things to do near the omaha zoo

The Simmons Aviary is temporarily closed, but when it is open, this 1.3-acre exhibit features a boardwalk, elevated walkways, and the chance to see a wide variety of exotic birds. At nearly an acre, the Henry Doorly Zoo Desert Dome is the largest indoor desert in the world. She did this in memory of her late husband, Henry Doorly of the Omaha World-Herald, in 1963. These include cranes, ibises, egrets, spoonbills, ducks, swans, and storks. Here are the ticket prices for May to December: Entrance costs in March, April, October, and November are $5 less than the prices listed above. The bridge makes for a great stroll after dinner or for snacks at the beautifully restored Old Market part of town, which is located very nearby. 5,960 reviews #8 of 120 things to do in Omaha Theatres Zoos Aquariums Closed now 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Visit website Call Email Write a review About This world-class zoo is famous for its involvement with breeding endangered species from around the world. 10 Fun Things to Do in Omaha, Nebraska - VacationIdea.com In addition to the driving tour, walking trails take you past the wolf, bear, and avian enclosures. Additionally, no glass containers are allowed. Beating the heat and running around a 160-acre zoo complex sure can work up an appetite! Meanwhile, the Hubbard Orangutan Forest houses Bornean orangutans, Tonkin leaf monkeys, and gibbons. My tip: A wagon or a stroller is essential if you have little ones in your group. and always bring water bottles. Kitty Boone, Kitty and Kevin. The Alaskan Adventure splashpad attraction, located near Sues Wildlife Carousel, offers a variety of sprinklers, splashes, and mists. Yes, the zoo is open rain or shine. At the south end of the Lauritzen Gardens complex, you can enter Kenefick Park and experience the nostalgic history of Union Pacific locomotives. Is it pretty busy during that time? Have a beer at the zoo. Youll be immersed in these incredible movies not only because of the incredible visuals but because of the QSC brand stadium audio system! My tip: The zoo has severalspecial events throughout the year, some are included with admission and some are extra. And, during the really cold months from December to February prices are $6-$7 cheaper. Historic Sites Ways to tour Omaha Book these experiences for a close-up look at Omaha. } And, lets not forget the 20-foot-tall waterfall! Over 30 animals decorate this family-fun ride, each covered in shiny enamel and bringing a sense of whimsy to everyone who passes by. Beyond food, what else should you bring? Address: 701 N 40th Street, Omaha, Nebraska, Official site: http://www.stceciliacathedral.org/. Contact me if you have any questions about the Omaha area or need help buying a home. One of the most entertaining exhibits is the Prairie Dog Town. The zoo is completely wheelchair accessible. Kara originally hails from northwest Iowa where she met her husband, Lance, through a 4-H fashion show. Does anyone know if when it's really hot out (90s like it is now) - if it's worth going? This new exhibit offers an up-close-and-personal look at these adorable sea creatures. Visit the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Source: Stephanie Le / shutterstock Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Omaha's zoo boasts not only one of the worlds largest indoor deserts but also North America's largest indoor rainforest. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is a must visit and remains one of the top-ranked zoos in the world. Omaha Patio Ride is hosted at "Omaha Patio Ride". . 13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Nebraska, 14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Lincoln, NE, 16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Omaha, 17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Des Moines, IA, Iowa Travel Guide: Plan Your Perfect Trip, Iowa in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Sioux Falls, SD, 15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kansas City, Kansas, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kansas City, MO, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kansas, Kansas in Pictures: 13 Beautiful Places to Photograph, Nebraska in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph, From Christchurch to Queenstown: 4 Best Ways to Get There, The Cultured Biker: Mixing Biking & the Arts in Bentonville, AR, 24 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, https://www.lauritzengardens.org/about/kenefick_park/index.asp, sights you won't want to miss in Nebraska, Average minimum and maximum temperatures for Omaha, NE in, Average monthly precipitation totals for Omaha, NE in, Average monthly snowfall totals for Omaha, NE in. Its the largest nocturnal zoo exhibit in the world. I love the changing tables and sink in the lobby of restroom building so you can change littles without having to wait for family room.Amanda F. shared on the, Wear quick dry clothing or swimsuits and bring a change of clothes. Julie L.shared on the, The restroom area inside Adventure Trails has two nursing rooms and the family restrooms have miniature toilets! Nicole S.shared on the. So, you and your kiddos can ask any question you can imagine about stingray behaviors, diet, and lifestyle. Other animals in the Kingdoms of the Night include aardvarks, porcupines, naked mole rats, various types of bats, snapping turtles, crocodiles, night monkeys, armadillos, and wallabies. Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo: 10 Things Only the Locals Know Henry Doorly Zoo And Aquarium South Omaha (Editor's Choice) 2. It has a few healthy and vegetarian entrees, as well as some unique desserts (particularly the cookie dough options). Various concessions and eateries are conveniently located throughout the zoo with food and drink available for purchase. A spender by nature, but thrifty by necessity, Kara is always in hunt of a bargain. The Durham Museum 4.5 1,218 reviews #3 of 120 things to do in Omaha History Museums Closed now 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Visit website Call Email Write a review About Beautiful architecture blends with memories of a time gone by at the historic Durham Museum. Consistently ranked one of the world's best zoos, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is the ultimate interactive zoo experience and a biological park leading the nation's conservation efforts. --mv-create-title-primary: 1.875em; Great article. Located about 5-10 minutes northeast of the zoo, the Lauritzen Gardens feature fabulous botanical displays. Another historic sight is the Durham Museum thats housed inside the historic Union Station. You can walk right up to, and in some cases, inside, your choice of a mine sweeper, the USS Hazard, a small submarine, the USS Marlin, and a Douglas A-4D Skyhawk fighter jet. .mv-create-card { Ollie the Trolley, an iconic symbol of Omaha, Nebraska, offers a unique way to explore the city's charm and rich history. If your curiosity is piqued or you are a train buff, make a detour to visit Kenefick Park. Each of the major exhibits we described below: Just inside the main entrance lies the Lied Jungle, a 1.5-acre rainforest-based exhibit inside of a nearly six-story building. They can discover endangered and rare animals as they make their . There are many stylish hats with SPF protection. --mv-create-subtitles: 1.125em } The current feature presentations including Wings Over Water 2D, a film about the Sandhill Crane, the Yellow Warbler, and the Mallard Duck birds. Hefflinger Dog Park Omaha, NE Dog Park at Dewey Park Omaha, NE Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront Omaha, NE Scriptown Brewing Company Omaha, NE Field Club Trail Omaha, NE Warren Buffett's Omaha Omaha, NE Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium Omaha, NE An Intimate Look at Omaha You are welcome to bring your own wheelchair or motorized rider. Omaha Visitors Center Desert Dome. A national park office has additional information, and the 20-minute film by Ken Burns is well worth watching if you have the time. Be on the look out for the sloth bear. Additionally, if you are traveling to the zoo during the summer, warm-weather gear like sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and water bottles are a wise investment. Some Chik-fil-A locations also have indoor playgrounds, like the one at 76th and Dodge streets. font-size: 1em; That said, it is easy to follow the flow from one piece to the next. You can even catch a glimpse of newly hatched reptiles and amphibians in a sunroom! Every major exhibit except for the Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion is stroller-friendly. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium - A Local's Guide 2022 - Omaha Relocation Since the park is all about extra large locomotives, it only makes sense that Kenefick Park should also have the world's largest steam locomotive, named Big Boy No. My tip: There are two areas suitable for nursing your baby with a little privacy. Who knew one membership could give you so much? On the far side of the "s" curving bridge is the city of Council Bluffs. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium - Yelp 13 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do At Omaha's Zoo The zoo gives kids a chance to get face to face with some of the most weird and wonderful creatures we have on this planet, AND they can learn all about them as they go! The more expensive option is the Safari Tent Camp, which allows visitors to tent overnight near the lion enclosure in the African Grasslands exhibit! Admission to the Lozier IMAX Theater is included in any Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo membership. We will be going about mid March 2018 on our was to Mount Rushmore and wanted to stop. Summer - Arrive early in the day, or later in the afternoon for less crowds and cooler weather. aid: "ohmyomahallc", Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Summer is the biggest time of year for Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo! If so, youre in luck! There is an amphitheater to watch tiger training. The Omaha Zoo redefines the term zoo by dedicating resources to saving and protecting species around the world. The Omaha Children's Museum also hosts special exhibits on a regular basis; check the website for the latest updates. Finally, about 10 minutes southwest of the zoo, you can explore El Museo Latino. Kids are free to play in the Alaskan Adventure area for as long as they like (or at least as long as their parents can put up with!). More on Nebraska: This is a state with a wide range of attractions. Omaha Children's Museum Downtown 3. These 100-acre gardens are in the riverfront hills area of the city and make a pleasant place to visit to observe nature in its finest form. Cool off at the Foggy Forest inside Asian Highlands. World famous Rainforest where monkeys literally swing above your head and fish swim at your feet. This site addresses many of those questions and more. Phone. Whether you want to explore colorful South American jungles, swampy Australian wetlands, or sunny African desertsthe Henry Doorly Zoo will take you there! The cathedral was started in 1905 and is said to contain more than three million bricks. The exterior of the cathedral does not do it justice; visitors should try to sneak at least a peek of the beautiful interior. 17 Comments You need more than a day to fully explore the Omaha Zoo, whether it's your first visit or your 100th. Visitors can board one of the zoos steam locomotives at two separate stops. Ive helped many families relocate to Omaha. Omaha Facebook discussion on the new exhibit, We love going a few hours before closing because a lot of families have left for the day, especially if we are going on a Saturday where it will likely be busy! Kitty B., Kitty and Kevin, We usually go first thing or last thing in the day. Bolton C., Bolton Carleys BS-O-Rama, Winter is also a great time to visit less crowds, many indoor exhibits, and sometimes having the aquarium all to yourself!Julie S., Family Fun in Omaha, If you are local or nearby, get a season pass and dont try to do the whole zoo in a day, especially if you have young children. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium The zoo does accept personal checks for membership purchases at the front entrance. Some standout recommendations for lodging include the Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District, the Peregrine Omaha Downtown, the Hotel Deco, and the Magnolia Hotel. Adoption Meet & Greet w/ Midwest Dog Rescue Network at Omaha Dog Bar is . Tastefully restored buildings in this central area are home to restaurants, shops, and galleries. I would suggest getting your kids changed into their swim clothes in one of the family restrooms at the Childrens Adventure Trails area and then heading over to the Alaskan Adventure for your kids to cool down and end their day. You'll see the gigantic Desert Dome from the road as you enter the zoo. More family-focused attractions include the Children's Museum and the extremely popular Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. A four-mile driving route takes you right through the animal paddocks where these large creatures are literally just a few feet from your car. 8. Inside this whimsical zoo exhibit are bat-eared foxes, mongooses, yellow cobras, rattlesnakes, monitor lizards, bobcats, owls, roadrunners, ocelots, white-nosed coatis, and kookaburras, to name a few. While winter may seem like a less ideal time to enjoy the zoo, it does offer a few benefits. In a spectacular Art Deco building, the huge Durham Museum is an urban renewal project that has shown tremendous results. transition-delay: 0ms; Omaha | Trellis Framework by Mediavine, 5 tips for visiting Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium in the winter, Oh My! Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Related post: 5 tips for visiting Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium in the winter. 