Children’s Museum of Central Nebraska - Hastings, Nebraska

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The Children’s Museum of Central Nebraska refers to itself as “a place where children play to learn, and adults learn to play.” Many educational theorists believe the concept of a children’s museum makes for ideal learning environments.

The innovative concept of a museum centered around children where they could learn in a more relaxed, fun environment was begun in 1899 in Brooklyn, New York. The idea caught on, and soon more and more communities were adopting this new idea for museums geared toward a child’s education, improving the system as they went along. By the 1960s, the present day idea of a children’s museum was conceived, as the Boston Children’s Museum began using interactive exhibits with the children. This idea has caught on, and these unique learning experiences began sprouting up across the country.

Typical of an interactive learning exhibit is the Construction Zone, an area in the Children’s Museum where kids create large buildings out of blocks, encouraging them to be creative and solve problems as they work together. Children learn about medicine as they play doctor, both for people and animals, as exhibits are set up for a doctor’s office and also a veterinarian’s office. Using multi-cultural dolls and stuffed animals, children learn that people working in medicine help people and animals heal. There is also a pizzeria and grocery store to help children learn math and organizing skills, as well as the basic food groups. Creativity is sparked in the puppet theatre, performance stage, and artist’s corner.

A newer offering from the Children’s Museum is Kindergarten Boot Camp. Three afternoons a week 4 and 5 year olds will attend this class geared to better prepare them for the upcoming challenges that Kindergarten may present to them. These classes will always be kept smaller, to allow for a more friendly educational setting. Children will be introduced to the regular aspects of Kindergarten, such as being on a schedule and participating in activities. Members of the Children’s Museum will receive a tuition discount.

The Children’s Museum makes a fitting setting for birthday parties. The standard party package includes one-and-a-half hours in the museum and a half hour in the party room, admission, paper place settings, birthday banner, and party favors. Themed parties such as Princess, Race Car, Jewelry, Pirate, Beach, and Dinosaur are also available. Pizza and/or cookies can be added to the parties for an additional price.

As a non-profit organization, the Children’s Museum relies on donations for fifty percent of its budget and is always looking for adult and youth volunteers to help lead field trips, host birthday parties, work on the exhibits behind the scenes, etc. The Children’s Museum also offers memberships for individuals, families, grandparents, caregivers, and travelers. The yearly membership prices range from $25 to $100 and include free admission, newsletter, advance notice of special events, discounts on birthday parties, and a 10% discount in the IDEA Store.

The Children’s Museum of Central Nebraska is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Adults and children both are admitted for $5.00 each, with museum members and children under 2 being admitted for free.

Children’s Museum of Central Nebraska
Imperial Mall
12th & Marian Rd.
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 463-3300

Children’s Museum of Central Nebraska - Hastings, Nebraska