Nebraska Science Festival

Growing Medicine with Lakota Made
2025-04-05 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Kiewit Luminarium, 345 Riverfront Drive, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
Megan Bull Bear, owner of Lakota Made, will visit the Kiewit Luminarium with an interactive experience exploring practices of growing and tending to medicinal plants. Megan will share traditional Indigenous insights into a variety of plants, their medicinal benefits, and practices of building relationships with the natural world. The discussion will highlight the importance of food sovereignty, urban gardening, and community sustainability. The Luminarium will have a selection of seeds to take home so you can practice what you’ve learned and begin growing your own medicinal garden!

This workshop is open to anyone interested in sustainable living, herbal medicine, and urban gardening – no prior gardening experience is necessary.

This event is included with any daily admission ticket or with a membership.

Mad Science Café
2025-04-05 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | NMEP Food Hub, 8501 N. 30th St., Omaha, NE, 68112, United States
Join No More Empty Pots and NE SciFest for a Mad Science Cafe on April 5 from 2-4pm. Participants will learn how to make their own drink syrups in a variety of flavors, and use those to create drink elements including a milk tea, fruit tea, and sparkling tea, tapioca and popping boba, flavored cold foams, and even some fanciful homemade garnishes.
Customize your own drink and then mix up some unusual snacks with roasted bugs, one of the most overlooked and most sustainable sources of protein! We can’t wait to welcome you for a wacky and delightful afternoon of kitchen experiments.
Allergies/Dietary: We will have non-dairy milk options available. Those with shellfish allergies or who are vegan will not be able to eat the bug snacks. Boba will be vegan-friendly.
*UNDER 14 WITH PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN
Space is limited, registration required.
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Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects®
2025-04-06 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108
BUILD a great garden adventure during Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects®: Made with LEGO® Bricks all month long at Lauritzen Gardens. This exhibit celebrates the beauty of nature but also emphasizes the delicate connections that exist between all living things. Marvel at 18 larger-than-life sculptures built from more than 275,000 LEGO® bricks, including a majestic monarch butterfly, a hovering hummingbird, a sly fox, and more! Ignite your imagination, make your own brick-built creations, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the relationships and connections that sustain our ecosystems.
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Our Wildflowers by Betni Kalk
2025-04-06 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108
“Our Wildflowers” is a collection of paintings by Betni Kalk that are inspired by wildflowers from Nebraska and beyond. The exhibit, at Lauritzen Gardens, features vibrant depictions of the insects that rely on these flowers, tranquil tree groupings framed by sunlight, and dramatic cloudscapes that hover over the Nebraska landscape. Each piece invites viewers to connect with the beauty of nature and the delicate ecosystems that surround us.
ARTIST BIO
Bethany “Betni” Kalk is an artist, designer, muralist, advocate of community art and professor of art and design. She was born in Canada and at age three her missionary parents moved the family to Papua New Guinea (PNG) where they lived for 10 years. She lived in the States for high school, college and graduate school where she studied graphic design, painting, and drawing. When not teaching, she explores the natural landscapes of other countries, and visits different regions of the U.S. to and from artist residencies.
She has exhibited in numerous locations including Lexington, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, New York, Omaha and San Francisco. She has received numerous grants and residencies around the U.S. including Sitka Center, San Juan National Forest, the Anderson Center and the Pine Needles Program through the Science Museum of Minnesota.
She currently lives in Omaha, NE with her partner and two children where she teaches graphic design at Creighton University in the Computer Science, Design and Journalism Dept.
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Nebraska SciFest SUN-Day at Branched Oak Observatory
2025-04-06 12:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Branched Oak Observatory, 14300 NW 98th St., Raymond, NE, 68428, United States
In collaboration with NE SciFest, we are pleased to offer “Nebraska SciFest SUN-Day at Branched Oak Observatory.” While you visit Branched Oak Observatory you also get to do what you were always told what NOT to do… look at the Sun! With our special White Light and Hydrogen Alpha Telescopes, you will have a chance to see Sunspots, Solar Prominences, Granulation, Filaments, and so much more on the surface of our closest star… the Sun.
Note: Solar viewing is dependent on the weather.

