Do you have an aspiring musician in your family? A thoughtful scientist? Maybe an art lover? There are plenty of attractions and programs in Omaha specifically designed with career-oriented kids in mind! These educational attractions cover a variety of subjects, from music and art to STEM and technology. And whether you’re a homeschooling family looking for a field trip destination or you simply want your child to explore more of their interests, these locales in Omaha are sure to capture your kid’s imagination.
Looking for more kid-friendly activities? Check out The Top 20 Things to Do With Kids in the Omaha Area!
While more and more Omaha locations are opening and allowing visitors once again, we recommend checking each locations’ website or calling ahead to see what their current COVID-19 protocols are before heading out.
Omaha School of Music and Dance
14505 California Street, Omaha
Studies show that music instruction helps accelerate brain development in young children—so why not sign them up for music or dance classes at Omaha’s own School of Music and Dance? This privately run, family-oriented school offers professional classes to help children learn how to play an instrument or how to dance and have fun while they’re at it! And, because they offer music and dance in the same location, you can enjoy the convenience of dropping off and picking up your kids at one central spot, no matter what their fine arts interests are. Click here for a list of their current schedule and prices.
Omaha Children’s Museum
Photo courtesy of Omaha Children’s Museum
Offering endless opportunities for fun, games and exploration, the Omaha Children’s Museum is a dream come true for little ones. This nonprofit learning and exploration space has received a national award from the Association of Science and Technology Museums, likely due to its fantastic educational programs and vibrant interactive exhibits. There are several seasonal exhibits that rotate depending on holidays and interests, but the permanent installations include the Charlie Campbell Science Center, the Tinker Lab, Fantastic Future Me and more!
ART WORKS at the Joslyn Art Museum
Art museums might not immediately strike parents as the most kid-friendly destination for learning, but it’s a different story at the Joslyn Art Museum. In addition to its thousands of works of art from all over the world, the museum also boasts a family-friendly installation called ART WORKS—a 1,500-square-foot interactive space for visitors young and old to explore their artistic expression through hands-on activity stations. The museum aims to be as kid-friendly as possible, so there are also possibilities for family scavenger hunts, stroller tours and more. And the best part? Admission to the museum is completely free!
El Museo Latino
El Museo Latino is one of Omaha’s most celebrated landmarks, and for good reason. The museum’s mission is to strengthen the artistic and creative culture of the Greater Omaha area, and it does so by showcasing gorgeous traditional artwork from local Latin American artists. The exhibits rotate frequently but could include anything from feather art to show-stopping photography. They offer a wide range of educational programs for kids and adults, including dance, art and music classes as well as daily workshops. Click here to learn more!
Mallory Kountze Planetarium
6001 Dodge Street, Room 129, Omaha
Photo courtesy of the University of Omaha
Does your little one dream of being an astronomer one day? Head to the Mallory Kountze Planetarium on the first Friday or Saturday of the Month, where you and your family will be able to enjoy a public show for just $4 a person. Follow along with a staff astronomer as they highlight star patterns, share interesting mythology and point out planets visible in our night sky. And be wowed by the amazing, out-of-this-world light show right before your eyes!
Durham Museum
The Durham Museum, built in what used to be Omaha’s Union Station, is now a local landmark and a fully functional museum featuring an abundance of interesting displays and exhibits. If your kids love trains, they will be particularly captivated by the historical train display, which gives them the opportunity to walk through different models of train cars and watch model trains whip around on the tracks. And if you want to take the educational experience even further, the museum offers guided tours and annual summer and winter kids camps.
The Wonder Nook
10806 Prarie Hills Drive, Omaha
The Wonder Nook is a unique space offering creative classes for students of all ages! Each day, they offer Early Years’ Big/Little Classes where you and your child can engage in learning together. After school, they host elementary drop-in classes where your child will do anything from art projects to meet a puppy from the Humane Society. Aren’t exactly a kid anymore? No worries, they also offer adult-only classes where you can learn crochet, painting and more. Click here to register for a class.
Do Space
Photo courtesy of Do Space
Do Space, one of the most innovative community technology projects in the country, is giving anyone and everyone access to technology education. Here, your kids can learn the basics of computer software, coding, social media marketing and even 3D printing. These classes are offered at no cost and are open to all different ages and skill levels! They even offer classes all about gaming, including virtual reality experiences, board games and iPad apps. Check out their calendar of events to see what’s going on this month.
Fontenelle Forest
1111 Bellevue Boulevard, Bellevue
Just a hop, skip and jump away in Bellevue, you’ll find the Fontenelle Forest-—one of Nebraska’s oldest conservation organizations and one of the largest private nature centers in the nation. The park includes 17 miles of trails for you to explore, surrounded by tons of gorgeous flora and fauna. In addition to being a great spot to hike, the park also has a program called “Mud Pies” where your little one can learn all about the natural world. Each week, a natural science topic is explored through station-based activities, free play and a guided walk.
Strategic Air Command & Space Museum
28210 West Park Highway, Ashland
Photo courtesy of The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum is for anyone who has ever dreamed of being an astronaut. With exhibits on everything to do with space—including military operations, black holes, astronauts and veterans—there’s something inside to make everyone’s jaw drop. After you’ve gazed upon the massive aircraft in the hanger, head to the Children’s Learning Center where you and your family can explore, learn and make discoveries about science, technology and physics of air and space travel.
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
You can’t talk about educational kid activities in Omaha without mentioning Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. The huge facility is consistently ranked among the best zoos in the world and there’s no mystery as to why. The zoo is home to thousands of animals from around the globe, as well as 130 acres of exhibits and gardens (including 7 acres of indoor exhibits). In fact, the museum is home to the world’s largest indoor desert (the Desert Dome) which spans more than 84,000 square feet! You can also take the kiddos on a sleeping bag safari or visit the Lorizer Giant Screen Theater and watch a stunning, educational film.
What did we miss?
What other educational destinations in the Omaha area do your kids love? Let us know in the comments!