Temperatures have been on the rise and summer is officially here!
Did you know that spending time in nature is great for kids and adults and can improve health? Lots of people are considering saving money and being green by taking a “staycation” so what’s a nature-loving person or family supposed to do in and around Omaha?
Most of you are probably aware of options like the Henry Doorly Zoo and Lauritzen Botanical Gardens, but LiveGreen would like you to know there are LOTS of options in and around this area: hiking, biking, fishing, bird watching, trains, camping, relaxing, there’s something for everybody. Everything below is linked to easily allow you to find details and make plans for your weekends or staycations (and some have day camps for kids and teens):
- City of Omaha Parks (lists all parks, locations, and amenities)
- Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari (go in the summer but make sure you come back in the fall to hear the elk “bugle.” It’s an experience you won’t forget.)
- Fontenelle Forest
- Wehrspann Lake
- Mahoney State Park
- Hitchcock Nature Center
- Neale Woods — which includes the Millard Observatory
- Heron Haven
- Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge
- Loess Hills State Forest
- Ponca State Park
- Omaha City Trails
- DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge
- Gifford State Forest
- Blackbird Marsh County Preserve
- Fremont State Recreation Area
- Schramm Park State Recreation Area and Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium
- Platte River State Park
- Fort Atkinson State Historical Park
- Lake Manawa State Park
P.S. Know of something we forgot? Feel free to share it in the comments below!
These are all fine if you are 40 and can walk. My mom is 96. Things to do with her are severely limited. She is not the only person with limited mobility; surely there are things besides an art museum which don't include long hikes on uneven ground or jostling crowds at "fests". Suggestions?
River cruises on the Missouri! Tubing on the Elkhorn! Bryson's Air Boat Tours in Fremont!
Carol Kolar, the wildlife safari would be a great option for your mom! She can stay in the comfort of the car while getting to see a lot of cool wildlife. We took my husband's late grandma who had limited mobility and she loved it.