Family Fun in Bellevue, Nebraska

Bellevue holds the title of Nebraska's oldest town, the birthplace of the whole state, and it's got the family attractions to match. Just south of Omaha along the Missouri River, it's an easy trip for a day of nature, history, and fresh air. Here's where to go.

The big one is Fontenelle Forest. It's one of the largest private nature centers in the country, with over 1,500 acres of forest, prairie, and wetland and 17 miles of trails. If you've got little ones or a stroller, the one-mile boardwalk is your friend. It's fully accessible and gives you gorgeous views out over the Missouri River. Inside the nature center there's a nature-based children's play area, exhibits, and a gift shop, plus the Raptor Woodland Refuge, where the kids can get a canopy-level look at owls, hawks, and eagles that can't be released back to the wild. It's open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with longer summer hours (May 20 to September 4) on weekdays until 7 p.m. (as of July 2026).

For a change of pace, take the short drive up to the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum, just up the road near Ashland. Kids walk right up to real bombers and fighter jets, hop on a flight simulator, and check out the Hubble Space Telescope exhibit. It's the kind of jaw-dropping, look-up-in-wonder day that sticks with a kid.

When you want to just be outside, Haworth Park sits right on the Missouri River with picnic areas, camping, and direct river access. It's a longtime local favorite for a laid-back family weekend.

And come fall, the Bellevue Berry Farm and Pumpkin Ranch is a whole day of family fun on its own, with the fall festival, pumpkins, and all the trimmings.

Here's the tip. Fontenelle Forest alone can fill a morning, so pair it with a picnic at Haworth Park and call it a day. Wear real walking shoes, bring bug spray in summer, and let the kids set the pace on the trails.

Then go explore the birthplace of Nebraska.

Prices and hours change, so always confirm the latest on each place's official website before you go — the figures in this guide are current as of July 2026.