40+ Indoor Winter Activities For Kids in Omaha
By: Ryan Renner, Realtor
I have helped many families move to Omaha. Contact me if you have any questions about the Omaha area or need help buying a home.
As temperatures plummet in Omaha, here are some ways to keep kids entertained inside (and most importantly out of the house). From bouncing away at trampoline parks to exploring museums, Omaha has some hidden gems that make winter fun (and bearable) for families.
Indoor Trampoline Parks
When the kids are bouncing off the walls at home, it’s time to let them do it literally. Omaha’s trampoline parks like Sky Zone and Altitude offer massive wall-to-wall jumping surfaces, foam pits, and dodgeball courts. For a mix of high-flying action and ninja-style obstacles, Urban Air Adventure Park is a standout, featuring a “Sky Rider” indoor coaster and a warrior course that challenges even the most energetic teens.
Indoor Playgrounds and Play Areas
Omaha has seen a surge in dedicated play spaces perfect for younger children. Kipp Omaha has taken the title of the city’s largest indoor play park, offering a three-story jungle gym and a miniature “Kid City” for imaginative play. If you’re looking for a cleaner, modern vibe for toddlers, Playful Pines offers a beautiful wood-themed aesthetic, while Kids Plays inside Oak View Mall is a convenient stop for parents who need to get some steps in while the kids hit the ball pits.
Activity Centers and Arcades
The Amazing Pizza Machine remains a local legend with its massive buffet paired with go-karts, laser tag, and hundreds of arcade games. If you’re looking for a more modern social atmosphere, Dave & Buster’s in La Vista offers great food alongside classic arcade titles and interactive games like duckpin bowling and pickleball.
Museums and Educational
Winter is the perfect season to explore Omaha’s world-class museums without the summer crowds. The Omaha Children’s Museum is a staple for hands-on creativity, while the new Kiewit Luminarium on the RiverFront offers over 100 interactive STEM exhibits that fascinate both kids and adults. For history buffs, The Durham Museum offers a cozy indoor walk through Omaha’s past inside the stunning old Union Station—don’t forget to grab a phosphate at the authentic soda fountain!
- Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
- Lauritzen Gardens
- Omaha Children’s Museum
- Kiewit Luminarium
- Durham Museum
- Joslyn Art Museum
- Do Space
- Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
Indoor Games and Activities
If you have older kids or teens who have outgrown the traditional playground, Omaha has plenty of “active entertainment” options that are a bit more unique. From the social atmosphere of Smash Park to the high-tech golf simulators at Topgolf and X-Golf, there are plenty of ways to stay competitive and moving. These spots are perfect for families looking for something a little different than the standard movie night or bowling session.
Escape Rooms
For families who love a good challenge, Omaha’s escape rooms offer a fantastic way to bond while testing your problem-solving skills. These immersive experiences transport you into different worlds—from bank heists to mystery mansions—and require teamwork to solve the puzzles before the clock runs out. Most local venues offer varying levels of difficulty, so you can choose a room that’s age-appropriate for your crew.
Indoor Climbing
If you want to give your kids a full-body workout, indoor climbing is a great option. Omaha’s climbing gyms offer everything from beginner-friendly bouldering to high-wall top-roping. It’s a great way for kids to build confidence and strength in a controlled environment. Many of these gyms also offer “day passes” or introductory classes if your kids are new to the sport.
Indoor Ice Skating
Our local indoor rinks offer public skate sessions throughout the week, providing a classic winter experience without the biting wind. Whether your kids are seasoned skaters or taking their first wobbly steps on the ice, it’s a fun, active tradition that feels just right for the season.
Indoor Pools
Just because there’s snow on the ground doesn’t mean you have to pack away the swimsuits. Several community centers and swim schools across Omaha and Papillion offer indoor lap pools and play areas where the water is always warm. It’s a great way to let the kids splash around and get some exercise, and it’s often the quickest way to beat the “winter blues.”
- Common Ground Recreation
- Goldfish Swim School
- Mockingbird Hills Community Center
- Montclair Community Center
- The Salvation Army Kroc Center
Bowling Alleys
Bowling remains one of the most affordable and accessible ways to get the family out of the house during a snow day. Omaha is home to several great alleys, ranging from classic “old school” lanes to modern entertainment boutiques with neon lighting and great food menus. Most lanes offer “bumpers” and lightweight balls, making it an activity that even your youngest kids can participate in.
Indoor Mini Golf
From the glow-in-the-dark prehistoric scenes at Prehistoric Putt to the immersive, high-tech challenges at The Fat Putter, these courses offer a great way to engage in some friendly family competition. Omaha has some great indoor putt putt options. I’ve been to all of these multiple times.
Movie Theaters
Sometimes, the best way to spend a freezing afternoon is tucked away in a dark theater with a large bucket of popcorn. Beyond the standard blockbusters, Omaha has some unique viewing experiences—including the massive Lozier Giant Screen at the Zoo. It’s the perfect low-energy activity for those days when everyone just needs to relax and be entertained for a couple of hours.
Lozier Giant Screen Theater – Inside Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo (website)