Kiewit Luminarium

This was so much fun for all of us…ages 12, 16, and three adults! Everything worked and was clean with plenty of space in between exhibits. We’d love longer explanations on the signs as to the science behind the experiments, but that was so great. We even played on the awesome playground in 20° weather! It’ll be a place we visit again when we come into town.

This place was awesome!! Hands on physics centers! Stations set up to show exactly how things operate such as the inside of a ratchet or a clock. You can see them gadgets and how they turn! Also sounds and vibrations reacting with water!

I was able to get a Leisure Pass from the Bellevue Library for the Kiewit Luminarium. I took my three kids (16, 15, & 12) and we spent about four hours exploring every part of the Luminarium. Everything is very hands-on, allowing visitors to test things on their own. There's a plethora of science concepts everywhere, teaching you without really teaching you. The Luminarium is the epitome of scientific exploration. Just when you think you're done, you find even more cool things you missed. I've been a huge fan of science museums ever since my childhood days visiting the Museum of Science and History in Florida, but the Kiewit Luminarium is definitely my new favorite!

This is a fun and educational place for kids of all ages. Reasonable in price, lots of hands on activities and really just an all around cool place to have kiddos be to learn and be free.

2 floors of interactive exhibits. Each one had educational information and many of them had staff nearby to help, explain further and educate us even more. It was clean and nice inside. No wait to enter, exhibits weren't crowded. We waited only a few mins for some exhibits. We went on a Sat afternoon. There is a snack shop on site with decent options and a play area on the 2nd floor. Overall great experience but I don't think I would pay to do it again.

Unpopular opinion but this place was boring. There was a few cool displays but it was myself, my 18 year old niece, and 2 year old granddaughter and we were all not impressed. The prices are outrageous for what it is!

Wow! What a fantastic place! Loaded with all different types of hands-on experiences for learning, Luminarium is one of the absolute best places to visit in Omaha! The learning is FUN, and every single kid and adult who was there was completely engaged! The activities are truly fun and awe-inspiring! It was worth every cent we paid to get in. There's a café (Fig) on site, so if you get hungry, you can have a small snack or a complete lunch. It's rather expensive, but it's quite tasty. Parking is a challenge unless you get there early. There's an outdoor garden and an outdoor playground, too (although it was a tad bit warm on this 96° day, especially in the metal slides.) We stayed far longer than we originally planned and still didn't get in every activity!

A Hands-On Sci-Fi Playground for All Ages! If Willy Wonka had traded candy for science experiments and swapped Oompa Loompas for friendly museum staff, you’d land squarely at the Kiewit Luminarium. 🍭🔬 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 We rolled in with a squad ranging from teen skeptics (16 & 18 years old) to heat-weary parents, expecting a pleasant distraction from the blaze outside. What we got? Three hours of full-throttle curiosity, laughter, and low-key parental redemption (we picked the cool museum). 🧪 Every exhibit begged to be touched, twisted, poked, and puzzled over. STEM activities? Check. Health experiments? Check. Uncontrollable giggles while trying to outsmart gravity? Also check. Even our teens—who usually think museums are “meh”—had a blast. Parents included. In fact, I caught myself saying, “I wish this existed when I was a kid” at least four times. 🏛️ The building itself? Straight-up majestic. It looks like it could launch into orbit or host a secret team of science Avengers. Staff were uniformly friendly and helpful—like if hospitality were an Olympic sport, they’d take gold. 🥗 The café served up lunch that was legitimately delicious—though yep, it’s got that classic museum price tag 💸. Worth it for the flavors and AC alone. 🎁 Gift shop near the exit was an eye-candy parade of science swag, nostalgic toys, and “ooh I didn’t know I needed this” items. 🌳 Outside, beautifully landscaped play areas keep the littles happy, while grown-ups can admire the scenic river view and watch barges drift by like lazy science boats on a mission. 🛳️ 🔥 Verdict: If it’s scorching outside and you need to cool off while boosting IQ points, the Kiewit Luminarium hits the sweet spot. High-energy, hands-on, and hilariously fun. Even the teens smiled unironically. #ScienceRules #MuseumMagic #TeensApproved #ParentsRejoice #HotDayHack #RiverVibes #NebraskaNerdvana #TouchEverything 🎉

