February in Omaha? It's not just about surviving the cold. It's about leaning into it — grabbing someone's hand, pulling them close, and making the most of everything this city has cooking up for the month of love. Whether you're planning a date night that'll actually wow, looking for something fun to do with the kids, or just trying to shake off the winter blues with a little adventure, we've got you covered. Consider this your go-to guide for all things love, laughter, and living it up in Omaha this February.


🦈 The Most Talked-About Date Night in Omaha: Shark Tunnel of Love

If you only do one Valentine's thing this year, make it this one. Henry Doorly Zoo — yes, that Henry Doorly Zoo, consistently ranked one of the best in the world — is turning its iconic 70-foot Shark Tunnel into the most unexpectedly romantic spot in the city. Running February 11 through 14, Shark Tunnel of Love is a 21+ adults-only evening filled with champagne, live music, ambassador animal encounters, a speakeasy with custom cocktails, a DIY flower bouquet station, and even a photo booth. You'll stroll through the zoo under a completely different vibe than the daytime visit — think moody lighting, good music, and sharks gliding overhead while you sip bubbly.

There are three ticket levels — General Admission, VIP (with early entry and hors d'oeuvres in the Durham TreeTops Restaurant), and the showstopper Igloo experience, which gets you a private heated igloo in Lover's Lane for up to six guests, a behind-the-scenes Shark Tunnel tour, and your own personal igloo attendant. Zoo members get 20% off, so there's that.

Here's the best part for parents: On February 13 and 14, the Zoo offers Kids Night Out right alongside the event. While you're out living your best date night, your little ones get their own adventure — a behind-the-scenes tour of the Shark Tunnel, pizza, snacks, and hands-on activities. Date night guilt? Gone.


🌿 Dinner + Flowers + Live Music = Lauritzen Gardens Valentine's Dinner

Speaking of things that feel like a scene straight out of a movie — Lauritzen Gardens is hosting a Valentine's Day Dinner on both February 13 and 14, from 6 to 9 p.m. Picture this: you and your person, tucked into the intimate visitor and education center at one of Omaha's most beautiful botanical spaces, a glass of wine in hand, live music drifting through the air. It's the kind of evening that makes you slow down and actually *enjoy* being together.

Dinner is $78 per person and includes a first course, your choice of main, dessert, and a glass of wine. Reservations are a must — these spots don't last.


🖼️ The Art of Love: Creative Pairings at Kaneko

For the couple that wants something a little more out of the box on Valentine's night itself — head to Kaneko on February 14 at 6:30 p.m. for The Art of Love: Creative Pairings. It's an evening that blends chocolate, wine, and art into one experience, exploring connection through creativity. General admission is $45 ($40 for members and students), and it's the kind of night that sparks real conversation. Not your average Valentine's dinner — and that's exactly the point.


🕯️ Candlelight at The Omar

If romance and music are your love language, the Candlelight Valentine's Day Special at The Omar on February 14 at 8:45 p.m. is calling your name. It's a 60-minute immersive concert experience under candlelight — think soft glowing light, stunning acoustics, and music that actually sets a mood. This one is open to ages 8 and up, so it even works as a late-night outing for the whole family if you're feeling adventurous.


🥾 Couple's Hike at Hummel Nature Center

Not every love day has to happen after dark. On February 7, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Hummel Nature Center is hosting a Couple's Hike — a guided stroll along scenic trails followed by a craft, hot cocoa, and treats. It's $20 per couple, and honestly? There's something deeply romantic about bundling up, walking side by side through quiet trails, and ending with warm cocoa and something sweet. Simple. Real. No reservation drama.


🍷 Date Night Dinner Spots Worth Bookmarking

Omaha's restaurant scene in February is stacked. Here are a handful of spots that are knocking it out of the park this month:

Nick's Quorum (1001 Cass St.) is offering an exclusive four-course prix fixe dinner on February 14 and 15 — curated by Chef Cynthia, $65 per person. On the 15th, you'll even get live piano from Bobby Gadoury. They also have a Valentine's Dinner Package that pairs the meal with a stay at the Hilton Omaha, starting at $280. The full supper club experience.

Bohemian Gardens (1424 S. 13th St.) is going all out with a five-course tasting menu on February 14, including an amuse bouche and petit fours. Two seatings: 5:45 and 8:15 p.m. No walk-ins — reserve through their Instagram.

Le Voltaire (569 N. 155th Plaza) has a three-course Valentine's dinner with seatings at 6 and 8:30 p.m. French elegance, right here in Omaha.

The Boiler Room (1110 Jones St.) never disappoints for a special night out. Set in a gorgeous converted 1896 boiler room in the Old Market, it's ingredient-driven, seasonally changing, and just feels like an occasion.

V. Mertz (1022 Howard St.) is tucked into the Old Market Passageway and is basically Omaha's answer to "the most romantic restaurant in the city." If the tasting menu is in your budget, do it.

La Buvette (511 S. 11th St.) for something a little more laid-back — a French bistro vibe with wine bottles lining the walls, great cheese and charcuterie, and an atmosphere that makes even a Tuesday feel like a celebration.


🐾 Valentine's Day Pawty (Yes, Really)

February 14 at 11 a.m., the Omaha Dog Bar is throwing a Valentine's Day Pawty — and your pup is invited. Think holiday-themed cocktails (for you), special treats (for them), photo ops, and a best-dressed dog contest. It's wholesome, it's silly, and it's exactly the kind of lighthearted fun that makes February feel less like survival mode and more like celebration mode.

📍 Omaha Dog Bar, 1231 S. 14th St.


🏃 Valentine's Day 5K at Two Rivers State Park

Want to burn off some energy before (or instead of) a big dinner? The Valentine's Day 5K at Two Rivers State Park on February 14 at 10 a.m. is a fun 1.5-mile loop run. Dress for the weather, bring warm dry clothes for after, and run into the day with some serious love-fueled energy. It's a great way to kick off Valentine's morning — especially if you're racing your partner and someone needs a little motivation.


 🛶 Wander the Old Market

No plans yet and not sure what to do? You honestly can't go wrong with an evening in the Old Market. Cobblestone streets, twinkling lights, boutiques, galleries, sweet shops, and pubs around every corner. Grab dinner, share dessert at the Old Market Candy Shop (the Mud Ball is legendary — a chocolate-coated cookie and cream cheese truffle), and just *wander*. Sometimes the best date nights don't need a reservation.

And if you want to stretch the evening even further — take a stroll across *Bob*, the stunning 3,000-foot pedestrian bridge connecting Nebraska and Iowa. It's gorgeous at night, it sways gently, and yes — it even has its own Instagram account. Perfect selfie spot.


❤️ Because at the End of the Day, It's All About Home

We spend so much of February celebrating love — in restaurants, at events, under candlelight, on trails. And all of that matters. But here's what we think about most when February rolls around: the love that already lives inside the walls of your home. It's the kitchen where someone makes you coffee without being asked. It's the couch where you collapse together after a long day, not saying much but meaning everything. It's the hallway where your kids race each other on a Saturday morning, and the window where you watch the snow fall and feel, for just a moment, like the rest of the world can wait. A home isn't just a place you live — it's the place where love actually lives. And whether you're just starting out, growing your family, or settling into the next chapter, finding that space — the one that feels like yours — is one of the greatest things we get to help with. So this February, enjoy every dinner, every hike, every candlelit moment Omaha has to offer. And when you come home at the end of it all, take a second to notice the love that's already there, waiting for you. That's the real thing.


Curious about what Omaha has to offer — in every season? Follow The Heim-Berg Team for local guides, market updates, and all the reasons this city is worth calling HOME.