See Our State: Family Attractions
Across our state, you'll discover all sorts of family attractions. Browse our guide to some of the best museums, fun centers, zoos and more kid-friendly stops in each region.
Northwest
Carhenge
Make a pit stop in Alliance to see the one and only Carhenge, a replica of England’s Stonehenge fashioned from 39 spray-painted automobiles by Jim Reinders as a tribute to his father.
Trailside Museum of Natural History
In Crawford, visit the Trailside Museum of Natural History to see rocks, minerals, fossils and more prehistoric geology displays, like the “Clash of Mammoths” fossil, exploring the state’s natural history.
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
Continue your history tour of northwestern Nebraska in Harrison at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. Discover the rich past of the region, from Miocene Epoch fossils to Native American heritage.
Southwest
Front Street and Cowboy Museum
Step back into the 1870s at Ogallala’s Front Street and Cowboy Museum. This replica Old West town invites you to experience Ogallala’s rough-and-tumble past as the Cowboy Capital during the cattle drives along the Texas Trail. Stop in the museum to see cowboy artifacts on display. Then, head over to Crystal Palace Saloon to take in Old West shows, shootouts and living history reenactments.
Cody Go-Karts Family Fun Park
On your mark, get set, go! Hit the track at Cody Go-Karts Family Fun Park in North Platte. With figure 8 and slick go-kart tracks, bumper boats, water slides and a video arcade, this attraction puts an emphasis on family fun.
South Central
Nebraska Firefighters Museum & Education Center
Learn the history of Nebraska’s fire service at the Nebraska Firefighters Museum & Education Center in Kearney. Browse a collection of fire engines and learn fire prevention and safety tips at this interactive attraction.
Raising Nebraska
Stop in Grand Island and discover the history of Nebraska’s agriculture industry at Raising Nebraska. Through hands-on displays and interactive experiences, learn about the innovative practices used by Nebraska farmers and ranchers.
Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer
Grand Island’s Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer shows visitors what life was like as an 1890s pioneer. Explore the museum grounds to see living history attractions, displays of Native American and cowboy artifacts and more.
Southeast
University of Nebraska State Museum of Natural History and Mueller Planetarium
From a world-famous collection of ancient elephant fossils to planetarium shows on worlds beyond our own, learn about ancient animals, our solar system and more at the University of Nebraska State Museum of Natural History and Mueller Planetarium in Lincoln.
Lincoln Children's Museum
While you’re in the capital, plan a stop at Lincoln Children's Museum. This 23,000-square-foot museum is full of interactive exhibits to spark children’s creativity and imagination.
Edgerton Explorit Center
Aurora’s Edgerton Explorit Center is a must for any little ones who love science. This fun and educational museum features dozens of hands-on science exhibits for kids of all ages.
Metro
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Plan a zoo day. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium features interactive exhibits and exciting attractions like the 70-foot shark tunnel, America’s largest indoor rainforest and the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit.
Schramm Park State Recreation Area and Education Center
See geological displays on Nebraska’s aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, then explore the wooded trails at Schramm Park State Recreation Area and Education Center in Gretna.
Papio Fun Park
The kiddos are sure to have a blast at Papio Fun Park in Papillion. This family fun center offers arcade games, go-karts, mini golf, laser tag, batting cages and more.
Northeast
Elkhorn Valley Museum
The Elkhorn Valley Museum in Norfolk celebrates the past of northeastern Nebraska through exhibits such as the Dederman Schoolhouse, the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame, Johnny Carson Gallery and Children’s Discovery Zone.
Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park
In Royal, see fossils of animals that perished during a volcanic eruption millions of years ago at Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park. This National Natural Landmark is an active research site where new discoveries are made daily.
Atkinson Mill Race Park
Looking for outdoor fun? Atkinson Mill Race Park in Atkinson features excellent opportunities for birding, fishing and hiking. There’s also a playground, a disc golf course and campsites, too, if you want to extend your stay.
Sandhills
Sandhills Museum
The Sandhills Museum covers the unique heritage of the region. Browse a collection of antique farm machinery, firearms, cars, household items, a moonshine still and more at this Valentine attraction.
Melham Park & Sports Complex
Choose your own adventure in Broken Bow at Melham Park & Sports Complex. Featuring an Olympic-sized swimming pool, athletic fields, bike paths and a picnic shelter, this park is an excellent spot to burn off some energy.
Museum of Nebraska Major League Baseball
Calling all baseball fans! St. Paul’s Museum of Nebraska Major League Baseball illustrates the careers of Nebraska baseball legends, like Wade Boggs, Bob Gibson and “Wahoo” Sam Crawford.