We spent a hot afternoon at the Kiewit Luminarium in Omaha -- and while it wasn't perfect, it was still a fun experience for our crew. I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars. The space is full of interactive science exhibits across multiple floors, and our kids had a blast exploring. One favorite? A super cool camera that captures the exact moment a drop of water hits a surface -- with your face in the background. We must've done it 10 times. That said, a few exhibits weren't working during our visit, and the AC seemed to be either broken or just struggling -- it was really hot inside, which made it a little hard to stay focused. One of the big draws for me was the stunning café on site. It's trendy, right on the water, and the food is legitimately excellent -- not just museum café good, but actually good. We took a nice little break there mid-visit. There's also an indoor playground upstairs and lots of hands-on activities for kids, but if you've been to a lot of science museums, this one might not blow you away. Still, we had a great time, and with a few fixes, this could easily become a must-do spot in Omaha.

An absolute gem in Omaha! I love that they offer Night Lights for 18+ so us adults can have fun too. All the exhibits are interactive and informative, making it hands on learning that I love. Watch out for the occasional special exhibit or theme. The most recent Night Lights I went to was focused on biomimicry and there was a baby kangaroo to hold - one of the highlights of my life haha.

This was my second time at the luminarium, where I attended a party that my company posted. I have to say, the luminary did an excellent job of hosting us with delicious appetizers, unlimited bar, very short, weight, lines, and all of this during a severe ice storm they kept half of my coworkers at home! The staff still showed up, and did an amazing job. I wasn't sure how a company party would go over in a space like this, but it was a great time, and a fun layout for different levels and mingling opportunities. Great job, Kiewit!

Wow - I wasn't sure what to expect when going here but I was pleasantly surprised! I decided to go to the adult night with a few friends. We had a blast! Right when you walk in there is a gift shop and also very friendly staff at the front desk. We were able to buy a drink at the bar and continue with it while walking around. One of my favorite parts was the fact that it was interactive but also educational as well! I loved getting to explore HOW and WHY things work in a hands on environment! 10/10 would go back again.

The Luminarium is such a cool place, and we are super lucky to have this in Omaha. I went on an adults only night, but I could see it being very neat for kids to go to as well, if parents are looking for a fun, but educational place to take the kids. There are several interactive pieces you can play with/learn from, with exhibits dedicated to sound, light, weight, motion, heat, and many more things to explore. If you're a fan of photo ops, there are DOZENS of spots that would be great for that too (but definitely read the scientific reason for the exhibit before or after you take your selfie LOL) I don't want to spoil everything, but just trust me and visit the Luminarium for yourself, whether alone or with your kids - you will not regret it!

We love the Luminarium especially in the winter time. It seems like there is more for older kids to do-- exhibits, play space, dissection demonstrations etc but we still take our toddler and let him roam around. They have a great playground outside for the warm weather and a nice walking path where you can walk along the water. There is also an indoor playground that is an awesome spot in the colder months but does require some close adult supervision as it is a little challenging for the younger kiddos. If you become a member you get a 10% discount in the Fig Cafe.

We looooooved the visit to the luminarium and so does the kiddo! We have a membership and stopped in a few weeks ago for some fun. It's large enough but small enough that you won't get lost. She loved playing with the kinetic sand and even more so the playgrounds both indoors and outdoors. There was plenty to do and even more to learn. Our favorite spot as the adults was the cafe. We got French onion soup, a Caesar salad, and hummus. All of it was incredible!! The prices are right and there's tons of options including drinks both alcoholic and non. There's an entire coffee shop attached too. We easily kept busy for hours and definitely recommend! Parking is ample as well.

Always a fantastic place to go with kids! I feel like they just keep adding new things all the time and I love it!! The staff were all so kind!! Teacher pricing if you're a teacher so ask for that!

