Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Tours

Photo provided by Nebraska Tourism
Henry Doorly Zoo showing marine life and interior views as well as a small group of people
Photo provided by Nebraska Tourism
Henry Doorly Zoo which includes interior views and a garden as well as a small group of people
Henry Doorly Zoo which includes forest scenes as well as a small group of people


Journey through the world’s biggest indoor desert, spot magnificent creatures in the aquarium and explore indoor rainforests and swamps in Nebraska’s premier zoo.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is a nationally renowned facility where you can embark on adventures through the desert, plunge into the shadows of the nocturnal world and explore the jungle, all in one day. Spot critters from around the world and take a ride on a carousel, a train or even a camel! The zoo has a wide array of habitats and exhibits, which showcase over 950 species of animals. Learn about the different creatures at one of the zoo’s daily presentations and classes provided for visitors of all ages.

Walk along trails that wind through the Lied Jungle, one of the largest indoor rainforests in the world. Peek through a waterfall into the foliage and you might see monkeys, tapirs and the bright-red flash of a scarlet macaw. Head to the aquarium to discover sea life from the polar regions to the tropics. See sharks circling above you and watch penguins from Antarctica.

Check out the pavilion for butterflies and explore the stunning aviary. Don’t miss the Desert Dome, an enormous glazed geodesic dome and desert environment that replicates the sandy habitats of Africa, Australia and the southwest United States. Beneath the dome lies the Kingdoms of the Night exhibit, a fascinating insight into the dark world of nocturnal animals.

Join a guided tour, attend a presentation or catch a documentary at the zoo’s IMAX Theater. You can meet zookeepers, watch animal shows or see the animals being fed. Get around the zoo easily via the train, tram and the Skyfari aerial tram. Choose from three different restaurants, including a treetop cafeteria overlooking the Lied Jungle, or grab snacks at the zoo’s concession stands.

The Henry Doorly Zoo grounds are located in Deer Park, between the Missouri River and the Durham Western Heritage Museum. Parking is available on-site for free. There are discounted admission costs for children under 12, as well as combination tickets for IMAX screenings. The zoo is open daily year-round, except for Christmas Day.

Plan a trip to see Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The Inn & Suites Omaha near ZOO
Harrah's Council Bluffs Hotel & Casino
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Omaha Airport Downtown

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Magnolia Hotel Omaha

Magnolia Hotel Omaha

4.5 out of 5
1615 Howard St, Omaha, NE
Magnolia Hotel Omaha
The Inn & Suites Omaha near ZOO

The Inn & Suites Omaha near ZOO

2.5 out of 5
2920 South 13th Court, Omaha, NE
The Inn & Suites Omaha near ZOO
Beautiful Home near Zoo/College World Series/Downtown

Beautiful Home near Zoo/College World Series/Downtown

Omaha
Beautiful Home near Zoo/College World Series/Downtown
Moxy Omaha Downtown

Moxy Omaha Downtown

3.5 out of 5
409 South 12th Street, Omaha, NE
Moxy Omaha Downtown
ZOO Old Market CHI Charles Schwab Field Cozy Downtown House

ZOO Old Market CHI Charles Schwab Field Cozy Downtown House

Omaha
ZOO Old Market CHI Charles Schwab Field Cozy Downtown House
5-Star Zoo Stay w/Full Kitchen & Self Check-In

5-Star Zoo Stay w/Full Kitchen & Self Check-In

Omaha
5-Star Zoo Stay w/Full Kitchen & Self Check-In
Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs

Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs

4 out of 5
2200 River Road, Council Bluffs, IA
Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Council Bluffs I-29 by IHG

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Council Bluffs I-29 by IHG

3 out of 5
2202 River Rd, Council Bluffs, IA
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Council Bluffs I-29 by IHG
Hyatt Place Omaha Downtown Old Market

Hyatt Place Omaha Downtown Old Market

3 out of 5
540 S 12th St, Omaha, NE
Hyatt Place Omaha Downtown Old Market
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

At Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, visitors can explore diverse wildlife exhibits, enjoy birdwatching, and take part in various sports activities. Nearby attractions enhance the experience, offering additional opportunities for exploration. Don't miss the impressive aquarium, which showcases a wide range of aquatic life, making it a must-see for tourists and locals alike.

Food and drinks

Visit Soaring Wings Vineyard, located 15 miles from the zoo, for delightful local wines and a charming ambiance. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a romantic outing, while tasting unique Nebraska flavors. Don't miss the chance to unwind with a glass of their finest selection.

Shopping

At Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, you can enjoy shopping at Crossroads Mall, located 6 miles away, offering a family-friendly atmosphere. Westroads Mall, 8 miles away, provides a vibrant mix of entertainment and shopping. If you're up for a drive, visit Village Pointe Shopping Center, 14 miles away, for more options.

Recreation

Charles Schwab Field Omaha offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, just 3 miles from the zoo. For a tranquil outdoor experience, Spring Lake Golf Course is a scenic 0.7 mile away, perfect for a round of golf. For relaxation, Take Aim Indoor Shooting Sports, located 6 miles away, provides a peaceful shooting experience.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of racing at Joe's Karting, located 2 miles from Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Feel the adrenaline as you zoom around the track, enjoying an exciting day filled with fast-paced fun and adventure vibes that are perfect for all ages.

Nightlife

For nightlife near Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, try the Horseshoe Council Bluffs casino for thrilling city vibes, or catch a show at the Orpheum Theater for a cultural experience. For family fun, The Amazing Pizza Machine offers arcade adventures and delicious dining just a short drive away.

Find the best attractions near Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

While visiting the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska, don't miss nearby attractions like urban parks, historic colleges, and entertainment facilities. This diverse area offers a rich cultural experience, perfect for families seeking outdoor fun. Explore the renowned Omaha Zoo and its impressive aquarium, or take a short trip to nearby Council Bluffs for additional activities. Enjoy a memorable vacation filled with excitement and exploration!

  • CHI Health Center Omaha: This vibrant arena is a hub for entertainment, hosting concerts, sports events, and family shows. Just 3 miles from Henry Doorly Zoo, it's perfect for a lively night out.
  • Creighton University: A historic institution with a rich cultural vibe, Creighton University is also located 3 miles away. Explore its beautiful campus and learn about its academic legacy.
  • Omaha Children's Museum: Situated only 2 miles from the zoo, this interactive museum offers a fun, educational experience for children and families, blending culture and play in a vibrant setting.

Best time to go to Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

The best time to visit Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium falls in July, when visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium falls in January, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January23.7°F (-4.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
February26.1°F (-3.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
March41.2°F (5.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
June73.2°F (22.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
July76.1°F (24.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
August74.5°F (23.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September68.2°F (20.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November41.4°F (5.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
December29.1°F (-1.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyLowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

To save on your visit to Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Creighton University and Horseshoe Council Bluffs. Plan your trip between November and January for lower accommodation prices. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels and filter for "Eco-certified" options. Save even more by booking a package deal that combines flights and hotel stays, and join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and cashback on future bookings. This way, you can enjoy a budget-friendly yet fulfilling experience in Omaha.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to June, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your travel preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you're looking for. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations that are currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.