Looking for a kid-approved playground or a quiet trail to escape the city? Omaha’s parks are hidden gems and include revitalized riverfronts, wooded escapes, and top-tier inclusive playgrounds. Here’s our guide to the best parks in the Omaha metro, organized by what you need.
Best Omaha Parks for Families
We curated our list of parks and playgrounds by evaluating dozens of locations across five key criteria: variety of amenities, accessibility for all ages and abilities, practical logistics like parking and restrooms, geographic diversity, and strong community reputation.
Have a favorite park or playground that we missed? Contact us to get it added to the list!
Best Omaha Parks for Families
These Omaha parks earn their spots specifically because of what they offer kids: standout playgrounds, splash pads, and plenty of open space to burn some energy on a weekend morning.
Discovery Playground at The RiverFront
Located at the revitalized RiverFront, the Discovery Playground offers free family fun in Omaha, striking river views, and elements like water features, a zipline, and unique climbing structures that engage kids of all ages. Pair the park with the Gene Leahy Mall and adjacent trails for a full afternoon of fun!
- Location: Downtown
- Address: 201 Riverfront Dr, Omaha, NE 68102
- Parking: Free parking lot, paid street parking
- Hours: 5 a.m.–11 p.m. daily
- Shade: Partial
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessible: Accessible slides with transfer systems, wheelchair accessible ramps, paved pathways
Arches Playground at Gene Leahy Mall
The Arches Playground, located in the Gene Leahy Mall, features distinctive arch-shaped climbing structures, slides, and soft play surfaces that set it apart from anything else in the city. Its seamless integration into the downtown Omaha green space allows kids to easily transition between the playground, open lawns, and nearby water features, and its proximity to nearby draws like some of the best ice cream shops in Omaha makes it the perfect stop for a quick errand break or a dedicated weekend outing.
- Location: Old Market
- Address: 1001 Douglas St, Omaha, NE 68102
- Parking: Paid parking garage, paid street parking
- Hours: 5 a.m.–11 p.m. daily
- Shade: Partial
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessible: Accessible slides with transfer systems, paved pathways, low impact play system
Lewis & Clark Landing at The RiverFront
Lewis & Clark Landing is a premier riverfront destination, perfect for group outings, casual picnics, sketching by the water, and more. This vibrant park offers open green spaces, pickleball courts, historical exhibits, a marina, seasonal firepits, and an urban beach. Because it connects directly to the Missouri Riverfront Trail, it’s also an ideal spot for visitors of all ages to relax, walk, or bike.
- Location: Downtown
- Address: 345 Riverfront Dr, Omaha, NE 68102
- Parking: Free parking lot, paid street parking
- Hours: 5 a.m.–11 p.m. daily
- Shade: Partial
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessible: Paved pathways and bridges
AllPlay Inclusive Playground at Seymour Smith Park
As one of Nebraska’s most accessible play spaces, AllPlay at Seymour Smith Park is a thoughtfully designed playground built for children of all abilities. The park features wheelchair-accessible ramps, a soft surface, ample shade, and over 20 distinct play features, like tactile play nodes, accessible swings, and a splash pad. AllPlay allows kids with and without disabilities to play side by side, making it a must-visit destination for every family.
- Location: Ralston
- Address: 6802 Harrison St, Omaha, NE 68127
- Parking: Free parking lot
- Hours: 5 a.m.—11 p.m., daily
- Shade: Yes
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessible: Paved pathways, accessible ramps, low-impact play systems, inclusive play features
Benson Park
Located along Military Avenue, the historic Benson Park is a neighborhood staple, centering around a scenic lagoon with shaded walking paths, picnic areas, and a playground. Its seasonal sprayground has made it a top summer destination, offering families a free, easy way to cool off without pool fees. Plus, its central location puts you just steps away from the Benson neighborhood’s popular local restaurants, retailers, and coffee shops.
- Location: Benson
- Address: 7028 Military Ave, Omaha, NE 68104
- Parking: Free street parking, free parking lot
- Hours: 7 a.m.–11 p.m. daily
- Shade: Yes
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessible: Pathed pathways and accessible ramps, low-impact ground covering, accessible swings
Stinson Park at Aksarben Village
Stinson Park is located in the heart of the bustling Aksarben Village, making it perfect for play after the farmer’s market, during the summer concert series, or before heading into the nearby movie theater. Stinson features an updated playground structure for kids to climb and explore, alongside a seasonal fountain area perfect for toddlers and kids to splash and cool off in during hot summer days.
- Location: Aksarben
- Address: 2285 S 67th St, Omaha, NE 68106
- Parking: Free street parking, free parking garage
- Hours: 7 a.m.–8 p.m. daily
- Shade: Partial
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessible: Paved pathways
Pipal Park
Pipal Park offers a sprawling, barrier-free space where children of all abilities can play side by side. Its centerpiece is the Pipal Park Inclusive Playground, which features smooth rubber surfacing, adaptive swings, wheelchair-accessible gliders, and sensory panels. The surrounding grounds offer flat, paved walking loops perfect for strollers and wheelchairs, along with spacious covered picnic shelters and mature shade trees, ideal for a family afternoon outdoors.
