If you are planning a trip to Nebraska with little ones, the Omaha Children's Museum is likely at the top of your list. We recently visited with my three boys (ages 1, 3, and 5), and it was a highlight of our time in the city. Since we are members of the St. Louis Science Center, we were able to take advantage of the ASTC Passport Program, which meant our general admission was completely free! This is one of my favorite "travel hacks" for families who love museums; always check your reciprocal benefits before you pay full price.
The Imagination Playground
The main floor is home to the Imagination Playground. This is where we spent a huge chunk of our morning. My youngest (1) was absolutely captivated by the doctor's office. It’s filled with baby dolls, and watching her "take care" of them was so sweet.
While she was busy with the dolls, my 5-year-old was all about the First National Bank exhibit. It’s more than just a play bank; it has a functional drive-thru tube system where we could send money through the tube!
My boys loved the kid-sized car on a lift. They were actually able to use tools to change tires, which is such a great fine-motor activity.
Being in Nebraska, you have to play with the tractors! My 3-year-old spent a good 20 minutes just climbing and "driving."
The Science of Water: Meandering Rivers
One of the most impressive exhibits in this area is the Platte River Water Table. We talked about how rivers "meander" (or bend) and how different obstacles change the way water flows.
The boys loved building their own dams and pouring water through the Sandhill cranes and beaver dams. It’s a very intentional nod to the local Nebraska landscape, which I really appreciated. Unlike some water tables that are just about splashing, this one felt very educational.
Art Smart Center: Face Paint & The Paint Window
We spent some time in the Art Smart Center, and I have to mention it because it was a huge hit for my middle boy. They have a face painting station where the kids can experiment with their own "designs," but the real star of the show was the Paint Window.
It’s a massive clear wall where kids can paint whatever they want. The best part? Once they are done with their masterpiece, they get to use a spray bottle and a scraper to "clean" the window for the next person. It’s such a simple concept, but my 3-year-old was obsessed with the process of spraying the water and watching the paint slide off. As a mom, I love these types of exhibits because it gives them that "messy" creative outlet that I’m usually hesitant to do on my own living room walls!
The Super Gravitron
The Super Gravitron Ball Machine was a huge exhibit that the boys loved. They were fascinated by the section that functions like a giant Newton’s Cradle. It was the perfect opportunity to show them how energy transfers from one ball to the next. They would drop a ball in and try to predict where it would come out. It’s loud, chaotic, and exactly what a 5-year-old boy dreams of.
The Backyard Exhibit & Upstairs Fun
We headed upstairs to check out the Backyard Exhibit. This area feels a little more relaxed and focused on nature. It was a nice change of pace from the high energy of the ball machine downstairs.
We didn't do the Bay Family Carousel this time—my kids were so occupied with the interactive exhibits that we didn't feel the need to pay the extra fee for a ride—but it’s a beautiful feature if your kids are carousel fans.
Tips for Moms with Littles
One of the best things about the Omaha Children's Museum is that the Wiggle Room (the dedicated space for ages 0-18 months) is located right inside the Little Town area. While my 1-year-old didn't actually want to stay inside the Wiggle Room—she was much too interested in the "big kid" stuff nearby—I loved that the areas were so close together. I could keep an eye on the older boys at the bank or the grocery store while staying near the baby area.
A few practical things to know:
Parking: There are several parking options nearby, including a lot right next to the building. We didn't have any trouble finding a spot.
Strollers vs. Wraps: We opted to leave our stroller in the car for this visit. Since the boys wanted to walk and explore everything, I put the 1-year-old in a baby wrap. It made navigating the crowded exhibits much easier than trying to push a double stroller through. There were plenty of areas for stroller parking and a really cool elevator if you needed to use it.
Snacks: I always pack a bag of our own snacks and juices, but there is a cafe (The Rainbow Cafe) upstairs if you need a meal.
The ASTC Passport Program
I can't stress this enough: if you travel at all, look into the ASTC (Association of Science and Technology Centers) Travel Passport Program. Because our "home" museum (St. Louis Science Center) is part of this network, and Omaha is more than 90 miles away from our home, we walked right in for free. It makes these road trips so much more affordable and allows us to see so many different cities without breaking the bank on admission fees.
The Omaha Children's Museum is a must-stop. Whether you’re there for the physics of the Gravitron or just to let your toddler play with baby dolls in a new environment, it's a day well spent.