Keep your family healthy and happy by enjoying the great outdoors.

Omaha, Nebraska, is the perfect place to enjoy everything the great outdoors has to offer. There are countless opportunities for families to enjoy some time together with activities for children of all ages. You can take advantage of these fun-filled outdoor activities in Omaha to keep your family happy and healthy.

1. Check out our local zoo and aquarium.

The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha offers exceptional experiences for families with children of all ages. It’s open year-round, but the summer months provide optimal conditions for walking its many trails and taking in the wide variety of animal exhibits.

The zoo and aquarium span over 160 acres, with immersive habitats providing a home for species from around the world. You’ll find elephants, giraffes, rhinos, gorillas, cheetahs, lions, sea lions, tigers, and many more. Both expansive habitats and smaller pavilions provide a range of educational opportunities.

The zoo and aquarium also host a variety of additional attractions. You can ride on the train or tram to get around the zoo and get a unique tour of many exhibits. The amazing Skyfari chairlift lets you take in exhibits from above as well.

2. Spend the day at a thrilling waterpark.

Relaxing activities are great, but sometimes you want something a bit more thrilling. Fun-Plex Waterpark & Rides offers just that, with a variety of attractions perfect for the whole family. The park is home to many water slides featuring high speeds, dramatic drops, and plenty of twists and turns.

There are lots of other opportunities for fun if waterslides aren’t your thing. A large wave pool and the winding lazy river each offer relaxing experiences. A splash-pad playground and the Lil’ Lagoon provide fun for younger children.

Fun-Plex is home to a wide range of non-water-related activities as well. Your family can try several different types of go-karts, classic rides like the tilt-a-whirl and carousel, and a variety of gentle rides for children of any age.

3. Take in stunning gardens and artwork.

If you’re looking for something a bit calmer and perhaps more refined, you can take your family to the Lauritzen Gardens. This unique botanical center in Omaha is home to an extensive range of plants and local artwork.

Summer is the perfect time to visit Lauritzen Gardens, with such a wide range of plants in full bloom. You’ll also be able to enjoy the cool shade of the arboretum and bird sanctuary, with four acres of distinct plant communities featuring trees from around the world.

The entire 100-acre property is covered in different garden exhibits and water features. You can stroll at your own pace and enjoy this great opportunity to learn more about plants.

4. Get closer to nature.

Really getting up close and personal with nature can be an excellent experience for your family. Fontenelle Forest is a unique park in Omaha featuring a wide range of trails of varying difficulty and length to plan the perfect outing for any family.

The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including many rescued raptors that find safe haven there. Inside a canopy-level enclosure, you’ll find a pair of bald eagles, a ferruginous hawk, and a turkey vulture.

Trails cover a wide range of different ecosystems. They include a 1/3-mile boardwalk along wetlands that offer a chance to spot some unique wildlife and a stunning view of the Missouri River.

5. Keep it simple.

Of course, you don’t need to plan an elaborate day trip to have fun with your family. You can keep things simple and enjoy both each others’ company and the great outdoors without making a major event of it.

Simply taking a short walk together can be more than enough. You can find many shorter trails in the parks around Omaha. A jaunt over the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge can let you take in plenty of fresh air and enjoy stunning views.

Taking your children to any number of outdoor playgrounds is another fast, affordable, and easy way to get some quality time outdoors. If you can do so, consider getting a swing set, trampoline, or other outdoor activities for your home to make healthy outdoor fun even more accessible.

Don’t forget your oral health during your outdoor adventure.

Planning a fun and active lifestyle for your family is a great step toward health and happiness. However, don’t forget about the importance of routine dental visits when you’re enjoying everything Omaha has to offer. The Tooth Doc is your dentist in Omaha, NE, for your family’s needs, so schedule your next appointment today.