Free Date Ideas in Omaha

A great date does not need a big budget. Some of the most memorable evenings we have spent with our spouses cost nothing at all, and that is especially good news for young families watching every dollar. Omaha is full of beautiful, free places to simply be together. Here are our favorite no-cost date ideas around the metro.

Stroll the RiverFront

The reimagined Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront downtown is one of the best free date spots in the city. The eighteen-acre park has winding paths, water features, open lawns, and those iconic metal slides if you are feeling playful. Pack a thermos, find a spot on the grass, and watch the city go by. In the warmer months there are frequently free concerts and movie nights here too.

Walk the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

Just a short walk away, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge stretches nearly 3,000 feet across the Missouri River. Stand on the center line and you can have one foot in Nebraska and one in Iowa, which is a fun little moment to share. Sunset here is genuinely lovely, and the riverfront trails on either side make for an easy, hand-in-hand evening walk.

Visit the Joslyn Art Museum

Here is one of Omaha's great gifts to couples: the Joslyn Art Museum offers free general admission, always. Wander the galleries, talk about which pieces you would hang in your own home, and enjoy the beautiful marble halls. It is an ideal rainy-day or cold-weather date, and there is no ticket to buy. Selected special exhibitions carry a fee, but the permanent collection is free to all.

Catch First Friday in Benson

On the first Friday of every month, the Benson Creative District hosts Benson First Friday, a neighborhood art walk that has been a tradition for over a decade. Galleries and storefronts open their doors, artists show their work, and there is music and energy in the air. Window-shop, admire the art, and enjoy the people-watching. It is free to wander and full of local flavor.

Window-Shop the Old Market

Speaking of window-shopping, the cobblestone streets of the Old Market are made for an evening walk. Peek into the shops, admire the old brick buildings and flower baskets, and dream a little in front of the storefronts. You do not have to spend a dime to enjoy the atmosphere, though splitting a treat is always allowed. If you do decide to make an evening of it with dinner, here are the best date-night restaurants in Omaha for when you want to splurge later.

Make It a Habit

The secret to a strong marriage is not grand gestures. It is regular, ordinary time spent paying attention to each other. Free dates make it easy to say yes more often, because there is no cost holding you back. Pick one of these this week and go. For more ideas that stretch the family budget, our kids eat free guide is a favorite, and you can always find what is happening around town on our Omaha events calendar. Your best date this month might just be free.

Cover photo: WiinterU via Wikimedia Commons (CC0).