3201 Farnam St #6111, Omaha, NE 68131. If you havent visited recently, you need to add it to your calendar! A Land Rover has been cut in half and placed on opposite sides of safety glass. You'll also find a wide assortment of hotels located nearby. The zoo currently has eight endangered African elephants, including two baby elephants. This includes cash, major credit cards, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, cashier and travelers checks, business-type checks, and even money orders. Insider tips to get the most out of your Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo visit. Like backstage experiences, golf cart tours cost $65 per person, or a reduced rate of $50 for zoo members. Play one of 2,000+ Board Games at Spielbound For a more relaxing experience, head over to Spielbound where you can grab a cup of coffee and spend the day playing one of their 2,400 board games! And, the exhibit showcases the fruits of that labor with animals such as lemurs, Malagasy giant rats, and radiated tortoises. Omaha offers some of the most fun things to do in Nebraska! Or, you can enjoy a one-way ride for half the price. The park is one of 49 sites throughout the country that are part of the National Park Service's We Shall Overcome itinerary. The Omaha Performing Arts Center is actually two venues: the Orpheum Theater and the Holland Center for the Performing Arts. })(window, document, "script", "https://scripts.stay22.com/letmeallez.js"); So, check your expectations at the entrance. The Dinner Detective Omaha/Lincoln- Open Auditions, Paid Roles! The Hubbard Gorilla Valley is home to massive Western lowland gorillas, as well as monkeys, hornbills, and egrets. The zoo staff does ask that any outside beverages be non-alcoholic. The Joslyn Art Museum was built in the late 1920s and opened in 1931 to great fanfare. It makes stops at the Desert Dome, the elephant yard, the sea lion playground, and Sues Wildlife Carousel. And, there are stroller rentals available at the main entrance if you dont want to bring your own. Take a look at the services the Henry Doorly Zoo offers: Nursing mothers are, of course, allowed to nurse wherever they like. The Scott Aquarium contains over 1.2 million gallons of water and is one of the largest in-zoo aquariums in the world. My second tip: If you have a membership to a different zoo, you may be able to have discounted admission to the Omaha zoo. The Desert Dome mimics real-world desert environments across the 42,000 square feet interior. Feed animals. The 11 Best Things To Do In Omaha, Nebraska Sage Scott Updated: Jan.10.2022 The Omaha, Nebraska, skyline Photo credit: Visit Omaha Activities and Interests Architecture Art Destinations History and Culture Museums Nebraska Omaha United States Wildlife Nebraska is one of the least-visited states in the nation. (Its awesome). Members of participating zoos belonging to the Association of Zoos & Aquariums receive 50% off of general admission at the Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Now visitors will find gardens focusing on many themes, from English and Victorian, to one on Nebraskan prairies, called Song of the Lark Meadow. While you walk through, the macaws, parrots, and cockatoos chirp and sing overhead. It represents habitats from coastal southern Africas Namib Desert, Australias Red Center, and the American Southwests Sonoran Desert. So, kiddos can pretend to cruise while watching prowling lions. Seven acres of indoor exhibits make it easy to still experience the zoo when rain makes it difficult to navigate the attraction outdoors. McDonald's locations at 132nd and Maple and the one near Omaha's zoo (on South 13th Street) also has one. Call first, though, since zoos in close geographic proximity to each otherare notrequired to offer free or discounted admission to each others members. Top Things to Do Near Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha, NE s.Stay22 = s.Stay22 || {}; Learn how your comment data is processed. The zoos official address is 3701 S. 10th Street, Omaha, NE 68107. Half a century later, in 1952, the Omaha Zoological Society was founded with the goal to improve the quality of the zoo. Its quite a sight to see the underside of a shark or stingray as it swims above your walkway! There are also a lot of attractions worth exploring, including museums, art galleries, bars, and restaurants that improve the quality of life in Omaha. Whether you want to watch the feeding of a 15-foot-tall giraffe, explore the backstage world of the massive aquarium and shark tunnel, or watch employees work in the new sea lion exhibit, these backstage experiences offer visitors a whole new look at the world of one of the countrys biggest zoos! Best Times to Visit Be sure to plan a full day to see the zoo. There is a mobile app called Omaha Zoo 4 All that helps families with sensory needs plan their visit and enjoy the full experience of the zoo. This is one fun attraction thats included with admission to the zoo. The Childrens Adventure Trails are great for imaginative play, exploration, wading, and getting your feet wet, but the Alaskan Adventureis straight up a childrens splash pad. After a decade of living in central Iowa, Kara is still figuring out which way is north. Life is best spent discovering the extraordinary at home and on the road. Each guest through the gate means another conservation story continues, and