- Location: South Central Omaha
- Address: 7770 Hascal St, Omaha, NE, 68124
- Parking: Free street parking
- Hours: 5 a.m.–11 p.m. daily
- Shade: Yes
- Restrooms: No
- Accessible: Paved pathways, low-impact ground covering, accessible swings
Elmwood Park
Elmwood Park is one of Omaha’s most beloved historic parks, offering an incredible mix of amenities, including a playground, golf course, seasonal swimming pool, and its signature stone grotto. Its shaded, multi-use trails wind under a dense canopy of mature trees, providing a genuine nature escape right in the middle of the city. With flat, stroller-friendly terrain and convenient parking off South 60th Street, it is an accessible, feature-packed destination for families.
- Location: Midtown
- Address: 808 S 60th St, Omaha, NE 68106
- Parking: Free parking lot
- Hours: 5 a.m.–11 p.m. daily
- Shade: Yes
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessible: Paved pathways
Walnut Grove Park
Walnut Grove Park is one of those parks that works for nearly every type of outing. The park’s wooded character sets it apart from more manicured city parks—shaded paths wind through a natural area alongside a lagoon stocked for fishing, making it equally good for a quiet morning walk and an afternoon with kids at the playground. Picnic areas with shelters and grilling stations make it a reliable spot for family gatherings, and the combination of trees, water, and open lawn gives the park a layered feel that rewards repeat visits at different times of year.
- Location: Millard
- Address: 15050 Q St, Omaha, NE 68137
- Parking: Free parking lot
- Hours: 5 a.m.–11 p.m. daily
- Shade: Yes
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessible: Pathed paths
Central Park East
Central Park East is a lively neighborhood hangout packed with free family fun, an expansive, modern splash pad, and lush green lawns that engage visitors of all ages for large-group gatherings. Central Park East also offers paved, level walking paths that wind through the park, making it an excellent spot for a morning jog, a casual stroll with a stroller, or a bike ride.
- Location: La Vista
- Address: 8305 Park View Blvd, La Vista, NE 68128
- Parking: Free parking lot
- Hours: 6 a.m.–10 p.m. daily
- Shade: Yes
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessible: Paved pathways, low-impact ground covering in playground
Halleck Park
Halleck Park offers a massive 70-acre outdoor sanctuary packed with free family fun like a pickleball court, swings, and a sand volleyball court. Want something more laid back? A scenic stocked fishing lake and traditional shaded spaces engage visitors of all ages. Easily paired with a walk through downtown Papillion for a full afternoon of entertainment, the park features convenient parking via multiple dedicated lots off Halleck Park Road and Washington Street.
- Location: Papillion
- Address: Halleck Park Rd, Papillion, NE 68046
- Parking: Free parking lots
- Hours: 6 a.m.–10 p.m. daily
- Shade: Yes
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessible: Fully paved lakeside trail
Best Omaha Dog-Friendly Parks
Omaha is an incredibly welcoming city for pet owners, offering several fantastic dedicated spaces where four-legged residents can burn off energy safely. Whether you are looking for wide-open fields for a game of long-distance fetch or a shaded, community-focused neighborhood spot, the city’s public dog parks provide excellent, fully fenced environments for off-leash socialization.
Hefflinger Dog Park
As Omaha’s very first official dog park, Hefflinger is a beloved local staple spanning over seven total acres. It is the ultimate destination for high-energy dogs that need serious room to sprint, featuring a massive five-acre main section designated as an “All Dog Area” alongside a completely separate two-acre side reserved specifically for dogs under 30 pounds. The facility is equipped with multi-gated safety entry points, agility-style climbing obstacles, water stations, and waste bags. Because the open terrain can get quite muddy after a heavy rain or snowmelt, keeping a towel in your car for quick paw cleanups is highly recommended.
- Location: Northwest Omaha
- Address: Heflinger Park Rd, Omaha, NE 68164
- Parking: Free parking lot
- Hours: 5 a.m.–11 p.m. daily
- Shade: Minimal
- Restrooms: No
- Accessible: Paved parking lot & sidewalk
Hanscom Dog Park
Tucked away in the historic Hanscom Park, Hanscom Dog Park offers an intimate vibe set on a rolling, tree-lined landscape. This off-leash facility is thoughtfully divided into three separate fenced runs, including a half-acre area for small dogs and two separate larger runs to help manage crowd sizes and play styles. Unlike many wide-open dog parks, Hanscom has several large, mature trees that provide excellent shade patches for both dogs and owners on hot summer days. Its convenient location right off I-80 makes it incredibly easy to access for a quick midtown play session, though visitors should bring their own water bowls during the off-season months when the seasonal fountains are turned off.
