Day Trip: Nebraska City and Arbor Day Farm

If you want a day trip that feels like a real getaway without the drive, Nebraska City is your answer. It's less than an hour south of Omaha, and it's home to Arbor Day Farm, one of the best family spots in the whole state. Here's how to spend the day.

The main event is Arbor Day Farm, 260 acres of family fun. The star for kids is the Tree Adventure, which includes a Treetop Village with 11 treehouses and a 50-foot slide. Yes, fifty feet. There are trails, a guided tree tour, and the Apple House Market where you can grab a snack and a treat. Plan to spend a good chunk of your day right here.

Come in the fall and it gets even better. In September and October, you can head into the orchard and learn how apples grow and get harvested, then visit the Apple House to see where the cider is pressed and bottled. You can pick your own apples and get fresh apple pie and cider while you're at it. For more fresh-fruit picking, Kimmel Orchard and Vineyard is another great nearby stop.

If you want to make it an easy overnight or just a nicer lunch, Lied Lodge sits right on the property with family-friendly dining, a pool, and that woodsy lodge feel. And history buffs can walk through Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, the grand old mansion and grounds where Arbor Day itself got its roots.

Mark the fall calendar for the AppleJack Festival, happening September 18-20 and 26-27, 2026. It's a Nebraska City tradition built around the apple harvest, and it's a great weekend to make the trip.

Here's the tip. Arbor Day Farm alone can fill a whole day with kids, so don't overstuff the plan. Wear play clothes and shoes made for running and climbing, pack water, and let the kids loose on the Tree Adventure. That 50-foot slide is the memory they'll be talking about all week.

Hours, prices, and event dates can change, so check before you go. Then go make a day of it in Nebraska City.