We wanted to check this place out before our grandkids come to visit us this summer. We got passes from the library, but after found that they will give a tour to adults who come without children. Perfect; that's what we needed! The manager showed us all around and answered all of our questions. There are many different activities and types of experiences. We are confident that our younger grandkids will LOVE exploring the Children's Museum! read more

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Unbelievable amount of things for kids to do (of all ages). We especially enjoyed the Dino exhibit when it was installed. Very nostalgic to see the old Richman Gordman play area on the upper level. I have no idea how they keep this place so clean and organized but it's impressive. It's really nice to see all the different areas and opportunities to explore, learn and play. read more

Omaha Children's Museum - Awesome fossil dig at dinosaur exhibit. - Children's Museums Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

The museum has changed tremendously since I was a child, while still keeping some of the old favorites! I took my daughter here for the first time last week and she had a blast. They have so many interactive experiences that are fantastic for children of all ages! She especially enjoyed playing at the water table and with the balls! read more

This place, for what it is, is pretty standard. We were lucky enough to get tickets through the library. If we had to pay for admission I think I would have left feeling disappointed. It's very loud, to be expected, and a decent variety of things. We went during the Christmas season so we got to see Santa and his elves. They allowed us to take our own photo with Santa and not just buy theirs. I appreciated that greatly. They also had a dinosaur theme at the time so we got to "dig" for fossils. My daughter is 4 and wasn't that thrilled with the whole thing saying it was boring. They had a climbing area that was dinosaur themed too. Downstairs they had the ball room which was probably the best thing there in my opinion. However 1/3rd of the pipes and such were being worked on at the time and/or were sectioned off. This seemed to be a theme as tons of stuff wasn't currently open. We enjoyed coloring our animals and watching them show up on the wall display, that was pretty awesome. The play/dress-up area with the grocery store was a mess and I saw children spitting in the water play toy. While it says the lights disinfect the water... I'm not sure I'd trust it. There was an employee watching them do this and said nothing to them nor their parents. I think they were older kids 8-10 years old. Of course the really fun things like the carousel and the train upstairs costs extra. For the price of admission they should have it included in the cost. Overall it was a decent fun day, but I'm not sure we'd go back. The Durham museum is more fun for a child (or should I said MY child) than the OCM was. read more

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5YR old loved it! And all they offered! Great space for many different activities to do. The carousel was great! And the pizza was delicious too and the hot dogs as well! read more

Omaha Children's Museum - Painting at museum - Children's Museums Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

A wonderful museum for little ones! We love the little Hyvee store where they can shop for groceries with tiny shopping carts. We also are big fans of the carousel and train upstairs. The carousel has a variety of animals such as a rooster, rabbit and reindeer. The gift shop is a great stop on the way out for little souvenirs/small toys at pretty reasonable prices. My only suggestion for improvement would be more fresh options in the cafe, such as cold subs, salads, fresh fruit, and or cut veggies with dip. Overall highly recommend! read more

Omaha Children's Museum - Pretend Hyvee grocery store - Children's Museums Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

We came here on our last day in Omaha. It was in the heart of downtown but had its own parking lot. We were able to get in free with our science museum reciprocal membership. Water table exhibit was a hit and spent alot of time there. Ball exhibit looked cool but son lost interest. Third floor had carousel and train. We rode the train which he loved. Also plenty of seating to eat and also special dinosaur exhibit. read more

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This was our first visit to the Omaha children's museum. Tickets are $15 Per person for either an adult or a child. You can also buy a one year membership for $139. There are a lot of activities for children to choose from! There are climbing structures, art activities, coloring, a build it shop, and even a science area, which I personally thought was the most interesting. Plenty of hands-on activities. The second level has a space/NASA area in which you could make your own rocket. They also have a climbing wall, carousel, and a train you can ride. The Omaha children's museum is definitely catered toward the younger child, but can supply a day of fun and educational activities. read more

