Omaha Children's Museum, Omaha (must see)

Omaha Children’s Museum is an interactive museum focused on learning through play, imagination, and hands-on exploration. Incorporated in 1976 by a group of educators, it began as a traveling exhibition before opening its first temporary location in the Omaha/Douglas Civic Center in 1977.

After another brief move, the museum settled into its current home in 1989 inside a renovated former McFayden Ford dealership, which was later expanded to meet growing demand. Its mission is to encourage curiosity through experiences that combine science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics, creativity, and imaginative play for children and families of all ages. The museum features several permanent exhibits designed for active participation. The Imagination Playground is intended mainly for younger children and includes a child-sized grocery store. The Charlie Campbell Science and Technology Center features the Super Gravitron ball machine, while the Creative Arts Center offers hands-on art activities. Other highlights include the interactive S.T.E.A.M. Cave, Zooland, the historic Bay Family Carousel, Susie’s Station, and the Streck Science Showplace, where live demonstrations introduce scientific concepts through engaging experiments. These exhibits encourage children to solve problems, experiment, and learn through direct participation.

Outdoor attractions include Sandy’s Splish-Splash Garden, a seasonal water-play area, and the Grass Patch with a playground, toddler space, seating, and a Little Free Library. Rotating exhibitions complement the permanent displays throughout the year. The museum also offers field trips, community outreach, daily educational activities, workshops, birthday programs, and seasonal camps. Rather than functioning as a traditional collection-based museum, it encourages children to explore, build, create, role-play, and discover through direct participation and imaginative experiences.