Saturday Night at Hyde Observatory
2026-04-04 20:15 - 23:00 (America/Chicago) | Hyde Memorial Observatory at Holmes Park, 3701 S 70th St., Lincoln, NE, 68506, United States
Head out to the Hyde Observatory on Saturday April 4th from Sundown to 11pm. Programs include: Juno at Jupiter, Lincoln’s Spring Sky and Astro Shorts (astronomy news).
Make sure to call or check online to make sure the observatory is open, as it does close due to obstructing weather/sky conditions.

Discovery Days at The Hall of History
2026-04-05 11:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-06 10:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-07 10:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-08 10:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-09 10:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-10 10:00 - 16:30 | Boys Town Hall of History, 14057 Flanagan Blvd., Boys Town, NE, 68010, United States
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.

The Science Club at Yates Illuminates
2026-04-05 14:00 - 17:00 | Yates Illuminates, 3260 Davenport Street, Omaha, NE, 68131, United States
The Science Club is back at Yates Illuminates!

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 mhandre@yatesilluminates.org with subject (Science Club sign up), names of parents/guardians, plus names and ages of youths participating.

April Dates
4/5 (confirm when signing up)
4/12
4/25

North Platte Hatchery
2026-04-06 08:00 - 16:30, 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 | 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
2026-04-06 09:00 - 17:00, 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 | 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.

LEGO Time
2026-04-06 15:45 - 16:45 | Norfolk Public Library, 309 N 5th St., Norfolk, NE, 68701, United States
For ages 6-12, this is a fun and creative opportunity to build imaginative new projects using the library’s LEGO collection.
The library has a Safe Child Policy to help ensure a safe and fun experience for your child.
Children ages 7 and under must have a caregiver (16+ years) in the room. Children ages 8-9 need a caregiver in the building. Ages 10 and up can join independently.

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.

Snacky Science
2026-04-07 14:00 - 15:00 | Millard Branch, 13214 Westwood Ln., Omaha, NE, 68144, United States
STEM has never been so sweet! In this hands-on program, kids will explore science and engineering using tasty treats as their tools. From building with snacks to experimenting with edible creations, learning is fun when you can eat your experiments at the end!
Parents/caregivers must remain with their child(ren) for the duration of the program and are encouraged to help younger children with the activity.
This is a free event for kids 6-10. Registration is required.

Please call 402-444-4848 to register. Space is limited.

STEM: Tinker Tots
2026-04-07 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-07 18:30 - 19:30 | City of Kearney Public Library, 2020 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE, 68847, United States
Join the Kearney Public Library for a hands-on STEM program designed especially for you and your preschooler. Tinker Tots is a STEM-based learning program for children ages 2–5. Fun, playful activities will engage the mind and body as your child builds their fine motor skills and creativity.
An adult caregiver must remain with the participating child.
Please log in with your library credentials to reserve your place at this event. You may also book by phone or at your nearest library.

STEM: Build, Connect, Create
2026-04-07 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-07 18:30 - 19:30 | City of Kearney Public Library, 2020 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE, 68847, United States
Let your imagination run wild as you explore The Kearney Public Library’s collection of STEM toys. STEM is short for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. By having fun with STEM activities, children will learn concepts and gain skills that enhance their creative and scientific thinking. These activities allow kids to explore STEM concepts in an entertaining and engaging way.

Please log in with your library credentials to reserve your place at this event. You may also book by phone or at your nearest library.

Wild Edible Mushrooms of Nebraska
2026-04-07 18:30 - 20:00 | NE
Just in time to prepare for mushroom hunting season, join Conservation Nebraska and Bob Henrickson for a wild time chatting about what to look for and identify on the hunt!
Learn to identify the usual finds, recognize the ones to steer clear of, and pick up handy tips and fun facts along the way.
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Fp327NPBSv-ADp5fFAcMRQ
About the Speaker:
Bob Henrickson attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and graduated with a B.S. in Wildlife Biology in the School of Natural Resources. Currently, Bob is the Horticulture Program Coordinator with the Plant Nebraska (formally Nebraska Statewide Arboretum) Bob is also a Nebraska Certified Nurseryman and a Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture. Bob has hosted a live, call-in gardening talk show called How’s it Growin’ on a community radio station in Lincoln since 2000. He is passionate about native plants, herbs, dried flowers, vegetable gardening, wild mushrooms, and wild edible plants.

Science of…Ferns
2026-04-09 15:00 - 16:00 | NE
Ferns may seem like quiet, leafy plants, but their life cycle and adaptations are full of scientific wonder. This virtual program explores the different types of ferns found in Nebraska, how they reproduce through spores instead of seeds, and the roles they play in local ecosystems. You’ll learn how ferns survive in diverse habitats, their fascinating history dating back millions of years, and tips for spotting them in the wild.

This is a free virtual program, however, registration is required to attend. Please use this link to register: https://outdoornebraska.zoom.us/…/FyXCjT4cRaG-aQIOG7B9uw

Questions? Email monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov, or visit the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Calendar.

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.

Barn Girls NE SciFest Day
2026-04-10 11:00 - 14:00 | Barn Girls Farms, 5306 73rd Street, Ralston, NE, 68127, United States
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!
Lunch will be available to purchase.

Sharp-tailed grouse viewing at Niobrara State Park
2026-04-10 16:00 - 2026-04-12 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.
