Family events in Grand Island, NE

CNHS is marking 60 years of care for animals and service to the community, from helping pets in need to reuniting families and placing animals in loving homes. To honor the milestone, the organization is hosting a full weekend of food, festivities, canine companions, and fundraising. Highlights include the Miles for Mutts 5k and mile walk, along with the return of Drool in the Pool for one last splash of the season. The weekend offers options for runners, food enthusiasts, dog lovers, and families alike. Each activity helps support the thousands of homeless animals that depend on CNHS every year. More details will be announced soon.

This game night offers a relaxed setting to try something new or bring a longtime favorite. Friends and family are welcome. The focus is on giving the community a place to connect and enjoy time together over coffee.

TFX Throwdown brings together athletes across multiple divisions, with options for RX, Intermediate, Scaled, Masters, and Community. New in 2026, the TFX Kids’ TDN introduces a solo, single day contest for athletes ages 8 to 14. The competition includes five scored workouts and three events. To register, form a team of three and complete sign up through the provided link.

A community block party featuring music, food, and plenty of fun brings people together around connection and hope. This celebratory day welcomes everyone and highlights the joy of gathering as a community.

Tamiya Mini 4x4 racing puts pure speed front and center. These cars are not remote controlled, so once launched they tear through jumps, curves, and straightaways on their own. Success comes from smart tuning and quick builds, and the course layout changes each event to keep everyone on their toes. Bring a Tamiya Mini 4x4 car and the $1 per car entry fee to participate. Categories include Box Stock, Super Stock, and Modified, with bragging rights up for grabs. All skill and experience levels are welcome. The day begins with the track opening, followed by registration and then racing.

The Kool-Aid Days Duck Derby brings a cheerful splash to Hastings Aquacourt while raising funds for future students. All proceeds benefit the Kool-Aid Scholarship fund for 2027. In the previous year, 12 scholarships were awarded to graduating seniors across Nebraska, with the goal of helping even more next time. Admission is free, and concessions are half off during the event. Duck adoptions are available with two options: one duck for $5 or six ducks for $20. Thanks to generous sponsors including Big G Ace, Barista's of Hastings, Omaha Henry Dorley Zoo, Coach's Corner, Ben Engel Construction, Avani Day Spa & Yoga Studio, and Kool-Aid Days, participants race for three prizes. First place earns a family trip for four to Omaha featuring a two-night hotel stay at a chosen hotel, a gas card, day admission to the Omaha Zoo, day admission to Kiewet Luminarium, and food and fun at The Amazing Pizza Machine. Second place receives a 2-burner Blackstone. Third place includes gift cards for a downtown Hastings experience.

At Island Oasis Water Park, this annual Drool in the Pool fundraiser lets dogs cool off and splash around with new canine friends. Register each dog separately. Early registration is $5 per dog, the fee increases to $10 later, and it is $15 per dog at the gate. Each dog’s registration includes entry for up to two people, and any additional attendees pay a $1 entry fee, including children. Dogs must be current on rabies vaccination, and CNHS must receive a copy of the rabies certificate to complete registration. Adults may handle up to two dogs; owners with more than two dogs need another adult to assist. Dogs must arrive and leave on leash, and leashing may be required inside the event if control becomes an issue. Only dog and people friendly pets may participate, and any dog showing dominant or aggressive behavior will be asked to leave. Female dogs in heat are not permitted. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after themselves and their animals. Outside food and drinks are not allowed, including dog food or treats, though water is permitted. If a food truck is present, purchases must be eaten outside the park. People may stand in the water, but no one may swim, including children, and lifeguards will not be on duty. Owners are responsible for any injuries or damages caused by their animals. Event staff may ask anyone repeatedly violating guidelines to leave.

Created in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, A More Perfect Union at the Plainsman Museum offers a timeline experience that pairs milestones in United States history with local stories from Hamilton County, Nebraska. The exhibition is available during regular museum hours and is included with standard admission. Banners placed throughout the museum spotlight pioneers, veterans, inventors, sports writers and others, and include interactive QR codes with read-aloud features, family trees, and additional family information. A History Detectives: Special Patriotic Edition scavenger hunt adds a playful challenge for children and kids at heart. A companion video timeline is planned for the movie theatre exhibit, showing national and county histories side by side, with availability expected soon.

Turn a visit to the Plainsman Museum into a patriotic mystery with a special edition of its History Detectives scavenger hunt. Pick up an activity packet at the museum desk, then tackle hint-filled puzzles whose answers are hidden throughout the exhibits and galleries. Geared toward elementary-age explorers but enjoyable for anyone who likes solving puzzles, this activity is included with general admission and requires no extra fee. Children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. When you finish the case, return the packet to the museum desk for special recognition. Questions can be directed to the Plainsman Museum office at 402-694-6531 or plainsman@hamilton.net. Offers to buy or sell tickets through social media or other outlets are not accepted, as admission is handled at the museum upon arrival.