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Overall, OCM is a good place to bring your kids for hours of entertainment. At $14 you can stay the day (9 AM to 4 PM) so I'd say it's a pretty good deal. I haven't been here since I was a kid but a lot of the areas are the same, just revamped (nostalgic factor here!). They still have the grocery store, which was my favorite spot as a kid, sponsored by HyVee. I there's also a good mix of purely entertainment or fun areas and some that really incorporate learning and exploration. I appreciate the variety of activities, and how many of them can be adapted for different ages. My son (3.5 years) had a fantastic time for over 2 hours before having a "it's time to go" melt down. You can see the age of this place a little bit--the bathrooms could be updated and some of the walls and areas just look old. Not that kids really notice or care. read more

Omaha Children's Museum - Children's Museums Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

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Very over priced. Kids had fun but other places are just as fun for kids/toddlers/babies without the sky high pricing.

While it's on the pricier side, there are a ton of things that kids can appreciate. We took our 15 month old and he loved exploring everything, touching tons of buttons and just roaming around. We got there at 9 AM on Saturday (when it opens) and there was a line to get in. By 930, I'd say the place was packed. read more

This was a great experience for my 2 Toddlers! They could have stayed in the area with the balls and vacuum tubes all day if I let them and I had fun with them, too! I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for something to do inside during the winter. If you're looking for something to do with older kids the Luminarium is another great science and technology option. Lots of hands-on stuff to get kids to burn off a little energy! read more

I visited the museum with my 2 granddaughters last week. I've been a regular customer for approx 40 years but I'm sorry to say that I was really disappointed. It seems to have gone downhill. There was only 1 baby in the nursery to play with, several things in the ball room didn't work & needed repair, the paint brushes in the paint room were hardly useable, the craft table items needed replenished, the workshop room was closed for the day. The upstairs was even more disappointing-there was not much to do up there, stamps didn't work in the stamp area, the big blue deaf "thing" didn't work-don't even know what it's supposed to do. mining, food area, carousal -all closed. We shouldn't have had to pay full price & I'd like to be reimbursed for part of my entry fee. Please contact me. read more

I am continually impressed with the OCM's activities and staff. This has become a favorite place for my son to run around, explore and play with more toys than he knows what to do with! The museum is set up in sections, each one a unique space for a all ages. The upstairs has a rotation of themes that changes 2-3 times each year, plus a train ride, carousel, and eating area to purchase food or if you brought your own. I definitely recommend checking it out if you have young ones that need to burn off some energy! read more

(From my 9 year old daughter). Good for kids 1-15 years old it is fun to go and see what you can do for the parents you can have some fun to you can play with them and you and your kid can learn some stuff your kid can play and learn at the same time. read more

Omaha Children's Museum - Rock climbing wall - Children's Museums Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

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Today my Sis and BIL2 took their two kids to the Children's Museum. This place has 2 main levels. Each level has so many different rooms that all of the kids can enjoy. My nephew really enjoyed the Imagination Playground room. There is a grocery store, bank, hospital, farm and a water area with boats and a river. Finally we decided to pull him away to check out other areas. There was a light piano which had the adults in our group pretty entertained. The next room we went into looked like a giant 'Rube Goldberg' machine with plastic balls. Different tubes to put the balls in with pulley and levers blowing the toys in different directions. After we wandered around the downstairs we ventured upstairs. Upstairs there is a mechanical dragon, a train, a carousel, a small rock climbing wall, and the cafe. The train and carousel rides were $2 each. There was 'deal' for 10-tickets (Train and Carousel) for $18. Of course one of my nephews grandparents bought him a train ticket and a carousel ticket. He rode the train himself and than for an adult to be on the carousel with him they had to buy their own ticket. He's 2, he can't ride the carousel himself, so you shouldn't have to buy yet another ticket for the adult who accompanied him. Especially if it's the rule people under 12 need to be with an adult. Overall this place was very fun, the only things I had an issue with was the security or lack there of. Yes I saw a few 'security guards' walking around and maybe a staff member here and there. However, there was no one checking who was with kids coming in or leaving. Someone could have easily entered and taken a kid. I saw a man who looked like a contractor without a sticker(proof of payment to enter) and with no kid. Just walking through each room watching people. I even walked in and out to get a stroller attachment for my SIS at one point and no one stopped me in re-entry. Okay, yeah I'd come here again if I was in Omaha with my nephew and we had planned a trip to come here like this one. read more

