zoos worldwide. While already housing over 900 species, be sure to look forward to Summer 2016 when the 28-acre African Grasslands exhibit will make it’s first appearance!
More information: http://www.omahazoo.com
2. Monday Night at the Movies in Turner Park
Located just inside Midtown Crossing, Turner Park is the host of FREE movie nights for all ages. Bring a blanket and get ready to check out some of the hottest blockbusters!
More information: http://midtowncrossing.com/events/monday-night-at-the-movies/
3. Visit a state park
Have an urge to visit the ocean, but don’t have the money? Don’t fear! While Omaha may not house any real oceans, the city does have several lakes available for camping, swimming, biking, hiking, horseback riding, boating, and other recreation.
Quick favorites: Mahoney State Park, Fontenelle Forest, Fremont State Recreation Area (SRA), & Branched Oak SRA
4. Get a “taste of Omaha”
It is to no surprise Omaha is known for the vast amount of restaurants housed in the city. Whether you’re by the Old Market, Midtown, Dundee, or West Omaha…there is always something new. Not sure where to start? Omaha Culinary Tours offers both walking and bus tours to many of the city’s restaurant staples.
More information: http://www.omahaculinarytours.com/
5. Shakespeare On The Green
Early July nights serve Omaha well as Elmwood Park hosts Shakespeare On The Green. This year the features include, “As You Like It” and “Othello.” Each show begins at 8pm, but show up before hand for “food, preshow entertainment, activities, and more!”
More information: http://www.nebraskashakespeare.com/shakespeare-on-the-green-1/shakespeare-on-the-green
6. Attend a Broadway play
If your bucket list includes watching a Broadway show in New York, Omaha can help you get pretty close to making that a reality (obviously without the New York part). Every year the Orpheum brings dozens of Broadway hits right to the downtown theater. While the 2015 season has ended, check back in early 2016 to see shows like: Newsies, Cinderella, Dirty Dancing, The Book of Mormon, The Phantom of the Opera, and more!
More information: http://omaha.broadway.com/
7. Visit one of the city’s many museums
Interested in art, science, or history? This attraction is right up your alley! Located in the heart of the city or just a short drive away, Omaha has a wide diversity of museums for your inquisitive nature. Want something more outdoors? Lauritzen Gardens has your fix! With so many options, be sure to check them all out!
For more information, visit http://www.visitomaha.com/things-to-do/attractions/museums/#.VZCf5hNViko or https://www.lauritzengardens.org/
8. Attend a concert or festival
Omaha is no stranger to the music scene. With several venues located around the metro area, a night of new music is only a short drive away. While the CenturyLink hosts a majority of the musical acts that pass through, be sure to also check out Stir Cove, Sumtur Amphitheater, Sokol Auditorium, the Slowdown, and The Waiting Room. Looking for a relaxing way to spend an evening? Jazz on the Green at Midtown Crossing will start their performances in early July and continue through mid-August.
Wanting to enjoy a music festival like Coachella, Bonnaroo, or Lollapalooza? You’re in luck! For $50 you get all-day access to Omaha’s own music festival, MAHA Music Festival.
For more information, visit Ticketmaster.com, http://www.mahamusicfestival.com/#/, or http://www.jazzonthegreenomaha.com/
9. Visit the Wildlife Safari Park
Knowing the weather in Nebraska, sometimes the heat can be unbearable, but that does not mean you have to stay inside all day. With an added convenience of viewing wildlife from your own air-conditioned car, how could you resist? On your car tour you will be able to see eagles, bison, deer, cranes, and more! Still want to check it out, but not drive? There is also many walking paths to get that added exercise in for the day!
More information: http://www.wildlifesafaripark.com/
10. Run a 5K or marathon
Need some motivation to keep you working out during those hot summer days? Omaha has you covered. Check out the calendar below to see all the runs occurring in the city throughout the year.
More information: https://www.omaharun.org/running-calendar/
11. Shop till’ you drop
Need a new outfit for the night or just want to window shop? There is a mall for everyone. Westroads Mall offers the typical indoor mall atmosphere, but also offers a wide selection of stores including: Forever 21, H&M, and Buckle. Village Pointe is an outdoor mall in West Omaha, home to more name brand designers such as: Lush, Coach, lululemon, and J.Crew. Want to shop the designer brands, but at a cheaper cost? Nebraska Crossing Outlets has stores such as Nike, Kate Spade, Vera Bradley, and Tommy Bahama (Note: not all stores may be outlet stores).
