The Ultimate List of Free Things to Do in Omaha
If you’re looking for free things to do in Omaha, you’re not alone, there’s been a wave of social media posts lately asking the same thing. So we decided to pull together the ultimate list of free things to do in Omaha all in one spot.
Whether you’re chasing adventure, cooling off with the kids, or just looking to get out of the house without pulling out your wallet, this list has you covered.
Table of Contents
Free Parks & Outdoor Spaces in Omaha
Almost all parks are free, but these are some standouts that you shouldn’t miss!
- Lewis and Clark Landing at The Riverfront – A stunning spot for riverside strolls, sliding, playing, or just about anything else your heart desires.
- Kenefick Park – Snap a selfie with the iconic locomotives near Lauritzen Gardens.
- The Skating Ribbon – A must-visit even when you’re not skating.
- Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge – Plus, splash pads on both sides of the river!
- American Heroes Park in Bellevue – Great views, peaceful trails, fishing, a brand new epic playground, and maybe even a football game.
- The Dream Playground at Lake Manawa – A top-tier playground, and yep, it’s free.
Cool Off with These Free Water Activities
- Hydrant Parties – Spontaneous, splashy, and city-sponsored fun.
- Free Splash Pads – They’re everywhere! You can check out this blog we published earlier in the summer to find a new one to try! (The zoo splash pad isn’t free, but you might score a pass from the library, more on that below.)
Hidden Gems You Might Not Know About
- Visit the Alpacas at City Ranch General Store
- Home Depot Kids Workshops – First Saturday of each month.
- Cabela’s & Bass Pro Shops – Wildlife displays, fish tanks, and more.
- Heron Haven – A quiet wetland sanctuary in the city.
- Board Games at Sozo Coffeehouse
- Omaha Police Mounted Patrol Barn – Meet the horses and officers (call ahead!)
Free Museums in Omaha & Council Bluffs
- Union Pacific Museum (Council Bluffs)
- Great Plains Black History Museum
- Samuel Bak Museum
- Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters
- Czech and Slovak Education Center and Cultural Museum
- Gerald R. Ford Birth Site and Gardens
Free Art & Creative Spaces
- Hot Shops Art Center
- Kaneko
- Joslyn Art Museum
- Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts
- Artist Co-Operative Gallery
- Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center
- The Union for Contemporary Art
- DO Space – Free classes, tech, and kid-friendly events daily
Library Freebies You Should Absolutely Use
Did you know you can check out more than just books?
- Passes to:
- SAC Museum
- Lauritzen Gardens
- Durham Museum
- Henry Doorly Zoo
- Fontenelle Forest
- Kiewit Luminarium
- SAC Museum
If you’re military and live in an SID, you might qualify for a free library card, too.
👀 Check out our Omaha Military Discount Guide for more free perks.
Free Concerts Around Omaha
- Stinson Park Concert Series
- Rockbrook Village Live Music
- Shadow Lake Live
- Jazz on the Green – A summer tradition
- SumTur Amphitheater – Some shows are free, so check the calendar!
- The RiverFront – Regular concerts and events on the green
Free Fitness, Sports & Active Fun
- Storm Chasers – On Sunday home games, kids under 10 are free, and adults can enter for a donation of 3 canned goods.
- Kids under 14 golf free at Omaha city courses
- Kids Bowl Free – Sign up at participating locations
- All Play Miracle League – Inclusive baseball for children and adults with disabilities
- Free Fitness Classes at:
- SumTur Amphitheater – Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation
- The RiverFront – MixxedFit, Yoga, Total Body Conditioning, Dance
- Turner Park – Wednesday Night Workouts
- Village Pointe – Strength Saturdays
- SumTur Amphitheater – Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation
Health & Wellness on a Budget
- Wild Roots People’s Clinic
- Kids Yoga at Halleck Park
- Summer Yoga in the Park – Various locations throughout the city
Free Summer Movies in Omaha
- Moonlight Movies in La Vista
- SumTur Amphitheater
- Classics with a Cause
- Friday Night Flicks
- Summer Saturdays at Heartwood Park
- Elkhorn Shores Movies Under the Stars
- Flix at the Chef
- Saturday Night Movies in Turner Park
Welch’s Pumpkin Patch
Yes, there’s a free pumpkin patch experience just across the river in Council Bluffs! Check their calendar for open hours and seasonal activities.
Farmer’s Markets Worth Browsing
- Bellevue
- Old Market
- Aksarben Village
- Council Bluffs
- Gretna
- Bennington
- Papillion
Even if you don’t buy a thing, you’ll enjoy music, samples, and community vibes, plus, the people-watching is chef’s kiss.
Before You Go…
This list of free things to do in Omaha is just one way I keep you connected to everything happening in our community. Want more insider tips, local events, giveaways, and neighborhood updates?
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