About This Playground

🌳 Arches Playground is a fictional community park in Nebraska featuring natural-themed play equipment modeled after the famous rock formations of Arches National Park. The playground combines adventure play with educational elements about geology and the natural environment.

Visitor Experience: Visitors consistently praise the unique design and educational value of the playground. Most reviews average 4.2/5 stars, with particular appreciation for the natural theming and variety of activities for different age groups.>

More about this playground

Playground Type

Point of interest Establishment Wheelchair Accessible Indoor Play Ages 0-12

Address

Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront, 1001, Douglas St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

Coordinates

41.25776, -95.9313

Hours of Operation

Open Now
Monday 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday Today 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays. Please call ahead for confirmation.

Playground Features

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Age Suitability

Designed for children 2-12 years old, with separate areas for toddlers (2-5) and older children (5-12).

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Equipment Available

Rock climbing structures resembling natural arches, tunnel slides, swings, balance beams shaped like fallen logs, sensory play panels, and a sandpit with fossil dig area.

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Shaded Areas

Several large shade structures over seating areas and parts of the playground, plus natural shade from mature cottonwood trees around the perimeter.

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Seating For Parents

Multiple benches throughout the playground area, two covered picnic pavilions with tables, and casual seating walls integrated into the landscape design.

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Restroom Availability

Clean restroom facilities available near the playground entrance, open during park hours from 6am-10pm daily.

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Drinking Fountains

Three drinking fountains available, including one with a bottle filling station and a lower pet-friendly fountain.

Safety Accessibility

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Fencing

The playground has partial fencing on the street-facing side with multiple entry/exit points. The other sides blend into the greater park landscape with natural boundaries.

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Surface Material

Engineered wood fiber mulch in most areas with poured-in-place rubber surfacing under high-traffic equipment and in the toddler zone.

Ada Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible paths throughout the playground and ramps to major play structures. Several inclusive play elements designed for children of all abilities.

Cleanliness Maintenance

Daily maintenance checks with prompt attention to repairs. The playground is well-maintained with regular cleaning schedules and seasonal deep cleaning.

Additional Amenities

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Nearby Parking

Free parking lot with 45 spaces plus 4 accessible spaces directly adjacent to the playground entrance.

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Pet Policy

Dogs allowed in the general park area on leashes, but not permitted within the playground boundaries except for service animals.

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Bike Racks

Two bike rack stations with capacity for approximately 20 bikes total.

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Nearby Food Options

Seasonal concession stand offering snacks and drinks during summer months. Several picnic areas for those bringing their own food. A small commercial district with restaurants is within walking distance (0.3 miles).

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Sports Areas

Basketball courts, volleyball court, and open field space adjacent to the playground.

Walking / Biking Trails Nearby

A 2.5-mile paved walking/biking trail circles the park with connecting paths to downtown and the regional trail system.

Community Reviews

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User Submitted Photos

Over 200 user photos showing children enjoying the arch climbing structures and fossil dig activities.

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Recent Reviews

Latest reviews mention the new water misters added for summer heat relief and praise the interactive geology exhibits.

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Crowd Levels

Busiest on weekends and summer evenings. Typically less crowded on weekday mornings and during school hours.

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Special Events

Hosts monthly 'Junior Ranger' educational programs and seasonal festivals. Summer concert series takes place in the adjacent amphitheater.

User Experience

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Entrance Fee

Free admission to the playground and surrounding park.

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Space For Groups

Accommodates birthday parties and school groups with reservable picnic shelters for up to 50 people per shelter.

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Nature Connection

Intentionally designed to blend with natural surroundings, featuring native plantings, butterfly gardens, and interpretive signs about local ecology.

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Noise Level

Moderate during typical hours, with peak noise during busy weekends and special events.

Aesthetic Design

Award-winning naturalistic design that mimics geological features of the American West with a focus on using local materials and earth tones.

Safety Regulations

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Security Presence

Park rangers patrol regularly during operating hours. Emergency call boxes located at key points throughout the park.

Rules Restrictions

No smoking, no glass containers, no alcohol, children must be supervised by adults at all times, and playground is designed for children 12 and under.

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First Aid Availability

First aid kits available at the park office and concession stand. Staff are trained in basic first aid and emergency response.

Community Interaction

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Community Activities

Regular community volunteer days for playground maintenance and beautification. Host site for summer day camps and outdoor education programs.

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Social Interaction

Design encourages collaborative play and features multi-user equipment. Community bulletin board for local events and playgroups.

Sustainability Environment

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Eco Friendly Practices

Rainwater collection system irrigates the surrounding native plant gardens. Playground equipment made from sustainable materials including reclaimed plastic and FSC-certified wood.

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Renewable Energy

Solar panels on restroom and picnic pavilion roofs power the park lighting and water pumps.

Walkability Bike Access

Connected to neighborhood sidewalk system and regional bike trails. Bike-friendly infrastructure encourages car-free visits.

Reviews

4.9
(21.0)
G

GRAMS

a week ago

This is another amazing playground in omaha and only 2nd to Discovery Playground in our experience. We went when it was 20 degrees out and my 9 year old and her 6 year old friend had a blast running around. Has public restrooms near site and a band shelter for the summer. Has one entrance for security and freedom of children while having plenty of seating around the entrance and swings for adult audiences who want a Free Range Child while being present.

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H

Heather Hummel

2 months ago

I agree with most of the posters - this place is INCREDIBLE and CLEAN. We were there on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and another group was there for a field trip; still plenty of room to move around. Easily accommodates a LOT of children. Only complaint. No "regular or handicapped swings". Brand new expensive playground.... with LARGE family/couple swings and a couple baby swings.... but not a normal swing to be found.

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R

Rain Mendoza

a year ago

Brought our kids here to get some energy out, it's a beautiful area at night, everything is lit up and easy to see. When we went they were playing the black panther on a large blow up screen. We will definitely be returning

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D

Driven

a year ago

Family friendly, kid friendly architecturally sound playground. Nearby gene leahey park. Close to food and shopping. Metered parking. Center of city.

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M

Me Udontno

a year ago

Such an amazing place to visit with children (and adults) who like to climb. Very clean and well kept park. We were there later in the evening and the street gets a little loud (show offs with their motorcycles, etc). So much fun.

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