There is so much to explore here! We were blown away by the variety and complexity of the exhibits presented in the Luminarium. Having heard that it was primarily focused on youths and children, we hadn't put this place near the top of our "things to do" list. Guess what... The Luminarium has a plethora of activities for all ages. We visited on a Thursday afternoon which meant that most kids would be in school. Most of the people exploring alongside us were Millennials -- it appeared to be a large company's team-building event, which from all appearances was successful. Nevertheless, folks of every generation were there -- and were all having a good time. It is difficult to describe the entire experience because there are so many different exhibits. Simply put, you just need to see it for yourself. I promise that you won't be disappointed. The building is large which allows plenty of space for the exhibits. There is lots of room to move around and explore. Best of all, there is a huge variety in the types of displays. Other benefits include the following: - great views of the river and parks - nice gift shop - free lockers to store your coat or whatever you don't want to lug around - cafe [Fig] in case you get hungry and want a snack - free parking - large outdoor playground for kids Overall, it is a fascinating science museum that Omaha can be proud of!

As a local resident, I've had the Kiewit Luminarium on my bucket list since it opened. We finally came down per usual with a group for a family outing. It seems that's all the times we get out these days. Walking up the building is massive with a huge footprint on the riverfront. We met our group at the large outdoor park, which is free to attend and is great for kids of all ages. Then we made our entrance there was 11 of us and the handful of seniors all in all with it was just under $250 to get in but worth every penny 50s individual exhibits where you can stop and play what seems like a game but it's really like a science museum. We had three kids under and they were extremely mesmerized by every single exhibit. There was almost too much to do but endless learning opportunities. I'm usually the first person that wants to leave something like this immediately, but we found ourselves there over three hours, including a big chunk in the indoor play place, which would be fantastic in the winter time. I will definitely be back. I probably will bring my parents or another group to show them how much this museum has to offer. In addition to boasting, beautiful riverfront views, the light and colors capture you immediately. If you find you working up an appetite by walking so much, you can head to the café inside which also has beautiful views of the park in the river. They have a variety of food, drink, and wine and a gift shop with tons of cool stuff to get for gifts. There's free surface parking right outside the entrance in plenty of handicap spaces as well. The bathroom facilities are cool and they even have free women's products from access. Floors with handicap accessibility and if you get there early, you don't have to wait in line for certain exhibits we had a blast and and we'll definitely be back.

I have a 2 and 3 year old and it's their favorite place to go run around! The place is a good size and I haven't had to worry too much about them destroying stuff! So glad they made this place so kid friendly! I'd say it's better than the Children's Museum and a better price for an annual family membership! The upstairs has a seating area so I bring lunch and then time it right so they can nap when we get home. Great for kids!

Don't pass on checking this place out! Great mix of science and whimsy; very well designed. Cafe has delicious coffee; great baked items! Amazing location too.

With Mom and I visiting from Denver, a group of us headed to the Luminarium for an afternoon of exploring this Omaha staple! Let's just say it's the perfect spot for..... ++ A date! With interactive exhibits throughout two floors, there is a ton to explore that involves thinking, talking, walking and all things to spark conversation! ++ A pick me up/cocktail. The cafe attached to the museum features a variety of sweet treats, small eats and a variety of wine and beer. Our group opted for a bottle of wine before diving into the exhibits and it made for the perfect start! ++ Views, on views! The adjacent park has a variety of activities, sites, slides and views of downtown Omaha - making for a fun experience. Tickets are available on the spot (or to reserve in advance) for a reasonable price, the exhibits are super interesting and an easy way to spend a few hours! Highly recommend :)

This was a really incredible space. I pictured this being largely for kids, but I actually think teens and adults can appreciate the Luminarium the most. We went in the evening when it was adults only, which I highly recommend. It was nice to feel like you could take your time to really appreciate all the exhibits without feeling guilty that a little kid wants to play on it. Block of a few hours for this trip!

Pleasantly surprised at how fun this place could be. We came here with our 13yr old son, and enjoyed it immensely for over 90min. I was worried about school field trips and day camps, i guess coming in the afternoon helps with not seeing them. Two floors of fun, something to interest everybody for sure. Not really suited for those under 6, my opinion. No need to return for me, but a fun option outside the zoo for a trip in Omaha.

