We recently visited Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and were so impressed by their splash-pad, Alaskan Adventure. This is not your typical splash pad. Alaskan Adventure is next to Sue's Carousel and the Red Barn. Regardless of where you are walking from you'll see a humpback whale breaching 30 feet into the air.
Then, as you get nearer you'll hear the sounds of Alaskan animals like grizzlies growling, orcas singing and walruses bellowing. Combine the animal sounds with the shrieking of children and you have Alaskan Adventure. It is phenomenal!
The splash-pad is large, accommodating 325 people. It is free with admission to the zoo. All strollers, wagons, etc. have to be left outside of the gates. Shoes are allowed in the outside perimeter of the splash-pad but not in the center where the water sprays. There is only one entrance and exit which is helpful for parents of multiple children or if you're kid is a "runner."
If possible, I would suggest dressing your kids in their suits. There are changing areas at the splash-pad but it is just one more thing that you have to carry. We didn't bring towels; our kids air-dried and since it was so hot they didn't mind being wet and walking around the zoo. My only regret? I didn't bring a suit or a change of clothes so I couldn't enjoy the splash pad as much as I would have. It is hard to stay dry. The whales are spraying from their blow holes, water is misting and splashing out from under the orcas and occasionally a torrent of water appears by the base of the humpback whale.
I would go to the zoo just to go to this splash pad again. It is that great!
