Nebraska Science Festival

Snacky Science
2026-04-18 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch, 2100 Reading Plz., Elkhorn, NE, 68022, 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!
Allergy Alert: Candy will be used during this program. Ingredients may include or come into contact with common allergens such as milk, soy, wheat, nuts, or peanuts.
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 402-289-4367 to register.

Cooking Workshop with No More Empty Pots
2026-04-18 13:00 - 14:00 | W. Clarke Swanson Branch, 9101 W. Dodge Rd., Omaha, NE, 68114, United States
Come enjoy a cooking demonstration with No More Empty Pots to learn skills such as nutrition, teamwork, and food safety. The session will feature local, seasonal and garden fresh foods.
This free event is open to adults and children aged 5 and up. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Registration is required. Please call 402-444-4852 or email sl-managers@omahalibrary.org to sign up. Please include your name, the number of participants you’d like to register, and your contact information.

Wings Over the Platte
2026-04-19 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-20 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-21 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-22 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-23 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.

Discovery Days at The Hall of History
2026-04-19 11:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-20 10:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-21 10:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-22 10:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-23 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.

Science Sunday
2026-04-19 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)

Spring Wildflower Walk
2026-04-19 14:00 - 15:30 | Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N., Bellevue, NE, 68005, United States
Embrace the natural beauty of the Forest at Fontenelle Forest’s Spring Wildflower Walk. Their Naturalist Educator will lead you on a hike to discover some spring wildflowers such as Spring Beauties, Bloodroot, and Dutchman’s Breeches. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a first-time explorer of spring wildflowers, this program offers an opportunity to witness the fleeting beauty of spring.

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.

North Platte Hatchery
2026-04-20 08:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-21 08:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-22 08:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-23 08:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-24 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.

Birds of a Feather at Mahoney State Park
2026-04-21 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.

Genealogy Quest
2026-04-21 14:00 - 15:00 | City of Kearney Public Library, 2020 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE, 68847, United States
If you love digging into your ancestral past, this is the study hall for you! Use the Kearney Public Library‘s resources to help you in your quest. This class won’t teach you what to do, but volunteers from the Buffalo County Historical Society and library staff will be there to give assistance when needed. So, if you enjoy delving into your ancestry but haven’t been finding time to work on it — come search with us!
This study hall is a partnership between the library and Buffalo County Historical Society, and meets in the Maker Space.

Talon Talk: Birds of Prey
2026-04-21 17:30 - 18:30 | City of Kearney Public Library, 2020 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE, 68847, United States
Join Nature’s Educators to meet and learn about 4 different birds of prey at the Kearney Public Library! Find out what they eat, where they live, special adaptations, and even have the chance to see one in flight. Be sure to bring your camera and inquiring mind!
Please be mindful that movement and noise agitates the raptors. Attending this program requires the patron to sit still for one hour. Because of this, the presentation is geared for ages 8 and older.
Bookings for this event open on March 1 at 9:00 AM at the Kearney Library (in person or via phone).

Storybook STEM Challenge
2026-04-21 18:00 - 19:00 | Milton R. Abrahams Branch, 5111 N. 90th St., Omaha, NE, 68134, United States
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. Please call (402) 444-6284 to register.
Parents/caregivers must remain with their child(ren) for the duration of the program.

Rethinking Your Lawn
2026-04-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Hastings Museum, 1330 N Burlington Ave., Hastings, NE, 68901, United States
Looking for a beautiful yard that’s easier to maintain and built to thrive in Nebraska’s changing climate?
Join Conservation Nebraska and Rita Brhel, the Horticulture Aide with Nebraska Extension in Adams County, on April 21st from 6:00–7:30 PM in the Abbott Room at the Hastings Museum!
Explore ornamental plants, shrubs, and trees that can withstand drought while supporting pollinators and beneficial wildlife. Learn how incorporating native plants can create a more climate- and pest-resilient landscape that saves time, water, and effort!
This event is free and open to the public. There will be snacks and drinks available.
Let us know you’re coming in advance: https://secure.ngpvan.com/6rVE4Vl70EqIPn0O-iP8jw2
About the speaker:
Rita Bhrel coordinates the Master Gardener program and provides community education on trees, lawns, and gardening. She also shares horticulture guidance through local publications and community resources. Rita holds a B.S. in Agricultural Communications from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and is a certified Extension Master Gardener.

