Finding fun activities for children with autism can feel easier when you know which venues offer sensory supports, quieter times, and flexible experiences. We’ve put together all the information you need for inclusive activities in Omaha.
Our aim is to help your family discover new favorites at your kiddo’s pace. You’ll also find local resources and gentle next steps if you’re exploring additional support.
Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
Autism Action Partnership (AAP) — an organization dedicated to providing support for children and adults on the Autism Spectrum in Nebraska — hosts monthly Making Memories events at various locations throughout Omaha.
Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is one recurring destination. During the Making Memories event, families in the autism community can visit the zoo after hours for a more sensory-inclusive experience. While some animals will be asleep, several exhibits remain open for exploration. Concessions and the gift shop are also available.
Be sure to follow AAP on social media to be the first to see when new Making Memories dates are posted. They share upcoming events on their website’s calendar and social media accounts on the first Friday of the month.
Omaha Children’s Museum
The Omaha Children’s Museum encourages hands‑on, child‑led play, which is a treat for sensory seekers. Your kiddo can expect from their trip to the museum:
- A downloadable social storybook that walks you through what it’s like to visit before you head out.
- Service animals are welcome, and one-on-one aides and therapists get in for free.
- Sensory bags, including headphones, gloves, sunglasses, and other goodies, are available at the front desk.
- School weekday afternoons are generally calmer than weekends and holidays.
- Quiet spots include the Family Discovery Room, Curiosity Corner, and the Wiggle Room for kids 3 years or younger.
We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym
We Rock the Spectrum is a win for the whole family. One of the top destinations for autism-inclusive activities in Omaha, the controlled environment helps reduce surprises and empowers kids to engage at their own pace. OT-inspired swings, climbing structures, crash mats, and other proprioceptive tools give them safe, satisfying ways to move their bodies. By creating fun spaces where children of all ability levels can play together, kids learn quickly and are inspired to thrive by their peers.
Sensory-wise, lighting and sound are steady and predictable. There’s always space to step away for a breather if your kiddo needs a reset. Parents and caregivers, you’re supported here, too. Ask about We Rock Care for added flexibility and respite-style options when you need a little backup.
With a bit of prep, you’ll find We Rock the Spectrum quickly becomes your easy, go-to “yes” for playtime.
ALLPLAY Complex
Got a little one dreaming of the big leagues? This sensory-smart space lets future sluggers practice big swings, build balance and confidence, and learn from teammates of all abilities without the overwhelm. If they aren’t yet ready to try out the ALLPLAY Miracle Baseball League, the complex is open to the public and free to use during park hours, from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Located in Seymour Smith Park, ALLPLAY Complex is one of the finest barrier‑free sports and recreation facilities in the nation. It’s designed so children with diverse abilities can participate side by side. Its inclusive design and programming make movement, friendship, and sensory exploration accessible and truly memorable.
Here you’ll find some of the most popular sensory-friendly activities in Omaha. The first is the playground — the largest in the city, featuring 21 unique active and 11 passive elements. The playground’s surface is 5-inch-thick rubber for extra peace of mind. Next is the water park, which has no curbs or steps for easy movement. The water park’s continual fresh water flow can be experienced in different forms depending on your little one’s preferences — from spray, shoot, and sprinkle to a gentle mist.
Lauritzen Gardens
For many children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), nature generously offers fresh air, soft textures, gentle sounds, and wide-open choices that let them explore on their own terms.
Sensory integration can be tricky, with some kids seeking input while others avoid it. A garden is a series of adjustable, opt‑in experiences across all the senses, from the crunch of gravel underfoot and the scent of lavender to bright tulips to spot and cool water to touch. This kind of environment can support movement, self‑regulation, and simple social moments while encouraging overall calm and confidence.
Lauritzen Gardens offers a peaceful, low‑stimulation setting where families can stroll through garden “rooms” and repeat familiar routes. The wide paths and natural rhythm of the space support calm exploration.
Fontenelle Forest Nature Center
Fontenelle Forest is another great option for parents seeking nature-based, sensory-friendly activities in Omaha. Just 15 minutes from downtown, the 17 miles of trails are designed for people of all ages and abilities. Fontenelle combines gentle trails with indoor and outdoor play spaces, giving you options regardless of the weather.
The Fontenelle Forest MudPies program runs Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. MudPies is a guided, play-based class for ages 3 to 5 and their grown‑ups. It’s a simple, joyful way to connect with your child while discovering the natural world together.
Each week spotlights a fresh nature or science theme and combines make‑and‑take crafts with outdoor exploration, songs, stories, and short, staff‑led walks. Every session includes a new activity or craft, a cozy read‑aloud, and a guided walk so you can keep coming back to share the wonder of nature with your little explorer.
The Rose Theater
The Rose Theater is committed to inclusion and accessibility, which it lives out in the following ways:
- A social story is available on each show’s page, to prepare your child for this experience.
- Sensory‑friendly performances for neurodiverse audiences, with adjusted lighting and sound and a relaxed environment.
- Kiddos can enjoy the show in the noise-proof Restless Room that has a live video feed of the mainstage production.
- Automatic hand dryers are deactivated during sensory-friendly performances.
- Staff are welcoming and supportive of flexible seating and exits, and offer a private post-show question and answer session for your little one.
Mahoney State Park
Between Omaha and Lincoln, Mahoney State Park offers outdoor and indoor options you can scale to your child’s needs. Build a mix of active and calm moments across trails, biking paths, the aquatic center, and an indoor playground.
The environment offers a variety of sensory-friendly activities that allow you to choose short loops and repeat preferred routes for familiarity and confidence. The aquatic center can provide soothing, deep‑pressure input, but visit during slower hours for a calmer feel.
Alternate active play with scheduled breaks in shade or a quiet picnic spot, and pack:
- Water
- Snacks
- Headphones
- Towels
- A change of clothes
- A favorite toy
This way, your kiddo will always feel comforted as they experience and explore.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Sky Zone often hosts sensory‑friendly hours at participating locations, offering dimmed lighting, reduced noise, and smaller crowds. Call the Omaha park to confirm current availability and specifics.
Sky Zone’s Toddler Zone makes it easy to entertain toddlers while keeping big kids happy. This fenced-off area is reserved just for little jumpers, so your tiny explorer can bounce, toddle, and giggle without older kids zipping by. Hands-on movement supports balance, coordination, confidence, and lets them burn off that endless energy.
Help Your Child Thrive at Stride Autism Centers
Stride Autism Centers provides compassionate, center‑based ABA therapy for children ages 2 through 6, helping strengthen communication, play, and daily living skills while preparing for kindergarten. For parents looking for ABA therapy in Omaha, our program offers personalized support for young learners, and parent training and support.
Call our caring team at (515) 207-5251 or get started online to learn how we can support your child’s development of foundational skills so they can lead the most independent, joyous life possible.
