The Nebraska Science Festival is a multi-day celebration designed to make science fun for kids and adults alike. Enjoy a wide variety of events for all ages, including many with FREE or discounted admission!
The Nebraska Science Festival will be held April 1 – 30, 2026. Check out the schedule of events for talks and workshops offered throughout the month.
It is always a good idea to verify the event information as details may change.
Highlights of the 2026 NE Scifest Include:
1. NE SciFest Challenges – April 1 – 30 – FREE
- NE SciFest is challenging everyone in Nebraska to show their love of science, art, writing, and trivia.
2. Discover Days at The Hall of History – April 1 – 30 – FREE
- 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. Free admission. The Hall of History is open Monday through Saturday from 10am until 4:30pm and on Sundays from 11am until 4pm.
- Location: Boys Town Hall of History – 14057 Flanagan Blvd, Boys Town, NE 68010
3. April 5th,12th, 25th – Science Club at Yates Illuminates – 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. – FREE
- Free and open to youth ages 4–16, this is a space to explore, build, experiment, and learn together. Sessions take place on select Sundays this spring, with a couple of special Saturday dates added in.
- If you have a young inventor at home, you can have them join by emailing Marie Helene at [email protected] with subject (Science Club sign up), names of parents/guardians, plus names and ages of youths participating.
- Location: Yates Illuminates – 3260 Davenport St, Omaha, NE 68131
4. Activities at Omaha Public Libraries – FREE
- Exciting activities include: (Some require advanced registration as space is limited.)
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- Apr 7th – Millard Branch
- Apr 11th – Florence Branch
- Apr 18th – Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch
- May 12th – Central Library
- May 21st – Saddlebrook Branch
- May 23rd – Downtown Branch
- Apr 18th – Cooking Workshop with No More Empty Pots – Swanson Branch [REGISTER]
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5. April 10th – Barn Girls NE SciFest Day – 11:00am-2:00pm
- 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.
- This interactive experience is perfect for curious minds of all ages. Come grow your knowledge, taste the freshness, and see how science is helping communities cultivate a healthier future — one tiny green at a time!
- Location: Barn Girls Farms – 5306 73rd St, Ralston, NE 68127
6. April 11th – Return of the THUNDERBIRDS – 11:00am-3:00pm – FREE
- Come out to the Indian Center, Inc. in Lincoln for this cross-cultural community event celebrating the return of rain, thunder, spring, and bird migration on Saturday, April 11.
- 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.
- Location: Indian Center – 1100 Military Rd, Lincoln, NE 68508
7. April 11th – Science of Ice Cream and Dry Ice – 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – FREE [REGISTER RSVP to [email protected]]
- 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, discover the chemistry of dry ice and explain density and dissipation.
- For children ages 12 and younger. RSVP to [email protected].
- Location: eCreamery Ice Cream & Gelato – 5001 Underwood Ave., Omaha, NE
8. April 11th – Seward Storm Spotter Training Session & Preparedness Fair – 10:00am – 2:00 p.m. – FREE
- National Weather Service meteorologists, in collaboration with local emergency management officials, will offer several in-person severe storm spotter training courses in the spring of 2026 to build your skills in spotting and reporting severe weather! These training sessions are free and open to the public, and all ages are welcome (but age 10 and up will probably get the most out of it)! These sessions will bring a greater understanding of severe storm features, safety around severe storms, how to report important weather information, and will do it all through an exciting combination of videos, photos, and discussion!
- Preparedness fair runs from 10 AM to 2 PM. Storm spotter training will take place at 1 PM.
- Location: Seward County Ag Pavilion – 430 N 15th St, Seward, NE 68434
9. April 11th – Night Skies at Lauritzen Gardens – 8:30pm – 10:30pm – $30
- 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.
- Cost per session: $30 | Garden members receive 20% off.
