10 Fun Things To Do Near Chalco, Nebraska (Sarpy County)
If you’re in or around
Chalco, Nebraska, you might be surprised how much there is to do within a short drive. Chalco itself is a quiet, family-friendly community in
Sarpy County, tucked right next to Omaha and Papillion. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy peaceful suburban streets in the morning and hit big-city attractions by afternoon.
Whether you live here or you’re just visiting friends and family, here are
10 fun things to do near Chalco that are perfect for couples, families, and solo explorers.
1. Explore the Outdoors at Chalco Hills Recreation Area
Let’s start with the local favorite:
Chalco Hills Recreation Area. If you’re staying in Chalco, you’re basically next door to one of the best outdoor spots in the Omaha area.
This 1,000+ acre park wraps around
Wehrspann Lake and is a great place to:
- Walk or bike the paved 7-mile trail around the lake
- Go fishing from the shore or by boat (electric motors only)
- Watch birds and wildlife in peaceful, quiet spots
- Let kids run off their energy at the playgrounds
- Have a picnic with lake views
On a calm evening, the sunsets over the water can be seriously photo-worthy. If you like nature but don’t want to drive far, this is your go-to spot in Chalco.
2. Take the Kids to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard
Just a short drive from Chalco,
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch in Gretna is a must-do in the fall. If you’ve never been, picture a pumpkin patch plus a small theme park plus a country fair, all rolled into one.
Depending on the season, you can:
- Pick pumpkins and apples
- Get lost in the corn maze
- Ride the train and hayrack rides
- Watch live shows and pig races
- Snack on kettle corn, cider donuts, and caramel apples
If you’re looking for
family activities near Chalco, especially in October, this one is hard to beat. Just be prepared for crowds on weekends—it’s a local tradition.
3. Shop, Dine, and Play at Shadow Lake Towne Center
A few minutes south in Papillion, you’ll find
Shadow Lake Towne Center, an open-air shopping area that works great for a half-day outing.
Here you can:
- Browse national stores and local shops
- Grab coffee or ice cream and stroll around
- Enjoy seasonal events, live music, and outdoor activities
- Hit family-friendly restaurants for lunch or dinner
If you’re staying in Chalco and wondering, “Where can we go that has a little bit of everything?” Shadow Lake is an easy answer.
4. Spend a Day at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
About 25–30 minutes from Chalco,
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland is one of Nebraska’s best-known parks—and it’s very doable as a day trip.
Activities change by season, but you might:
- Hike or bike the scenic trails
- Let the kids loose on the huge playgrounds
- Swim at the aquatic center in summer
- Try the indoor climbing wall or ice skating (seasonal)
- Enjoy paddle boating and fishing
If you want to extend your stay, there are cabins and a lodge. For people in Chalco, Mahoney is that perfect “close but feels like a getaway” state park.
5. Visit Wildlife Safari Park
Right by Mahoney State Park, you’ll find
Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park, run by the Omaha Zoo. It’s roughly a 25–30 minute drive from Chalco and well worth it, especially with kids.
This is a
drive-through safari, so you stay in your car and roll slowly through large animal habitats. Along the way you might see:
- Bison
- Elk
- Wolves
- Crane species and other birds
There are also walk-through areas and overlooks. It feels a bit like you’ve left Nebraska and ended up in the middle of the Great Plains hundreds of years ago.
6. Discover Downtown Papillion and Papillion City Park
Just east of Chalco, the city of
Papillion has a charming small-town feel with some fun things to see and do.
In and around
downtown Papillion and Papillion City Park, you can:
- Walk shaded paths and enjoy green space
- Let kids play at the playground and splash pad (seasonal)
- Check out local shops and cafés
- Attend community events and festivals, especially in summer
If you like the idea of a relaxed afternoon—maybe grabbing coffee, walking the park, and exploring a few local spots—this area is a great option close to Chalco.
7. Catch a Game with the Omaha Storm Chasers
Sports fans, this one’s for you. Head a few miles south to
Werner Park in Papillion, home of the
Omaha Storm Chasers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals.
Why it’s worth a visit:
- Affordable tickets compared to major league games
- Family-friendly atmosphere and promos
- Fireworks nights and special theme nights
- Great ballpark food and local brews
On a warm summer night, watching a baseball game under the lights is one of the classic things to do near Chalco.
8. Spend a Day at The Amazing Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
No list of things to do near Chalco would be complete without mentioning
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. It’s about a 20–25 minute drive from Chalco and often ranks as one of the top zoos in the country.
Highlights include:
- The huge indoor rainforest
- A walk-through aquarium with sharks and sea turtles
- Desert Dome and nocturnal exhibits
- Children’s play areas and interactive experiences
Plan on several hours here; it’s easy to spend most of the day exploring. If you’re in Chalco and only have time for one “big” attraction, this may be the one.
9. Enjoy Shopping and Dining at Nebraska Crossing
In nearby Gretna, about 15–20 minutes from Chalco, you’ll find
Nebraska Crossing, a modern outlet mall with a good mix of brands.
You can:
- Score deals on clothing, shoes, and outdoor gear
- Grab lunch or dinner at casual restaurants
- Let kids take a break at outdoor seating and open areas
If the weather’s not great or you’re just in the mood to shop, this is one of the most popular
shopping destinations near Chalco.
10. Relax at Local Breweries and Eateries Around Chalco
After a day at the park, the zoo, or the outlets, sometimes you just want to unwind with good food and a drink.
Near Chalco, in west Omaha and Papillion, you’ll find:
- Craft breweries with rotating taps
- Family-friendly restaurants with big menus
- Sports bars perfect for catching the game
- Cozy cafés for a quiet coffee break
If you like exploring local flavors, try checking out a new spot each weekend. You’ll quickly build your own list of favorite places near Chalco.
Planning Your Trip to Chalco, Nebraska
One of the nice things about
Chalco is how central it is. You get the calm of a suburban area but you’re only a short drive from:
- Outdoor recreation at Chalco Hills and Mahoney State Park
- Family fun at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and Wildlife Safari Park
- Big attractions like the Omaha Zoo
- Shopping and dining in Papillion, Gretna, and west Omaha
If you’re planning a visit, you could easily fill a long weekend—or even a full week—just exploring
Sarpy County and its nearby attractions.
What Did We Miss? Share Your Favorite Things to Do Near Chalco
Have you spent time in
Chalco, Nebraska or around Sarpy County?
- Do you have a favorite walking trail at Chalco Hills?
- A go-to restaurant or brewery you always recommend?
- A hidden gem that locals love but visitors might not know about?
Drop your tips and stories in the comments so other travelers can discover new things to do near Chalco.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are planning a trip to the Omaha or Sarpy County area. Your share might be the reason someone discovers their new favorite Nebraska getaway.
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