Lifestyle

50+ Indoor Activities in Omaha To Beat Wind and Cold in 2025

Published on Jul 10th 2025
indoor activities in Omaha

Omaha doesn’t pause for bad weather. From snowy days to summer storms, there’s no shortage of indoor activities in Omaha to keep you entertained.

From interactive museums to trampoline parks, indoor pools and unexpected date night spots, this list rounds up a surprising mix of ways to stay warm, dry and entertained no matter what the forecast says.

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Free Indoor Activities in Omaha

1. Joslyn Art Museum

Joslyn Art Museum
Omaha’s premier (and free) museum space (via Joslyn Art Museum)

Omaha’s biggest art institution is also one of its most accessible. Joslyn Art Museum is free to all visitors and features more than 12,000 pieces spanning five millennia, including Native American works, European masters and contemporary art. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday.

2. Omaha Children’s Museum

When it’s gloomy out and you need to keep the kids busy, there’s one place where they’ll not only have a great time but learn while playing. The Omaha Children’s Museum offers free tickets (for toddlers) and has engaging exhibits designed to inspire and educate. Your kids can climb, build and explore through rotating science and art exhibits designed just for them.

3. KANEKO

KANEKO
Interact with creativity (via KANEKO)

Set inside three renovated warehouses, KANEKO is a non-traditional art space with installations, performances and workshops that encourage open-ended creativity. If you’re looking for indoor activities in Omaha that let you see creativity in action, this is it. Admission is free, and exhibits range from architectural displays to immersive sculpture.

4. Do Space Technology Center

Part makerspace, part tech lab, Do Space gives free access to software, 3D printers, computers and STEM kits. This innovative technology library provides free membership with access to over 100 computers (Windows, Mac, Ubuntu), plus 3D printers, scanners, laser cutters, design software and tech kits for all ages. 

5. Omaha Public Library Branches

library
Craft, read and play at one of Omaha’s 13 public library locations (via Canva)

With 13 branches across the city, the Omaha Public Library has more than books. Many locations host free craft events, reading groups and kid-friendly play areas.

6. Boys Town Hall of History

Take a quick trip west of the city to explore one of the most unique indoor activities in Omaha at Father Flanagan’s Boys Town. The Hall of History showcases the heartwarming legacy of Father Edward Flanagan’s vision, with audio and video exhibits. 

7. Stamp Center 

And just next door to Boys Town Hall is the Stamp Center that pays homage to the art of philately, featuring educational displays and the world’s largest ball of stamps - a 600‑lb sphere made of more than 4.6 million canceled stamps. It’s quirky, free and surprisingly informative.

8. Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts
Catch edgy exhibitions and experimental sound art (via Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts)

The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, located in Omaha’s historic Old Market, offers a creative space open to the public with rotating exhibits and free programs. You can explore their dynamic gallery spaces, the OKADA Sculpture and Ceramics Facility and the LOW END venue for experimental music and sound art. Check their calendar for rotating exhibitions and events.

9. Hot Shops Art Center 

Looking for indoor date ideas in Omaha with a little spark? Hot Shops Art Center is home to glassblowers, ceramicists, blacksmiths and more. Visitors can watch artists at work in over 50 open studios.

10. Learning Express (Regency)

The Learning Express, located in Regency, is a charming neighborhood toy store that goes beyond just shopping. It’s part toy store, part craft lab. It’s managed by friendly “toy experts” and hosts regular free in-store events like craft projects, game demos and interactive sessions. 

11. The Durham Museum

Located in Omaha’s old Union Station, The Durham Museum features permanent exhibits on regional history and pop-up Smithsonian displays in a stunning Art Deco setting. Admission isn’t free, but with a family membership, which starts from as little as $5 a month.

Indoor Activities in Omaha for Families

12. Kipp Indoor Play Park

Kipp Indoor Play Park
Three stories of fun for kids, with coffee and Wi-Fi for parents (via Kipp Indoor Play Park)

Looking for indoor activities in Omaha for kids can be challenging, especially if they’re at an age where they can’t sit still. Fortunately, Omaha has places like the Kipp Indoor Play Park. This spot is a lifesaver for little ones with too much energy. There’s a three-story jungle gym, arcade games and a lounge with coffee and Wi-Fi for parents. 

