Free Things to Do in Omaha

Omaha is an easy city to do on a budget. Several of its best attractions cost nothing, the downtown core is walkable, and the free stuff is concentrated enough that you can string a whole day together without spending a dollar.

1. Walk the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

Free, ten minutes end to end, and you can stand in two states at once. Go at sunrise or about 40 minutes before sunset for the best light and the fewest people.

2. Joslyn Art Museum

Free general admission, a stunning art-deco marble hall, and a collection that punches above its weight. Special exhibitions sometimes charge, but the permanent collection is more than enough for a morning.

3. Gene Leahy Mall and the riverfront parks

The rebuilt downtown park has a lagoon, a hillside slide, green lawns and skyline views. It's the best free place to let kids run or to spread a blanket with takeout.

4. The Old Market on foot

Window shopping, brick passageways, street musicians and string lights after dark. You don't have to buy anything for it to be the most memorable part of the trip.

5. Omaha Farmers Market

Saturday mornings May through October in the Old Market. Free to enter, great for people-watching, and you can build a cheap breakfast from bakery stalls if you want to spend a little.

6. Lauritzen Gardens free days

The botanical garden charges admission most days, but runs free-entry community days throughout the year. Check their calendar before you visit.

Cheap add-ons that are worth it

• Henry Doorly Zoo — the one Omaha attraction that's worth paying full price for.
• Old Market food tour — a guided tasting that doubles as a neighborhood intro.
• Happy hour at a downtown rooftop bar — the view costs less than you think.