Admission is $5 per person.
No Registration
Arrive Anytime Between the Times Given
Stay for the Entire Event or As Long As You Want
No Park Permit Required

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Science Sunday
2025-04-06 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | 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, next to 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 6 – Tin Foil Watercolor Eggs

April 13 – Seed Bombs

April 27 – Make your own Constellation *we will be down by the Kiewit Luminarium at The RiverFront for ‘Earth Day at The RiverFront’ on this Sunday

Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects®
2025-04-07 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-08 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-09 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-10 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-13 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108
BUILD a great garden adventure during Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects®: Made with LEGO® Bricks all month long at Lauritzen Gardens. This exhibit celebrates the beauty of nature but also emphasizes the delicate connections that exist between all living things. Marvel at 18 larger-than-life sculptures built from more than 275,000 LEGO® bricks, including a majestic monarch butterfly, a hovering hummingbird, a sly fox, and more! Ignite your imagination, make your own brick-built creations, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the relationships and connections that sustain our ecosystems.

Wildcat Tales
2025-04-08 10:00 - 17:00 (America/Denver) | Wildcat Hills Nature Center, 210615 Highway 71, Gering, NE, 69341, United States
The Wildcat Hills preschool programs will meet once a month at 10am MT at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center. Certified staff will lead various programs that include a story, hands-on activities and themed lesson. Activities will focus hands-on learning and observations, specifically targeted for early learners’ ages 2-6 years.
April 8, 2025– Flower Power: Let’s explore the different parts of a flower, how they grow and their partnership with pollinators!
A valid Nebraska Game and Park Entry Permit will be required for this FREE program. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Staff reserves the right to cancel or reschedule programs due to unforeseen circumstances.
Please contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777 for more information or if you are in need of special accommodations for these programs.

Wise & Wild at the James Family Conservatory
2025-04-08 14:30 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, 28500 W Park Hwy, Ashland, NE, 68003, United States
Nature enthusiasts ages 55+ are invited to attend the Wise & Wild program on April 8 at 2:30 p.m. at Eugene T. Mahoney’s newly renovated James Family Conservatory and Nature Center. This program is designed for seniors 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 8 – Iris Varieties: Join us for an iris identification hike. We’ll talk about varieties of the flower and walk through the iris garden.

Nature After Dark
2025-04-08 16:15 - 17:15 (America/Chicago) | City of Kearney Public Library, 2020 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE, 68847, United States
Join Nature’s Educators at the Kearney Public Library to meet real, live animal ambassadors that venture into the night. Find out what these incredible animals eat, where they live, how they survive, and how we can help them. Bring your cameras and inquiring minds!
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.

Nebraska’s Big Butterfly Count Virtual Training Workshop
2025-04-08 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | NE
Do you love butterflies? Are you a community member interested in conservation and science? Then join us for Nebraska’s Big Butterfly Count Virtual Training Workshop
Nebraska’s Big Butterfly Count is a community science project that is designed to collect statewide data in order to better understand butterfly diversity across Nebraska. During this virtual workshop you will learn about community science, how to identify eastern/central Nebraska butterfly species, and how you can contribute to Nebraska’s Big Butterfly Count. Participants will receive project resources, guidance, and support from community science project leaders.
We are looking for dedicated volunteers that are willing to conduct a survey at least once every other week, from May 1st through September 30th.
*Attendance on both dates and one associated field day is required to participate in this project*
This workshop is FREE to attend. Register HERE.
For questions please contact jamie.bachmann@nebraska.gov or brianna.nugent@nebraska.gov
This community science project is in collaboration with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Nebraska Master Naturalist, and the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project.
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Wonderful Worms
2025-04-08 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Millard Branch, 13214 Westwood Ln., Omaha, NE, 68144, United States
Help the Omaha Public Library celebrate slippery, slimy, wonderful worms! This special storytime will feature books and songs all about wiggly worms. At the conclusion of storytime, stay and observe real worms. If real worms make you squirm, don’t worry, worm-themed crafts will be available.
All supplies included. While supplies last.
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Nerd Nite Omaha
2025-04-08 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Saro Cider Lounge, 1012 S 10th St., Omaha, NE, 68108, United States
Nerd Nite is grounded in this super nerdy, highly engaging, fun approach to learning. A Nerd Nite talk isn’t a lecture, a symposium, or a conference preso — it’s the slightly tipsy second cousin to those.

