April kicks off the 2026 Nebraska Science Festival and an array of science- and technology-related activities for every age and interest, beginning April 1 – no fooling – with the “Walk to the Moon” monthlong challenge.
Presented by UNMC, the annual festival is a celebration of science in communities across the state from Omaha to Wayne, Niobrara to North Platte, Lincoln to Kearney and more.
View the entire festival schedule (with details and registration links) online. Events are being added every day.
Among the April highlights:
- Walk to the Moon Challenge: NE SciFest is challenging everyone in Nebraska to show their love of science by joining in a 30-day exercise challenge that collectively will take participants to the moon. The challenge will start April 1 and end on April 30. Any type of exercise will count (miles, minutes or steps) and all exercise will be converted into steps for the challenge. The challenge will require participants to cover 238,855 miles, or 477,710,000 steps, so plan out an exercise schedule.
- Owls & Old Fashioneds: Have you ever thought it would be fun to drink old fashioneds and talk about owls? Join Fontenelle Forest as they bring feathered guests to talk all things owls. While learning and looking at owls, Mercury will provide three old fashioned samples. Samplers cost $15.
- FREE Public Science Expo: Attend the 2026 Public Science Expo for fun and engaging hands-on learning opportunities for everyone. The free public expo on April 18 at The Durham Museum will be held from 9 a.m. to noon. Tickets are required and available through Eventbrite.
- : Join NE SciFest and NASA Nebraska Space Grant on April 13 for a free showing of the movie “Hidden Figures,” which recounts the true story of three women who helped NASA win the space race. The movie begins at 7 p.m. at Film Streams’ Ruth Sokolof Theater in Omaha. Request free tickets by emailing NE SciFest.
- Lunar Lemon: Available in April at eCreamery in Dundee, this year’s special NE SciFest ice cream flavor is lemon cake ice cream, with white chocolate chips, graham crunch and raspberry swirls.
- Science Sunday at The RiverFront: Join the Nebraska Science Festival for Science Sunday from 1-2 p.m. at the Omaha RiverFront. This is a free, family friendly hour to learn about nature, animals, medicine and more with hands-on science activities, while supplies last. Science Sunday activities are: April 12 – Pi bracelets; April 19 – Constellation making; and April 27 – Seed balls.
- MCC Science Day: Stop by Metropolitan Community College South Omaha Campus, Mahoney building, on April 11 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., for hands-on activities that encompass a variety of science disciplines including physics, chemistry and biology. New activity stations are featured every year.
- North Platte Hatchery Tours: The North Platte Hatchery is open to the public, and tours can be scheduled during normal working hours. Hatchery information is on display at the hatch house. The North Platte Fish Hatchery opened in 1943. The facility uses the adjacent Nebraska Public Power District irrigation canal to feed 43 earthen ponds, water that ultimately is returned to the canal after being used for fish production.
- Barn Girls NE SciFest Day: Step inside a thriving urban farm and explore the fascinating world of microgreens, sustainable agriculture and innovative growing techniques. During this open house, participants will learn how tiny seeds transform into nutrient-packed microgreens, learn about urban farming and see firsthand how fresh food can be grown in the heart of the city. This interactive experience is perfect for curious minds of all ages. Lunch will be available to purchase.
Visit the NESciFest website for additional April activities, including: The Science of Ice Cream & Dry Ice, Earth Day Omaha, a statewide art contest, Legos at the Kearney Nerd Nite, social media trivia, Night Skies at Lauritzen Gardens, planetarium shows in Kearney and Wayne, Nebraska, and more.
Presented by UNMC, the Nebraska Science Festival is a collaboration of organizations and individuals interested in the advancement of science literacy. In addition to UNMC, other sponsors are Metro Credit Union, KETV and the Omaha Public Schools Foundation.