NE SciFest Social Media Trivia
Science is all around us so let's have some virtual fun! Running every day through the festival we're bringing back our NE SciFest Social Media Science Trivia.

NE SciFest Scavenger Hunt
Let's go outside and hunt for science!
Download the scavenger hunt (below) and go out and search for science. Ten quests await you – no matter where you live in Nebraska.

Schedule of Events

April 1, 2025

9-5pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
9-5pm: Our Wildflowers by Betni Kalk - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE

9:30 am - 10:30 pm: Birds of a Feather - Eugene T. Mahoney State Park 28500 W Park Hwy, Ashland, NE
Get ready to go birding by participating in the Birds of a Feather program at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s newly renovated James Family Conservatory and Nature Center. This is a program for birders of all ages and levels. We introduce a different birding topic each session to begin the program. When weather permits, we will head outdoors for a hike or time in the birding area. The program runs approximately 60-90 minutes and is offered on select Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. on a monthly basis. On April 1, participants will learn more about spring migration patterns and discover when and where to find migrating birds as the spring season begins! This program is free but a 2025 park entry vehicle permit is required.

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Stem: Build, Connect, Create - City of Kearney Public Library 2020 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Stem: Tinker Tots - City of Kearney Public Library 2020 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm: Stem: Build, Connect, Create - City of Kearney Public Library 2020 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm:  Stem: Tinker Tots - City of Kearney Public Library 2020 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE

April 2, 2025

9:00 am - 10:00 am: Little Saplings Nature Discovery Program - Schramm Education Center 21502 West Highway 31, Gretna, NE
10:00 am - 11:00 am - Little Saplings Nature Discovery Program - Schramm Education Center 21502 West Highway 31, Gretna, NE

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Our Wildflowers by Betni Kalk - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE

April 3, 2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Our Wildflowers by Betni Kalk - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE

3:45 pm - 4:45 pm: LEGOS at the Library - City of Kearney Public Library 2020 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE
Join the Kearney Public Library for some brick-snapping fun! Come design and build your own creations. The library will provide the LEGOS, you just need to bring your imagination along. No registration is required for this event.

April 4, 2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Our Wildflowers by Betni Kalk - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE

4:00 pm - 11am: Sharp-tailed grouse viewing at Niobrara State Park - Niobrara State Park 89261 522 Ave, Niobrara, NE
Experience the natural wonder of the sharp-tailed grouse mating dance from a grouse viewing blind at Niobrara State Park! This sunrise ritual is an ancient and glorious display from one of Nebraska’s most famous grassland birds.

Reservations
Reserve the viewing blind (free of charge) any time between March 7 and April 20. The large blind holds up to 8 guests. A small popup blind that can hold up to two people will also be available to reserve for photographers with larger equipment. Both blinds are first come, first serve by reservation only. Book your spots by calling the park office at 402-857-3373.

April 5, 2025

4:00 pm - 11am: Sharp-tailed grouse viewing at Niobrara State Park - Niobrara State Park 89261 522 Ave, Niobrara, NE

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Our Wildflowers by Betni Kalk - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
10:30 am - 11:30 am: Wonderful Worms - A.V. Sorensen Branch 4808 Cass St., Omaha, NE

April 6, 2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Our Wildflowers by Betni Kalk - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Science Sunday - Omaha RiverFront 1001 Douglas Street, Omaha, NE

4:00 pm - 11am: Sharp-tailed grouse viewing at Niobrara State Park - Niobrara State Park 89261 522 Ave, Niobrara, NE

12:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Nebraska SciFest Sun-Day at Branched Oak Observatory - Branched Oak Observatory 14300 NW 98th St., Raymond, NE

In collaboration with NE SciFest, we are pleased to offer "Nebraska SciFest SUN-Day at Branched Oak Observatory." While you visit Branched Oak Observatory you also get to do what you were always told what Not to do look at the Sun! With our special White Light and Hydrogen Alpha Telescopes, you will have a chance to see Sunspots, Solar Prominences, Granulation, Filaments, and so much more on the surface of our closest star the Sun.

Admission is $5 per person.
No Registration
Arrive Anytime Between the Times Given
Stay for the Entire Event or As Long As You Want
No Park Permit Required

April 7, 2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
Build a great garden adventure during Sean Kenney's Nature Connects: Made with LEGO Bricks all month long at Lauritzen Gardens. This exhibit celebrates the beauty of nature but also emphasizes the delicate connections that exist between all living things. Marvel at 18 larger-than-life sculptures built from more than 275,000 LEGO bricks, including a majestic monarch butterfly, a hovering hummingbird, a sly fox, and more! Ignite your imagination, make your own brick-built creations, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the relationships and connections that sustain our ecosyStems.

