If I had known that 30 minutes away from Lincoln there was a river you could walk through, a waterfall to play in (a small waterfall but still counts!), beautiful trails and a splashpad that is built to mimic the river area, I would have gone sooner.
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Platte River State Park is Northeast on 1-80E. Instead of turning left to go to Mahoney State Park, you turn right and go to less visited but not less beautiful Platte River State Park. It is $6 for a day pass. We followed the road to the waterfall trail and it so lovely. The trails are well worn and you could easily bring a stroller, the trees are mature and provide shade and cooler temps and it is serene (even with screaming kids). It is a 5-10 minute walk from your car to the waterfall. Yes, it is a small waterfall but in my book a waterfall is a waterfall. You can walk on trails next to the river or through the river. I would recommend water shoes if you walk in the river, there are lots of rocks and plenty of mud. We caught frogs, squished the mud with our toes and just took it all in. I could have stayed all day, sadly, my kids got hungry (they are like hobbits-first breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, lunch).
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After visiting the river, we went to the newly built Platte River Splash Pad which is just up the road from the waterfall. The splashpark is two tiered with three slides, buckets, a waterfall, fountains and more. The water in the splash pad is very warm, unlike most splash pad water. Admission is $3 for adults and children. Kids 2 and under are free and it is open from 12 noon to 6:00 PM everyday. I think the splash pad is a great alternative to a pool and most of the kids that we went with really enjoyed it. The older kids (age 11) got a bit tired of it after the two hours but everyone younger really had fun. It is especially engaging for 2-6 year olds. There is plenty of seating and shade over the tables.
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Platte River State Park is at 14421 346th St, Louisville, NE. This was one my favorite days of the summer. I love being near the water and you are surrounded by it at Platte River.
