Omaha, specifically the downtown area, has expanded in many ways: Gene Leahy Mall, the Riverfront, the skating rink and the new Mutual of Omaha building, which will become the tallest building in the city and state when it is completed fall of 2026.  

Other popular destinations for entertainment in the Omaha area include Aksarben, West roads Mall, and the Crossroads Mall location that will be redeveloped in the future. I have a feeling by 2030 Omaha will start expanding and soon be one of the top cities in the U.S.  

More plans for city expansion include Millwork Commons, a new streetcar and adding onto the CHI Health Center. There is a lot going on, which you can tell by the ridiculous amount of construction; however, this is only going to make our city better. 

The mayor’s office says that there are 41 projects planned for this year, including residential, street, and reconstruction and repair, totaling an estimated $28.6 million. 

When it comes to teenagers in Omaha, downtown, the Gene Leahy, and Aksarben, which includes a movie theater, are the biggest hits. Most teens have fun by meeting up with friends, going out to eat or riding the scooters. If you are downtown on a weekend, you will see at least a few people from Central, and from other schools as well.  

I’m hoping they will consider creating more teen-friendly activities and attractions downtown and Midtown Crossing, because we need more places to go and have fun besides just walking downtown or going to the mall with your friends. It gets boring and everybody kind of gets tired of not having more options when it comes to entertainment in the Omaha area. I feel as if there is a lot more to do for people that are 21 and older. They have all sorts of bars, late night putt putt golf, commons areas with restaurants and more.  

Teenagers should have just as many places to go and things to do but not even just for teenagers but people of all ages to go and have fun with their families.