Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo, the city's top attraction, maintains Wildlife Safari (tel. 402/944-WILD [944-9453]; www.omahazoo.com), near the Strategic Air & Space Museum off I-80 at exit 426. This 4-mile drive-through park of prairie, woods, and wetlands takes visitors past herds of buffalo, elk, pronghorn, deer, wolves, and cranes. It's open daily end of March to early November 9:30am to 5pm. Adults (12 and over) $11.00, Children (3-11) & 7.25, Seniors (62 and over) $9.50.
The Omaha Children's Museum, at 500 S. 20th St. (tel. 402/342-6164; www.ocm.org), is great for kids 10 and younger, with its colorful toddler room; make-believe town with a kid-size grocery store, fire station, farm, and other areas; a creative center where children can make art and stage puppet shows; a science and technology center with hands-on activities; and a seasonal splash garden. It's open Tuesday to Sunday, and admission is $7.
Fun-Plex, farther south of downtown at 70th and Q streets (tel. 402/331-8436; www.fun-plex.com), is a small waterpark that is reminiscent of county fairs with its handful of old-fashioned thrill rides, bumper cars, go-carts, and minigolf, in addition to its wave pool, slides, and other pools. It's open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Admission options vary; call or check the website before you go.
