Now that spring has come around and the weather has begun to warm, many students are ready to get outside for some fresh air.
There are a wide variety of things to do outdoors around the Omaha area.
On campus there are many spots to enjoy some time in the sun or get some work done in the warm air. The Jesuit Gardens behind St. John’s church has benches and picnic tables for students to relax surrounded by statues and beautiful scenery.
In front of Creighton Hall there are various rocking chairs and benches that make the perfect place to study or catch up with a friend outside.
Staying close to campus is the Old Market provides a great place to do some outdoor shopping, featuring a wide variety of stores to choose from. From record stores to metal art to vintage clothing, the Old Market has a shop for everyone.
“I like all the different shops and restaurants. It’s fun to be able to try different places to eat,” said Shringula Chelluri, a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences. “And overall it’s just fun to explore. I don’t have a favorite restaurant downtown, that’s what’s fun about it, there’s always something new to try.”
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium which opened in 1894 spans across 160 acres and is home to 962 different species of animals.
The Henry Doorly Zoo is designed to take guests on a trip around the world as the journey throughout the zoo, with exhibits such as the Asian Highlands and the Scott African Grasslands displaying plants and animals from those regions.
“I love the zoo and can’t wait to go more now that the weather is getting nicer,” said Abby Rick, a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences. “I can spend hours there and not get tired. You can walk around all day and there’s still more to see.”
The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is a 3,000 foot-long walking bridge that stretches across the Missouri River, connecting Nebraska and Iowa. At night, the bridge is colorfully lit up making it visible from miles away.
Stories Coffee Company has a full cafe menu and a large outdoor seating area that makes for a good study space. They also often host local musicians to perform live music inside the cafe.
“It is welcoming and aesthetically pleasing,” said Alleigh Visser, a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences. “It welcomes all types of people: students, kids, adults, couples, families. It is never just one type or group of people.”
For those looking to connect with nature, Lauritzen Gardens and its neighboring Kenefick Park both provide an outdoor space to relax.
The 100-acre botanical garden is a living museum with changing seasonal displays. Kenefick Park showcases two preserved Union Pacific locomotives. The Omaha area is also full of parks and recreation areas such as Heartland of America Park and Freedom Park.
Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue is listed as a National Natural Landmark. The forest is home to miles of hiking trails, a nature center and the Raptor Woodland Refuge.
Visitors are invited to connect with nature and learn more about the areas native plants and animals.
A bit of a journey from campus is the Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari. Located in Ashland and opening for the season in April, the park has a four-mile, drive-through experience displaying North American wildlife.
It is also home to an Eagle Aviary, two miles of hiking trails and overlooks allowing visitors to view bears, wolves, elk, bison, and waterfowl.
Mahoney State Park, also located in Ashland, provides the perfect place for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. The park offers horse trail rides, camping, swimming, fishing, a ropes course and much more.
For those looking for more structured fun, Papio Fun Park in Papillion features an outdoor go-kart track, mini-golf, batting cages and an indoor arcade.
Boulder Creek Amusement Park features similar activites and adds rock climbing to the list.