- Location: Lauritzen Gardens – 100 Bancroft St, Omaha, NE 68108
10. April 11th & 12th – Metropolitan Community College Science Day – 11:00am-3:00pm – FREE
- Stop by Metropolitan Community College (Nebraska) South Omaha Campus, Mahoney building, on April 11 from 11am until 3pm, for exciting hands-on activities (with new ones added every year), which encompass a variety of science disciplines including physics, chemistry and biology.
- This event is free and open to all!
- Location: Metropolitan Community College – 2909 Edward Babe Gomez Ave, Omaha, NE 68107
11. April 11th & 12th – Metropolitan Science and Engineering Fair Project Expo – Included with Admission
- Celebrate STEM research conducted by area middle school and high school students! Kiewit Luminarium and Lauritzen Gardens will display some of the award-winning project boards from the 47th annual Metropolitan Science and Engineering Fair that was held March 27. Included with admission to each location.
- Location: Kiewit Luminarium & Lauritzen Gardens
12. April 12th, 19th, 26th – Science Sunday at The RiverFront – 1:00pm – 2:00pm – FREE
- 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).
- Science Sunday Activities:
- April 12 – Pi Bracelet Making
- April 19 – Constellation Making
- April 26 – Seed balls (please note we will be moving to the Lewis & Clark Landing for the Earth Day celebration on this day)
- Location: Omaha RiverFront
13. April 16th – Kennedy STEAM Family Night – 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – FREE
- 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.
- Location: Howard Kennedy Elementary School – 2906 N 30th St, Omaha, NE 68111
14. April 18th – NE SciFest Public Expo – 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – FREE (Ticket Required; space is limited)
- Join us at 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.
- Location: The Durham Museum – 801 S. 10th St., Omaha, NE.
15. April 25th – Lincoln Earth Day – 10:00am-2:00pm – FREE
- The Lincoln Earth Day Celebration is an annual celebration in Lincoln, Nebraska. The exciting community event has approximately 2,500 attendees annually and their Coalition wants you to join in the fun. There will be dozens of booths that all promote, educate, and celebrate environmental stewardship, green education, and sustainable living.
- Grab your friends, families and coworkers and join us for this year’s environmental education and family fun!
- Location: Nebraska Innovation Campus – 2021 Transformation Dr, Lincoln, NE 68508
16. April 25th – Earth Day Omaha 2026 – 11:00am-4:00pm – FREE
- A celebration of our planet and a commitment to sustainability, Earth Day Omaha brings together community members, organizations, and businesses to showcase their dedication to the environment.
- With a variety of educational exhibits, interactive activities, and informative presentations, attendees will learn about the importance of reducing waste, conserving energy, and preserving our natural resources. From local food trucks to environmental demos, Earth Day Omaha 2026 promises to be a fun-filled day for the whole family!
- Location: Elmwood Park – 6232 Pacific St, Omaha, NE 68106
17. April 26th – Earth Day at The RiverFront – 12:00pm-3:00 p.m. – FREE
- Earth Day at The RiverFront will be a fun, Earth-friendly day of festivities along the Missouri River. Please join us along the RiverFront Promenade and at the Riverfront Plaza in Lewis and Clark Landing for information booths, sustainability activities, terra cotta pot painting, giveaways, a clothing drive, and live music. and more.
- Science Sunday will move locations, from the slides to the plaza, to participate from 1-2pm in this event.
- Location: Riverfront Plaza in Lewis and Clark Landing
18. The Fred G. Dale Planetarium – Date & Times Vary – $3 – $5
- Doors open 20 minutes prior to the start of a show. Planetarium shows generally include a tour of the current night sky, a view of the constellations, and a full-dome video. All shows last about 45 minutes.
- April Planetarium Shows:
- April 3: Living Worlds
- April 4: STARS
- April 10: Liquidverse
- April 11 & 24: Edge of Darkness
- April 17 & 18: Dynamic Earth & Living Worlds
- April 25: Tales of a Time Traveler
- Admission: $3-$5
- Location: The Fred G Dale Planetarium – 14300 NW 98th St., Raymond, NE
Find many more fun activities during the Nebraska Science Festival here!
Find more April Fun: Best April Events
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