Nebraska may be landlocked, but there are still beaches near Omaha to go play and swim! Kids don’t care if it’s an ocean, lake, or river, as long as there is sand and water. Pack some towels, sand and water toys, and extra sunscreen, and head to one of these beaches to cool off on a hot summer day.
Beaches Near Omaha
Louisville State Recreation Area
15810 Highway 50 Louisville, NE
With 5 sandpit lakes, this park has plenty of options for swimming an playing in the sand. Big kids (and adults) can splash and play on the floating playground. It also has camping and fishing. Admission is free if you have a state park pass or you can pay a day visit fee.
Two Rivers State Recreation Area
27702 F St, Waterloo, NE
The swimming beach is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. You can stay overnight in one of 10 Union Pacific cabooses that have been refurbished as cabins.
Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area
4349 W. State Lakes Rd. Fremont, NE
There are multiple swimming beaches as well as boating areas at this park. Located less than an hour from Omaha, this is a great destination for a day trip.
Lake Manawa State Park
1100 South Shore Dr Council Bluffs, IA
Head over the river to Council Bluffs for a fun beach day. The beach is open daily Memorial Day to Labor Day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $3. Don’t miss the Dream Playground, the largest accessible playground in Iowa.
Branched Oak
12000 W. Branched Oak Rd. Raymond, NE
The largest lake in Eastern Nebraska is only an hour southwest of Omaha. It has two swimming beaches, concessions, and boat access.
Pawnee State Recreation Area
3800 NW. 105th St. Lincoln, NE
Boating, swimming, fishing, and camping are all popular at this park just west of Lincoln.
Platte River
14421 346th St, Louisville, NE
This isn’t a beach, but if you’re looking for an adventure with water, Platte River is worth the trip! Crawdad Creek is a great place for kids to get muddy and maybe even catch some minnows, tadpoles, crawdads, or frogs!
