Nebraska Science Festival

North Platte Hatchery
2026-04-07 08:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-08 08:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-09 08:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-10 08:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-13 08:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-14 08:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-15 08:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-16 08:00 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) and 1 more date | The North Platte Fish Hatchery, 444 E State Farm Rd., North Platte, NE, 69101, United States
The North Platte Hatchery is open to the public and tours may be scheduled during normal working hours. Hatchery information is on display at the hatch house.
The North Platte Fish Hatchery opened in 1943. The facility utilizes the adjacent Nebraska Public Power District irrigation canal to feed 43 earthen ponds, water that ultimately is returned to the canal after being used for fish production.
The North Platte Hatchery produces a variety of coolwater and warmwater fish species including regular production of walleye, white bass, blue catfish and channel catfish. On demand, the hatchery also produces yellow perch, black and white crappie, wiper, striped bass, bluegill, muskellunge, tiger muskie, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, sauger and saugeye. North Platte hatchery staff also makes annual collections of walleye and white bass eggs and milt from regional water bodies.
In addition to the hatchery, this property houses the Aquatic Conservation Facility where our team conducts mussel propagation research, as well as other aquatic work.
To prevent the spread of disease and reduce stress to fish, some areas of the facility may not be open to visitation. Contact the hatchery in advance to schedule a tour.

Wings Over the Platte
2026-04-07 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-08 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-09 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-10 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-11 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-12 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-13 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-14 09:00 - 17:00 and 3 more dates | Stuhr Museum, 3133 West Highway 34, Grand Island, NE, 68801
Flowing across the heart of the Great Plains, the Platte River has long been a source of life, movement, and inspiration. Wings Over the Platte celebrates the landscapes, waterways, and wildlife that define this region through the vision of artists connected to the Platte River Valley.
From sweeping prairie horizons and ever-changing skies to intimate studies of plants, animals, and waterways, this juried exhibition captures the spirit of a place where nature and people have been intertwined for generations. Artwork in painting, photography, sculpture, and more invites visitors to experience the river not just as scenery, but as a living force that shapes Nebraska’s land, history, and community. Many works will also be available for purchase, offering a chance to take home a piece of the river’s story.
Join The Stuhr Museum in honoring the connection between art and nature, and the timeless role the Platte River plays in shaping both.

Birds of a Feather at Mahoney State Park
2026-04-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, 28500 W Park Hwy, Ashland, NE, 68003, United States
Get ready to go birding by participating in the Birds of a Feather program at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s newly renovated James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.
This is a program is intended for elementary-aged youth and chaperones. We introduce a different birding topic each session to begin the program. When weather permits, we will head outdoors for a hike or time in the birding area. The program runs approximately 60-90 minutes.
April 7 – 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.
April 21 – Raptors: Discover the differences between hawks, eagles, owls and more as soar in and study their senses, diet and adaptations.
Registration is required.

Shells to Shuttles
2026-04-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Millard Branch, 13214 Westwood Ln., Omaha, NE, 68144, United States
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.
Please call 402-444-4848 to register. Space is limited.

Sharp-tailed grouse viewing at Niobrara State Park
2026-04-10 16:00 - 2026-04-12 11:00, 2026-04-17 16:00 - 2026-04-19 11:00 | Niobrara State Park, 89261 522 Ave, Niobrara, NE, 68760-6087, United States
Experience the natural wonder of the sharp-tailed grouse mating dance from a grouse viewing blind at Niobrara State Park! This sunrise ritual is an ancient and glorious display from one of Nebraska’s most famous grassland birds.
Reservations
Reserve the viewing blind (free of charge) any time between March 1 and May 1, with peak viewing between March 7 and April 20. The large trailer blind can hold up to 12 guests (up to 10 comfortably). In addition, there are two small pop-up blinds available upon request for those with bigger cameras and camera stands that won’t fit in the trailer blind. Blinds are first come, first serve by reservation only. Book your spots by calling the park office at 402-857-3373.
A 2026 state park vehicle permit is required for park entry.

Little Learners: Seasonal Science
2026-04-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N., Bellevue, NE, 68005, United States
Join Fontenelle Forest for their new program learning what happens in the forest as the seasons change – Little Learners: Seasonal Science! You’ll discuss what animals do as the seasons change, and explore science stations focused on winter, spring, or fall. Plus, you’ll go on a hike looking for snowflakes, spring shoots, or falling leaves, and make your own seasonal craft to take home!

This program is geared for young children ages 7 and under. One caregiver is admitted free with their child’s registration; additional adults pay daily admission upon arrival. Caregivers are required to stay for the program. Hike will be weather-dependent, but please ensure your little learner is dressed appropriately!

This program is $10 for Members and $25 for Non-members.

Pre-registration is required. Members must sign in to receive discount which will appear in the shopping cart.

Questions or need assistance? Call the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center at 402-731-3140 or email info@fontenelleforest.org.

Return of the THUNDERBIRDS
2026-04-11 11:00 - 15:00 | Indian Center, 1100 Military Road, Lincoln, NE, 68508, United States
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.
FREE and fun for all.

Wetlands Bird Walk
2026-04-12 09:00 - 10:30 | Fontenelle Forest Wetlands, 103 Camp Gifford Road, Bellevue, NE, 68005, United States
Grab your binoculars and join Fontenelle Forest for a Naturalist guided hike through the Wetlands in search of Pileated Woodpeckers and migratory birds making their way through the Forest in the early spring! Waterfowl move through the Forest early in the year, and other small songbirds start to appear as plants start to grow and bloom. Woodpeckers also start nesting, making loud calls and displays.
The program will be from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM, traversing through easy to moderate terrain.  Be prepared with layers, bug spray, good walking footwear, and a water bottle. Bringing binoculars is encouraged; extra binoculars will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note there are no facilities at the Wetlands, so plan accordingly.
This program is $10 for members and $25 for non-members (price includes daily admission). Pre-registration is required.  Members must sign in to receive discount.

Science Sunday
2026-04-12 13:00 - 14:00 | Omaha RiverFront, 1001 Douglas Street, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
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)

Wise & Wild at Mahoney State Park
2026-04-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, 28500 W Park Hwy, Ashland, NE, 68003, United States
Nature enthusiasts ages 18+ are invited to attend the Wise & Wild program on select Tuesdays at 10 a.m. at Eugene T. Mahoney’s newly renovated James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.
This program is designed for adults who love the outdoors and want to enjoy time in the parks. We will share a variety of nature-related topics with activities indoors and out. Join us on your own or bring along friends of any age. Free program.
April 14 – Bird Mist-Netting: Observe the process of mist-netting, a tool used to catch and band birds for research. Get up close and learn about local bird species.

Owls & Old Fashioneds
2026-04-15 18:00 - 19:00 | Mercury, 329 S 16th St #3, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
Do you love Owls? Do you love Old Fashioneds? Have you ever thought it would be fun to drink old fashioneds and talk about owls? Well, this is the event for you!

Join Fontenelle Forest as they bring some very special feathered guests to talk all things owls. Come see these glorious creatures up close and personal – just please no touching.
While learning and looking at owls, Mercury will provide three old fashioned samples, with one featuring bourbon aged with that oak from the forest. Samplers cost $15.
Tickets are required.