There are three awesome talks lined up for the April event:

Drug Discovery & Research by Dr. Corey Hopkins
NASA, Mars & the Secret to Life by John Beck-Hofmann
Inside NASA’s Social Media Revolution: My MAVEN Mission Experience by Margie Sturgeon

GROBigRed Virtual Learning Series: Trees to Plant and Trees to Avoid
2025-04-09 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | NE
Choosing the perfect tree for your landscape is more than just a decision, it’s a long-term investment that can transform your outdoor space! With so many factors to consider it’s essential to know what makes a tree thrive and what can hold your landscape back. Discover key factors you need to consider when selection a tree and learn which ones to avoid for a stunning, hassle-free landscape that lasts for years to come with Elizabeth Exstrom, Extension Educator.
Register here.
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Well Elderly Group Education
2025-04-09 13:00 - 15:15 (America/Chicago) | UNMC’s Engage Wellness Medical Fitness Center, 730 South 38th Avenue, Omaha, NE, 68105, United States
EngAge Wellness is looking for adults to join our first year UNMC occupational therapy students as they lead free 30 min group intervention sessions. We welcome you to join one or all sessions and provide a few minutes of valuable feedback to the students to help them become better practitioners.

The group topics include: “Aging, Health, and Occupation,” “Social Relationships,” & “Safety.”

To sign up, stop by or call the EngAge Wellness Center at 402.552.7210.

Nebraska’s Big Butterfly Count Virtual Training Workshop
2025-04-10 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | NE
Do you love butterflies? Are you a community member interested in conservation and science? Then join us for Nebraska’s Big Butterfly Count Virtual Training Workshop
Nebraska’s Big Butterfly Count is a community science project that is designed to collect statewide data in order to better understand butterfly diversity across Nebraska. During this virtual workshop you will learn about community science, how to identify eastern/central Nebraska butterfly species, and how you can contribute to Nebraska’s Big Butterfly Count. Participants will receive project resources, guidance, and support from community science project leaders.
We are looking for dedicated volunteers that are willing to conduct a survey at least once every other week, from May 1st through September 30th.
*Attendance on both dates and one associated field day is required to participate in this project*
This workshop is FREE to attend. Register HERE.
For questions please contact jamie.bachmann@nebraska.gov or brianna.nugent@nebraska.gov
This community science project is in collaboration with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Nebraska Master Naturalist, and the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project.
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Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects®
2025-04-11 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108
BUILD a great garden adventure during Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects®: Made with LEGO® Bricks all month long at Lauritzen Gardens. This exhibit celebrates the beauty of nature but also emphasizes the delicate connections that exist between all living things. Marvel at 18 larger-than-life sculptures built from more than 275,000 LEGO® bricks, including a majestic monarch butterfly, a hovering hummingbird, a sly fox, and more! Ignite your imagination, make your own brick-built creations, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the relationships and connections that sustain our ecosystems.
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Wonderful Worms
2025-04-11 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | South Omaha Library, 2808 Q St., Omaha, NE, 68107, United States
Help the Omaha Public Library celebrate slippery, slimy, wonderful worms! This special storytime will feature books and songs all about wiggly worms. At the conclusion of storytime, stay and observe real worms. If real worms make you squirm, don’t worry, worm-themed crafts will be available.
All supplies included. While supplies last.