I like science museums and I appreciate having the Kiewit Luminarium here. It's in a nice spot at the end of the RiverFront park. There is free parking here (though availability might be a problem). There are 4 EV chargers available. Charging is free for 4 hours then $2/hour after that. This is one of the only places in the downtown area with chargers in a free lot. Anyway, the museum: there are a lot of interactive stations here that are interesting and informative for kids and adults. Maybe not particularly well-suited for preschool age, though we did bring our niece here on her 4th birthday and we all really enjoyed it. The main drawback is the price. I think it's $25/adult & $20/kid. The price was not displayed so you will have to check online for details. This is significantly pricier than other local attractions (other than the Zoo). And at $250/year for a family membership...it's a lot (I think even the Zoo is $205). I have to tell you, I had been pretty impressed that when this place opened, they had an option of a $100/year family membership or a $250/year family membership. And the only difference between them is that you could choose which one better suited your family budget. Unfortunately, that system quietly disappeared not long after opening. It would be nice if the price overall could be lowered. I definitely like the museum and I think it's a great addition to our city...but also I feel that it's not as large or as spectacular as other science museums I have visited. And for the price, it's hard for me to enthusiastically recommend it to visitors. There is a gift shop on site full of amazing things. From time to time there will be an employee who finds these things as interesting as I do, so that's fun. Most of them seem quite disinterested and sit quietly behind the counter. I've worked retail... so...I get it. But I'm kinda surprised that there isn't usually any interaction. There are a lot of items with no price tags and no signage for pricing. There is a cafe, Fig, on site. I'll review that separately. FYI: I will also be complaining about prices in that review.

Really impressive museum for people of all ages. Everything is interactive and immersive. Our children were captivated by each new display. We were there for three hours and could have stayed longer, but they really wanted to play on the outdoor playground.

I really love the interactive experience here! Went on Thursday night (adults only night) with some coworkers and had a great time! I loved how it makes learning fun. I can definitely see people of all ages loving this place.

I have been waiting for the Kiewit Luminarium to open up since they announced its plans over a year ago. There is nothing like this in Omaha and it is such a welcomed addition to the revitalized downtown area! Science and STEM lovers will find countless activities to do here while enjoying the great riverfront views. I loved it just as much as my kids did! They have ample, free parking right out front. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time online, although they do have a QR code on the door to purchase on site if you forget. Their cafe, Fig, is more like a real restaurant so feel free to stay for lunch during your visit. I highly recommend a visit to the brand new Luminarium for an afternoon of fun for all ages!

Went to Glow at Night for adults 21+! I knew it would be busy so we came about 45 min early to wait in line. We were the first to get in and got our drinks quick. The DJ truly set the whole vibe. The drink menu was geared towards the theme. We spent most of the evening sitting by the dj upstairs due to so many people enjoying the attractions. It was REALLY busy that's my only complaint; you really cannot enjoy the museum. I am looking forward to an update in tickets. Add timed slots for people to come and go similar to the Botanical Gardens. I'd love to go again and again; so I hope to see the update in ticket times so I'll be able to go back. Beautiful museum. Love this for Omaha!

Highly recommend checking out the Luminarium during the monthly adult nights. There are so many fun activities that make you feel like a kid again. I love seeing the museum lit up. The added bonus is the cocktail bar stations. Make sure to get them early to try the specialty drink that comes in a light up cup. So a cool feature to the evening. I also recommend wearing comfy shoes to walk around and maybe go through the play area.

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. I think more things are geared towards older kids (4+?), but still a lot that our son could appreciate. The place is huge and I love how they incorporate science abd technology.

My daughter, mother, and I were finally able to visit this place and we had a lot of fun. There was actually a small line of people waiting to get in when they opened which I think is kind of funny. We paid for our tickets online and reserved a time so check in was a breeze. There are a ton of cool stations that teach you something. My 8 year-old didn't read much but loved touching and playing with everything at each station. It's probably geared more towards kids a tad older. She had fun either way. There are two floors and a ton of stuff to do on each floor. All in all, my daughter and I had a blast. I just don't think we'd get a membership. IMO, if you go once a year, that would be enough but that obviously depends on the kid. It was fun either way!

This was my first time here! I may not be a kid, but I sure did have a blast interacting with everything inside. Even learned some interesting things as well! This is definitely geared towards the younger crowd but is enjoyable for adults as well. So much learning to do! There is a giant out door playground as well as an indoor one (parent supervision needed). There is a restaurant, Fig, attached to the building so you can enjoy a snack or meal while you are there.

