Omaha Weekend Getaway
Looking for a drivable weekend getaway from the Twin Cities? Pack your bags, Omaha is calling! With one of the top-ranked zoos in the country and a playground that will blow your kids’ minds, this is one road trip your family will talk about for years.
Day 1: Minnesota → Nebraska City
Most people drive straight to Omaha for the zoo, but skipping Arbor Day Farm would be a huge mistake. It’s only about 30 minutes out of the way, and trust me, it is worth every extra mile! We drove straight there from the Cities, and it was the perfect way to kick the weekend off!
Arbor Day Farm
Arbor Day Farm is unlike anything I’ve seen in Minnesota: 11 different treehouses scattered across three wooded acres, all connected by swaying bridges and netted walkways. You can wander the ⅔-mile South Table Creek Trail, crossing rustic timber bridges with picture-perfect views around every bend. The kids will love the hands-on Nature Explore Classroom, and when hunger hits, you’re just steps from Timbers-a delicious BBQ joint right on-site. If you’re not in a rush, you can even stay the night at their cozy lodge before heading to Omaha.
Road Trip Tip: We powered through and ate lunch in the car to save time, but if you want a fun pit stop, Zombie Burger in Des Moines is a quirky, over-the-top burger joint that’s totally worth it.
Where to Stay in Omaha
Embassy Suites in the Old Market district- it’s walking distance to shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
Explore Old Market
Once you’ve checked in, wander the cobblestone streets of Old Market, grab a scoop (or two) from Ted and Wally’s, and then head back to the hotel pool before resting up for the big day!
Day 2: Explore Omaha
Breakfast
Start the morning at The Table Coffee Company. We loved it so much, we went there twice! Trust me, you need to try the waffle charcuterie board and coffee flight!
The Main Attraction - Henry Doorly Zoo
Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. It is easy to see why this zoo is consistently ranked among the best in the country. It’s not just big, the exhibits are immersive and unforgettable. We tackled the zoo in one day and didn’t feel like we missed anything, but if your crew is really into animals, you could easily spend two days here.
If you’re doing the zoo in one day, aim to arrive right at 9 a.m. when the gates open. Parking is easy, and you’ll beat some of the crowds. Tip: Included in admission is the Alaskan Adventure Zone, a sprawling splash pad with fountains, streams, and play areas. Definitely pack swimsuits if you want to take advantage!
Dinnertime
The zoo closes at 5 p.m., which is the perfect time to head back to Old Market for dinner. Spaghetti Works has a great patio and a kid-friendly menu, but other solid picks are Pitch Pizza, Jams, and Upstream Brewing.
More Old Market fun: After dinner, explore Old Market’s quirky shops. Old Market Emporium is a treasure trove of local finds, while Hollywood Candy is pure nostalgia (and sugar).
Always End With Ice Cream
End the night with a scoop from Dolci, then stroll a few blocks to Gene Leahy Mall. Between the riverfront views and the unique playground, it’s the perfect wind-down before heading back to your hotel to give your feet (and your kids) a much-needed rest.
Day 3: But Before You Go
Breakfast
For your last morning in Omaha, fuel up with breakfast at your hotel, or make one final stop at The Table Coffee Company for another round of those unforgettable waffles.
A Must-see Playground
Before you hit the highway, drive just five minutes to Lewis and Clark Landing, home to what might be the best playground we’ve ever seen. With massive climbing structures, a sandy play area, ziplines, climbing walls, water features, and more, this playground is unforgettable.
Stand In Two Places at Once
Just down the street from Lewis and Clark Landing is Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, guarded by “Omar the Troll.” The bridge stretches 3,000 feet and links Nebraska to Iowa allowing you to stand in each state at the same time!
The Last Ice Cream Stop
When it’s finally time to head home, consider a detour through Le Mars, Iowa, the self-proclaimed Ice Cream Capital of the World. Grab lunch at Bob’s Drive-In, then head to the Wells Visitor Center & Ice Cream Parlor for dessert. There’s even a playground in town so the kids can burn off that sugar rush before the final leg of the drive.
Got an extra day? Omaha has plenty more to offer:
Omaha Children’s Museum: hands-on fun for younger kids
Durham Museum: a beautiful, historic train station turned museum
Kiewit Luminarium: science, technology, and creativity under one roof
Coneflower Creamery: possibly the best ice cream I’ve ever had
This Minnesota to Omaha road trip packs so much adventure, great food, and family fun into just a few short days. Whether you’re climbing through treehouses, feeding giraffes, splashing in playground fountains, or standing in two states at once, this is the kind of trip that’s as fun for the grown-ups as it is for the kids!! Have fun!
