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Things To Do Near Lincoln Children’s Museum

Let’s say you’re planning a trip to the Lincoln Children’s Museum, but you figure you might as well do a little bit of exploring while you’re down there. Make that hour drive worthwhile, right? This post includes a few add-ons to round out a day trip to Lincoln Children’s Museum, including restaurant suggestions and other attractions.

Planning a day trip to Lincoln Children's Museum? Here's a list of things to do near the museum, including kid-friendly restaurants to visit. This post helps families plan a full day of activities, especially if this is just a day trip from a nearby town! #Lincoln #Nebraska #familytravel #staycation

Attractions near Lincoln Children’s Museum

Here are a couple of ideas within walking distance of the museum (though, I’ll be honest, with little kids, you may want to drive to some of the places on the university campus).

The museum is located in downtown Lincoln, not far from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus. This campus is nice enough to walk around, and it has a few buildings you may want to check out with the kids.

The hall of mammoths at Morrill Hall on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Our favorite is Morrill Hall, the state’s natural history museum. If you visit that museum with young children, don’t forget to head to the Science Discovery area in the basement – it’s full of hands-on activities for little ones.

Three other options recommended to in the Insider’s Family Guide To Lincoln are The Sheldon Museum of ArtKiechel Fine Art Gallery and International Quilt Study Center & Museum.

The Nebraska History Museum is another (free) option near Lincoln Children’s Museum. I wrote about visiting that museum with my son here. While we were in the area, we also visited the Nebraska State Capitol Building and Centennial Mall.

Exhibit at the Nebraska History Museum

Where to eat near Lincoln Children’s Museum

You’ll find a lot of dining options in downtown Lincoln, particularly on O Street. Right near the museum, you’ll find the chain restaurant Jersey Mike’s, which offers a free kids meal with the purchase of an adults meal when you show them your children’s museum admission sticker.

You could go local, and try the pizza place Lazzari’s at 1434 O St. Another favorite of mine is in walking distance – Honest Abe’s. It’s a burger joint that’s worth the line that’s usually there.

We also took the kids to Sultan’s Kite on O Street. It’s a Mediterranean restaurant that’s really quite good, but might have some flavors that scare off kids.

Sprinkle donut at Hurts Donut in Lincoln, Nebraska

It’s a bit of a walk, but there’s also a Hurts Donut in downtown Lincoln. Knowing my kids, we would probably drive to this location rather than walk from the museum to it. Just an FYI.

Your turn: For those of you from Lincoln or familiar with the city, what are some of your favorite places in downtown Lincoln? Give me your best restaurant recommendations!

Things to do near Lincoln Children's Museum (including restaurant suggestions!)

More Stories About Lincoln, Nebraska

Want to plan your own Lincoln getaway? Here’s are some stories to inspire the things to do and places to see while you’re there:

Insider’s Family Guide: Lincoln

24 Hours Of Fun In Lincoln With Kids

Fun Things To Do At Lincoln Children’s Zoo

Things to Do Near Lincoln’s Zoo (Sunken Gardens, Antelope Park)

What’s Kid-Friendly In Lincoln’s Haymarket

Adventures At Morrill Hall

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Gretchen

Thursday 9th of October 2014

The Nebraska state history museum is across the street from the Lincoln Children's Museum. Currently they are closed for a year for remodeling. But normally they are a great stop. Their investigation station for kids is fantastic.

Kim

Sunday 12th of October 2014

We'll have to check that out once it reopens.

Anna

Saturday 27th of September 2014

The new Union Plaza park development has a great Children's Garden. You would want to drive, but it is worth checking out on a nice day.

Kim

Sunday 28th of September 2014

Thank you for the recommendation! I'll try to visit it the next time we're in Lincoln.

alissa

Tuesday 23rd of September 2014

You know, I really love going to Lincoln. Their campus is prettier than ours is. I like most of their museums more so to.

Kim

Wednesday 24th of September 2014

You're right on.

Kelly

Tuesday 23rd of September 2014

When I was a kid, we used to love to see the train and fountain in Iron Horse Park in the Haymarket. Of course, it's completely different down there now, but the train and fountain are still there! My favorite places to eat downtown are Bison Witches and Doozy's. Both are sandwich places with kid friendly options.

Kim

Friday 26th of September 2014

Kelly - I happened to be at a function at the Train Station last night and I was able to take the kids over to that fountain and to play on the trains. Thank you for pointing that out! I had no idea that was there.

Kim

Tuesday 23rd of September 2014

You mention all things that I've never heard of! Wish I could time travel and ask for your tips a few weeks ago. I'll check these out next time. Thanks!

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