Bats Over Omaha
2026-04-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Omaha RiverFront, 1001 Douglas Street, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
Every year, Nebraska Wildlife Rehab (NWR) rescues and rehabilitates over 7,000 injured or orphaned native animals from across the state of Nebraska. That includes squirrels, raccoons, birds, bobcats, beavers – and many other animals! One of the most beloved patients are native bats that come into their care over the course of the winter, and every spring these bats get to spread their wings and fly free in the wild again. For the past 15 years, NWR has welcomed the public to join them to enjoy the spectacle of their flight for Bats Over Omaha, a family-friendly event that includes children’s activities, food trucks, educational tables & the stars of the show – our native Nebraska bats!
Be sure to stop by the NE SciFest booth prior to the release.

Lyrids Meteor Shower Viewing
2026-04-21 20:30 - 22:30 | Neale Woods, 14323 Edith Marie Ave., Omaha, NE, United States
Come experience the thrill of watching the Lyrids Meteor Shower at Neale Woods!
The event will begin with a brief evening hike on dirt-packed trails through the prairie and forest. Then as night falls, watch for shooting stars while learning about meteor showers, seasonal constellations, and general astronomy. Members of the Omaha Astronomical Society will be available to share their expertise (and telescopes) during the program.
This event will run from 8:30 to 10:30 PM. Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather, wear good walking shoes, and bring a water bottle. Please bring a folding chair or blanket to sit on while stargazing and be ready to hike a short distance on easy to moderate terrain with your chair to the meteor shower viewing area.
This program is $10 for Members and $25 for Non-members. Pre-registration is required.

Homeschool Hikes at Schramm
2026-04-22 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-04-23 13:00 - 14:30 | Schramm Education Center, 21502 West Highway 31, Gretna, NE, 68028, United States
Homeschool Hikes is a monthly nature exploration program hosted by the Schramm Education Center geared towards homeschool families. Each month, families can join a naturalist for a guided hike on the Schramm Park State Recreation Area hiking trails. During the program, participants will ask questions, draw, observe, and make discoveries in nature. Participants will have the opportunity to observe local phenomena, plants, and animals while exploring concepts such as patterns, cause and effect, and structure and function.
The cost to participate is $5 per person per program (adult and children are same price). This includes admission to the Schramm Education Center after the program. Schramm Family Pass members participate free. This program is recommended for ages 5 and up. Please register in advance so we can estimate attendance numbers: https://arcg.is/1HO45W0 .
Participants should dress in season-appropriate layers and wear closed-toed shoes that can get dirty. Hats and water bottles are recommended. The day of the program, come to the Schramm Education Center and check in and pay at the front desk upon arrival.

Cold Waters, Failing Systems: Lessons in Hypothermia from the Titanic
2026-04-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Kiewit Luminarium, 345 Riverfront Drive, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
Join Geoffrey Talmon, MD, professor in the UNMC Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, as he presents, “Cold Waters, Failing Systems: Lessons in Hypothermia from the Titanic,” at 6pm on April 22 in the Field Room of the Kiewit Luminarium in conjunction with their exhibit, “Finding Titanic: The Secret Mission.”
Dr. Talmon also serves as senior associate dean for medical education in the College of Medicine, overseeing the curriculum. In that role, he manages all graduate, undergraduate and external clinical teaching activities.
He also was the first to hold the James Linder Distinguished Residency Director Chair and was the inaugural director of the UNMC Interprofessional Academy of Educators.
Dr. Talmon has more than 110 peer-reviewed publications, along with multiple book chapters and dozens of invited presentations. He co-edited the book, “Mind the Gap: Generational Differences in Medical Education,” which was the first work dedicated to managing intergenerational conflict in medical education.
He is past president of the Nebraska Association of Pathologists and a member of the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Certification and National Board of Medical Examiners.
Before the talk, be sure to experience the story of the Titanic like never before at the Kiewit Luminarium, as they host their first ever major traveling exhibition: “Finding Titanic: The Secret Mission.” Uncover hidden history once shrouded in secrecy. See real objects from the Titanic. Explore the breakthrough innovations that made the impossible possible. And relive the emotion of one of history’s most unforgettable discoveries.
The museum is open until 7pm with discounted admission on April 22.

City Nature Challenge Lincoln-Lancaster
2026-04-24 - 2026-04-30 | Lancaster County, Lincoln, NE, United States
There is nature all around us! Knowing what species are in our city and where they are helps us study and protect them. The ONLY way to do that is by all of us – scientists, land managers, and the community – working together to find and document the nature in our area.
By participating in the City Nature Challenge, not only do you learn more about your local nature, but you can also make your community a better place – for you and other species.
If you live in Lincoln-Lancaster County, you can join cities from around the world in documenting the wildlife that calls our urban environments home during the annual City Nature Challenge!
Make observations to iNaturalist- April 24th-27th
Help us ID observations on iNaturalist- April 28th-May 13th
