Lincoln is a great place for family fun. Spend a day and find numerous opportunities for hands-on experiences.
Start at the University of Nebraska State Museum / Morrill Hall (Elephant Hall), which contains one of the world’s largest collections of mammal fossils and Galleries of Ancient Life, Plains Indians and Hall of Nebraska’s Wildlife. Kids love the interactive Discovery Center.
A few blocks away in the Lincoln Children’s Museum children can find a multitude of play areas on three floors of highly interactive, fun exhibits. Play areas include learning and life skills, as well as creative play. Hands-on exhibits foster learning for children and youth and offer an excellent touring option for visitors with children. Exhibits include a three-story apple tree, airplane, interactive water exhibit, Prairie Dog Town, Lunar Lander, Mack Truck cab and many more.
Within walking distance are several opportunities for lunch before you head on toward 27th and B Streets to the Lincoln Children’s Zoo. Offering up-close viewing of more than 300 animals with the child’s eye view in mind, the zoo includes Amur leopards, Bactrian camels, river otters, eagles, crocodiles, reindeer and several species of primates. The Critter Encounter area, pony rides and a trip around the zoo on the ZO&O Railroad add to the experience. June through September, watch the butterflies and moths in the Butterfly Pavilion.
Nearby is the Ager Play Center. This large indoor play structure is designed for kids at least three years old and under four feet tall. Playground equipment and an indoor track complete with kiddie vehicles and snack area provide a fun environment. A separate toddler area is provided.
If you have time, drive out to Pioneers Park Nature Center, in the southwest part of Lincoln. The 1,100 acre park featuring eight miles of walking trails through native Nebraska prairie grasses, woodlands and wetlands provides a great place for the family to walk and/or bike together. A herd of bison, elk, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, hawks and owls are exhibited in their natural Nebraska habitat. Wilderness Park, a short trip to the east, covers more than 1,475 acres and features over 22 miles of bridle, hiking and biking trails as well.
Try laser-zapping at Laser Quest or Lincoln Laser Tag for an exciting combination of tag and hide and seek.
Champion’s Fun Center can put you in the driver’s seat on a go-kart track, allow you to try any of the 70 arcade games or master the two-story indoor Adventure Climbing Maze. Lost in Fun, located in south Lincoln, has playsets, inflatable jumpers, 3D golf and basketball.
Lost In Fun, located in south Lincoln, has playsets, inflatable jumpers, outer space foam set and basketball.
For summer fun, take the family to Star City Shores water park.