April 8, 2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm: Wonderful Worms - Millard Branch 13214 Westwood Ln., Omaha, NE
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Nebraska's Big Butterfly Count Virtual Training Workshop - Nebraska's Big Butterfly Count Virtual Training Workshop

10:00 am - 5:00 pm: Wildcat Tales - Wildcat Hills Nature Center 210615 Highway 71, Gering, NE

The Wildcat Hills preschool programs will meet once a month at 10am MT at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center. Certified staff will lead various programs that include a story, hands-on activities and themed lesson. Activities will focus hands-on learning and observations, specifically targeted for early learners’ ages 2-6 years.

April 8, 2025– Flower Power: Let’s explore the different parts of a flower, how they grow and their partnership with pollinators!

A valid Nebraska Game and Park Entry Permit will be required for this FREE program. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Staff reserves the right to cancel or reschedule programs due to unforeseen circumstances.

Please contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777 for more information or if you are in need of special accommodations for these programs.

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm: Wise & Wild at the James Family Conservatory - Eugene T. Mahoney State Park 28500 W Park Hwy, Ashland, NE
Nature enthusiasts ages 55+ are invited to attend the Wise & Wild program on April 8 at 2:30 p.m. at Eugene T. Mahoney’s newly renovated James Family Conservatory and Nature Center. This program is designed for seniors who love the outdoors and want to enjoy time in the parks. We will share a variety of nature-related topics with activities indoors and out. Join us on your own or bring along friends of any age. Free program.

4:15 pm - 5:15 pm: Nature After Dark - City of Kearney Public Library 2020 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE
Join Nature’s Educators at the Kearney Public Library to meet real, live animal ambassadors that venture into the night. Find out what these incredible animals eat, where they live, how they survive, and how we can help them. Bring your cameras and inquiring minds!

April 9, 2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
Build a great garden adventure during Sean Kenney's Nature Connects: Made with LEGO Bricks all month long at Lauritzen Gardens. This exhibit celebrates the beauty of nature but also emphasizes the delicate connections that exist between all living things. Marvel at 18 larger-than-life sculptures built from more than 275,000 LEGO bricks, including a majestic monarch butterfly, a hovering hummingbird, a sly fox, and more! Ignite your imagination, make your own brick-built creations, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the relationships and connections that sustain our ecosyStems.

April 10, 2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Nebraska's Big Butterfly Count Virtual Training Workshop

April 11, 2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
10:30 am - 11:30 am: Wonderful Worms - South Omaha Library 2808 Q St., Omaha, NE

April 12, 2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
10:00 am - 11:00 am: Science of Ice Cream and Dry Ice - eCreamery Ice Cream & Gelato 5001 Underwood Ave, Omaha, NE
11:00 am - 3:00 pm: Metropolitan Community College Science Day - Metro Community College 2909 Edward Babe Gomez Ave., Omaha, NE
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Incredible Edible Landfill - Milton R. Abrahams Branch 5111 N. 90th St., Omaha, NE
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm: Author Visit: Geo Rutherford - A.V. Sorensen Branch 4808 Cass St., Omaha, NE

10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Little Learners: Seasonal Science - Fontenelle Forest 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N., Bellevue, NE
Looking to explore the seasons with your little learner? Join Fontenelle Forest for our new program learning what happens in the forest as the seasons change – Little Learners: Seasonal Science! We'll discuss what animals do as the seasons change, and explore science stations focused on the spring or fall. Join us on a hike looking for spring shoots or falling leaves, and make your own seasonal craft to take home! This program is geared for young children ages 7 and under. Caregivers are required to stay for the program. Dress for the weather for our hike traversing easy terrain.  

April 13, 2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Science Sunday - Omaha RiverFront 1001 Douglas Street, Omaha, NE

April 14, 2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
Build a great garden adventure during Sean Kenney's Nature Connects: Made with LEGO Bricks all month long at Lauritzen Gardens. This exhibit celebrates the beauty of nature but also emphasizes the delicate connections that exist between all living things. Marvel at 18 larger-than-life sculptures built from more than 275,000 LEGO bricks, including a majestic monarch butterfly, a hovering hummingbird, a sly fox, and more! Ignite your imagination, make your own brick-built creations, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the relationships and connections that sustain our ecosyStems.

April 15, 2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
Build a great garden adventure during Sean Kenney's Nature Connects: Made with LEGO Bricks all month long at Lauritzen Gardens. This exhibit celebrates the beauty of nature but also emphasizes the delicate connections that exist between all living things. Marvel at 18 larger-than-life sculptures built from more than 275,000 LEGO bricks, including a majestic monarch butterfly, a hovering hummingbird, a sly fox, and more! Ignite your imagination, make your own brick-built creations, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the relationships and connections that sustain our ecosyStems.

