Celebrate Dad in a big way with these ideas out of Omaha. A number of events and activities are happening in and around Omaha this Father’s Day weekend, from sporting events to cars and hikes. And with restaurants and hotels ready to serve you and your family, now you just need to decide which event or activity you want to take in. Our suggestion? Fill an itinerary with a handful of the following ideas.
1. NCAA Men’s College World Series
College baseball is back! The College World Series kicks off Saturday, June 19 at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha. Teams from around the country vie each June to end their season in Omaha and this year is an especially meaningful one after the pandemic knocked out last year’s tournament. Single game tickets are still available and can be purchased at www.NCAA.com/CWSTickets; friendly note that all tickets are mobile in 2021. If you foresee spontaneity in your future, you may purchase tickets at the box office before a game (depending on availability). So make the trek with Dad to Omaha and see the best show on dirt, and finally check this item off his bucket list.
2. U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Swimming
Witness greatness in the pool as the Swim Trials returns to Omaha for the fourth consecutive time. Dad can pick a lane and cheer on our Olympic hopefuls as they qualify to compete in Tokyo later this summer. The fastest swimmers will be named to Team U.S. during Wave II competition, which spans Father’s Day weekend (June 13-20) at the CHI Health Center Omaha (located next door to TD Ameritrade Park). Fun fact: An Olympic-sized pool was built especially for the Trials and contains over one million gallons of water and took seven days to build.
3. Forest Adventure
Join naturalist educators on a guided hike along the trails of Neale Woods. Organized by Fontenelle Forest, this two-hour trek provides a variety of terrain from ridgetops to deep hollows. You’ll learn about the plant and animal life in this 600-acre conservation area just north of Omaha.
4. Forest Adventure for the Thrill Seeker
For the dad who craves heart-pumping adventure, check out TreeRush Adventures. Take an exhilarating climb or ride through the forest at this aerial amusement park suspended over six acres in Fontenelle Forest. Here’s how it works: After instruction, navigate suspended obstacles, bridges, rope ladders, tunnels and more with 100 challenges and 10 ziplines. Plus, kids will uncover their own sense of adventure at KidRush, ideal for kids ages 4 to 6 (but can accommodate 7- and 8-year-olds).
5. Drop in a Line
The Omaha area is rich with public lakes and rivers for dads who like to fish. With more than 30 places to cast your line in the metro, you can easily plan a day outdoors with dad and discover a new favorite fishing spot. A wide variety of fish live regionally, including bass, bluegill, catfish, trout and walleye. Find out where to get your fishing permit and additional information at outdoornebraska.gov/fishing.
Photo courtesy of Tiara Rae Photography
6. Cars, Planes and Spacecrafts
Celebrate Dad’s day at the Second Annual Father’s Day Car Show at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland, just southwest of Omaha. Admire a wide range of cars under the wings of Cold War aircraft while enjoying some tunes. Plus, activities for the kiddos include a make and take craft and vintage car photo op.
7. Give the Gift of Omaha
If a gift you can wrap more your style, two Omaha-based businesses have great options. Benson Soap Mill, established by two guys in Omaha’s historic Benson neighborhood, churns out a variety of small-batch hand soaps and bars. Their products are made of natural and discarded products from local restaurants, farms and coffee shops, making it a truly local endeavor. Dad will especially love scents like Peppermint and Pine Tree. Their products are available at many local retail and salon locations and be purchased at BensonSoapMill.com.
Artifact handmakes their leather and canvas goods in their downtown Omaha workroom. The same craftsmanship used to create items for makers, craftspeople, gardeners and chefs is applied to items Dad will love, like their dopp kit, wallet and luggage tag. Purchase online; local pickup is available.
Find more ideas for Dad and the whole family at VisitOmaha.com.
