When military families PCS to Offutt Air Force Base, one of the biggest questions is:
“What is daily life actually like on base?”
Offutt offers far more than just mission operations. From full-scale fitness facilities to childcare, golf, lake recreation, hobby shops, and discounted travel, the base supports military families at every stage.
For the most current hours and seasonal updates, always verify through the 55th Force Support Squadron at:
🌐 www.offutt55fss.com
📱 Facebook & Instagram: @offutt55fss
A Veteran Navy Submariner, I would love to be your guide to my favorite Offutt AFB amenities and family support facilities.
Offutt Amenities at a Glance
- Shopping: the Exchange (tax-free) and the on-base Thrift Shop
- Recreation: fitness facilities, golf, lake recreation and hobby shops
- Family support: childcare and discounted travel
- Current hours: check the 55th Force Support Squadron at offutt55fss.com
Table of Contents
The Exchange & Base Mall
Address: Offutt AFB, NE 68113
Phone: 402-294-6000
The Exchange isn’t just a retail store — it’s part of how Offutt reinvests in its community. Every purchase supports MWR programs that help fund many of the Offutt AFB base amenities and family support facilities you’ll use daily.
You’ll find clothing, electronics, household goods, dining options, and quick-grab conveniences — especially helpful during PCS transitions before household goods arrive.
💡 Relocation Tip: Many military families living in Bellevue or Papillion still use the Exchange regularly because of tax-free shopping and convenience.
Offutt Thrift Shop
Address: 101 Washington Square, Bldg. 49 (near the Exchange area), Offutt AFB, NE 68113
Phone: 402-292-5530 (Hours vary — confirm before visiting)
One of the most underrated amenities on Offutt AFB is the on-base Thrift Shop. Operated by a private organization (not 55 FSS), it provides gently used clothing, household goods, décor, small furniture items, and baby gear at very affordable prices.
For families PCSing to Offutt, this can be incredibly helpful when:
- Household goods haven’t arrived yet
- You’re furnishing a home temporarily
- Kids outgrow clothes mid-tour
- You’re trying to stretch BAH during a transition
Many military families use the thrift shop during their first 30–60 days on base while getting settled into housing in Bellevue, Papillion, or base housing at Rising View.
💡 Relocation Tip: If you’re buying or renting near Offutt and need temporary items while closing or waiting on movers, the thrift shop can be a practical stop before heading off base.
Airman’s Attic
Location: Bldg D, Entrance, 4 Tiger Dr, Offutt AFB, NE 68113
Phone: 402-294-3318
The Airman’s Attic is one of the most meaningful family support resources available at Offutt AFB. Designed to assist junior enlisted Airmen and families facing financial hardship or transitioning during PCS moves, it provides gently used household goods, kitchen items, small appliances, children’s items, and uniforms — at no cost to eligible members.
For many military families, especially first-term Airmen arriving at Offutt, the Airman’s Attic can help bridge the gap before pay stabilizes or household goods arrive.
It’s not just about savings — it’s about community support.
If you’re PCSing to Offutt and concerned about startup costs, the Military & Family Readiness Center can provide guidance on eligibility and additional financial counseling services.
Commissary
Address: 101 Meyer Ave., Bldg. 323, Offutt AFB, NE 68113
Phone: 402-938-0575
The Offutt Commissary is one of the most valuable everyday amenities for military families stationed at Offutt Air Force Base. Offering grocery pricing at cost plus a small surcharge, it helps stretch BAH and household budgets — especially during PCS season or when adjusting to Nebraska living expenses.
Families relocating to Offutt often rely on the commissary during their first few weeks before fully settling into a routine. It’s particularly convenient for those living in base housing at Rising View, as well as families in nearby Bellevue and Papillion who prefer tax-free grocery savings.
💡 Relocation Tip: During peak PCS months (late spring and summer), expect heavier traffic around payday weekends. Shopping mid-morning on weekdays is typically quicker.
For current hours and holiday schedules, check the official Commissary website before visiting.
Auto Hobby Shop
Address: 105 Union Ln, Bldg. 362, Offutt AFB, NE 68113
Phone: 402-294-5564
For car enthusiasts or families maintaining older vehicles, the Auto Hobby Shop offers fully equipped DIY bays with lifts, tire machines, and staff support.
If you’re PCSing cross-country, this can be a lifesaver for:
- Post-road-trip oil changes
- Brake work
- Tire rotations
- Small repairs before winter
For many junior enlisted families, this facility alone can save thousands over a tour.
Arts & Crafts Center
Address: 101 Union Ln, Offutt AFB, NE 68113
Phone: 402-294-3837
Military life creates milestones worth remembering — promotions, retirements, deployments, squadron awards. The Arts & Crafts Center helps preserve those moments with:
- Custom shadow boxes
- Retirement plaques
- Laser engraving
- Framing services
- Creative classes (painting, pottery, sewing)
For spouses looking to build community, classes here often become one of the first connection points after arriving at Offutt.
Offutt Aero Club
Address: Offutt AFB, NE 68113
Phone: 402-294-3385
The Offutt Aero Club is the oldest flying club in the Armed Forces and offers aircraft rental for training and cross-country travel.
For aviation enthusiasts stationed at Offutt, this is a rare amenity not found at many installations.