12:15 pm - 12:45 pm: Techie Tuesday: Value Line - City of Kearney Public Library 2020 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Genealogy Quest - City of Kearney Public Library 2020 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm: Raptor Trivia at Kros Strain - Kros Strain Brewing 10411 Portal Rd #102, LaVista, NE
Join Fontenelle Forest for an evening of feathered fun during Raptor Trivia Night at Kros Strain in partnership with NE SciFest! This engaging and educational event will test your wits and give you the opportunity to see several of our educational raptor ambassadors up close. Get ready to put your raptor knowledge to the test with a thrilling trivia competition. Questions will cover a range of topics, from species identification and habitats to their incredible hunting techniques and conservation efforts. Prizes include raptor merch that you can only find at Fontenelle Forest!

April 16, 2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
Build a great garden adventure during Sean Kenney's Nature Connects: Made with LEGO Bricks all month long at Lauritzen Gardens. This exhibit celebrates the beauty of nature but also emphasizes the delicate connections that exist between all living things. Marvel at 18 larger-than-life sculptures built from more than 275,000 LEGO bricks, including a majestic monarch butterfly, a hovering hummingbird, a sly fox, and more! Ignite your imagination, make your own brick-built creations, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the relationships and connections that sustain our ecosyStems.

April 17, 2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
Build a great garden adventure during Sean Kenney's Nature Connects: Made with LEGO Bricks all month long at Lauritzen Gardens. This exhibit celebrates the beauty of nature but also emphasizes the delicate connections that exist between all living things. Marvel at 18 larger-than-life sculptures built from more than 275,000 LEGO bricks, including a majestic monarch butterfly, a hovering hummingbird, a sly fox, and more! Ignite your imagination, make your own brick-built creations, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the relationships and connections that sustain our ecosyStems.

3:45 pm - 4:45 pm: LEGOS at the Library - City of Kearney Public Library 2020 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE
Join the Kearney Public Library for some brick-snapping fun! Come design and Build your own creations. The library will provide the LEGOS, you just need to bring your imagination along. No registration is required for this event.

April 18, 2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Skeletons on the Screen: Dr. Katie East - Saddlebrook Branch 14850 Laurel Ave., Omaha, NE

April 19, 2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Skeletons on the Screen: Dr. Katie East - Milton R. Abrahams Branch 5111 N. 90th St., Omaha, NE

10:00 am - 2:00 pm: Lincoln Earth Day - Nebraska Innovation Campus 2021 Transformation Drive, Lincoln, NE
The Lincoln Earth Day Celebration is an annual celebration in Lincoln, Nebraska. The exciting community event has approximately 2,500 attendees annually and their Coalition wants you to join in the fun. There will be dozens of booths that all promote, educate, and celebrate environmental stewardship, green education, and sustainable living. Grab your friends, families and coworkers and join us for this year's environmental education and family fun!

April 20, 2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
Build a great garden adventure during Sean Kenney's Nature Connects: Made with LEGO Bricks all month long at Lauritzen Gardens. This exhibit celebrates the beauty of nature but also emphasizes the delicate connections that exist between all living things. Marvel at 18 larger-than-life sculptures built from more than 275,000 LEGO bricks, including a majestic monarch butterfly, a hovering hummingbird, a sly fox, and more! Ignite your imagination, make your own brick-built creations, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the relationships and connections that sustain our ecosyStems.

April 21, 2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Incredible Edible Landfill - Charles B. Washington Branch 2868 Ames Ave., Omaha, NE

Have you ever wondered what happens once you throw something into the trash can? How important is recycling? Join the Omaha Public Library as they explore these issues in a fun (and tasty) way! Participants will use pudding, candy, cookies, cereal, and other tasty treats to create an edible landfill. This program contains allergens such as wheat, milk, eggs, soy and tree nuts. However, the treat can be made without all the ingredients for children that still want to participate. This is a free event for children ages 7-12. First come first served. Childcare groups and groups larger than 10, please call in advance. Parents/caregivers must remain with their child(ren) for the duration of the program.

April 22, 2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
Build a great garden adventure during Sean Kenney's Nature Connects: Made with LEGO Bricks all month long at Lauritzen Gardens. This exhibit celebrates the beauty of nature but also emphasizes the delicate connections that exist between all living things. Marvel at 18 larger-than-life sculptures built from more than 275,000 LEGO bricks, including a majestic monarch butterfly, a hovering hummingbird, a sly fox, and more! Ignite your imagination, make your own brick-built creations, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the relationships and connections that sustain our ecosyStems.