Wonderful addition to Omaha! Fabulous science museum. So much to see. We are looking forward to checking out the Thursday events for adults.

This place was really cool and fun. It seems like it's definitely for kids 6 and up and adults. That might have been common knowledge but I didn't know. I took my two kids and they had a good time but I'm not up to date on my science is what I learned. We went on a day that was free for our county but just my crew alone would have been $60. Which felt pricey for my group to be over it so fast. They loved the indoor place area and the free glow sticks they got. There was a really cool dry ice (exhibit?) and a spot to see how quietly you could walk. Another sand and water area kids could play in that they loved too. I don't think sand is the correct word for what it was. Overall my kids and I did think it was super cool and a fun outing for the day. The outside play area was a total hit. What a great play place for nice days. The only downside is how long it is and kids can just run to the opposite end so you really have to track whoever you are with.

The museum is very interactive and fun! It's definitely designed for children but even as an adult I enjoyed playing with the displays and I learned some things too!

Omg it was like so freaking fun!!! I can't wait to go again! Fun for kids and adults! Could spend hours here! They have so many cool exhibits! Price for 2 adults is $53 kids under 5 free!!!

Such an incredible space for team building! It's like an adult children's museum! We had so much fun playing, learning and getting curious. We had lunch at the Fig Cafe- amazing chicken schnitzel and the fries were really good- even the sourdough bun on the sandwich was incredible. Pastry items were available from Lola's cafe and had an amazing coffee and tea selection. The outdoor park area looked so fun and mirrors some programming found in the Gene Leahy Mall. It was definitely fun for all ages. I will be back for one of the evening openings!

Booked tickets online a week in advance for the Thursday adult night for our monthly girls night out. The online process was easy and smooth and because we booked in advance everyone was able to get their ticket. There was about 10 of us. Now parking can be a bit overwhelming depending on the day of the week because we went on a busy night we did struggle a bit to find parking but eventually we parked. I would suggest to arrive early if you prefer to park closer to the door. Once inside the attendees were fast in checking all of us in. Upon entry I noticed a bar with a long line of people waiting for drinks that glow in the dark I learned later as I walked around there was multiple bars throughout the exhibit which made getting a drink faster. Be prepared to spend hours at the luminarium there was so much to see and so many hands on activities. On this Thursday adult night there was also a live DJ and the music was a vibe. I highly recommend going on adult night and also take your children on a regular day the museum has so many things for adults and children everyone would have fun.

Great fun for all ages! This gorgeous museum had so many activities from science, to art, to music and history. We went on Sunday afternoon, crowds weren't too bad. Parking isn't great because there's not enough of it. Go earlier than your scheduled time to ensure you get parking. The Fig cafe was very tasty. Got some pastries, French fries and a charcuterie board.

My wife and I finally made it to the Kiewit Luminarium, we chose to try out a Thursday evening adults night during the Glow exhibit. The place overall is very cool, very colorful and tons of interactive exhibits for everyone. We had a lot of fun and definitely could not get into everything in just a couple hours. I think this is a great place to bring your kids and it was fun for adults too! We bought tickets online and scanned when we walked in, super easy. They do have some lockers up front for use as well. I wish I would have known ahead of time instead of carrying my coat around as it was quite warm in there.

Fun activities for all ages. We had a 13 year old and three adults. We didn't even get to see every exhibit. It was crowded and loud but everyone was having fun. It rained all day so we didn't explore outside. We tried the cafe as well and everyone enjoyed their meals.

We took the family here while on spring break and it was an amazing experience. All of the exhibits and things were super educational and fun. The restaurant was great for breakfast and coffee. My only gripe was that for the cost of all of us getting in for the day we almost could've bought a membership. I just wish they would've told us that or offered the membership when we first came in.