13. The MARK Omaha

Blending games with delicious food, The MARK is the place to go when the weather is not on your side. With 40 premium bowling lanes, full-service sports bar and grill, a packed arcade, and even indoor sand volleyball, it caters to all ages. This place has you covered for indoor activities in Omaha.

14. Kiewit Luminarium

Kiewit Luminarium
Where science meets fun (via Kiewit Luminarium)

Who said indoor activities in Omaha for families can’t also be a learning opportunity? The Kiewit Luminarium has more than 100 exhibits covering physics, math and biology; kids can touch, play and tinker their way through every floor.

15. Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

Yes, it’s a zoo, but the indoor exhibits are no joke. And this one’s the #1 Zoo in the Nation. And for bad weather days? Over seven acres of the zoo is indoors. You can spend a cold day inside the world’s largest indoor desert, exploring North America’s largest indoor rainforest or admiring the glass shark tunnel. 

16. We Rock the Spectrum

We Rock the Spectrum
An inclusive sensory gym designed for all abilities and ages (via We Rock the Spectrum)

We Rock the Spectrum is a fantastic sensory-safe, inclusive indoor playground. It’s designed for children of all abilities and provides specialized equipment that supports both fun and development, including suspended swings, climbing walls and calming zones. 

17. Montclair Indoor Pool

Feel like going for a swim? Don’t let the weather stop you. The Montclair Community Center Indoor Pool, located in west Omaha, is a year-round aquatic facility with a six-lane short course pool with a one-meter diving board and a playful floating alligator in the shallow end. 

18. Backyard Playword 

Backyard Playworld
Backyard classics like swing sets and trampolines — all indoors (via Backyard Playworld)

Indoor playgrounds are a no-brainer when it comes to indoor activities in Omaha for families with kids. The Backyard Playworld is a play showroom that brings all the backyard classic fun inside, with Rainbow brand swing sets, trampolines and even basketball hoops. 

19. Altitude Trampoline Park

Wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball courts, foam pits, ninja courses and rock-climbing walls make this one of the most active indoor activities in Omaha for families. With so many options, you can keep coming back to tick off several of your winter activities, all in the same place. 

20. Dave & Buster’s

Dave and Busters
Eat, play and repeat (via Dave & Buster's)

Dave & Buster's is the definition of “eatertaiment.” With a full-service American restaurant, bar with a high-tech arcade, it’s loud and chaotic in the best way, especially if you’ve got teens in tow.

21. Union Pacific Railroad Museum 

Just across the river in Council Bluffs, the Union Pacific Railroad Museum celebrates more than 150 years of railroad history with interactive displays and vintage artifacts. As an extra bonus, it’s housed in a beautiful historic Carnegie library building, which is an attraction in its own right. 

Indoor Activities in Omaha for Adults

22. The Fat Putter

The Fat Putter
Mini golf gets a glow-up with giant props and themed courses (via The Fat Putter)

The Fat Putter is a local favourite and especially popular for indoor birthday party ideas. And it’s not hard to see why. It’s mini golf meets bar games in a creative space with themed nine-hole courses, giant props, glow-in-the-dark putting and casual gaming. 

23. Verse Immersive VR

Test your reflexes or escape from virtual zombies at Nebraska’s largest VR arcade: Verse Immersive Omaha. With free-roam arenas, racing simulators, escape rooms and multiple shooters, it’s immersive and surprisingly social.

24. Approach Climbing Gym

rock climbing
Tackle 150+ indoor climbing routes — no experience needed (via Canva)

If you’re looking for indoor activities in Omaha for adults that push boundaries, try bouldering or top-rope climbing. Approach Climbing Gym is an enormous climbing area with over 150 climbing routes, including bouldering, top-rope and lead climbing. And don’t worry if you’re new to it, intro sessions and gear rentals make it easy to get started.

25. Omaha Community Playhouse

Catch a play at the largest community theater in the U.S., the Omaha Community Playhouse. Founded in 1924, the theatre produces fun shows that range from classics like Sweeney Todd to original works by local playwrights. 

