Lincoln

The South Platte and Platte Rivers have been your companion for over 220 miles but not it is time to part. I-80 now makes a beeline for Lincoln, Nebraska's Capital, or 'Star' city. Like many state capitals, there was a lot of dissension about the selection of Lincoln - including some skullduggery. When you stop in at the Star City Visitors' Center they'll be happy to tell you all about it - and why they call Lincoln 'Star City'.
  Lincoln is a large city, over a quarter million people. Yet, despite its size, it is very much a university town. And football is KING! Another interesting tidbit of information you're dying to hear: Lincoln is only 1,150 feet above sea level. (Remember, in Wyoming we were well over 6,000 feet most of the time. Omaha is less than 1,000 feet. A certain grandson noted that Lincoln and Omaha have more people than all the rest of Nebraska, - "Is that why this end of Nebraska is so low?"

Children's Museum
  From I-80 eastbound, take exit 387, drive to the intersection of US-6, which is also 'O' Street (about 3 blocks). Turn left and follow 'O' Street to 14th Street. Turn left, go one block to 'P' Street and turn right (address: 1420 'P' Street).
  If you're westbound, take exit 401 and follow I-180 (it only goes south into town). At US-6 (Sun Valley Blvd), right in the middle of beautiful Oak Lake Park, I-180 ends and you continue on US-34. At 'R' Street, US-34 joins 10th Street. Continue to 'O' Street where US-34 goes left. You also turn left and follow 'O' Street to 14th Street. Turn left, go one block to 'P' Street and turn right.
  Seems just about every mid- to large-sized town has a children's museum. True, but around here each one is different.

Antelope Park
  Lincoln is a city of parks - some 100+ city parks just in the city. Our favorite (of the ones we glimpsed) is Antelope Park, - easy to get to and with a wide variety of facilities. When you are traveling across the country with kids you really need a safe place to stop, get out of the car and let everybody unwind (especially the driver!).
  Antelope Park is some 134 acres of green. Just follow US-34 east ('O' Street) to 27th Street, turn right (if you are east bound) and head south to the park. The first area you'll encounter is the beautiful sunken garden complete with ponds. That tall water fountain is dedicated to a virtually ignored profession -  Nebraska's teachers. Nearby is a playground and a small golf course. Of course the various kinds of sports fields are also available but these are usually occupied. The park is open from 6a to midnight and there are no admission charges.

Pioneers Park
  Another great park for traveling families looking for a fun break is Pioneers Park. Take I-80 exit 397 and head south on US-77 to the Capitol Parkway exit. Turn right at the end of the off-ramp and follow Capital Parkway, around the bend where it becomes S. Coddington Avenue. Continue south on Coddington to the Park entrance (about 1.6 miles from US-77),
  Pioneers Park is actually a wildlife sanctuary but you could consider it a miniature zoo - great for the kids. Also on the 360 acres is a good arboretum and a couple buildings with interesting wildlife exhibits. There are also some nice trails if you'd like to take a stroll in the quiet, cool green of a Nebraska forest.