Who it’s for: Families who want a fun, low-stress day with mostly indoor stops, plus a spring “bonus” if the weather cooperates.
Cost: $$ moderate
Pace: kid-friendly
At a glance: Breakfast at Early Bird → Omaha Children’s Museum → Lunch at Inner Rail Food Hall → Henry Doorly Zoo indoor loop → Lauritzen Gardens spring walk (weather permitting) → Dinner at Jams Old Market → Ted & Wally’s ice cream
Morning
9:00 to 10:00: Breakfast at Early Bird (Blackstone)
Start the day with a real Omaha favorite: brunch at Early Bird. The menu is huge, the vibe is fun, and it fuels everyone for a busy morning.
- Address: 3824 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68131
- Order tip: Split one sweet plate and one savory plate so everyone gets what they want.
10:15 to 12:00: Omaha Children’s Museum
March weather can be unpredictable, so this is the perfect “always works” stop. The Omaha Children’s Museum is hands-on and easy for a wide range of ages.
- Address: 500 S 20th St, Omaha, NE 68102
- Parking tip: Use the lot on the south side of the building and enter on the south side.
Midday
12:15 to 1:15: Lunch at Inner Rail Food Hall (Aksarben Village)
When you have picky eaters, a food hall is the cheat code. Head to Inner Rail Food Hall and let everyone choose their own meal, then meet back at a shared table.
- Address: 1911 S 67th St, Omaha, NE 68106
- Parent win: You order at the counter and food usually comes out fast.
Afternoon
1:45 to 4:30: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (Indoor Loop First)
March is still “winter hours” at the zoo, so start with indoor spaces first. Do the Aquarium and Desert Dome early, and if you want the Lied Jungle, go earlier because it closes before the rest of the buildings.
- Address: 3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68107
- Hours note: Through March 31, the zoo is typically open 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, with most buildings open until 5:00 pm. The Lied Jungle closes at 3:00 pm.
- March tip: If it’s mild, add 20 minutes outside for Asian Highlands or the outdoor animals, then warm up again inside.
4:45 to 5:45: Bonus stop (pick one)
- If the weather is decent:
Visit Lauritzen Gardens for an early spring preview. Their Spring Flowering Walk starts blooming in March and runs into May, so you might catch crocuses, grape hyacinths, and early daffodils.
Address: 100 Bancroft St, Omaha, NE 68108 - If it is cold, windy, or rainy:
Swap in The Durham Museum instead. It’s indoors, interesting for adults, and kids usually love the trains and big spaces.
Address: 801 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68108
Evening
6:15 to 7:30: Dinner at Jams (Old Market)
Head back downtown for a relaxed dinner at Jams. The Old Market location has a real kids menu, plus plenty of options for adults.
- Address: 1101 Harney St, Omaha, NE 68102
7:35 to 8:05: Ice cream at Ted & Wally’s (Old Market)
Finish the day with a classic Omaha treat at Ted & Wally’s. If it’s chilly, grab pints to go and enjoy them at home.
- Address: 1120 Jackson St, Omaha, NE 68102
Weather swap
If March turns snowy or icy: Keep everything indoors by extending the Children’s Museum, swapping Lauritzen for The Durham, and skipping any outdoor wandering. You will still have a full day.
Map the day
Pin in this order: Early Bird Blackstone → Omaha Children’s Museum → Inner Rail Food Hall → Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium → Lauritzen Gardens (or The Durham Museum) → Jams Old Market → Ted & Wally’s.
Make it yours
- Save: Choose water at lunch and split a dessert at dinner.
- Upgrade: Add a small souvenir at the zoo gift shop or extend Lauritzen if the weather is gorgeous.
- Timing tip: March weekends can be busy. Start early and you will feel like you “beat the crowds.”
