Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Tours and Activities

Photo provided by Nebraska Tourism
Henry Doorly Zoo which includes interior views and marine life as well as a small group of people
Photo provided by Nebraska Tourism
Henry Doorly Zoo showing a park and interior views as well as a small group of people
Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium


Journey through the world’s biggest indoor desert, spot magnificent creatures in the aquarium and explore indoor rainforests and swamps in Nebraska’s premier zoo.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is a nationally renowned facility where you can embark on adventures through the desert, plunge into the shadows of the nocturnal world and explore the jungle, all in one day. Spot critters from around the world and take a ride on a carousel, a train or even a camel! The zoo has a wide array of habitats and exhibits, which showcase over 950 species of animals. Learn about the different creatures at one of the zoo’s daily presentations and classes provided for visitors of all ages.

Walk along trails that wind through the Lied Jungle, one of the largest indoor rainforests in the world. Peek through a waterfall into the foliage and you might see monkeys, tapirs and the bright-red flash of a scarlet macaw. Head to the aquarium to discover sea life from the polar regions to the tropics. See sharks circling above you and watch penguins from Antarctica.

Check out the pavilion for butterflies and explore the stunning aviary. Don’t miss the Desert Dome, an enormous glazed geodesic dome and desert environment that replicates the sandy habitats of Africa, Australia and the southwest United States. Beneath the dome lies the Kingdoms of the Night exhibit, a fascinating insight into the dark world of nocturnal animals.

Join a guided tour, attend a presentation or catch a documentary at the zoo’s IMAX Theater. You can meet zookeepers, watch animal shows or see the animals being fed. Get around the zoo easily via the train, tram and the Skyfari aerial tram. Choose from three different restaurants, including a treetop cafeteria overlooking the Lied Jungle, or grab snacks at the zoo’s concession stands.

The Henry Doorly Zoo grounds are located in Deer Park, between the Missouri River and the Durham Western Heritage Museum. Parking is available on-site for free. There are discounted admission costs for children under 12, as well as combination tickets for IMAX screenings. The zoo is open daily year-round, except for Christmas Day.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Magnolia Hotel Omaha

Magnolia Hotel Omaha

4.5 out of 5
1615 Howard St, Omaha, NE
Magnolia Hotel Omaha
The Inn & Suites Omaha near ZOO

The Inn & Suites Omaha near ZOO

2.5 out of 5
2920 South 13th Court, Omaha, NE
The Inn & Suites Omaha near ZOO
Beautiful Home near Zoo/College World Series/Downtown

Beautiful Home near Zoo/College World Series/Downtown

Omaha
Beautiful Home near Zoo/College World Series/Downtown
ZOO Old Market CHI Charles Schwab Field Cozy Downtown House

ZOO Old Market CHI Charles Schwab Field Cozy Downtown House

Omaha
ZOO Old Market CHI Charles Schwab Field Cozy Downtown House
Hyatt Place Omaha Downtown Old Market

Hyatt Place Omaha Downtown Old Market

3 out of 5
540 S 12th St, Omaha, NE
Hyatt Place Omaha Downtown Old Market
Moxy Omaha Downtown

Moxy Omaha Downtown

3.5 out of 5
409 South 12th Street, Omaha, NE
Moxy Omaha Downtown
5-Star Zoo Stay w/Full Kitchen & Self Check-In

5-Star Zoo Stay w/Full Kitchen & Self Check-In

Omaha
5-Star Zoo Stay w/Full Kitchen & Self Check-In
Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs

Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs

4 out of 5
2200 River Road, Council Bluffs, IA
Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Council Bluffs I-29 by IHG

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Council Bluffs I-29 by IHG

3 out of 5
2202 River Rd, Council Bluffs, IA
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Council Bluffs I-29 by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

At the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including wildlife exploration, sports, and birdwatching. Don't miss the chance to take a photo tour, relax with a refreshing swim, and ride the Omaha Zoo Railroad. Additionally, consider exploring nearby attractions to enhance your visit, making it a memorable experience for all ages.

Shopping

At Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, enjoy shopping at Thunderbird Plaza, Cornhusker Retail Center, and Cornhusker Pointe, all within 8.0km, offering family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, consider exploring additional shopping options further afield for unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

At Charles Schwab Field Omaha, immerse yourself in the lively sports atmosphere while catching a game. Enjoy the vibrant tunes at Stir Cove, just 3.2km away, or unwind with a round of golf at Spring Lake Golf Course, offering a serene outdoor experience only 1.1km from the zoo.

Adventure

At Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, explore the Back-to-the-River Trail, located 4.8km away, for a scenic outdoor adventure. Experience the thrill of racing at Joe's Karting, 3.2km away, where excitement awaits. For a family-friendly retreat, visit Louisville State Recreation Area, 32.2km away, for camping and outdoor fun.

Nightlife

At night, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium area comes alive with entertainment options. Harrah's Council Bluffs Casino and Horseshoe Council Bluffs offer vibrant casino experiences, while the Orpheum Theater presents captivating performances, perfect for a romantic evening or family outing amidst the city's lively atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

When visiting the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska, you'll find a variety of attractions to explore, including an arena, urban parks, and historic colleges. This destination is perfect for families and those seeking cultural and outdoor experiences. Don't miss the chance to discover why it's renowned as one of the best zoos and aquariums in the country, making it an unforgettable stop on your vacation.

  • CHI Health Center Omaha: Located 4.8km from the zoo, this arena offers a vibrant atmosphere for family-friendly events and entertainment. Whether it’s a concert or a sporting event, the energy is contagious and promises a memorable experience.
  • Creighton University: Situated 4.8km away, this historic university boasts beautiful architecture and rich cultural heritage. It’s a fantastic spot for a leisurely stroll through the campus, soaking in the academic atmosphere and local history.
  • Omaha Children's Museum: Just 3.2km from the zoo, this engaging museum is perfect for families. With interactive exhibits and educational activities, it provides a fun and enriching experience for children of all ages.

Best time to go to Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

The best time to visit Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January23.7°F (-4.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
February26.1°F (-3.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
March41.2°F (5.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
June73.2°F (22.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
July76.1°F (24.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
August74.5°F (23.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September68.2°F (20.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November41.4°F (5.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
December29.1°F (-1.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyLowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

For a budget-friendly visit to the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Harrah's Council Bluffs Casino and Creighton University. The best time to save on accommodation is from November to January, with Tuesdays being the least expensive days to stay. Use Expedia to find affordable hotels by adjusting your budget and filtering for eco-friendly options. Additionally, consider booking a package that combines your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings. Avoid peak seasons from May to July to keep costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your results from the lowest to highest price to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay near the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium with your flights and activities by booking through an Expedia package.