Beat winter blues with arts and events in Omaha.

Well friends, gray January is here and let’s face it: that means we’re past the more festive, cozier parts of the season and the dead of winter is upon us.

Embracing Winter in Omaha

As someone who has lived in Nebraska my entire life, the weeks ahead are my least favorite of the year. It’s either too bitter cold to go outside, too monochrome to feel inspired to do something, or too dark too early, tricking my body into hibernation.

And while it may be in our nature to retreat into our homes during this time, I can’t help but think about other cities I’ve visited where the seasonal affective disorder doesn’t seem to have as tight of a grip.

In Denver, winter has its own vibrance. Granted, they have the majestic mountainous backdrop that exudes invigorating energy and likely seeps into the veins of anyone nearby, but I love, for example, how their restaurants will continue offering heated outdoor seating in the winter months so people can get fresh air and enjoy the crisp, snowy atmosphere.

It got me thinking, how can we embrace the season here?

I set out to explore all that Omaha has to offer, even during our coldest and grimmest hours, and created this guide of creative, enriching ways to stay stimulated and sidestep the winter gloom.

Outdoor Adventures

Being outside is good for your health, physically and mentally. If it’s going to be decent enough outside, we should try to enjoy the great outdoors. Here are some unique options!

The Riverfront

Many may think of ice-skating rinks during the holidays, but Omaha’s rinks will go strong until the weather warms up. The new skating ribbon on the riverfront is free if you bring your own skates, or $5 to rent a pair, and you get beautiful views of downtown. Make sure to book a reservation before heading over. The ribbon even features a fire pit that you can skate right up to!

Speaking of fire pits, the renovated Gene Leahy Mall is just a short walk from the rink and has propane pits on its north side that can be activated with a simple pull of a knob and turn of a timer for warmth and ambiance.

If it’s a nice enough day and you have kids, they’ll love Gene Leahy’s playgrounds, which are similar to those found outside the Kiewit Luminarium, about a 10–15 minute walk. Restrooms are available, and whether you’re near Gene Leahy Mall or the Luminarium, there’s a spot to grab some food or refreshments nearby.

Nearby Winter Trails

Winter hikes and nature walks are underrated. Some trails remain accessible through winter, including:

• Fontenelle Forest: Embark on a trek on the trails! Fontenelle rents snowshoes for kids and adults (which will be fun if we ever get snow this year). It’s $10 for a one-hour rental, and call-ahead reservations are recommended. They also host monthly guided full moon hikes and winter warm-ups at the Nature Center on select Sundays where they offer hot beverages from local vendors.
• State Parks: Nebraska’s state parks stay open in the winter, and some offer activities, such as learning how to ice fish. Whether you prefer Mahoney, Platte River, or another, you can check out the events calendar.

Cultural Escapes and Indoor Adventures

If you’re craving a little culture or something to do indoors, Omaha is home to several options. Here’s a list of some top cultural experiences, free community events, and ideas for checking out some live art.

Indoor Cultural Experiences

• Bemis Center for Contemporary Art: Exhibitions are always free, open to the public, and often introduce the most experimental and provocative art forms today. The next two exhibitions will open Jan. 18, including Synchronicities: Intersecting Figuration with Abstraction, a group exhibition featuring diverse media including sculpture, photography, painting, and digital works to present a visual journey that expands our understanding of the vast human experience.
• Hot Shops Art Center: Hot Shops is home to two galleries which have monthly curated shows. The galleries are open seven days a week and are free to the public. Demonstrations are often held in conjunction with the show. And if you want to learn a new art form like glassblowing or silversmithing, classes are available!
• Joslyn Art Museum: Everyone is admitted at no cost during all regular museum hours. All permanent collection galleries and most temporary exhibitions are included in free general admission.
• Lauritzen Gardens: $12 per person (children 2 and under free). The Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory and the woodland trail are currently closed, however 20+ outdoor gardens remain open.
• The Durham Museum: $15 per adult and $8 for children 3-12 (children 2 and under free). On Jan. 20, a new exhibit called Abraham Lincoln: President, Emancipator, Corporate Pitchman will be available, and starting Feb. 15, you can check out Antarctic Dinosaurs.
• Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum: $17.50 per adult and $9 for children 4-12 (children 3 and under free). Starting Jan. 27, you can experience Mission: Astronaut.
• Children’s Museum: $17 per person (24 months and under free), or $8 per person if purchased in the last hour of the day. Current special exhibits include Power Up and Forever Forest (which opens Jan. 18).
• Henry Doorly Zoo: $19.95 per person 12+, $13.95 per child 3-11 (children 2 and under free). There are plenty of indoor exhibits to keep you entertained for hours, including the Lied Jungle, Desert Dome, Scott Aquarium, and Lozier Giant Screen Theater — all within close walking distance of each other and the parking lot.
• Kiewit Luminarium: $24.95 per adult and $19.95 per youth 5-17 (children 4 and under free). The Luminarium’s annual exhibition GLOW, which explores the many wonders of light, is available until Jan. 26.

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