Pumpkin spice is in the air, and spooky season fanatics are just itching to get out their sweaters and start on their bucket lists of fall activities. If you’re looking for things to do in Omaha with kids, Omaha Performing Arts has some ideas!
It starts with a trip downtown. There are so many fun places in Omaha and around the metro — especially when you’re craving a pumpkin patch or apple picking — but downtown has a totally unique fall vibe that’s ‘O’ so worth experiencing.
Here are our top picks for planning your itinerary!
Did the summer go too fast? Catch the last of the growing season in Omaha’s most historic neighborhood at the Old Market Farmers Market Saturday mornings 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM until October 10, 2026!
With options for picky eaters and adventurers, there are plenty of great food spots to choose from in and around the Old Market. Jams and Twisted Fork offer kid-friendly brunch and lunch options. Or try Memoir for a menu that’s a little different while still welcoming guests of all ages.
Walk or bike The RiverFront trail and find plenty of places to stop off to explore or snap some fall photos.
Between the eclectic shops and cobblestones of the Old Market, historic performance spaces like the Orpheum Theater, and other downtown gems, there are so many treasures to uncover.
Make the day extra special with a live performance the whole family can enjoy. Omaha Performing Arts presents a wide variety of shows at the Holland Center (directly across from Gene Leahy Mall), the Orpheum Theater, and Steelhouse Omaha.
You can find more O-pa events at ticketomaha.com, which is also the official retailer for other Omaha arts organizations like Omaha Symphony, Opera Omaha, Omaha Community Playhouse, American Midwest Ballet, and River City Mixed Chorus.
Pro tip: O-pa’s restaurant partners offer deals for ticketholders on the day of their show. Cumbia offers 10% off the whole order — making it a great spot to sample some Latin-inspired dishes! Other partners offer free beverages with a meal purchase.
Close out your fall adventure with something sweet.
So many of the most iconic family attractions in Omaha, Nebraska are downtown. So when the fall day turns rainy or you want to check some places off your bucket list, start here.
Family tip: Did you know the Omaha Public Library offers Discovery Passes to many of these spots? Use your library card to reserve a free pass for the whole family!
Omaha’s science center, the Kiewit Luminarium
Explore hundreds of hands-on exhibits diving into the intersection of science, technology, and creativity.
Omaha Children’s Museum
Play and discover at this family staple! Don’t miss the seasonal Cobweb Castle, available Sept. 26 through Nov. 1.
The Durham Museum
Step back in time at Omaha’s historic Union Station, where you can find fascinating exhibits, vintage train cars, and local history.
Lauritzen Gardens
Fall is one of the most beautiful times to visit Omaha’s botanical garden. The Conservatory and Visitor and Education Center have plenty to explore if the weather isn’t ideal for being outside.
Spielbound Board Game Café
Unplug and connect over a family game day or night with access to thousands of board games suitable for all ages and interests.
Joslyn Art Museum (Free admission)
Roam the galleries and sculpture garden or make your own artwork with Art Works family activities.
Bemis Center for Contemporary Art (Free admission)
Introduce kids to innovative artwork and big ideas at this downtown gallery where curiosity is encouraged.
O-pa classes at the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement
Make your family adventure a regular thing and meet some new friends along the way. Family classes start September 26 including ArtsPlay! And Baby ArtsPlay! for kids 0–6 and their grown-ups to move, sing, and discover together.
Are you on the hunt for “Omaha attractions free?” You don’t need to spend a dime to have an unforgettable experience together.
Get outside
Explore the parks and green areas of The RiverFront, the atmosphere of the Old Market, and the bustle of Omaha’s historic heart.
Visit the Joslyn Art Museum or Bemis Center for Contemporary Art
With free admission and engaging exhibitions, these downtown destinations offer an affordable way for families to spark curiosity, creativity and conversation.
Explore O-pa’s Community Events
Besides bringing world-class shows to Omaha, O-pa also partners with local organizations and touring artists to create free and Choose-What-You-Pay events. A perfect fall one is Mexico Beyond Mariachi: Music & Dance with Sugar Skull! October 13, 2026 at 7:00 PM at the Learning Community Center of South Omaha.
Check out Omaha Public Library Discovery Passes
Families can use their library card to reserve free passes to many local attractions. The program is intended to offer a taste of the city’s cultural, educational, and recreational treasures while fostering curiosity and engagement.
If the idea of construction and parking has you more scared than a haunted corn maze, don’t be afraid. We’ve got all the info you need to get parking out of the way and then just enjoy a perfect fall day.
Use the Waze app or Apple Maps for the most up-to-date navigation information.
If you’re able, make a walk part of the experience. There’s no better way to soak in a fall day!
Garages are generally cheaper than street parking.
Add to the adventure: Take the bus!
What are fun fall activities for families in Omaha?
Visit downtown for family-friendly live performances, museum visits, walks and community events on The RiverFront, playgrounds, shopping, and seasonal treats.
What are free things to do with kids in Omaha this fall?
Families can explore the downtown Farmers Market (through October 10, 2026); enjoy The RiverFront’s trails, events, and fire pits (first-come, first-served); visit the Joslyn Art Museum; and attend seasonal community events like O-pa’s Mexico Beyond Mariachi: Music & Dance with Sugar Skull!
The Omaha Public Library’s Discovery Passes also provide free access to cultural treasures and museums like the Durham Museum, Lauritzen Gardens, and the Luminarium.
Where can families see fall colors in downtown Omaha?
Some of the best places to enjoy fall foliage include The RiverFront parks and Lauritzen Gardens. Or check out the Old Market for brick pathways and a “fall in the city” feel.
Is it hard to find parking downtown with the construction?
No, there are still plenty of options available. Park Omaha offers several city-owned garages and surface lots, and metered parking is available.
What are the best indoor activities for kids in Omaha?
Popular indoor attractions include Omaha Children’s Museum, Durham Museum, The Luminarium, Joslyn Art Museum, and O-pa’s venues: the Holland Center, Orpheum Theater, Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement, and Steelhouse Omaha — where you can find family-friendly performances, classes, and workshops.
Can you spend a full day in downtown Omaha with kids?
Absolutely. Families can start with coffee and breakfast, explore museums and parks, enjoy lunch in the Old Market, attend an O-pa class or performance, and finish with a sweet treat.
What are the best family-friendly restaurants in downtown Omaha?
Spaghetti Works is a budget-friendly favorite. Fig. in the Luminarium, Let It Fly, Jams, Twisted Fork, and Upstream Brewing all offer kids menus. Akarui in the Capitol District would be a fun stop for ramen, sushi, or make your own poke bowls.
What are some unique things to do with kids in Omaha?
Families can visit an urban beach at Lewis & Clark Landing, hunt for public art, explore eclectic Old Market shops, play games inside the Hollywood Pinball & Arcade Museum, and attend live theater performances
Does Omaha have family-friendly live theater?
Yes. Omaha Performing Arts presents family-friendly performances throughout the year at the Orpheum Theater, Holland Center, and Steelhouse Omaha, giving children opportunities to experience live theater, music, and storytelling. They also offer arts classes for families at the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement.
Get your ticket to the Orpheum or Holland Center at ticketomaha.com.
Explore O-pa family classes at the Tenaska Center.
Find out more about why downtown is ‘O’ so worth it.
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