PCS to Offutt Air Force Base: What Military Families Should Know

When we got orders to Offutt, my first thought was: Nebraska? I pictured cornfields, tornado sirens, and not much else. It wasn’t exactly on my dream duty station list. But here’s the surprise — Offutt turned out to be one of those places that quietly grows on you. It’s affordable, it’s family-friendly, and there’s way more to do than you’d ever expect from a state most people fly over.

Where to Live

We settled in Gretna. At first it felt a little far compared to Bellevue, but the commute was easy and predictable. The biggest perk? We were able to buy a house under BAH and actually save money every month, which doesn’t happen at every duty station. Gretna also put us right near Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and the Lee Simmons Safari Park, which made weekends easy to fill.

Bellevue is the closest option, and plenty of military families stick to it because it’s convenient and full of established neighborhoods. Papillion is another favorite thanks to its highly rated schools and well-kept homes. La Vista strikes a good balance if you want something affordable but still suburban and accessible. If you want something with more character, check out Benson — artsy, quirky, full of local restaurants and breweries, and perfect for date nights. And if land is more your vibe, crossing the Missouri River into Iowa is a great option. You’ll get more space, quieter living, and still keep the commute reasonable.

Things to Do

The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is always at the top of the list, and for good reason. It’s consistently ranked one of the best zoos in the country, and military families get a discount. It’s huge, with indoor and outdoor exhibits that can easily take multiple trips to see it all. The aquarium inside is worth a visit on its own.

Another favorite is Fontenelle Forest — shaded trails, elevated boardwalks, and nature programs that are just as fun for adults as they are for kids. It’s also part of the Blue Star Museums program, which means from Memorial Day through Labor Day, military families get in free. If you like wildlife, the Lee Simmons Safari Park in Ashland is a must. It’s a drive-through experience where you can see bison, elk, and other animals up close, plus walking trails and play areas.

For younger kids, the Omaha Children’s Museum is incredible. Hands-on exhibits, rotating activities, and the kind of chaos kids love make a membership worth it. Older kids (and honestly, adults too) will love the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland. It’s full of planes, space exhibits, and STEM programs that make it more than just a walk-through museum. Downtown Omaha has its own gems too — the Durham Museum, set in a gorgeous old train station, is packed with history and exhibits. The Joslyn Art Museum, while under renovation during our time there, is still a major cultural spot in the area.

Fall in Nebraska is an entire season of family outings. Vala’s Pumpkin Patch is basically Disney World for pumpkins. Yes, it’s crowded, yes, the food is overpriced, and yes, you’ll still go every year because it’s that fun. Bellevue Berry Farm is another local staple with berry picking in the summer and festivals throughout the year. Between the two, you’ll never run out of seasonal traditions.

And don’t let anyone fool you into thinking Omaha doesn’t have a food scene. The city is full of surprisingly good restaurants, and the brewery scene is thriving. Benson especially is loaded with quirky, locally owned spots that make for great date nights or evenings with friends. Whether you’re into craft beer, farm-to-table dining, or just grabbing a good burger, you’ll find something here.

Outdoors and Day Trips

If you’re an outdoorsy family, Nebraska delivers more than you’d expect. Mahoney State Park has cabins, a waterpark, trails, and year-round activities. Platte River State Park is perfect for hiking, camping, and biking. Schramm Park State Recreation Area has a small but impressive nature center and trails that are perfect with little kids. Crossing into Iowa, the Loess Hills offer beautiful views and hiking that feels totally different from the flat farmland Nebraska is known for. Lincoln is less than an hour away, and even if you’re not a die-hard Huskers fan, catching a game is basically a rite of passage while stationed here. Council Bluffs is right across the river with casinos, shows, and its own small-town feel, and it makes for an easy day trip when you need a change of scenery.

Base Life

Offutt has more to offer than you might expect. The gyms, pools, intramural sports, and rec programs keep families busy year-round. Seasonal events — think holiday festivals, fun runs, and kid-focused activities — are a great way to get involved and meet other families.

Cost of Living

Cost of living is one of Offutt’s biggest perks. Compared to other duty stations, housing is affordable whether you rent or buy. Many families live under BAH and put extra money into savings, which feels like a luxury after other assignments. Groceries and dining are reasonable, and while utilities spike in winter and summer with the extremes, they’re manageable.

Schools and Homeschooling

Schools in Bellevue, Papillion, and Gretna all have good reputations, and many military families feel confident sending their kids to public schools in these districts. In Gretna, we were really happy with what the schools offered, and I heard the same from friends in the other areas. If you homeschool, you’ll find plenty of support. Omaha has active co-ops, libraries with homeschool programs, and museums that host homeschool days. Rec centers also offer classes that double as enrichment activities, and between the zoo, Fontenelle Forest, and local museums, your calendar can fill up quickly with hands-on learning.

The Offutt Reality

Of course, no place is perfect. Tornado sirens are part of life here, and you’ll never really get used to the sound even though you’ll learn where to go when they go off. Winters are cold, summers are hot and humid, and you’ll probably complain about both. But the spring and fall make up for it with perfect weather that will have you outside as much as possible.

The community is what makes Offutt special. People are friendly in that classic Midwestern way — the kind who will give you directions and then throw in a restaurant recommendation for good measure. It doesn’t take long to feel at home here, and you’ll find your people through schools, base activities, or even just chatting with neighbors at the farmers market.

Offutt may not sound exciting on paper, but it’s the kind of duty station that gives you more than you expected. Affordable housing, good schools, endless family activities, and a community that welcomes you in. You’ll leave with pumpkin patch traditions, zoo memberships, a favorite brewery in Benson, and probably more outdoor adventures than you ever thought Nebraska could offer. It might not have been on your dream list, but it’s a PCS you’ll be glad you got.

Written by Sydney O’Brien. Connect with me on Instagram @sydneyobrien.co or at sydneyobrien.biz.