[camping!]

You might want to bring a lunch with you. Eating at the zoo is very expensive for what you get.

I agree with everyone else, do your walking while its cool - then hit all of the indoor exhibits.
Something new this year is the butterfly house - do get to this early, otherwise it will be too warm and crowded. Of course the desert dome, jungle, ape house and aquarium are must sees.
If you have to cut some exhibits I would recommend the hippos and elephants. They are somewhat out of the way and their exhibits are just ...... sad, especially when compared to the others.

[kdbrich]

Originally Posted by Sheridan1962

Thank you all for the tips! Fortunately we won't be there until after the baseball thing...we'll be visiting the zoo on Sunday, June 28.

Family friendly places to eat are what we go for...chain or non-chain type places.

King Kong's on 13th St has some darn good burgers, gyros, and even steak. They have a couple of other locations....but not sure that I'd call 'em a "chain".

[laserdisque]

Originally Posted by kdbrich

King Kong's on 13th St has some darn good burgers, gyros, and even steak. They have a couple of other locations....but not sure that I'd call 'em a "chain".

Take the triple kong challenge! I once tried to eat a double kong and at about halfway I thought my heart was going to give out.

[Dave1215]

Be sure to give it a full day and just take your time - so much to see...

[omahajosh618]

This might have been said already but if you have limited time, go and see the "big" exhibits. My favorites are the The Lied Jungle, aquarium, Scott pavilion (full of snakes, reptiles, spiders, ect.), Kingdoms of the Night and the Desert Dome.

[Omaha Rocks]

Originally Posted by kdbrich

King Kong's on 13th St has some darn good burgers, gyros, and even steak. They have a couple of other locations....but not sure that I'd call 'em a "chain".

I was just about to say that.

Also, be sure to hit up Zestos. It's right along the entrance to the Zoo. It's a cruddy-looking little ice cream stand, but they serve up some good stuff!

If you're looking for a little old-time atmosphere, I'd suggest hitting Burger Lust on 17th & Vinton (pretty close to the zoo). I love the name, and the food is pretty good too! Louie M's Burger Lust - Omaha, NE

La Aguila Mexican Restaurant is right around the corner from Burger Lust. Pretty good stuff there.

If you want to head up to downtown Omaha, and The Old Market (10th - 12th Streets & Howard), I'd suggest you try out Spaghetti Works, House of Lee, Zios Pizza, The Uptown and/or Jazz's Cajun Restaurant.


Holler if you want some more ideas.

[Katiana]

I was just going to suggest the Spaghetti Works. We went there in December when we were staying at a motel near the zoo, and loved it. Omaha is not that big; you could explore the city a bit for restaurants, but the downtown area is neat with the Old Market.

[cotheran]

We are visitng for 2 days July 2 and 3. We are staying at the Fairfield Inn Downtown Omaha. How far are we from the zoo? Also we need a family friendly place. It would be nice to eat at a local place.

[Omaha Rocks]

Originally Posted by cotheran

We are visitng for 2 days July 2 and 3. We are staying at the Fairfield Inn Downtown Omaha. How far are we from the zoo? Also we need a family friendly place. It would be nice to eat at a local place.

You'll go South on 13th Street to the Zoo.

Depending on traffic, 5-10 minutes will easily get you there. I'd say closer to 5.

[cotheran]

Thanks!