Peacekeeper Lanes Bowling Center
Address: 106 Peacekeeper Dr, Offutt AFB, NE 68113
Phone: 402-294-2514
Located in the Martin Bomber Building, Peacekeeper Lanes offers:
- 20 bowling lanes
- League & open play
- Xtreme bowling nights
- Bumper bowling for kids
- Squadron events & birthday parties
The attached Kegler Kafe serves breakfast and lunch specials, making it a true family hub on base.
For families comparing bases before a PCS, this kind of built-in recreation is part of what makes Offutt attractive.
Child Development Centers (CDC 1 & CDC 2)
CDC 1 Address: 2500 Kennedy Blvd., Bldg. 5096, Offutt AFB, NE 68113
CDC 2 Address: 302 Nelson Dr., Bldg. 187, Offutt AFB, NE 68113
Phone: 402-294-2014 / 402-232-2526
Access to reliable childcare is one of the most important family support facilities at Offutt AFB.
The CDCs provide full-time care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years in structured, nurturing environments. Spots can fill quickly during peak PCS season, so early registration is important.
Family Child Care (FCC) Program
Address: 105 Washington Square, Bldg. 49, Suite 131, Offutt AFB, NE 68113
Phone: 402-294-9016
FCC providers operate certified in-home childcare for children ages 2 weeks to 12 years — and some offer 24-hour care.
For shift workers, Intel units, or unpredictable schedules, FCC is often a flexible alternative to CDC.
The Field House (DoD’s Largest Fitness Facility)
Address: Offutt Field House, Offutt AFB, NE 68113
Phone: 402-294-5414
The Offutt Field House is one of the most impressive fitness facilities on any Air Force base, offering:
- Lap swimming pool
- Indoor running track (0.4 miles)
- Basketball, volleyball & tennis courts
- Indoor soccer field
- Massive free-weight & cardio areas
- Spin & aerobics rooms
For families evaluating quality of life before moving to Nebraska, this facility alone is a major plus.
Willow Lakes Golf Course
Address: 12301 S 25th St, Bellevue, NE 68123
Phone: 402-292-1680
Located just outside the Rising View housing area, Willow Lakes is an 18-hole championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr.
It includes:
- Driving range
- Practice greens
- Golf instruction
- Club rentals
- On-site dining
Families living in Bellevue often choose homes near this area for quick access to both base and recreation.
Information, Tickets & Travel (ITT)
Address: 101 Union Ln, Offutt AFB, NE 68113
Phone: 402-294-2077
ITT offers discounted tickets to:
- Regional attractions
- Sporting events
- Concerts
- National theme parks like Disney
For military families trying to stretch vacation budgets, this is one of the most valuable support services on base.
Offutt Base Lake Recreation Area
Address: 13201 Harlan Lewis Rd, Offutt AFB, NE 68113
Phone: 531-215-6658
Spanning 183 acres, the Base Lake offers:
- Camping with full hookups
- Fishing (permit required)
- Disc golf
- Archery range
- Sand volleyball
- Indoor event pavilion
For families stationed at Offutt, this becomes a go-to summer gathering spot.
Additional Base Support Contacts (Helpful Resources)
- Military & Family Readiness Center: 705 Nelson Dr., #206 – 402-294-4329
- School Liaison Office: 402-232-4231
- Youth Programs: 2502 Hruska Blvd – 402-294-5152
- Warhawk Community Center: 914 SAC Blvd – 402-294-9558
- Ronald L. King Dining Facility: Bldg. 324 – 402-294-3980
- Base Lodging: 906 SAC Blvd – 402-281-1292
Frequently Asked Questions About Offutt AFB Amenities
Where can I check current hours for Offutt AFB amenities? The 55th Force Support Squadron posts current hours and seasonal updates at offutt55fss.com and on Facebook and Instagram at @offutt55fss.
What childcare is available on Offutt AFB? Two Child Development Centers offer full-time care for ages 6 weeks to 5 years, and spots fill quickly in peak PCS season, so register early.
What is the Airman’s Attic at Offutt? It provides gently used household goods, kitchen items, small appliances, kids’ items and uniforms at no cost to eligible members, mainly junior enlisted Airmen and families facing hardship or a PCS.
Is there a thrift shop on Offutt AFB? Yes. The Offutt Thrift Shop near the Exchange sells gently used clothing, household goods, small furniture and baby gear, which helps while you wait on household goods.
What fitness facilities does Offutt have? The Offutt Field House, the DoD’s largest fitness facility, has a lap pool, a 0.4-mile indoor track, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, an indoor soccer field, and large weight and cardio areas.
Can I work on my own car at Offutt? Yes. The Auto Hobby Shop has DIY bays with lifts, tire machines and staff support for oil changes, brakes, tire rotations and small repairs.
When is the best time to shop the Offutt Commissary? Weekday mid-mornings are usually quickest. Expect heavier traffic around payday weekends, especially during peak PCS months in late spring and summer.
Why Offutt AFB Amenities and Family Support Facilities Matter for Relocating Families
When families compare assignments, Offutt AFB amenities and family support facilities consistently rank as a major strength.
Combined with:
- Strong surrounding communities like Bellevue, Papillion, and Omaha
- Highly regarded local school districts
- Affordable housing compared to many coastal bases
…Offutt becomes a very family-friendly assignment.
If you’re PCSing to Offutt and want help deciding where to live — on base, in Bellevue, or in Papillion — I’ve built local guides to help you compare commute times, neighborhoods, and school options. Check out my full Offutt Air Force Base PCS Guide!
