What Exhibits and Programs Does Omaha Children's Museum Offer?

Updated

Omaha Children's Museum (ocm.org) offers a mix of permanent hands-on exhibits, rotating special exhibits, daily programming, and structured education programs. You can visit for a general play-and-explore day, or sign up for specific offerings like summer camps, field trips, and birthday parties. The museum is open Tuesday–Friday 9 am–4 pm and Saturday–Sunday 9 am–5 pm, and is closed Mondays.

Permanent Exhibits

These are the standing exhibits you can expect on most visits, based on the museum's exhibit listings:

  • Charlie Campbell Science & Technology Center — science and tech-focused hands-on activity area.
  • Art Smart Center — creative, art-based making space.
  • Imagination Playground — open-ended building and play area.
  • Zooland — animal-themed exhibit.
  • Tinker Factory — making and tinkering space.
  • Fantastic Future Me — exhibit oriented around future roles and careers.
  • Woodhouse Service Center — vehicle/service-themed play area.
  • Sandy's Splish-Splash Garden — water and garden play area.
  • S.T.E.A.M. Cave — science, technology, engineering, art, and math activities.
  • Streck Science Showplace — science demonstration/show space.
  • Bay Family Carousel — carousel ride.
  • Susie's Station — train-themed exhibit area.

If your child gravitates to building, art, or water play, you can plan a route around Tinker Factory, Art Smart Center, and Sandy's Splish-Splash Garden rather than trying to cover everything in one visit.

Special and Rotating Exhibits

Beyond the permanent lineup, the museum runs special exhibits that change over time, plus a Past Exhibits archive. Current special exhibits listed include:

  • Pumpkins with a Purpose
  • Super Sports2
  • Cobweb Castle

Because special exhibits rotate, check the Special Exhibits section on ocm.org before your visit if a specific exhibit is your reason for going.

Daily Programming and Special Events

The museum offers Daily Programming in addition to its exhibits, along with Special Events. One recurring special event shown is Pumpkins with a Purpose. There is also a Science to You offering listed under events and programs.

For a typical visit, treat daily programming as the flexible layer on top of the exhibits — check the day's schedule when you arrive so you can time a science show or activity around free-play time.

Education Programs

Structured education offerings include:

  • Summer Camps
  • Field Trips
  • Museum without Walls
  • Educational Videos
  • Museum in a Box
  • 2026–2027 Educator Guide (for planning school-year visits)

If you are a teacher or group organizer, the Field Trips and Educator Guide pages are the relevant starting points. If you are a parent looking for school-break coverage, Summer Camps is the one to check.

Parties and Rentals

  • Birthday Parties — hosted birthday options at the museum.
  • Exhibit Rentals and Rent the Museum — private/event rental options.

Tickets and Membership (for planning)

  • Members: FREE
  • Under 24 months: FREE
  • Adults & Children: $17
  • Seniors: $16
  • Membership: 1-year memberships start at $159.00

If you plan to visit more than a few times a year, compare the $17 per-person ticket against the $159 starting membership to see which fits your family's visit frequency.

Practical Planning Notes

  • Closed Mondays — plan around this if Monday is your only free day.
  • Weekday vs. weekend hours differ — Tuesday–Friday closes at 4 pm; Saturday–Sunday closes at 5 pm.
  • Special exhibits change — confirm the current lineup on ocm.org before a trip built around one exhibit.
  • Programs require separate planning — camps, field trips, and parties are not drop-in; use the Education and Events & Programs sections to register or inquire.