


Omaha Children's Museum
About
The Omaha Children's Museum is a hands-on wonderland where kids from infants to tweens can explore, create, and learn through interactive play. With thoughtfully designed exhibits spanning art, science, and imaginative play, this isn't a 'look but don't touch' museum,it's a place where active engagement is encouraged and little hands are meant to explore every corner.
Highlights
- ✓Creative Arts Center where kids can paint, sculpt, and create take-home masterpieces
- ✓Science and Technology Hall with hands-on experiments and building challenges
- ✓Imagination Playground featuring oversized foam blocks for collaborative building
- ✓Toddler play zone designed specifically for crawlers and early walkers with age-appropriate sensory activities
- ✓Outdoor play area (seasonal) for active play and exploration
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right when doors open at 9:00 AM on weekdays to beat school groups and enjoy quieter exploration time
- 2.Pack a change of clothes if you have toddlers,the water play areas are irresistible and kids will get wet
- 3.Bring socks for everyone as some areas require them, and they're more expensive to purchase at the museum
- 4.Don't skip the upper floors,many families congregate on the main level, so the upper exhibits often have shorter wait times
- 5.Consider visiting on a weekday afternoon (2-4 PM) when it's less crowded but still gives you plenty of exploration time
Best Time to Visit
Tuesday through Thursday mornings right at opening (9:00 AM) offer the best experience with smaller crowds. Avoid weekend afternoons when the museum is busiest. Summer weekday mornings are ideal as you'll miss both weekend crowds and school field trip groups.
What to Know
Admission fees apply (check website for current pricing and membership options). Parking is available nearby with both street parking and paid lots. The museum has a small café for snacks, but many families pack lunches to enjoy in designated eating areas.
Seasonal Notes
The museum is open year-round and offers special programming during school breaks and holidays. Summer months see higher attendance due to vacation season. The outdoor exhibits are weather-dependent and typically available spring through fall.
Nearby Eats
The Drover in the nearby Old Market district offers kid-friendly burgers and their famous cabbage beef sandwich in a casual atmosphere. For a quicker bite, Barrett's Barleycorn Pub & Grill has a great kids' menu and is just a short drive away.
More Activities Near Omaha
The Durham Museum
Step back in time at The Durham Museum, housed in Omaha's stunning Art Deco Union Station. Kids get hands-on with history as they climb aboard authentic vintage train cars, explore a recreated 1940s soda fountain, and interact with exhibits that bring regional history to life. The beautifully restored building itself is an attraction, with its grand hall and period details capturing the golden age of rail travel.
Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum is a jaw-dropping destination where kids can get up close to massive aircraft, explore authentic cockpits, and experience flight simulators. With over 30 aircraft on display including bombers, fighter jets, and space artifacts, this museum brings aviation history to life in a way that captivates curious minds and inspires future pilots and astronauts.
Joslyn Art Museum
The Joslyn Art Museum offers a surprisingly kid-friendly art experience with free admission that makes it perfect for budget-conscious families. Interactive galleries and specially designed family programs help children connect with world-class art, while the beautiful architecture and sculpture garden provide plenty of space for young visitors to explore and discover.
Pioneer Auto Museum
The Pioneer Auto Museum in Murdo, South Dakota (note: location listed as Omaha, NE appears incorrect) is a vintage car lover's dream that captivates kids with its massive collection of classic automobiles and interactive exhibits. Set within the charming Reminisce complex featuring a retro diner and gift shops, this roadside attraction makes for a memorable pit stop on any family road trip through the Midwest.