all 160-acres means families run wild so animals across the globe can run free. First founded in 1976, the Omaha Children's Museum is popular with locals and visitors alike. Additionally, you can grab a pass to the Wildlife Safari Park in Ashland, NE (about 30 minutes from the zoo) for a small extra fee. The Omaha Zoo redefines the term "zoo" by dedicating resources to saving and protecting species around the world. This museum celebrates the local history and culture of Omahas well-established Latin American population. Stephanie Le / Shutterstock.com. The app includes sensory guides, a custom scheduler, a relaxing matching game, and more! 2023 Omaha Scavenger Hunt: The West's Glorious Gateway - Tripadvisor The Kingdoms of the Night exhibit, also touted as the largest nocturnal exhibit of its kind in the world, allows for a close-up look at creatures of the dark, from bats to beavers and other animals that most visitors may not even have heard of before. As of June 2022, the Orangutan Forest is closed due to nearby construction. Members receive passes for free train rides that are good for more than a month. If youd like a private area to nurse or pump, there is a baby care center in Aventure Trails and a mothers den in Glacier Bay Landing. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Omaha, NE Things to Do in Omaha Popular things to do Self-guided Tours Airport & Hotel Transfers Parks Walking Tours Historic Sites Ways to tour Omaha Book these experiences for a close-up look at Omaha. ), you may be staying overnight in the area and have the urge to explore! There are things like the area where you can feed the birds that you dont even know exist if you dont consult the map. Bolton Carley. Additionally, they have elephants and plains zebras housed in a 30,000-square-foot herd room. The pavilion houses reptiles, bugs, and other small animals for a bite size version of what the rest of the zoo offers. You can also feel and even feed the sea critters! Association of Zoos & Aquariums Reciprocity Program is an organization of partnered zoos that let their members share benefits including free or reduced ticket prices. Restrooms and concessions are available at the nearby Truhlsen African Lodge. Obviously, the epic exhibits and exotic animals are the main reason youll want to check out Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo. This chart lists the members of the AZA and what your rate will be at the Henry Doorly Zoo! While your child runs from activity to activity, expert zoo employees will be nearby to provide exciting animal encounters and guidance through the trails! I recruited Omaha and regional bloggers to join me in sharing the best tips with you, including the best time to visit the Omaha zoo! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This post is done in collaboration with Visit Omaha. In this season, there are smaller crowds and higher levels of activity from some animals. Address: 16406 292nd Street, Ashland, Nebraska, Official site: http://www.wildlifesafaripark.com. Budget-friendly accommodations include the Homewood Suites by Hilton, the Holiday Inn Omaha Downtown (this one has a waterpark), and the Hilton Garden Inn. Should you find yourself intrigued by the state and its friendly inhabitants, have a read through our list of sights you won't want to miss in Nebraska. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium As you walk past an entrance modeled after Himalayan ruins, you will see red pandas, white-naped cranes, tufted deer, and sloth bears. Made of bronze and stainless steel, it is one of the largest of its kind in the world. There are also motorized wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs for rent at the main gift shop near the main zoo entrance. Tips for Visiting the Omaha Zoo | Family Fun in Omaha Because the zoo covers 160 acres, no one visit will be the same. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. More than 85 miles of paved, interconnected trails have been developed, creating a nature wonderland for walkers, joggers, bicyclists, skaters, and cross-country skiers. The Hubbard Expedition Madagascar exhibit focuses on the unique biodiversity of the island nation. See the most popular attractions in Omaha ranging from museums to historic trails. The Henry Doorly Zoo thrives during the summer. My kids have had the splash pad to themselves at 9 AM. Jill H. shared on the, We go to the right (towards the giraffes) as we start and then are able to use the elevator to get back to the top. This trackless ride follows the walkways tracing the zoo. As long as the weather is friendly, you can take either a train or a tram around the zoo. With 25 new buildings and structures across an impressive 28 acres, the African Grasslands is Omahas Henry Doorly Zoos largest single project.

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