26. Spielbound Board Game Café

Spielbound Board Game Café
2,800+ board games, snacks and drinks (via Spielbound Board Game Cafe)

Spend the afternoon beating your friends at classic board games like Scrabble or Monopoly. With over 2,800 board games to choose from, Spielbound Board Game Cafe will keep you entertained for hours. And for a little extra fun, you can play while enjoying beer, wine, pizza and snacks. 

27. Joe’s Karting

Channel your inner F1 driver, with a little friendly karting competition at Joe’s Karting, where you can race karts with 9HP engines that reach speeds up to 45 mph on its indoor track. Arrive early—it fills up fast on weekends.

28. Locked Room Omaha

Locked Room Omaha
Themed escape rooms built to challenge (via Locked Room Omaha)

Put your problem-solving skills to the test and work as a team to get out of escape rooms at Locked Room Omaha; they’re some of the best-rated in the Midwest. Pick a theme — Titanic, Fallout Shelter, or Haunted Hotel — and work your way out in 60 minutes or less. If you’re looking for indoor date ideas, these escape rooms make for a fun challenge that will test your ability to work together.

29. Cabela’s at La Vista

Wildlife lovers will love exploring Cabela’s at La Vista. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon indoors. And you don’t have to love fishing, either. With its 30,000-gallon freshwater aquarium and wildlife displays, it’s more than you would expect. Admission is free, and the taxidermy collection is next-level.

30. Film Streams

Film Streams
See indie and foreign films at this nonprofit cinema (via Film Streams)

Looking for indoor activities in Omaha for adults that tend toward the classics? Film Streams cinema isn’t your ordinary cinema. This nonprofit art-house cinema showcases a mix of independent features, foreign films and thought-provoking documentaries. Which is great if you don’t want to see the next big blockbuster.

31. Beercade

For the beer lovers, Beercade delivers. This Benson staple serves rotating craft beers alongside pinball machines and retro arcade games. Come for happy hour, stay for Mario Kart. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for birthday party activities around Omaha. 

32. MW Climbing

go rock climbing
Train, climb and stretch (via Canva)

For a thrilling climbing experience, MW Climbing is the perfect spot. It’s a smaller climbing gym with weekly route changes, yoga classes and a dedicated training area. It’s a great indoor activity for both beginners and seasoned climbers.

Indoor Activities in Omaha for Couples

33. Yoga Class at One Tree Yoga

yoga
Find your flow with partner yoga (via Canva)

Try a gentle flow or hot Vinyasa together at One Yoga Tree studio. Drop-in classes are available and mats are provided. If it’s cold out, this indoor activity could truly warm things up.

34. Smash Park

Looking for indoor activities in Omaha for couples who love sports, Smash Park delivers. Play pickleball, cornhole or axe throw indoors, then grab a drink at the bar. It’s sporty, casual and date-night approved with a touch of friendly competition. 

35. V. Mertz

V. Mertz
Plan a moody, wine-lit date night in the Old Market (via V. Mertz)

Surprise your partner with a romantic date at V. Mertz, one of Omaha’s fine-dining gems. This Old Market gem delivers a romantic night with seasonal fine dining and a moody wine cellar atmosphere. With its seasonally rotating menu of French, American and global flavors, you’ll surely find something to please your palate. Tip: Save yourself the disappointment and make a reservation ahead of time.

36. Pottery Painting at That Pottery Place

Paint your own ceramic mugs, bowls or quirky figurines at That Pottery Place. With over 200 bisque pieces and 50 colors to choose from, you’re only limited by your own imagination. It’s creative, relaxing and the perfect excuse to get a little messy.

37. Funny Bone Comedy Club

Have a blast laughing with your partner at the Funny Bone comedy club. Catch stand-up acts from touring comics or local legends in a cozy, intimate setting where “there are no bad seats” and table service keeps the laugh flowing. It’s an easy win for a date that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

38. Couples Massage at Salt & Spa

massage
Relax side-by-side with massages and salt therapy (via Canva)

Schedule a couple’s massage or unwind in a salt therapy room at Salt & Spa. It’s a relaxing retreat for couples and with services like side-by-side massages, Swedish, deep tissue and hot stone, you can relax together.

39. Wine Tasting at Cellar 426

If you and your partner enjoy a good glass of wine, just a short drive from Omaha, you’ll find yourself at Cellar 426. At this award-winning Nebraska winery, you can enjoy an indoor tasting of reds, whites and seasonal blends. You’ll get the best of both worlds, some outdoor scenery while staying warm indoors. Grab something off the menu and make a day of it.

