They actually have a great zoo (better than St Louis or KC). I've not spent much time there, but it's really a nice city.

Sorry I skipped past you're going to the zoo

i looked it up and saw that there is a fred astaire dance studio, but i don't think there is much for tourists to do there.

I know theres a ballroom named after Fred and his sister but that appears to be it :/

Ah well Fred aside, can anyone recommend anywhere to eat in Omaha?

We're staying at the Fairfield Inn and Suites, so anywhere within walking distance of there would be great

thanks in advance if anyone can help!

I think the ballroom in the mansion is all there is :/

Your best bet for restaurants is in the Old Market area of downtown Omaha. When we visited my daughter (who was interning there last summer) she took us to the Upstream Brewery. The tomato basil parmesan soup was excellent, as was the giant burger my husband and I split. Daughter raved about her mac n cheese and her friend was more than satisfied with his steak. They have a neat beer tasting that includes a dozen small sample glasses that come on a placemat telling you about the brewing process. The beer with a chocolate undertone was surprisingly good! We also went the The Rock Bottom Brewery which is a chain but the flatbread pizza was yummy. And, because we had a large group, we were able to sit at a "tap table" where we were able to draw our own draft beers -- fun!

We'll be in Omaha again next week -- daughter has now graduated and moved there for a job. Not sure where she'll take us this time but I'll be sure to report back.

P.S. If you have some time to kill in Omaha, they have a wonderful art museum - The Joslyn. Their collection of western art is definitely worth the trip.

I was kinda afraid of that, poor Fred :/

The upstream brewary sounds good, although i have a 4 year old so maybe not the beer!

Hope you have a good time visiting your daughter anymore recommendations would be great!

If you enjoy antique shopping, plan a visit to The Brass Armadillo. Tons of things to look at (old and new)- interesting just walking thru it! May even find "Fred" memorabilia!

The zoo is really nice and I thinkt the Lemur house is finished by now, it was under construction when I was there a couple of years ago.

The zoo will probably take up a fair amount of your time. We ate several meals at places in Old Town but I can't remember their names but Old Town is loaded with good places to eat.

It's the Old Market, not Old Town, just so you don't get confused. The Upstream down there is one of my favorite Omaha restaurants, and I am pretty sure they offer a children's menu.

The zoo will keep you very busy. Quite close by is a lovely botanical garden as well.

I googled Fred Astaire birthplace and he was actually born in a house quite near the zoo (1332 So. 10th as I recall) so even if you can't visit it officially, you can know that you are close by.

At the moment i'll be glad if i get there at all what with all the flooding

Would be nice to even be on the street where Fred was born (i'm reminded of the lerner and lowe song from My Fair Lady now lol)