/ FAMILY / GO ON SAFARI Ready to take a family walk on the wild side? Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is a top stop. The “world’s best zoo,” as awarded by TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice, invites visitors to dip their hands into a touch tank, meet keepers and observe sea lion training and penguin feedings. HENRY DOORLY ZOO AND AQUARIUM, OMAHA WESSELS LIVING HISTORY FARM, YORK Get Your Hands Dirty Wessels Living History Farm, York More than 400 animals live at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, from red pandas and blue death-feigning beetles to endangered species, including snow leopards and the tree kangaroo. Experiences are hands-on and designed with kids in mind, though adults are in for smiles too (especially when feeding designated animals). Take home a masterpiece painted by one of the zoo’s inhabitants using its paws, claws, hooves or beak—and non-toxic paint, naturally! PHOTO CAPTION In North Platte, make new friends at Dusty Trails’ petting zoo, then ask about trail rides. The outfitter guides horseback trips through the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Recreation Area, winding through the historic ranch past shrubs, trees and the North Platte River. If you’ve ever wanted your kids to understand hard, rewarding work, let them roll up their sleeves at Wessels Living History Farm in York. While visitors shell corn, feed animals and gather eggs, the staff shares stories and demonstrates equipment depicting what it was like to farm in Nebraska a century ago. MAKE A SPLASH IN THE CITY When temperatures heat up, cool down poolside. Island Oasis Waterpark in Grand Island is full of thrills. Hurtle down one of the six-story-tall slides or brave the wave pool. Those looking for a little relaxation can float the day away in the lazy river. Little ones can get in on the action in the children’s area. Pawnee Plunge in Columbus packs a full day of water features into its park. Swim, dive and fly down huge water slides including a swirl bowl, tube and speed slide. Toddlers can play pirate on an interactive ship. And everyone loves surfing on the watery jets of the FlowRider. Bring your towel and maybe a change of clothes when you visit the Omaha Children’s Museum: Kids love Sandy’s Splish-Splash Garden onsite. Anticipate giggles of delight as kids play in the gentle spouts of water. WESSELS LIVING HISTORY FARM, YORK ARBOR DAY FARM, NEBRASKA CITY Arbor Day Farm, Nebraska City In the birthplace of Arbor Day, travel 50 feet up into the shady canopy of the Tree House Trail, visit the home of Arbor Day founder J. Sterling Morton and select your own seedling to plant at home. ISLAND OASIS WATERPARK, GRAND ISLAND PAWNEE PLUNGE, COLUMBUS 26 VisitNebraska.com
Nebraska Official State Travel Guide The Official 2019 Not-At-All What You Thought State Travel Guide: Page 30
