Henry Doorly Zoo + Aquarium with Kids: Spring vs. Summer at the Zoo + Tips for Your Trip

If you’ve been following along, you know this wasn’t our first trip to Omaha—but experiencing it in a completely different season gave us a whole new perspective. Traveling with kids always adds an extra layer of planning (and unpredictability), so I wanted to share a comparison of our summer vs. spring visits, plus some helpful tips if you’re considering making the drive yourself.

We road trip from Wisconsin, and the drive clocks in at about 6.5 hours without stops. With kids, of course, that means snacks, stretch breaks, and a bit of patience—but overall, it’s a very doable trip for a long weekend getaway.

Our Favorite Road Trip Stops

Let’s be honest—when you’re driving 6+ hours with kids, where you stop can make or break the trip too. One of our go-to stops is in Saint James, MN where there’s a recently updated McDonald’s that’s clean, convenient, and (most importantly) has a play place. It’s the perfect spot for kids to get their wiggles out while you grab a quick coffee or snack.

Another favorite is in Clear Lake, Iowa. If you take a few extra minutes to drive into town, you’ll find a beautiful little beach area between the city park and city beach. It’s such a refreshing stop—especially in warmer months—with access to bathrooms and plenty of space for kids to run around.

And honestly, one of the most underrated options? Good old-fashioned rest stops. There are several routes you can take from the Chippewa Valley down to Omaha, and the rest stops along the way are incredibly convenient. They’re perfect for quick bathroom breaks, tossing out garbage, and getting back on the road without much hassle. Simple, but so helpful.

Where We Stayed: Airbnb vs. Hotel

On our first trip in August, we stayed at an Airbnb right next to the zoo. The location was incredibly convenient—especially in the heat—but it did require more planning when it came to meals and snacks.

This time around, we switched things up and stayed at a hotel just off 72nd Street near the main highway. It was only a few minutes farther from the zoo, but the trade-offs were worth it. Having a pool for the kids and free breakfast in the morning made things so much easier. Not having to pack or buy as much food ahead of time felt like a small win, and we were still close to plenty of restaurants and attractions.

Summer vs. Spring: What’s Different?

Summer (August):

• HOT. Like, midwestern humidity + full sun = exhausting.

• Everything is open, including outdoor play areas, splash pads, and the creek.

• You’ll want water, sunscreen, and probably a stroller even for bigger kids.

• We spent hours at the Children's Adventure Trails, which is a major interactive exhibit featuring a, creek, and playground, designed for, kids to explore nature. It includes a, three-story, treehouse, climbing areas, and a, shallow water, stream with, bridges for, wading.

Spring (Early April):

• Much cooler, with some rain during our visit.

• Some outdoor exhibits and kid-focused areas were closed during the weekdays.

• Despite that, we still spent a full 7 hours at the zoo.

• A huge bonus: animals that are typically outside were visible indoors.

Honestly, spring surprised us in a good way. Even with a few closures, the experience felt just as full—just different.

The Zoo Experience (Rain or Shine)

One of the best things about this zoo is how thoughtfully it’s designed. When the weather doesn’t cooperate, you’re not missing out—you’re just experiencing the animals differently.

For example, instead of seeing giraffes and elephants spread out in large outdoor habitats, we got to observe them up close inside their indoor spaces. It gave the kids a completely different (and honestly, more interactive-feeling) experience.

The exhibits themselves are incredibly immersive. A couple of standout favorites:

• The orangutan forest feels like stepping straight into a jungle—complete with bamboo and even scent details that make it feel real.

• The underground Kingdom's of the Night exhibit is such a unique experience and a must-do if you haven’t seen it before (it is my favorite exhibit).

There’s also a huge variety of animals and habitats beyond what you might expect, including:

• Big cats like lions and tigers

• Rhinos, zebras, and other savannah animals

• Penguins and sea lions in coastal-style exhibits

• Desert animals inside the massive dome structure

• Gorillas and other primates in lush indoor/outdoor environments

• Aquatic exhibits with sharks, fish, and reptiles

Every section feels like its own mini world, which keeps kids engaged (and distracted from how much walking you’re doing).

Parent Wins (Because They Matter)

Let’s talk about the little things that make a big difference:

• The Plaza Café near the main entrance (to the left next to the dome) offers coffee (hot or cold), cocktails, and mocktails—which, after hours of walking, feels like a well-earned treat.

• The Glacier Bay Landing area has some of the best family bathrooms we’ve ever used at a zoo. Spacious, clean, and even stocked with free sunscreen!!

These small touches really elevate the experience when you’re visiting with kids.

Kid Favorites (Season Dependent!)

In the summer, the children’s play area is a must. There’s a large creek for splashing and playing, plus a nearby splash pad. If you’re visiting during warmer months, definitely pack:

• Swimsuits

• Towels or a change of clothes

• Water shoes if you have them

It’s also a perfect spot to take a break and enjoy a packed lunch while the kids play.

We definitely missed this area during our spring trip, but given the chilly weather, we probably wouldn’t have used it much anyway.

Getting Around the Zoo

This zoo is no joke when it comes to size—and something important to know: you start at the top of a hill and work your way down in a circle. Which means…yes, you’ll have to make that trek back up at the end of the day. The middle/halfway point of the zoo is at the bottom of the hill.

Thankfully, there are a few transportation options that can save your legs:

• Skyfari: A must-do. It gives you an incredible aerial view of the zoo and takes you across major exhibits like giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and lions.

• Train: Great for kids and a nice break. I recommend the round-trip option, especially since strollers aren’t allowed on board.

• Tram: Makes several stops throughout the zoo and is a convenient way to get around if you’re short on time or energy.

All of these cost extra (only a few dollars per person), but in my opinion, they’re absolutely worth it—especially after a full day of exploring. You can buy tickets for these right at their starting place.

Final Tips for Your Trip

• Plan for a full day—you’ll easily spend 6–8 hours here. If you can, buy the two day pass and plan for two days!

• Check seasonal hours and exhibit availability ahead of time, especially in spring.

• Bring layers if you’re visiting in cooler months.

• Pack a lunch or snacks to save time and money.

• Plan which way you want to start exploring first (left or right) because remember that hill I mentioned that goes in a giant circle, you're at the mercy of which direction you chose.

• Wear comfortable shoes (this cannot be overstated).

• Consider transportation options early in the day before everyone is exhausted.

Final Thoughts

Whether you visit in the heat of summer or the chill of early spring, the Henry Doorly Zoo offers an incredible, family-friendly experience that’s worth the drive. Each season brings its own pros and cons, but the zoo is designed in such a thoughtful way that you really can’t go wrong.

For us, this second trip proved that even with different weather, a different place to stay, and a slightly different pace, it was just as memorable—just in a new way. And honestly, that’s what keeps us coming back.

Planning Your Own Trip?

If you’re thinking about planning a trip like this for your family, I’d love to help! As a travel agent, I can assist with booking hotel stays, car rentals, and even tickets to attractions like the zoo—helping take the stress out of planning so you can focus on making memories.

The best part? My services are completely complimentary, so you get the support without any added cost. Feel free to reach out at the link here if you want help putting together your next getaway!