Petals and Pollinators: Sip and Celebrate Pollinators of the Prairie
2025-04-11 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | NMEP Food Hub, 8501 N. 30th St., Omaha, NE, 68112, United States
Do you want to see more pollinators on the prairie? Do you wonder what plants and produce can you add to your garden spaces as an invitation to these small but mighty creatures?
Join No More Empty Pots for an evening of pollinator planning tips and suggestions from experts in the field on April 11 from 5-7pm. Cian Hassovic, an artist, conservationist, and educator currently serving as the AmeriCorps Conservation Director at Conservation Nebraska, will be joining to share his extensive knowledge, and Nancy Scott, from Milkweed Matter, will be discussing the work her group is doing to protect the Monarchs.
We will begin the evening with a hands-on garden mocktail workshop in which we will experiment with a variety of herbs to make colorful and unique beverages. There will also be a presentation on the importance of pollinators and the opportunity to create your own seed ball.
You’ll also learn about plants that attract pollinators & design your own collage to help you plan your pollinator-friendly garden.
Feel free to bring your own seeds to swap and share.
Registration required. Anyone under 14 must have a guardian present.
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Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects®
2025-04-12 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108
BUILD a great garden adventure during Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects®: Made with LEGO® Bricks all month long at Lauritzen Gardens. This exhibit celebrates the beauty of nature but also emphasizes the delicate connections that exist between all living things. Marvel at 18 larger-than-life sculptures built from more than 275,000 LEGO® bricks, including a majestic monarch butterfly, a hovering hummingbird, a sly fox, and more! Ignite your imagination, make your own brick-built creations, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the relationships and connections that sustain our ecosystems.
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Little Learners: Seasonal Science
2025-04-12 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N., Bellevue, NE, 68005, United States
Looking to explore the seasons with your little learner? Join Fontenelle Forest for our new program learning what happens in the forest as the seasons change – Little Learners: Seasonal Science! We’ll discuss what animals do as the seasons change, and explore science stations focused on the spring or fall. Join us on a hike looking for 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. Caregivers are required to stay for the program. Dress for the weather for our hike traversing easy terrain.

Date: April 12th, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Fontenelle Forest Nature Center
Program Fee: 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.

The Seed Life Span with No More Empty Pots
2025-04-12 10:30 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Kiewit Luminarium, 345 Riverfront Drive, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
Did you know that hydroponic farming is an indoor growing method that uses a nutrient-rich water solution instead of soil?

Experts in hydroponics from No More Empty Pots, a Kiewit Luminarium program partner, will guide guests through the stages of hydroponic growing – including the chance to see the harvesting of mature plants grown inside the Luminarium! Hydroponic farming has several benefits. It maximizes space, uses less water, and is more predictable than traditional farming due to its controlled environment. Learn how rural and urban farmers are using this method now and how it may play an even bigger role in the future.

This event is included with any daily admission ticket or with a membership.

Incredible Edible Landfill
2025-04-12 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Milton R. Abrahams Branch, 5111 N. 90th St., Omaha, NE, 68134, United States
Have you ever wondered what happens once you throw something into the trash can? How important is recycling? Join the Omaha Public Library as they explore these issues in a fun (and tasty) way! Participants will use pudding, candy, cookies, cereal, and other tasty treats to create an edible landfill.
This program contains allergens such as wheat, milk, eggs, soy and tree nuts. However, the treat can be made without all the ingredients for children that still want to participate.
This is a free event for children ages 7-12. Registration is required and opens March 15. Please call 402-444-6284 to register.
Parents/caregivers must remain in the building with their child(ren) for the duration of the program.

Author Visit: Geo Rutherford
2025-04-12 14:30 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | A.V. Sorensen Branch, 4808 Cass St., Omaha, NE, 68132, United States
Learn about the haunted hydrology from author, artist, and educator Geo Rutherford! Please join Geo, author of “Spooky Lakes,” on April 12 at 2:30pm at the AV Sorensen Branch, for a discussion about strange waters, environmental issues, Great Lakes oddities and other wet mysteries. A Q&A will follow.
Registration is encouraged, but not required.
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Science Sunday
2025-04-13 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | 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. 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 6 – Tin Foil Watercolor Eggs

April 13 – Seed Bombs

April 27 – Make your own Constellation

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The Science Club at Yates Illuminates
2025-04-13 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Yates Illuminates, 3260 Davenport Street, Omaha, NE, 68131, United States
The Science Club at Yates Illuminates will meet on Sunday, April 13, from 2-5pm, for a hands on session on plants and photosynthesis.
All young curious learners, ages 4-16, are welcome to attend with parents/caretakers. Participants will also have a chance to have a look at the hydroponic growing system!
While this event is free, please confirm participation to MHAndre@Yatesilluminates.org.
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