The museum is an excellent source of entertainment for people of all ages. My family really enjoyed our time there. I also appreciate that the parking was free {although I recommend getting there early because people do take advantage of that fact!} and that we could check out the Lewis and Clark landing afterwards as well. Not to mention, there's a coffee shop inside for mamas like me who need a pick-me-up while walking around with their kids :)

We've been to many science museums all across the country, and this just fell a bit short. I'm not quite sure what age is is geared towards. We have a 4 and 6 year old, and this was generally too technical for them. Every exhibit was not self explanatory, required a lot of reading and trying to explain complex topics to kids. Its interesting for adults, but I've never experienced a science museum generally geared towards adults. Perhaps that's why it caught me off guard. The play area (think glorified McDonald play place) was for ages 5 and up. The opposite of what you would expect. Try telling a 4 year old she can't go into one of those because she isn't old enough, it's just odd. It had some cute exhibits, lots of staff. The kids enjoyed making cars in the crafting area, but after about 1.5 hours (which included 30 minutes for a craft) we had done anything that interested them. I think the audience is probably age 10 and up, and even then it takes a special kind of kid to be interested in science at a level that requires so much reading and figuring out each exhibit.

The Luminarium is one of my favorite spots in Omaha for a fun weekend activity! The Luminarium has the best exhibits that are entertaining and informative for all ages! I have always loved science and have a science degree, but still learn new things each visit. I love the rotating displays to keep things fresh, and have gone a few times with my membership. The memberships are very affordable and worth it if you live locally, as there's always something new going on that's worth going back for. The free lockers when you walk in are convenient and easy to use! I have yet to make it to the adults-only night on Thursdays or to their special event dinners, but can't wait to go. It can get busy at times, but I've always been able to check out all the exhibits I've wanted. The area around the Luminarium is beautiful, and it's so easy to walk down here now right from The RiverFront park, Gene Leahy Mall, and the Heartland of America Park. The gift shop has great, cute little science knickknacks, fun decor, and some great books. I haven't eaten at The Fig yet, but the food and drink options look great. If you're looking for a fun activity in Omaha, this should be your next stop. Get the membership, you'll want to be back!

Cool place for kids and adults. My daughter likes exploring the exhibits and there's tons of them. I think many of the exhibits are better suited for older kids that can read and follow directions, otherwise you're just turning knobs and pushing buttons. My daughter is five and some things are a bit too technical for her to do on her own. The geometry playground has a lot of climbing features and is fun for kids, but it is worth noting kids must be age five and older to enter. There is a nice cafe that seems to have some decent food - it always smells pretty good, but we haven't eaten there yet. I like the online ticket system to reserve a time in advance, but it was still very busy on a Monday. Parking was extremely limited and there was a lot of lines for each exhibit. The memberships are tiered and reasonably priced. I'm looking forward to the outdoor play area opening. It ties in with everything the city has done downtown and will be a nice addition to the Luminarium.

We've been anxiously waiting for the Luminarium for what seemed like forever! Once it did, we were not disappointed. They have some great exhibits that get you to think a little and have a good time. My six year old son loves it. His favorite is probably the climbing area. The restaurant is also pretty tasty and offers top notch food options, much better than what you'll find at other places like the children's museum and the zoo. This place will be even better once the surrounding park is finished. To me, the membership is well worth the cost. Even better is that they offer two pricing tiers for the membership so if the regular is too expensive, you can still support and enjoy it.

sucked , my kids were waiting in line and kids cut In front of my children and the people working do not supervise so honesty at the bubble station: my kids and me were waiting for a while at this bubble wall station they had upstairs. A lady came with a group (two families). She came up with three kids; two of which were kids of the other family she was with. We were still waiting since these two girls were before us. The ladys kid wanted to go but she told her to wait. Problem was, as soon as the girls left the station, the lady doesn't stop her kid and the kids from her group. We were there before them. It was very clear we were waiting for the station as well. And to top it off there was no one supervising. No staff anywhere around the area. Overall, it was not the most pleasant first experience. OVERALL DONT GO WASTE OF TIME

Really neat aesthetically and informative. We spent over 2 hours and still didn't see all of the exhibits. Only complaint was it was a little crowded over the 11-1pm time we were there.

I really enjoyed my visit! College students get discounts plus the staff is very nice and helpful! Would highly recommend

Me and my family are from Missouri and went to Omaha for Memorial Day. We decided to go to the Luminarium and it was the best science museum we have ever been to!