Morrill Hall will reopen to the public on Friday, March 15 at 9am.

Activities Calendar

Discovery Day Camp

REGISTRATION FOR 2024 DAY CAMPS IS LIVE

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 2023-2024 school year.

Two–Day Camp $110 per camp - Members | $130 per camp – Nonmembers
Half–Day Camp (5 days) $135 per camp - Members | $155 per camp – Nonmembers*
Five–Day Camp (5 days) $260 per camp - Members | $280 per camp – Nonmembers

*three-day camps that run July 1- July 3 are the same price point as half-day camps


Summer Day Camp

Anthropology- First Peoples of the Plains

Two-Day Camp

Join us for a hands-on exploration of Native American cultures of the past and present, specifically in the Great Plains territories. Campers will get an introduction to cultural anthropology from our resident anthropologist then learn how the First Peoples of the Plains used natural products of the local environment and fashioned them into tools, food, clothing, and shelter. Campers will also learn about continued traditions and Native American leaders of today. This camp is best suited for ages 12- 14.

July 22nd – 23rd | 9am – 4pm daily | 6th – 8th grade

Art in Science

Two-Day Camp

Art forms and different science fields go hand in hand. Discover the science of shapes, form, and structure in the world around us. Campers will get an introduction to these forms of artistic expression ranging from science illustration, nature journaling, and wildlife photography.

June 24th – 25th | 9am – 4pm daily | 3rd – 5th grade
July 22nd – 23rd | 9am – 4pm daily | 3rd – 5th grade
July 25th – 26th | 9am – 4pm daily | 6th – 8th grade

Astronomical Adventures

Two-Day Camp

Blast off into a fun whirlwind of space exploration. Campers will get a behind-the-scenes understanding of what it takes for astronauts to take a journey to the moon, examine the differences between other planets in the solar system and our own, and get to experience our state-of-the-art Mueller Planetarium.

June 6th – 7th | 9am – 4pm daily | K – 2nd grade
June 27th – 28th | 9am – 4pm daily | 3rd – 5th grade
July 25th – 26th | 9am – 4pm daily | 3rd – 5th grade

What's Bugging You?

Two-Day Camp

Insects, spiders, and parasites, oh my! Big or small, these insects, arachnids, and worms play important roles within our local ecosystem. Campers will get to explore the special adaptations of these creepy crawlies that are all around (and sometimes even inside us, eeekkk!).

June 3rd – 4th | 9am – 4pm daily | K – 2nd grade
June 20th – 21st | 9am – 4pm daily | 3rd – 5th grade
July 18th – 19th | 9am – 4pm daily | 3rd – 5th grade

Science Sleuths

Two-Day Camp | Three-Day Camp

Strange occurrences are happening at Morrill Hall, and we need YOUR help to crack the code, solve the case, and find all the answers. Campers will need to put on their detective caps as they will be presented with a variety of challenges, puzzles, and other investigation scenes.

June 17th – 18th | 9am – 4pm daily | 3rd – 5th grade
July 1st – 3rd | 9am – 4pm daily | K – 2nd grade
July 15th – 16th | 9am – 4pm daily | 3rd – 5th grade

STEAM: Learning Through Play

Two-Day Camp | Half-Day Camp

Play is a very important (and fun!) way young children explore their environment. In this program, campers will be introduced to a variety of STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, art, and math) concepts through fun, hands-on games, challenges, and activities.

June 10th – 11th | 9am – 4pm daily | K – 2nd grade
July 15th – 19th | 9am – 12pm daily | K – 2nd grade

Curious Curators

Half-Day Camp

Have you ever wondered what it takes to put together a museum collection? Campers will get a behind-the-scenes look at the collections and exhibits at the Museum. They will also get the opportunity to create and present a museum collection of their own design.

July 8th – 12th | 9am – 12pm daily | 3rd – 5th grade

Elephants, Dinos, and Rhinos

Half-Day Camp

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.

June 3rd – 7th | 9am – 12pm daily | 3rd – 5th grade
June 24th – 28th | 9am – 12pm daily | K – 2nd grade

NE: Where the Wild Things Are

Half-Day Camp | Two-Day Camp

Explore Nebraska landscapes and the amazing creatures that occupy the beef state. Campers will learn about some amazing animal adaptations, the four bioregions of Nebraska, and gain some skills on how to study these creatures in their own backyards.

June 10th – 14th | 9am – 12pm daily | 3rd – 5th grade
June 13th – 14th | 9am – 12pm daily | K – 2nd grade
July 8th – 12th | 9am – 12pm daily | K – 2nd grade

Water We Doing?

Half-Day Camp | Three-Day Camp

Did you know water makes up roughly 65% of your body? Water plays a huge role in our lives. Campers will learn about groundwater, watersheds, aquatic wildlife, weather events, and the unique wetland types we have in Nebraska.

June 17th – 21st | 9am – 12pm daily | K – 2nd grade
July 1st – 3rd | 9am – 4pm daily | 3rd – 5th grade

Exhibition Mashup

Five-Day Camp

End the summer season with a fun-filled week of exploration and discovery! Campers will learn about a different topic every day including paleontology, astronomy, water ecology, zoology, entomology, art in science, and much more!

July 29th – Aug. 2nd | 9am – 4pm daily | 3rd – 5th grade
July 29th – Aug. 2nd | 9am – 4pm daily | 6th – 8th grade

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.