A variety of fun for my toddler and my teen. My 13-year-old daughter enjoyed tinkering and building a box with her grandpa, face painting, and launching rockets. My 2-year-old played in the ball area for hours! He drenched himself at the water table. (TIP: Bring a change of cloths.) We bought a shirt at the gift shop, it was reasonably priced at $13. This would definitely be a place we would get a family membership if we were from the area. read more

Omaha Children's Museum - In the Tinkerer's area. Real tools, real fun! - Children's Museums Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha is so lucky to have OCM! Even I, as a child have the fondest memories of this museum. It's been so cool to watch my kids enjoy it just the way I did (and even cooler for the grandparents to see a second generation playing) There is so so much to do, I can't underscore that enough. It's multi level, multi room and loads of solo and interactive play. For the price you really can get your moneys worth by being there all day. The only issue is parking at time in the winter. I've only been now a few times with my soon who is sensitive to some lights and sounds and it may not be the best if you're aware of your child's needs, but there is quite a bit of things that aren't bothersom. It's great for babies, toddlers, and even preteens. read more

Fun place for kids. My daughter likes going and will play for hours. It's a little expensive to get in, but what isn't anymore. Some of the areas are a little dated and have been around a while, but I don't think the kids care about that stuff. There's a small cafe with a decent variety of food, including kid friendly options. You can also bring in your own food. Next to the cafe is a nice carosel and a mini train kids can ride for an additional $3 per ride. Overall, the museum is a good indoor activity, especially when you can't be outside. read more

One star if you are an adult who likes peace and quiet. A zillion things for kids to do, one more interesting than the next. Too many good things to describe. Prepare to get wet. The one exhibit I had some qualms about was the dinosaur tar pits on the upper floor. There are some buckets with pulleys that get heavy when full, and nothing to keep an unsuspecting kid out from under if those on the platform let go and a heavy bucket comes crashing down on someone's head. I know that playgrounds are 98% safer than when I was a kid, but this particular feature belongs to the other 2%. I got dizzy on the merry-go-round, but whose fault is that? read more

The employees had long, sulky faces, never smiled at the children. If they don't like their jobs they need to quit

My grandchildren love this place! It's also a great place to take them when it's too cold to take them to the park. There is loads of activities and play areas. I highly recommend everyone with children or grandchildren take them to visit. My daughter gets my grandkids season passes. Take your lunches, the food isn't worth it. read more

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Was looking for a place to bring our toddler for a couple hours before going to the airport. This place is something special! My daughter had an amazing time. So much fun stuff to do. Friendly staff, and admission is reasonable. Best children's museum we've visited. read more

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We were a group of 4 adults and 7 children. Each child picked an adult to report to and to follow them around. All of the children really enjoyed their time there on a hot Omaha afternoon. My granddaughter, really enjoyed the Tinker room building a washing machine as this is something she enjoys doing, creating things. They all really enjoyed the ball room. A great place to spend some pent up energy. I took a misstep and fell near the end of our stay. The staff was very attentive to me and got me a bag of ice. It is a great experience each time we have visited here, Thanks for a great experience for each one of us. read more

We love OCM! Being an Atlanta native - even Atlanta's kids museum doesn't touch Omaha. Mainly due to square footage and they are always bringing in new things to Omaha, new exhibits and the upstairs floor always rotates every few months with a brand new theme. I love the baby area here and the nursing room. The gift store is reasonable with 1 dollar popcorn for the ride home. Easy sell ;) I know they offer free classes occasionally (mommy and me yoga... sign language) worth looking into for stay at home parents. Parking can get kind of crazy and do not go on a weekend if you are local. The family night out events are put on extremely well. We attended the candy land one... It will be busy, prepare your brain and mind to be mentally drained ha. Overall my kid still can't get enough of it and we've been going since she was crawling. Lots of areas to park strollers, lockers and coat racks when you walk in. Restrooms throughout. Wheel chair access. Birthday party rental space. Bring extra cash or card if your kid wants to ride the train or carousel upstairs. Notable areas - craft stations, light up dance floor, face painting, an area to make your own drawing which winds up being projected on a town wall map, ball fun area, indoor playground, infant/toddler area, grocery store, bank, hospital, firetruck station, building with wood, painting on walls... etc. Membership is well worth it. You get into a huge list of other cities children museums as well as science museums! Parent score. read more

