Explore Omaha Children’s Museum – Hands-On Learning & Play For Kids Under 10
Explore science, art, and pretend play in a kid-friendly setting. Omaha Children’s Museum offers indoor and outdoor fun with live events all year.
Jul 15, 2025176 Shares4K Views
Location & Overview
Omaha Children’s Museum is located at 500 South 20th Street in downtown Omaha, Nebraska. It is a nonprofit educational center designed to inspire learning in young children through hands-on experiences. The museum was founded in 1976 by a group of educators and volunteers. In 1989, it moved into its permanent home—a 60,000-square-foot building that offers indoor and outdoor learning spaces. It has grown to become one of the most visited children’s museums in the Midwest and welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Mission & History
The museum’s main goal is to make learning fun and interactive for kids. It started as a traveling exhibit that visited schools and communities. Over time, it gained support and moved into a permanent space. Its mission is to support childhood development through hands-on play, creativity, and exploration. The museum is designed especially for children under the age of 10 and includes exhibits that teach science, art, and social skills in a playful way. In 2017, it recorded over 324,000 visitors in a single year, showing its popularity and strong community support.
Permanent Exhibits
The museum has several permanent exhibit areas, each designed for a specific type of learning. The Charlie Campbell Science & Technology Center features interactive science experiments, a large ball machine called the Super Gravitron, and a workshop where children can build and explore. The Imagination Playground is made for children ages 0 to 5. It includes realistic pretend play areas such as a mini grocery store, a hospital, a fire station, and a farm-themed barn. There’s also a working water table that shows the flow of the Platte River. The Art Smart Center is a creative space where kids can paint, make crafts, and play with puppets. Another favorite is Zooland, where children can climb and slide on large animal structures. During warmer months, Sandy’s Splish-Splash Garden offers outdoor water play. The Family Discovery Room and Wiggle Room are quiet spaces for babies and toddlers and also have comfortable areas for nursing and resting.
Programs & Events
The museum offers a wide range of programs throughout the year. These include science demonstrations, art workshops, themed weekends, school field trips, and summer camps. The activities are designed to be educational but also entertaining. The museum also hosts birthday parties and private group events. Each season brings new rotating exhibits and special events that give families a reason to return. During summer, outdoor areas like the water garden become a popular spot for play and cooling off.
Visiting Info
The Omaha Children’s Museum is open to the public from Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Mondays and major holidays. Admission is $17 for adults and children over the age of two, while seniors pay $16. Children under 24 months can enter for free. Memberships are available and offer unlimited visits throughout the year. The museum also provides discounts for military families and lower-cost late-day tickets, making it an affordable option for most families.
Community Impact & Expansion
The museum has earned national recognition for its focus on visitor experience and educational value. It is deeply involved in the local community and partners with schools, educators, and families to create meaningful learning experiences. The museum emphasizes inclusion and makes efforts to represent diverse cultures and communities in its exhibits. In 2023, plans were announced for a new building along Omaha’s RiverFront, which is scheduled to open in 2027. The new facility will include expanded exhibits, outdoor space, and updated features to serve more families in the years ahead.
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