Move-In Closure

Morrill Hall will be closed Tuesday, August 19 and Wednesday, August 20 to help facilitate smoother traffic flow for UNL student move-in. The museum will resume normal operations Thursday, August 21.

Our Family of Museums:

Activities Calendar

Discovery Day Camp

REGISTRATION FOR 2025 DAY CAMPS

Day camps at Morrill Hall are hands-on, minds-on experiences where campers explore various natural history and science topics through engaging activities. Each camp is led by UNSM's educators, with potential opportunities to engage with our museum researchers and guest speakers.

Camps are offered for students who have completed kindergarten through 8th grade during the 2024-2025 school year.

FALL BREAK DAY CAMP

(Registration Opens September 1)

$65 per camp - members | $85 per camp - non members

Mission Control - Galaxy Explorers

Mission control, we have liftoff! In this Fall Break camp, campers will learn about the highly specialized mission control facility and team of people who coordinate and carry out space missions. Campers will also get to go through the steps and planning it takes to carry-out a space mission of their own. Through these missions, campers will explore celestial bodies within our own galaxy and beyond!  This camp is best suited for ages 6-8.

*Camp programming is from 9am-4pm. You may drop-off/pick-up your camper(s) within an hour before and after camp programming occurs.

Monday, October 13 | *8am-5pm | Ages 6-8

Nebraska Paleontology Adventures

Did you know Elephants used to live in Nebraska? Rhinos too? Nebraska and the organisms that used to call it home have changed a lot in the last 14 million years. With the help of our resident paleontologists, Campers will get to explore ancient life throughout the Museum and will complete their own fossil dig. This camp is best suited for ages 9 - 11.

*Camp programming is from 9am-4pm. You may drop-off/pick-up your camper(s) within an hour before and after camp programming occurs.

Tuesday, October 14 | *8am-5pm | Ages 9-11

Day Camp FAQ

What is a typical camp like?
Each camp is slightly different, but may include interactive activities, science exploration, art/craft projects, games, tours through the museum, guest speakers, and possible opportunities to visit with other museum researchers (dependent on camp topic and researcher availability).

Are lunch and snacks provided?
Depending on the length of the camp your child(ren) is attending, we will provide one snack in the morning and afternoon. If your child(ren) is attending a camp that runs from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., please send them with a sack lunch that does not need to be refrigerated or microwaved and is peanut-free.

What is the instructor/camper ratio?
Our camps max out at 20 students and there are two instructors per camp.

I have a child with special needs. Can they still participate?
We welcome all children to our programs. If your child has special needs, please contact the education department prior to registration so we can discuss any necessary accommodations to ensure a positive experience in camp.

May I enroll my child in a camp for an older age group?
No, campers must fall within the specified age category. Our curriculum and daily activity levels are designed to meet the needs of the age groups listed to ensure a positive experience for all campers. Camps are offered for students who have completed kindergarten through 8th grade during the summer.

What if we arrive late for camp?
If you arrive after 9:00 a.m., please check in with Visitor Services at the main entrance.

Do you offer any scholarships or discounts?
Camper scholarships or discounts are not available at this time. However, we do offer half-day and two-day camps at different price points. Members of the museum get a $20 discount.

Can my camper bring their cell phone in case I need to get ahold of them?
Electronic devices including cell phones and tablets owned by campers are not allowed at our camp programs. If you need to contact your camper during program hours, call the main museum line at (402) 472-2637.

Day Camp Policies

For more detailed information not included below, please refer to our Day Camp Information Packet.

Camp Photography Policy:
The museum may take photos during the camp and activities for purposes of internal and external communications and/or promotions. A photo release statement is included with registration, allowing you to opt in or out of having your child photographed.

Refund Policy:
Camp space is limited, and all camp registrations are considered final. Refunds or partial refunds will not be issued for any no-shows or missed days. The University of Nebraska State Museum reserves the right to cancel camps due to low enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances, in which participants will be notified and full refund will be issued.