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Omaha is such a great getaway for families with younger kids. I find myself rather envious of the stellar activities they have. This includes the Children's Museum. There's something here for every age. From the awesome grocery store, huge water table, grill, farm, doctor's office, bank, auto repair shop, ball area, shows, carousel, and train. Plus the rotating attractions. So much to offer! Living in the Des Moines area, I'm a bit disappointed that the Des Moines attractions don't get the sponsorships like Omaha does. It actually confuses me. For example, HyVee is based in West Des Moines yet, Omaha has the amazing grocery store? Or Pella, in Pella, IA sponsors the windows in the barn there but nothing in Des Moines? Just leaves me scratching my head. We also get free admission with our Des Moines Science Center membership so this is always on our list! read more

This place is amazing!! My son Jacob age 2.5 years old loves this place. The staff here is so friendly. My son loves the train here and the elephant slide upstairs. He also really enjoys working on the car. The gift shop also has some pretty cool things in there for educational toys. One thing that i wish that could be improved though is the little food area upstairs. Jacob has food allergies so there are not many options for him to eat anything. Other than that we will keep coming back as much as possible!! read more

Omaha Children's Museum - Our attempt of face painting :) - Children's Museums Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

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Over priced play ground!! Kids running wild. The whole place needs updating and a good cleaning. Should be limited to number of guests let in, would make it a much more enjoyable experience. read more

Living in DC, I'm spoiled by lots of free museums...but what we lack here in the Capital is a dedicated children's museum. So when I visited my brother and his family in Omaha and they suggested the Omaha Children's Museum, I was excited to check it out. Oh. My. Goodness. This place is AMAZING! I don't know if I was more impressed than my 2 year old but, seriously, the wow factor was high. If you are someone who doesn't do well with being visually or audibly over-stimulated, this place miiiiight not jive for you. But for kiddos? This is paradise! There's an indoor playground. A mini-supermarket. A giant water table. Arts and crafts rooms. A light-up dance floor. The stairs that make music when you step on them. And my favorite - the BALL room. The ball room is filled with hundreds (thousands?!) of ball-pit plastic balls that you can put into different clear plastic tubes and maneuver up and around the room. It's a lot of fun. The top floor has a carousel and a mini train that you can ride for an additional fee, as well as a featured exhibit that changes several times a year. When I was there in the summer, it was a dinosaur exhibit, complete with huge dinosaur figures and different educational activities including digging for fossils. Big hit for my dino-loving daughter! If I lived in Omaha, I would get a membership in a heartbeat and come every week. What a great spot for kiddos! read more

Omaha Children's Museum - HyVee play grocery area - Children's Museums Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

You could spend multiple days here. One off my favorite things is they offer such a variety and DINING which is huge with little ones

I definitely recommend, especially on a cold, rainy or super hot day! The kids can spend hours in this place. Craft room, shows, ball room, pretend play section and always a neat exhibit upstairs for all ages. Even my 10 year old campers have fun. Pros: the staff is very friendly, always updating the spaces and the pretend room is the best! Hand sanitizer galore! Cons: I wish there were more bathrooms. I bring a summer camp of over 100 kids and it's difficult to get them situated before we load the bus. I also don't know how clean the toys are. The water in the pretend room smells dirty/stale. The eating area is not very good, typical ball park concessions, except staler. Tips: a membership is recommended because the daily fee is pricey. Come early in the day, especially when all of the schools are out to beat the rush. Check out the website to see the show times and new exhibit before coming in. read more

