Who it’s for: Families who want warm, easy indoor stops with short drives.
Cost: $$ moderate
Pace: kid-friendly
At a glance: Breakfast at Early Bird → Omaha Children’s Museum → Lunch at Spaghetti Works → Zoo indoor halls → Dinner at Jams Old Market → Ted & Wally’s
Morning
9:00 to 10:00: Breakfast at Early Bird
Fuel up with pancakes, scrambles, and fresh coffee at Early Bird in Blackstone. It opens early and is an easy hop to downtown afterward.
- Address: 3824 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68131
- Pro tip: Ask for a booth and split a couple of plates if you have little eaters.
10:15 to 12:00: Omaha Children’s Museum
Head to the Omaha Children’s Museum for hands-on exhibits that are perfect for cold days. Check current hours before you go and plan for coat hooks and stroller access inside.
- Address: 500 S 20th St, Omaha, NE 68102
Midday
12:15 to 1:00: Lunch at Spaghetti Works
Walk or drive a few minutes to the Old Market for a relaxed, kid-friendly lunch at Spaghetti Works. Big bowls of pasta and a salad bar keep everyone happy.
- Address: 502 S 11th St, Omaha, NE 68102
Afternoon
1:20 to 4:50: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
Warm up inside the Zoo with a loop through the Aquarium, Lied Jungle, Desert Dome, and Kingdoms of the Night. Winter hours begin November 1, with admissions generally ending earlier and buildings open a bit later, so arrive on time and stick to the indoor halls.
- Address: 3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68107
- Packing tip: Layers, hats, and gloves for outdoor walks between buildings.
Evening
5:15 to 6:30: Dinner at Jams Old Market
Settle in at Jams Old Market. The kids menu keeps ordering easy, and the main menu has burgers, tacos, and salads for everyone.
- Address: 1101 Harney St, Omaha, NE 68102
- Price note: Family friendly mix of mains and shareables.
6:40 to 7:10: Ice Cream Nightcap at Ted & Wally’s
Wrap the day with ultra-rich scoops at Ted & Wally’s in the Old Market. If it is too chilly, grab pints to go.
- Address: 1120 Jackson St, Omaha, NE 68102
Weather swap
If snow or ice is intense: Trade part of the zoo block for the Kiewit Luminarium or The Durham Museum. For all-indoor dinner-plus-games, consider The Amazing Pizza Machine or Dave & Buster’s Omaha.
Map the day
Pin these in order: Early Bird Blackstone → Omaha Children’s Museum → Spaghetti Works Old Market → Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium (indoor loop) → Blatt Beer & Table North Downtown → Ted & Wally’s Old Market → Hardy Coffee Co. backup warm-up stop.
Make it yours
- Save: Share pasta at lunch and choose counter-service dessert.
- Upgrade: Add hot cocoa for everyone and a souvenir from the zoo gift shop.
- Kid-age notes: Strollers are helpful for museum and zoo. Teens may prefer the Luminarium swap or a Dave & Buster’s game hour after dinner.
Next up: Try the Couple “Old Market Date” or the Singles “Riverfront Reset.”
