So, you’re thinking about heading to Omaha. Maybe you’ve heard that the zoo there isn’t just a local "weekend thing" but is actually ranked as one of the best in the world. It’s true. The place is massive. But honestly, trying to figure out Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium tickets before you arrive can feel a bit like trying to navigate the Lied Jungle without a map.
The pricing isn't a flat rate. It shifts. If you show up in the middle of a July heatwave, you’re going to pay more than you would in the dead of January. It’s a seasonal model. Right now, for the winter of 2026, prices are at their lowest because, well, it’s Nebraska in the winter. You're looking at roughly $18.95 for adults and $14.95 for kids. Once May hits? That adult ticket jumps toward $30.
Most people don't realize how much of this zoo is actually indoors. You’ve got the Desert Dome, the butterfly pavilion, and that enormous aquarium where sharks literally swim over your head. You can spend an entire day there in 10-degree weather and never actually feel the wind chill.
The Secret to Not Overpaying
If you are coming from out of town, do not—I repeat, do not—just buy a one-day pass if you have the time. They offer a two-consecutive-day ticket. It’s basically the "I didn't realize this place was 160 acres" insurance policy. The second day is significantly discounted, often around half price.
Check your wallet for other memberships too. If you belong to a zoo in, say, Kansas City or Des Moines, you might get 50% off because of reciprocal agreements. It’s called the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) reciprocity program. Not every zoo participates, but it’s worth the five-minute Google search to save forty bucks.
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Buying online is basically mandatory if you hate lines. You get a QR code, you walk up, they scan it, you're in. Simple.
Membership vs. Daily Admission
If you live within a three-hour drive, the math on a membership is stupidly simple. A Household membership is around $205. If you have two kids and two adults, and you visit twice in the summer, the membership has already paid for itself.
- Individual: $109 (Good if you're a solo photographer or local).
- Household: $205 (Covers two adults and up to six kids).
- Military: Usually a solid discount here, bringing a family pass down to about $185.
The perks aren't just the gate, though. You get free "Giant Screen Theater" films. It’s a nice way to sit down in the AC for 45 minutes when your legs start to give out near the African Grasslands.
What About the "Extra" Stuff?
Your ticket gets you into the exhibits, but it doesn't get you on the train. Or the tram. Or the Skyfari.
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The Skyfari is basically a ski lift that takes you over the lagoon and the cheetahs. It’s $3. The train is another $3. If you have kids, just budget an extra $20 for "rides" because once they see that steam engine, you aren't winning that argument.
Then there are the "Backstage Experiences." These are pricey—usually $65 and up. You can feed a giraffe for a few dollars at the platform, which is a cheap thrill, but the behind-the-scenes tours of the aquarium or the elephant quarters are separate tickets you have to book weeks in advance. They sell out. Every time.
Timing is Everything
If you want to save money and avoid the "school field trip" swarm, go on a Tuesday in late September. The weather is perfect, the prices have started to dip, and you won't be shoulder-to-shoulder with 5,000 toddlers in the splash pad area.
Another weird tip: The "Welcome Fund." If you’re a family on SNAP or WIC, the zoo has a program where you can get a family membership for basically the price of a sandwich ($5). They’re big on accessibility, which is cool to see for a world-class institution.
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What Really Happens if it Rains?
People panic and leave. Don't.
Rainy days at the Henry Doorly Zoo are actually the best. The Lied Jungle (the world’s largest indoor rainforest) feels even more authentic when it’s pouring outside. The animals in the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium don't care about the rain, obviously. And honestly, the tigers and sea lions usually get more active when it’s gloomy.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Calendar: If it’s before May 1st, you’re in "Value Season." Prices are lower.
- Verify Reciprocity: Look at your local zoo’s website for the AZA list.
- Download the App: It has a map that actually works and shows you feeding times.
- Buy Online: Save the 20 minutes you'd spend standing in the sun at the ticket window.
- Plan for Parking: It’s free, but the main lot fills by 10:30 AM on Saturdays. Get there at 9:00 AM.
The sheer scale of the place means you probably won't see it all in four hours. Wear the "ugly" walking shoes. Your feet will thank you when you’re trekking back from the Glacier’s Edge at 4:00 PM.