April 23, 2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
Build a great garden adventure during Sean Kenney's Nature Connects: Made with LEGO Bricks all month long at Lauritzen Gardens. This exhibit celebrates the beauty of nature but also emphasizes the delicate connections that exist between all living things. Marvel at 18 larger-than-life sculptures built from more than 275,000 LEGO bricks, including a majestic monarch butterfly, a hovering hummingbird, a sly fox, and more! Ignite your imagination, make your own brick-built creations, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the relationships and connections that sustain our ecosyStems.

April 24, 2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
Build a great garden adventure during Sean Kenney's Nature Connects: Made with LEGO Bricks all month long at Lauritzen Gardens. This exhibit celebrates the beauty of nature but also emphasizes the delicate connections that exist between all living things. Marvel at 18 larger-than-life sculptures built from more than 275,000 LEGO bricks, including a majestic monarch butterfly, a hovering hummingbird, a sly fox, and more! Ignite your imagination, make your own brick-built creations, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the relationships and connections that sustain our ecosyStems.

April 25, 2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
Build a great garden adventure during Sean Kenney's Nature Connects: Made with LEGO Bricks all month long at Lauritzen Gardens. This exhibit celebrates the beauty of nature but also emphasizes the delicate connections that exist between all living things. Marvel at 18 larger-than-life sculptures built from more than 275,000 LEGO bricks, including a majestic monarch butterfly, a hovering hummingbird, a sly fox, and more! Ignite your imagination, make your own brick-built creations, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the relationships and connections that sustain our ecosyStems.

5:30 pm - 8:00 pm: SCC Family Science Night - Southeast Community College Lincoln 8800 O St., Lincoln, NE
Spring into Science and celebrate Earth Day at a FREE event for families on Friday, April 25 at Southeast Community College Lincoln. Come have fun with friends and family and learn about Science with exciting activities, great prizes and enjoy free food too!

April 26, 2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
9:00 am - 12:00 pm: NE SciFest Public Expo - The Durham Museum 801 S 10th Street, Omaha, NE
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Skeletons on the Screen: Dr. Katie East - Willa Cather Branch 905 S. 44th St., Omaha, NE
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Incredible Edible Landfill - Downtown Branch 1401 Jones St., Omaha, NE

9:00 pm: Nebraska Science Festival Star Party - Branched Oak Observatory 14300 NW 98th St., Raymond, NE
In collaboration with NE SciFest, we are pleased to host the Nebraska Science Festival Star Party! This event is for all lovers of space science and astronomy. On Saturday, April 26th, Branched Oak Observatory will open its doors and train its telescopes to the skies between the hours of 9PM and Midnight. Explore the wonders of the night sky through a variety of telescopes. See the Beehive Open Cluster, the Hercules Globular Cluster, the Cigar Galaxy, the Crab Nebula and so much more!

Note: Night sky observing is dependent on local weather conditions.

Admission: $10 Adults, $5 for children 5 to 15. Always FREE to local astronomers setting up their own telesocpe and sharing views with the public.
No Registration
Open to Everyone
Arrive Anytime Between the Times Given
Stay for the Entire Event or As Long As You Want
No Park Permit Required

April 27, 2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Make your own Constellation: Science Sunday - Omaha RiverFront 1001 Douglas Street, Omaha, NE
Join the Nebraska Science Festival for Science Sunday at the Omaha RiverFront. This is a free family friendly hour for you to learn about nature, astronomy, chemistry, medicine and more with hands-on science activities (while supplies last).

April 28, 2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
Build a great garden adventure during Sean Kenney's Nature Connects: Made with LEGO Bricks all month long at Lauritzen Gardens. This exhibit celebrates the beauty of nature but also emphasizes the delicate connections that exist between all living things. Marvel at 18 larger-than-life sculptures built from more than 275,000 LEGO bricks, including a majestic monarch butterfly, a hovering hummingbird, a sly fox, and more! Ignite your imagination, make your own brick-built creations, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the relationships and connections that sustain our ecosyStems.

April 29, 2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE
Build a great garden adventure during Sean Kenney's Nature Connects: Made with LEGO Bricks all month long at Lauritzen Gardens. This exhibit celebrates the beauty of nature but also emphasizes the delicate connections that exist between all living things. Marvel at 18 larger-than-life sculptures built from more than 275,000 LEGO bricks, including a majestic monarch butterfly, a hovering hummingbird, a sly fox, and more! Ignite your imagination, make your own brick-built creations, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the relationships and connections that sustain our ecosyStems.

April 30, 2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Sean Kenney's Nature Connects - Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Wonderful Worms - Saddlebrook Branch 14850 Laurel Ave., Omaha, NE
Help the Omaha Public Library celebrate slippery, slimy, wonderful worms! This special storytime will feature books and songs all about wiggly worms. At the conclusion of storytime, stay and observe real worms. If real worms make you squirm, don’t worry, worm-themed crafts will be available.

Date:
April 1-30, 2025

Location:
Various Venues NE

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