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I haven't been to a ton of children's museums, but we always have a great time at the Omaha one. Friendly staff, well maintained and we like the traveling exhibits as it mixes things up a bit. The train and carousel are also a big hit. They really have attractions for a variety of ages. Go during the week if you can, as the weekends can get a bit crazy. Also, some of their after hours features are great, we did the evening with princesses a few months back and it was outstanding, definitely worth the price ($25 for child, $10 for adult). read more

Omaha Children's Museum - The princesses at the ocm fairytale tea event! Beautifully decorated - Children's Museums Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

One of the best we have ever been to and we have been to a lot in Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois and Missouri. So many activities and things to do we spent an entire day and could have easily spent two. My 5yr old daughter loves this place and we will definitely return read more

Omaha Children's Museum - Dr office playroom - Children's Museums Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

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My 3 and 6 year old grandsons visited us for a week. The water table, garage, and dancing areas were favorites. We stayed until closing. It was pricey but this was their favorite activity from the entire week. They asked, repeatedly, if we could go back. read more

Our girls enjoyed the museum! There are several areas to play in and staff that keeps areas organized.

What a wonder place for both Children and parents to play and explore together. Lots to do from science to art to the tinker room. Parking spaces are limited so if you do have to park on outside just bring some chain for the meters . read more

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I have to imagine that any Children's Museum is going to be a good time ... if you're a child. But how do they entertain the older set required by law to watch their kids? Massive. Room. O. Balls. Yes. One of the year-round exhibits is an enormous room full of brightly colored toy balls and every which way you can conceive of vaulting them across the room, bouncing them on top of your head and plinko-ing them into the correct hole to do it all over again (and yes, I just turned Plinko into a verb. You're welcome. It should have been done years ago). My 15-month-old had the time of his life chasing down the balls and mom and dad had just as much fun figuring out the best place to put them. (NOTE: I didn't take any pictures in the ballroom .. I was too busy playing. It's THAT fun) The rest of the museum is all well and good (art room, water table, blocks, climbing stuff, etc.) and of course the banks of toddler-sized buttons (OH! THE BUTTONS!) to be pushed. The one downside: expense. Entry is $9/person ... including anyone over 2. Yes, you can save by becoming a member - but if you don't plan to come more than twice a year, it's possibly still too expensive to justify. read more

Omaha Children's Museum - Who's doesn't want to play on a fire truck? - Children's Museums Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

this is a great place to get your kid to during the daytime. like most kid places i refuse to go inside if they have even a single school bus because most people don't watch their own kids and the older kids just run around like they own the place. however if you get there and avoid things like field trips, the weekend, and spring break it's wonderful place to be. the yearly membership is such an affordable price and includes a family of four plus if i don't bring my husband i can bring my mom or other friend/family member. so worth it. just wish they would be open a little bit later into the night like 6pm read more

I was hesitant on coming here as I thought the price was pretty high. Little did I know, this place is a GEM that all parents need to take their kids to. I think the price was about $10 a person, (?). We go up and pay and we walk in and there were SO many things to do. My 16 month-old daughter LOVED the ball area. If she had her way, she would be chasing down those colorful, little plastic balls all day. The other exhibits were really cool too. Not necessarily geared towards a child as young as my daughter, but she will like them she she gets older. She also loved the water exhibit where its running water, and you can create dams and see how that works. She went CRAZY over that. They have special exhibits upstairs, but again geared towards older children, which is fine. This exhibit was something to do with the ocean, which was very cool. They have a small area upstairs where you can buy overpriced hot dogs and similar foods. The service was great too. Young adults walking around, smiling, and assisting the parents/kids in any way they can. The OCM also has family bathrooms, which is a huge plus. All in all, this trip completely exceeded my expectations. We will definitely be going back to experience everything that he Omaha Children's Museum has to offer. read more

Very expensive and the children don't even get a break on price. Sixty dollars for a family of four. This is just to walk in the door. There is lots there and twice my Grandchild got sick after a visit. read more