The Ultimate List of Free Things to Do in Omaha
Last updated: November 2026. I regularly update this guide with new attractions, seasonal events, and free activities happening around 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.
I’ll keep updating this guide throughout the year as I discover new free things to do in Omaha, so be sure to bookmark it and check back often.
Looking for Something Free to Do in Omaha Today?
If you’re short on time, here are some of my favorite free things to do in Omaha right now:
- Walk across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
- Explore the Joslyn Art Museum
- Let the kids burn off energy at Lewis & Clark Landing
- Visit the Dream Playground at Lake Manawa
- Meet the alpacas at City Ranch General Store
- Explore Heron Haven Nature Center
- Browse one of Omaha’s farmers markets
- Catch a free concert at Stinson Park or The RiverFront (seasonal)
No matter your budget, there are plenty of free things to do in Omaha for families, couples, and anyone looking to explore the city without spending a fortune.
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.
Explore Omaha’s bike trails. You don’t have to spend a dime to enjoy many of the area’s paved trails, lake paths, and scenic routes. Whether you’re riding with kids or looking for a longer adventure, our Omaha and Bellevue bicycling guide has ideas for getting outside and exploring on two wheels.
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 – Held on the first Saturday of each month, these free workshops let kids build a hands-on project to take home. Registration is recommended because popular sessions can fill up quickly.
- 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 your local library card unlocks far more than books? Many Omaha-area libraries offer free admission passes to popular attractions like the Henry Doorly Zoo, Durham Museum, Lauritzen Gardens, SAC Museum, Fontenelle Forest, and the Kiewit Luminarium. You can also borrow puzzles, board games, technology, and participate in free story times, craft programs, book clubs, and community events throughout the year.
If you’re military and live in an SID, you may also qualify for a free library card, making these perks even more accessible. 👀 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 Community Perks
Some of the best free experiences in Omaha aren’t attractions—they’re opportunities to connect with your community.
☕ Free Coffee for Veterans
Every Wednesday from 9:00–11:00 a.m., veterans can enjoy a free cup of coffee at Lighthouse Café in Old Towne Bellevue. It’s a great chance to meet other local veterans, catch up with friends, and support a local business that gives back to those who served.
Know of another recurring free community event? Let me know so I can add it to this guide.
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
Free Winter & Holiday Activities in Omaha
Free Ice Skating & Movies at Winterland at Heartwood Preserve
Who says winter fun has to cost a fortune? Head to Heartwood Preserve in West Omaha for FREE outdoor ice skating and movie nights!
Winterland is scheduled to run from October 30, 2026, through January 18, 2027, giving families plenty of opportunities to enjoy some winter fun without spending a dime.
Ice skating is free, but reservations are recommended to secure your spot. Be sure to check Heartwood Omaha’s Facebook page for upcoming movie nights, schedule changes, and weather-related updates.
Reserve your free skating tickets here!
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s
Santa Claus is coming to town, and visiting him doesn’t have to cost a dime!
Santa’s Wonderland returns to Bass Pro Shops in Council Bluffs and Cabela’s in La Vista for another season of FREE family holiday fun.
Santa makes his grand arrival on Saturday, November 7, at 5 p.m., with a free celebration, holiday treats, and mini reindeer plush giveaways while supplies last.
From November 8 through Christmas Eve, families can enjoy a free 4×6 photo with Santa, a shareable video, holiday crafts, and special giveaways.
There are even a few extra opportunities for holiday fun:
- November 9–27: Free Santa ornament crafts on weekdays.
- November 30–December 18: Free holiday sticker activities on weekdays.
- Tuesdays, November 10–December 22: Christmas Tales story time with Santa and Mrs. Claus at 5 p.m.
- December 5: Free Merry Morning Breakfast with Santa at 9 a.m. (separate reservations required).
Reservations for Santa photos are free and open seven days in advance. Walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis, but reserving ahead is a smart move.
Reserve your free Santa visit at Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s.
Halloween Fun
Who says you have to spend a fortune to have a little spooky fun? Omaha, Bellevue, Council Bluffs, and the surrounding communities have plenty of free ways to celebrate Halloween!
Visit Welch’s Pumpkin Patch. Yes, there’s a free pumpkin patch experience just across the river in Council Bluffs! It’s a fun way to get into the fall spirit without paying the admission prices you’ll find at some of the bigger pumpkin patches. Check their calendar for current hours and seasonal activities.
Go on a Halloween lights tour. Some Omaha-area homeowners go ALL OUT for Halloween, and driving around to admire their decorations is an adventure in itself. From glowing pumpkins and friendly ghosts to elaborate haunted yards, you never know what you’ll discover. The Omaha Halloween Yard Haunts Facebook page is a great place to find decorated homes and plan your own spooky sightseeing route. Pack some snacks, put on a Halloween playlist, and make an evening of it!
Find a neighborhood trunk-or-treat. There are literally hundreds of trunk-or-treats and Halloween celebrations throughout the Omaha metro every fall. Churches, schools, businesses, and community organizations host events where kids can dress up, collect candy, and enjoy Halloween festivities, often completely free. Check local community calendars and Facebook events to find one near you.
And if you’re looking for even more fall adventures, don’t miss our Ultimate Omaha Fall Guide, where we’ve rounded up some of our favorite seasonal activities, attractions, and Halloween experiences around the metro.
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 can’t be beat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Things to Do in Omaha
What are the best free things to do in Omaha with kids?
Some of the most popular free things to do in Omaha with kids include exploring Lewis & Clark Landing, visiting the Dream Playground at Lake Manawa, cooling off at local splash pads, attending Home Depot Kids Workshops, checking out the fish at Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s, and using free museum passes available through many local libraries.
Are there any free museums in Omaha?
Yes! Several museums offer free admission year-round, including the Joslyn Art Museum, Samuel Bak Museum, Great Plains Black History Museum, Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters, Gerald R. Ford Birth Site and Gardens, and the Union Pacific Museum in nearby Council Bluffs.
What are some free things for adults to do in Omaha?
Adults can enjoy walking across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, exploring local art galleries like Kaneko and Hot Shops Art Center, attending free concerts throughout the summer, hiking at Heron Haven, browsing farmers markets, or relaxing at Omaha’s parks and riverfront.
Does Omaha have free events throughout the year?
Absolutely! Omaha hosts free concerts, outdoor movies, farmers markets, holiday celebrations, fitness classes, and community festivals throughout the year. Many local organizations also offer free family events during the summer and holiday seasons.
Thinking About Moving to the Omaha Area?
People often find me because they’re searching for things to do around Omaha, but helping people discover the community is one of my favorite parts of being a Realtor.
Whether you’re relocating for work, making a military PCS move to Offutt Air Force Base, or simply looking for the right neighborhood for your family, I believe buying a home is about much more than square footage. It’s about finding a community that fits your lifestyle.
That’s why I spend so much time creating local guides like this one—to help both longtime residents and newcomers discover what makes Omaha, Papillion, Bellevue, Gretna, and the surrounding communities such great places to call home.
I’m especially proud to serve military families relocating to the area, and through my Champions Program, I also give back to teachers, nurses, first responders, veterans, and active-duty military members who serve our community every day.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in the Omaha area, I’d love to help you feel at home long before closing day.