- Location: Southeast Omaha
- Address: 3201 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, NE 68105
- Parking: Free street parking
- Hours: 5 a.m.–11 p.m. daily
- Shade: Partial
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessible: No
Dewey Dog Park
You won’t have to worry about muddy paws at Dewey Dog Park, which features clean turf and concrete across its two play areas—including one just for small breeds. Perfect for hot weather, the park offers a fun doggy splash pad, abundant shade, and plenty of water. The local crowd of regulars is known for being incredibly welcoming and conversational, and the community often hosts a yearly “Doggy Barket”, a dog-centric farmers market where you can shop for treats, pet accessories, and more!
- Location: Midtown Crossing
- Address: 550 Turner Blvd, Omaha, NE 68105
- Parking: Free street parking
- Hours: 5 a.m.–11 p.m. daily
- Shade: Yes
- Restrooms: No
- Accessible: Wheelchair accessible turf and concrete
Best Omaha Parks for Nature Lovers
While Omaha might not immediately jump to mind for rugged wilderness, local nature enthusiasts know the metro hides a few spectacular exceptions. If you’re looking to swap city noise for the rustle of dense canopy, wildlife tracking, and deep wooded terrain, these scenic Omaha parks offer a perfect day out without ever leaving town.
Heartland of America Park at the Riverfront
Heartland of America Park offers nature lovers a waterfront view that sets it apart from typical neighborhood parks—paved trails wind around an expansive lake that serves as a magnet for local waterfowl, making it equally good for a quiet morning of bird watching. Large lakeside lawns and native plantings offer peaceful spots to pause and take in the breeze off the Missouri River, while the combination of a soaring fountain, lakeside views, and open sky gives the park a layered, majestic feel that rewards repeat visits at different times of the year.
- Location: Downtown
- Address: 800 Douglas St, Omaha, NE 68102
- Parking: Paid street parking, paid parking garage
- Hours: 5 a.m.–11 p.m. daily
- Shade: Partial
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessible: Paved pathways, clear signage, accessible slides with transfer systems, low-impact play features
Standing Bear Lake
Standing Bear Lake centers on a large lake with extensive paved and unpaved trails encircling the water—the full loop is a solid outing for walkers, joggers, and cyclists seeking a scenic route amid natural surroundings. Fishing is popular here year-round, and the lake draws a good number of birdwatchers during migration seasons. The playground features climbing structures and rope elements that skew slightly older than a typical toddler play space, making it a better fit for school-aged kids who want something with a bit more challenge.
- Location: Northwest Omaha
- Address: 6404 N 132nd St, Omaha, NE 68164
- Parking: Free parking lot
- Hours: 5 a.m.–11 p.m. daily
- Shade: Partial
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessible: Paved pathways
Zorinsky Lake
Zorinsky Lake is one of the city’s premier outdoor destinations. The park centers on a massive 255-acre lake surrounded by an extensive 7.5-mile system of paved loop trails—making it a top choice for serious walkers, long-distance joggers, and cyclists looking for a route without neighborhood street crossings. Fishing and boating are incredibly popular here, supported by a universally accessible fishing dock and boat ramp that draw local anglers year-round. The park features two modern playgrounds, including a nearly 10,000-square-foot inclusive play space, as well as baseball diamonds and soccer fields that keep school-aged kids and sports fans fully engaged.
- Location: West Omaha
- Address: 3808 S 156th St, Omaha, NE 68144
- Parking: Free parking lots
- Hours: 5 a.m.–11 p.m. daily
- Shade: Yes
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessible: Paved pathways, playground with low-impact ground covering, wheelchair accessible merry-go-round, and swings
OPPD Arboretum
The OPPD Arboretum provides a peaceful, 26-acre living museum that pairs scenic nature walks with outdoor education. The park’s deeply wooded character sets it apart from traditional playgrounds—paved, gravel, and woodchip paths wind through extensive collections of native prairie grasses, formal plantings, and dense conifers. Plentiful benches and scenic overlooks provide quiet spots for reflection or family photography, while the diverse mix of tree species and wildflowers rewards repeat visits throughout the year.
- Location: Northwest Omaha
- Address: 10600 Blondo St, Omaha, NE 68164
- Parking: Free parking lot
- Hours: 8 a.m.–9 p.m. daily
- Shade: Yes
- Restrooms: No
- Accessible: Paved trails
Chalco Hills Recreation Area & Dom’s Park
Chalco Hills Recreation Area is a massive, diverse outdoor sanctuary that pairs pristine lakeside scenery with active wildlife observation. The park’s expansive, untamed terrain sets it apart from typical neighborhood green spaces—over nine miles of dog-friendly paved and natural trails wind through thriving wetlands, dense hardwood forests, and sweeping prairie meadows, making it one of the best Omaha parks for a walk or for quiet nature photography. The park’s playground features a space-themed design that stands out with towering climbing structures, unique play elements, and a design that rewards exploration.
- Location: Near Millard
- Address: 8901 S 154th St, Omaha, NE 68138
- Parking: Free parking lot
- Hours: 6 a.m.–10 p.m. daily
- Shade: Yes
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessible: Paved pathways
Looking for more ways to spend time outside in Omaha? Explore Hurrdat ONE’s local guides covering topics like family-friendly outdoor activities, the best summer concerts, the best campgrounds around Omaha, and more.
