Location: Lincoln
Top Things to do in Lincoln
10 Things to do Good for Kids in Lincoln That You Shouldn't Miss
Named after Abraham Lincoln, this state capital is a great place for children, history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. Soak in the panoramic view of the city from the observation tower of the 400-foot high capitol building, whose white stone Art Deco spire can be seen from miles around. Then take a tour of the building and its grounds, where you'll find a Lincoln monument created by the same artist who sculpted the famous Lincoln statue in Washington, D.C. While you're on a history roll, visit the Governor's Mansion, whose Georgian Colonial exterior belies the varied architectural styles inside, and be sure to see the collection of dolls representing the state's first ladies dressed in their inaugural gowns. Kids will love the Folsom Children's Zoo & Botanical Gardens, where they can circle the zoo in a miniature train and see over 300 animals living among spectacular gardens. For some outdoor fun, head to one of the city's beautiful parks, the largest of which is Wilderness Park, whose hiking, biking and equestrian trails will keep you on the move for hours.
Restaurants in Lincoln
1. Museum of American Speed
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 453 reviews
Reviewed By millerhispeedheadco
Last week, my wife and I were treated to a comprehensive tour of the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed. What an amazing place! This museum, founded by Bill and Joyce Smith in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1992, commemorates the history of auto racing, technology, and period memorabilia. It contains everything from the history of the racing engine, to a collection of race cars, sprints, drags, land speed and hot rods; engines of every type, as well as period after-market accessories for the enthusiast. An entire room was devoted to Harry Miller outlining his accomplishments and history in bringing auto racing to the fore during his lifetime. He truly was the “Father of Speed”! We were impressed with the volume and variety of items on display. Also included in the collection were period pedal cars, lunch boxes, auto related record albums, children’s toys, and cookie jars which Joyce loved to collect. There is something for everyone in the family to enjoy at this outstanding museum!
2. Hamann Rose Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By gredave - Vacaville, United States
This is an extraordinarily beautiful place: I strolled through in about an hour, enjoying the color and fragrance of the roses. There are many types of greenery, which contrasts nicely with the roses. It was a bit early in the spring, so many of them had not achieved their full blossom. But what I will remember most about this park is the fragrance: "a rose by any other name would smell as sweet," and that sweetness will stay with me.
3. Antelope Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Beautiful park offering gardens, a golf course, swimming pool and playground areas.
Reviewed By kmmnb - Roy, United States
After having traveled for a little bit we were excited to find this park. It has a huge playground for older kids and a smaller play area including swings for 0-4. Lots of grass and picnic tables to sit at to eat lunch
4. Holmes Park & Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
The center of outdoor activity in the heart of Lincoln including a lake for boating and fishing, plus picnic grounds and hiking trails.
Reviewed By kdschielke - Austin, United States
Nice park, large grassy areas and paved, shady walkway around lake. Lots of people fishing. Dogs on leash welcome. Free parking and entry.
5. Pioneer Park Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 151 reviews
A 900-acre wildlife area that features hiking trails and other outdoor pleasures.
Reviewed By jmdz5459 - Papillion, United States
We stumbled unto Pioneer Park as we were trying to Travel Nebraska. We wanted to learn about the areas history and walk trails. Pioneer Park was a pleasant surprise as we walked thru wooded & grassy, yet safes, trails. Nature Center had just closed as we arrived so will have to return for that.
6. American Historical Society of Germans From Russia Museum and Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
7. Wilderness Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Hike, bike or horseback ride on the 13 1/2-mile Wilderness Park Trail through dense forest, meadows and creek beds in the city's largest park, which also offers fishing and picnicking.
Reviewed By kelsiH88 - Kennewick, United States
Whether you're a kid or an adult, friends, couple, or family, this place is great. So much to do and see. Theres a huge mansion, grounds to walk on and identify trees, general store with frozen cider, wine tasting, BBQ, and most importantly, the tree house adventure. Its a massive activity nature park with so much to do. Bridges, treehouses, animal tracks, animal education, slides, and so much more. We had a great time and were thoroughly exhausted by the end of the trip. The great part? They give you a tree at the end to plant on your own. Cant wait to go back.
8. Lincoln Children's Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 352 reviews
Lincoln Children's Zoo is rated among the best zoos for children by Parent Magazine and is home to over 400 animals, including the world's smallest monkeys (pygmy marmosets), ring-tailed lemurs, dromedary camels, red pandas, meerkats, and more!. Over 40 of our animals are endangered, including the Humboldt Penguin, Amur leopard and Matschie's tree kangaroo. Featuring interactive Zoofari stations with Larry the Cable Guy, up-close animal encounters and the historic ZO&O Railroad, the Zoo is the perfect destination for the entire family. Lincoln Children's Zoo's mission is "to enrich lives through firsthand interaction with living things."
Reviewed By Charrigo - Chicago, United States
This was the perfect thing to do for myself and two teen girls after visit the UNL campus. We were looking for something fun to do that was not college related and this fit the bill. Close to downtown (about a 10 minute drive) and just the right size for a few hours fun. Don’t leave without feeding the giraffes, and look for the peacocks, penguins and flamingos! They also have some goats, camels, turkeys, snow leopards, an anteater, and lots of monkeys!
9. Nebraska State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 834 reviews
Beautiful mosaic ceilings and floors, paintings and sculptures inside the 400-foot high capitol building are as impressive as its marble, bronze and gold leaf exterior and white tower topped by a bronze statue. Free guided tours are available.
Reviewed By matthewmX8701PV - Kearney, United States
This building is without equal. I strongly recommend getting there and spending a few hours, including taking a tour with the Docent. Nebraska history is rich and much of it is on display in this building and its grounds. From the rotunda to the legislative chambers, from the Supreme Court room to simply roaming the halls, you will feel that it is a hallowed place. Understanding the murals, floors and even the doors will make this place even more special for you. This is a don't miss attraction in Lincoln, NE!
10. Lincoln Children's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 263 reviews
The Lincoln Children's Museum invites families to create, discover and learn through the power of play. Offering three floors and 23,300 square feet of hands-on exhibits and imaginative programs that allow children and adults to discover the adventure of learning through play together.
Reviewed By NEVenturer - Alexandria, United States
The options seem endless. We bought a grandparents package with the zoo so we could enjoy these with our grandson who is almost 3. He loved it all. He could have spent every day of the week there. He loved dressing up like a firefighter and hitting the buttons for the sirens (which weren’t too loud). He crawled around in the prairie dog hills and celebrated his rise to the top!!! The trains and cars were such a hit. It was all tremendously fun! I love this and have since our kids were little. How wonderful to now enjoy it with our grandson.
