Big birthday events

Birthdays are a big deal for kids, and since they’re only little once why not make that special day even bigger. Here are five Nebraska attractions that will make for one unforgettable birthday. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium: A birthday host will present each child with a washable animal tattoo and a craft project. Party guests will then get to meet one of the Zoo’s very own residents. A Zookeeper will share exciting information about an animal then follow up with questions and answers. After the animal visit, guests are invited to learn about animal bio-facts and take a group photo. Riverside Discovery Center in Scottsbluff: Living on the other side of the state doesn’t mean a child can’t have a zoo animal at his or her birthday party. At this combination zoo, children's museum and natural history museum, a party can include a chance to feed the petting zoo animals and a special visit from a snake, ferret, skunk or turtle. The celebration includes admission for 10 children and a T-shirt for the honored guest. Morrill Hall at the University of Nebraska State Museum of Natural History in Lincoln: Every child deserves a birthday party that will go down in history . . . natural history! Party themes include creepy crawlies, giant mammoths, fascinating fossils, deep sea adventures and treasure hunts. A museum employee helps run the party—including a theme-based museum excursion and a hands-on adventure such as a simulated fossil dig—from start to finish. Edgerton Explorit Center in Aurora: If the birthday partygoers are more into mad scientists, the center is the perfect place to concoct a party. Named after Dr. Harold Edgerton, inventor of the stroboscope and pioneer of flash photography, this museum moves science beyond the classroom with interactive experiments. Parties include a special 30-minute science demonstration of the birthday child’s choice. Topics include electricity, the science of bubbleology, the freezing power of supercold substances and strobe lights Lincoln Children’s Museum: With the popular deluxe party package, the museum takes care of everything: theme (princess, pirate, safari, cowboy, cowgirl or rock star), party favors, decorations, drinks, set up and clean up, all in a private party room for one hour. Or splurge with the ultimate party and get a private, after-hours rental, giving guests access to all three floors of the museum for two hours. Bonus list – These other Nebraska children’s museums also offer great parties:

• Omaha Children’s Museum
• KidZone – Kearney Area Children’s Museum
• Children’s Museum of Central Nebraska, Hastings
• North Platte Area Children’s Museum
• York Children’s Museum

Cody Go-Karts Family Fun Park in North Platte: Plan a fast and furious party that will make the guests’ hearts race. Park packages include a combination of go-karts, water bumper boats, mini golf, waterslides, kiddie go-karts or bumper boats, train rides and more, as well as cupcakes, drinks and free games.