Boys Town Visitors Center, Gift Shop
About
The Boys Town Visitors Center offers an inspiring and educational experience for families, combining interactive exhibits about Father Flanagan's legacy with hands-on learning opportunities. Kids can explore the touching history of this iconic village while engaging with displays designed specifically for young visitors, making it both meaningful and entertaining.
Highlights
- ✓Interactive exhibits designed specifically for children to learn through touch and exploration
- ✓Inspiring stories and historical artifacts from Father Flanagan's work helping vulnerable children
- ✓Short documentary film that engages kids with the Boys Town story
- ✓Beautiful campus grounds available for walking and exploration after the museum visit
- ✓Gift shop with unique educational items and Boys Town souvenirs
Pro Tips
- 1.Start your visit with the short film about Father Flanagan's work to give kids context before exploring the exhibits
- 2.Allow time to browse the gift shop, which offers unique Boys Town memorabilia and proceeds support the organization's mission
- 3.Plan your visit on a weekday morning (Tuesday or Wednesday) for a quieter, more personalized experience with staff available to answer questions
- 4.The cafe is perfect for a snack break mid-visit, helping keep younger children energized
- 5.Consider taking a guided tour if available - guides share personal stories that bring the history to life for children
Best Time to Visit
Tuesday through Thursday mornings between 9:00-11:00 AM offer the most peaceful experience with fewer tour groups. Avoid Friday afternoons when school groups often visit. The moderate Nebraska weather in spring and fall makes it comfortable for walking the grounds after your museum visit.
What to Know
Admission to the Visitors Center is free, though donations are appreciated. Ample free parking is available on-site, and the facility is fully accessible. The on-site cafe offers light refreshments and snacks perfect for refueling during your visit.
Seasonal Notes
Closed Saturdays and Sundays year-round, so plan for a weekday visit. The facility maintains regular hours throughout the year. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor campus after visiting the center.
Nearby Eats
Head to nearby Omaha (just 10 miles east) for family-friendly options like Spaghetti Works or Zio's Pizzeria, both offering kid-pleasing Italian fare in casual settings. For a quicker bite, there are several chain restaurants along West Dodge Road.
More Activities Near Boys Town
Boys Town Hall of History
Boys Town Hall of History offers families an inspiring journey through over 100 years of child welfare history in an accessible, educational setting. Kids can explore interactive exhibits, view historical photographs, and learn the touching story behind the famous 'He Ain't Heavy' statue while discovering how Boys Town has helped children since 1917.
Skip Palrang Memorial Fieldhouse
Skip Palrang Memorial Fieldhouse in Boys Town offers families a welcoming community sports complex where kids can participate in or watch youth sporting events across multiple fields and courts. With its highly-rated facilities and connection to the Boys Town nonprofit organization, it's an excellent spot for active families to engage in healthy recreation and support youth athletics in a positive, family-friendly environment.
Boys Town National Headquarters
Boys Town National Headquarters offers families a serene outdoor experience with beautifully landscaped gardens, inspiring sculptures, and peaceful walking paths that tell the story of this historic organization. It's a wonderful spot for a leisurely family stroll where kids can run freely on open grounds while parents enjoy the thoughtfully maintained gardens and meaningful artwork scattered throughout the property.