NESciFest

Download the scavenger hunt and go out and search for science. Ten quests await you – no matter where you live in Nebraska. You have all month long, April 1-30, to complete these tasks. Tag us on social media or email us and share your completed hunt!

Visit The Hall of History Museum at Boys Town, and explore their science stations. Make your own comic books, design your own superhero outfit, learn about pottery, make a molding of a butterfly or dinosaur – to take home, and take a peek into microscopes and guess how much your brain weighs. Plus, don’t forget to stop by their “Brain Games” wall.

Feathers, Forms and Functions: Consider how the form of a bird (beak, feathers, feet) relates to the functions they do to survive and thrive in the wild.

Explore biomimicry and learn how humans take design inspiration from nature. With assistance from our partners from Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, use learned strategies to design space capsules and safely land an "astronaut." Teams will get hands-on with engineering challenges and meet a live animal ambassador to see nature’s tricks up close! This is a free event for kids ages 6-12. Registration is required.

Step inside a thriving urban farm and explore the fascinating world of microgreens, sustainable agriculture, and innovative growing techniques at this exciting Nebraska Science Festival event at Barn Girls Farms! During this open house, participants will learn how tiny seeds transform into nutrient-packed microgreens, learn about urban farming, and see firsthand how fresh food can be grown right in the heart of the city.

eCreamery staff will conduct an informative presentation on the “Science of Ice Cream and Dry Ice.” Students will be given a small tour of the facility, a lesson on how ice cream is made, a brief history of ice cream, and the differences in density and composition between gelato, sorbet and ice cream. During the dry ice presentation, they will present the chemistry of dry ice and explain density and dissipation. This event is for kids 12 and under.

This family-fun “something for everyone” event celebrates the time of year many Native peoples give thanks to the Thunder beings for providing rebirth with rain & thunder. It is also a time we celebrate the return of many migratory birds to Nebraska. So Audubon and the Indian Center are celebrating together with music, dance, food, arts, kids games and activities, and much much more. FREE and fun for all.

Enjoy a night filled with all things space! Join for hands-on activities led by museum educators and our community partners. Morrill Hall will be open late just for this event.

Join the Omaha Astronomical Society for a magical evening of stargazing at Lauritzen Gardens. Enjoy a tram ride to the rose garden, where you’ll view the gorgeous night sky through powerful telescopes. Observe distant deep-sky objects, planets, and the moon in the serene garden setting. Program is designed for ages 16 and older. Pre-registration is required at least one week in advance of the session.

Join the Nebraska Science Festival for Science Sunday from 1-2pm in April at the Omaha RiverFront by the slides. This is a free family friendly hour for you to learn about nature, astronomy, chemistry, medicine and more with hands-on science activities (while supplies last).

Kennedy Elementary School is hosting a STEAM Night on Thursday, April 16, from 5:30-7pm featuring Robotics, Urban Gardening, Water Science, NASA Nebraska stations and more! Come and enjoy awesome opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics. Food, Fun and Family time for ALL.

Come visit the Missouri River Wastewater Treatment Plant for a tour with Conservation Nebraska on April 17th from 6-8pm! The tour will provide an overview of the plant and highlight water conservation efforts. Registration Required

The night sky is one of humanity’s oldest shared treasures, yet for many people today the stars are slowly disappearing behind the glow of artificial light. In recognition of International Dark Sky Week, Branched Oak Observatory invites you to a special community screening of the powerful 30min documentary Defending the Dark on Friday, April 17th at 7:00 PM.

Join the 2026 Free Public Science Expo for fun and engaging hands-on learning opportunities for everyone. The free public expo on April 18 at The Durham Museum will be held from 9am to noon. Free admission, but tickets required.

Put on by the Society of Women Engineers at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, this event is for 8th grade students with any interest in pursuing STEM careers. Sign up and enjoy a fun day full of activities and explorations into engineering to help spark new interests!

Join the Nebraska Science Festival for Science Sunday from 1-2pm in April at the Omaha RiverFront by the slides. This is a free family friendly hour for you to learn about nature, astronomy, chemistry, medicine and more with hands-on science activities (while supplies last).

Raptors: Discover the differences between hawks, eagles, owls and more as soar in and study their senses, diet and adaptations.

After reading The Three Little Pigs, patrons will have one hour to complete this challenge: design and build a sturdy house that can withstand the “Big Bad Wolf’s” huff-and-puff wind test! At the end of the program, we’ll try out each creation to see which house stays standing strongest. This is a free program for kids 8-10. Registration is required

Come celebrate Earth Day at SCC Family Science Night featuring exciting activities, great prizes, and free food.