Opinion by MaryMcKay

“Nebraska has nothing to do.”

Every Omaha resident has said this at least once. During the summer, when you’re not working or vacationing, it can be hard to find things to do. Some of my favorite activities this summer include: outdoor mini golf, exploring downtown, free concerts and day trips.

If you are looking for a cheap and fun night out with your friends, a great option is mini golf at Putting Plus on 9216 Maple Street. Daily hours vary, but I recommend going in the late evening. After the sun sets and the weather has cooled down, Putting Plus turns on their outdoor lights, making the course look like a dream. 

“Downtown has plenty of options to choose from.”

Mary McKay ’25

Three putting hole options are available, and each course has something unique to offer, whether it’s an easy shot or a new challenge. For all three courses, it is just $14, which can be used all in one day or over the course of three visits. There is no time limit, so you can take two hours on one course, if you’d like. Speed also depends on how many other people are in front of you.

 Putting Plus is a great choice for anyone looking for an exciting night outside.  But for those nights where you are looking for a break, not a competition, downtown is a great option.

Whether you’re wanting some cute photos with your friends or needing a sweet treat, downtown Omaha has it all.

Starting it off with a photo location, the Passageway is a great option. The brick backdrop pairs well with the flowing greenery and soft yellow lighting, it look like a whimsical forest perfect for dressing up.

 After some pictures, shopping is a great way to kill time before dinner. Some options are The Flying Worm, a hippie-style antique store with intricate jewelry and unique sunglasses, and City Limits which is great if you’re searching for a good laugh and a hug from a JellyCat stuffed animal. 

Once your stomach is growling, dinner at Spaghetti Works is the perfect fit for however you dress, fancy or casual. Spaghetti Works has a great deal of all you can eat salad, garlic bread and the pasta of your choice for just about $13– don’t let the pricing trick you; their pasta is to die for. 

My go-to is beer cheese sauce on top of angel hair pasta. It is tangy, creamy and delicious, but if you want something a little more basic, the spaghetti and meatballs with marinara is another of my go-to options.

 Finalizing your night with a delicious store-made cone of ice cream from Ted and Wally’s or a mismatch bag of different candies from Hollywood Candy is a great way to serve your sweet tooth while embracing the vintage vibes. 

Downtown has plenty of options to choose from, whether you want to save your money or you want to splurge. 

A dollar-free option during the summer is the Aksarben concerts.

 Stinson park holds concerts almost every Saturday of summer from 7 to 10 p.m. Not only is it a great way to spend your Saturday night, it is also a great way to support local musicians. These concerts took place from May through Sept. 13. If you missed them this summer, put them on your 2025 bucket list. 

Another place to catch some free tunes is at Sonny’s in Aksarben. Sonny’s is an outdoor family friendly bar. Music can be heard from around Aksarben, and many choose to eat in the Inner Rail. With a few exceptions, Sonny’s has live music Friday from 7 to 10 p.m, Saturday from 8 to close, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. When I get bored, I enjoy walking in Aksarben to enjoy the music and maybe grabbing a bite to eat at Nori or SmashCity.

My final and favorite summer activity is day trips. Some day trips I took include a short drive to Cass County for a hike and some brunch, spending the day in Iowa at Adventureland, and shopping in Des Moines. There are so many locations to enjoy for a few hours during the day. 

Whether you want to enjoy some new food or visit a public lake, a whole new world of opportunities is just a drive away from home. Making the most of your summer vacation by small daycations is a great option to do with your family and friends!

Next summer, when you find yourself feeling bored, remember these great options around Omaha. While all of these options are great, there are tons of other activities and places to visit. Instead of being bored, take a step out of your comfort zone into something new. 

Many summer favorites can be carried into early fall. Downtown is a year-round location of fun with a different vibe each season. Day trips can also be altered based on each season—in the fall you can go to a pumpkin patch or apple picking. Concerts are slowly coming to an end, so try and catch the last few bands in September.