40. Indoor Farmers Market

When winter arrives and you’re looking for indoor activities in Omaha for couples, the indoor farmers market is a top choice. It features 60+ vendors selling baked goods, produce and handmade gifts. And most importantly, it’s heated. So you’ll have a cozy date idea.

41. Bluebarn Theatre

Bluebarn Theatre
Catch something bold (via Bluebarn Theatre)

Catch a bold, boundary-pushing performance at the Bluebarn Theatre. Shows change seasonally and often sell out, so check the schedule ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

42. Therapy Bar & Grill

Therapy Bar & Grill delivers casual scratch-cooked comfort food alongside a fun lineup of entertainment options. Come for dinner and stick around for events like karaoke Wednesdays, music bingo on Thursdays and live bands on weekends and the occasional drag‑queen bingo. It’s loud and fun, and a little different in the best way.

Indoor Activities in Omaha This Weekend or Today

43. Flying Timber Axe Throwing

Flying Timber Axe Throwing
Throw like a pro with help from on-site axe coaches (via Flying Timber)

Looking for ways to get rid of some stress? Try your hand at axe throwing at Flying Timber. Coaches are always on hand to help you stick the landing.

44. The Detective Dinner

Channel your inner Sherlock Holmes with an interactive murder mystery dinner at Detective Dinner. You’ll become part of the show. While enjoying a three-course meal, you work alongside actors hidden among guests to solve a hilarious, true-crime style investigation. 

46. Explore The Old Market 

For fun indoor activities in Omaha this weekend, consider going to The Old Market. You can duck in and out of galleries, shops and cozy cafes. Even on cold days, the cobblestone streets and quirky storefronts make it a great wander.

47. Omaha Symphony

Omaha Symphony
Catch classical concerts and pop performances downtown (via Omaha Symphony)

Based at the Holland Performing Arts Center, the Omaha Symphony is the region’s premier professional orchestra. Check their events calendar to catch classical performances, movie-themed concerts or pops programming. 

48. Omaha Art Fair

Support local art by attending the Omaha Art Fair. Held once a year, this free event brings together local artists, makers and musicians for a colorful weekend celebration. You get to enjoy a colorful variety of fine art, handmade crafts, live arts demonstrations and of course, great food, beer and wine.

49. Steelhouse Omaha

At Steelhouse Omaha, you can catch everything from indie bands to comedy acts and pop concerts - all in a sleek, industrial-chic venue. With its flexible layout and modern amenities, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a night out, rain or shine.

50. Diventures

Diventures
Learn to scuba at this indoor dive pool (via Diventures Omaha)

For indoor activities in Omaha this weekend, practice your swimming skills or learn how to scuba dive at Diventures Omaha. This 25-yard pool facility is ideal for those who want to try their first dive in a safe, controlled environment or sharpen their aquatic skills with expert-led instruction.

51. The Selfie Spot

The Selfie Spot is trending among indoor activities in Omaha today. Don’t take yourself too seriously and get silly (and photogenic) at this interactive photo playground featuring 20+ backdrops designed for Instagram-worthy shots. It’s a fun way to spend the day creating shareable moments. 

Indoor Activities in Omaha FAQs

Is There Anything Fun To Do in Omaha Indoors?

cooking class
Stay warm indoors while learning something delicious together (via Canva)

Absolutely. From climbing gyms and cooking classes to museums and arcades, there are plenty of indoor activities in Omaha for every interest.

What Can I Do in Omaha When It’s Cold?

Try indoor pools, escape rooms, live music or trampoline parks. The Henry Doorly Zoo has over seven acres of indoor exhibits alone.

What Indoor Activities in Omaha Are Free?

Free options include the Joslyn Art Museum, KANEKO, Bemis Center, Do Space, Boys Town museums and Omaha Public Library branches.

Indoor activities in Omaha aren’t just backup plans — they’re part of the fun. You can throw axes, catch a symphony, race go-karts or just warm up with a glass of wine and a paintbrush. The forecast might change, but there’s always something happening inside.

For even more fun indoor activities, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!