With summer vacation just weeks away, every student can imagine the warm sun rays beating into their car as they blast a Summer 2024 playlist. With their friends in the backseat, they enjoy the beautiful afternoon free from the binds of never ending assignments.
But where can you hang out in Omaha this summer? Many teens assume there is “literally nothing to do in Omaha,” but that could not be farther from the truth.
Omaha is home to many fun outdoor attractions and experiences that do not get the attention they deserve. So, if you are looking to discover uncharted territory in your own backyard this summer, listen up.
First up is an amazing Omaha tradition that began nearly 100 years ago. The Omaha Farmers Market has two locations that operate on weekends from May 4 through October 13.
The first location is in the heart of the Old Market and is set up on the well-known brick roads. The Old Market location is open on Saturdays from 8 am to 12:30 pm.
The other location is in Aksarben Village right next to one of UNO’s campuses. The Aksarben location is open from 9 am to 1 pm on Sundays.
The farmer’s markets host hundreds of vendors selling items from farm-grown produce to handmade jewelry. However, the highlight of the market has to be the handful of food trucks located on the periphery.
There is no meal quite like those that are hand-assembled with authentic ingredients. The market boasts a variety of cuisines including Mexican, Asia, African, Middle Eastern, and American food trucks.
The Omaha Farmers Market is a wonderful afternoon adventure that will satisfy your taste buds and provide you with homemade goods, while also providing an opportunity to support local small businesses.
Next is the Omaha Riverfront. This area is located on the Missouri River but actually encompasses many areas. The term “Omaha Riverfront” was recently coined after a 325 million dollar renovation brought the Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park, and the Lewis and Clark Landing under one identity.
The Gene Leahy Mall portion is the oldest of the three, and the renovations preserved the two large metal slides the area was known for. Additions included a large playground, an outdoor stage, a dog park, a sculpture garden, and hammocks surrounding fire pits.
The Heartland of America Park is home to the recently added Skate Ribbon, which is converted into an ice skating ribbon in the winter. The park also includes an amphitheater and bocce ball.
Lastly, the Lewis and Clark Landing is located next to the Kiewit Luminarium which opened last April. The area includes an even larger playground with open grass and a modern beach with fire pits.
Needless to say, the Omaha Riverfront includes many outdoor activities perfect for all ages to enjoy on a nice summer day.
In addition to these public outdoor areas, many year-round venues are particularly popular in the summer.
For example, Lauritzen Gardens, an expansive indoor and outdoor botanical garden, is in full bloom during early summer. The garden is a perfect place to take adorable pictures and enjoy beautiful nature.
Surprisingly, many people are not aware that you can float down the Elkhorn River in the summer. Tubes are available to rent and the float takes 4 to 6 hours. This is a perfect opportunity to chat with friends while enjoying the scenery and soaking up the sun.
For those who are athletically inclined, Top Golf is a great place to bring a group to hit golf balls and enjoy great food. The venue is open year-round and has a special sale every Tuesday.
Additionally, the College World Series is hosted in Omaha and begins on June 14th. Even if you can’t get tickets to the game, the restaurants and shops surrounding Charles Schwab field will be bustling with activity.
Lastly, summer is known for aquatic sports like kayaking, paddle boarding, and boating, which are all available at Zorinsky and other lakes in the Omaha area.
There is no end to the amazing activities and events occurring in Omaha this summer. So instead of heading out of town every weekend, take the opportunity to explore your own city. It has more to offer than meets the eye.