Attending the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, can be a wonderful family experience — even with young children in tow! With a bit of planning, you can make the trip fun and memorable for everyone. Here’s a guide to some of the best kid-friendly activities and places to explore during the weekend.
At the CHI Health Center (Convention Center) — Friday and Saturday
The main conference venue isn’t just for serious investors — there’s plenty to entertain children too. It does get busy, so it’s best to go earlier in the day:
- Squishmallows: There are pretty big discounts on Squishmallows. Whether you pick up a limited-edition Warren and Charlie one or something else, these popular plush toys are a great deal.
- Oriental Trading: A booth with affordable toys, puzzles, and small crafts. It’s a budget-friendly way for kids to pick out a fun souvenir without breaking the bank.
- See’s Candies: The lineup can get long, so consider buying See’s candy ahead of time. (Tip: It’s actually cheaper at Nebraska Furniture Mart, though they offer a smaller selection.)
- Dairy Queen Bars: Cool off with a delicious Dilly Bar — just $1.
- Model Train Display: Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) sets up an impressive model train exhibit.
- Preorder Lunches: Outside the main conference center doors, you can preorder lunches for the next day — a great time-saver if you have young kids who’ll need quick access to food.
The Day of the AGM (Saturday)
On the day of the Annual General Meeting, you’ll want to arrive early to secure a seat. Unfortunately, that means waiting outside with your child in the morning, so bring activities or toys to keep them amused. It will be a long day, and they’ll likely need some breaks.
Inside, free packaged snacks and drinks are provided, and preordering lunch is highly recommended to save time. If your child gets restless, you can leave and return to the convention center to do some more shopping, visit anything that was too busy earlier, or just stretch your legs — it will be much quieter during the meeting itself.
Aside from the opening Berkshire movie, the meeting itself can potentially be boring for kids. An aisle seat near a bathroom can be a lifesaver for quick exits!
The Berkshire Picnic at Nebraska Furniture Mart (Saturday)
After the meeting, head over to the Berkshire “Picnic” at Nebraska Furniture Mart. Note that you’ll need to pre-buy your ticket (see details in the shareholder meeting guide). There’s free entertainment, live music, games, and good food. Kids can roast marshmallows over open fire pits, try their hand at a mechanical bull ride, and soak in the festive atmosphere. Nebraska Furniture Mart itself is massive, and while you’re there, you can shop or let the kids play games in its arcade area.
The Berkshire 5K (Sunday Morning)
For active families, the Berkshire Hathaway Invest in Yourself 5K on Sunday morning is a special event. It’s not just any race — in the past, Warren Buffett himself handed out medals at the finish line! Although he no longer does so personally, the event still captures the Berkshire spirit, with participant shirts, medals, and a lively, fun atmosphere. It’s a great way to cap off the weekend with a healthy activity — and kids are welcome to walk, jog, or run alongside you.
Gene Leahy Mall
This newly renovated downtown park is a must-visit for kids, featuring incredible arch-shaped climbing structures, large slides, swings, hammocks, and open green spaces. It’s a really unique park, and our son had a fantastic time here — we spent a good portion of the day just exploring the different areas.
The Old Market
A trip to Omaha isn’t complete without visiting The Old Market. Two must-see stops include:
- Hollywood Candy: A large nostalgic candy shop packed with sweet treats and vintage pinball and arcade games.
- Ted & Wally’s Ultra-Premium Ice Cream: Known for its rich, homemade flavors — the perfect reward after exploring.
The Bookworm
The Bookworm bookstore has a cozy kids’ section tucked in the back. It’s a quiet, calming stop where you can browse Warren Buffett’s recommended book list while the kids enjoy their own selections. I grabbed a few books from Warren’s list while my son happily picked out a Pokémon book — win-win!
Gorat’s Steakhouse
Famously loved by Warren Buffett, Gorat’s is a casual, family-friendly steakhouse. The staff are accommodating to young diners, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to bring kids along for a classic Omaha meal. In my opinion, the steak wasn’t anything amazing, but I’m still glad to have checked out Buffett’s favorite spot.
Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
If you have extra time, don’t miss the Henry Doorly Zoo, consistently ranked among the best in the world. It features a huge indoor desert, a sprawling rainforest, and an impressive aquarium — easily a half-day adventure for kids and adults alike. We spent an entire day here, and it was definitely one of the nicest zoos we’ve visited!
Borsheims
While Borsheims is known for its high-end jewelry, it also offers a surprisingly kid-friendly experience during Berkshire weekend. Children can marvel at unique trinkets, and the store often sets up family-friendly activities to celebrate the event. While we didn’t buy anything, it was definitely worth a look.
Final Thoughts
With a little planning, the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting can be a fantastic, family-friendly adventure. If you’re hoping to start your child on the path of investing young, this trip can be a fun and memorable introduction to the world of value investing.