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Twenty years ago this fall I arrived in Hastings. Twenty years later I’m still in the area, now raising a young family, and my impressions of Hastings haven’t changed that much.
It was the result of curiosity piqued at a college fair that I ended up in Hastings. It wasn’t just the visit to the campus that changed my mind about my life‘s path. It was the “feel” of the town as we drove in on North Burlington. There was something about the big houses, tree lined streets, and beautiful parks. Hastings obviously made a good impression because I attended Hastings College for four years and I’m still in the area. We hear a lot about what Hastings doesn’t have (and I will admit I make that comment once in a while), but there’s so much it does have, especially for families.
As a mother with two young children, I’m learning to appreciate the wonderful activities tailored for children throughout various groups and organizations in Hastings. And it’s not just for young children, it’s for all stages of childhood. The resources I utilize right now are the Hastings Public Library, Children’s Museum, and Hastings Museum. Even Mary Lanning Hospital has holiday events tailored to younger children sporadically throughout the year. But organizations such as the YWCA, YMCA, and Hastings Junior Community
Theater, as well as Central Community College and Hastings Parks and Recreation have frequent activities available for kids older than my preschoolers.
The Hastings Tribune started printing earlier this year what I think is a helpful little newspaper insert. Kid Scoop News is printed every 2nd and 4th Friday and it is a calendar of events tailored specifically towards the youth activities available in Hastings. (It also includes a few pages of games for kids to play.)
The Adams County Convention and Visitors Bureau has a website, www.hastingscalendar.com which lists events and activities in Hastings and the local area. It’s a great resource as well, especially for looking ahead for things to do in the upcoming months.
Regardless of the source, I appreciate having a quick place to look for upcoming events–it helps me keep a little more organized in my chaotic household. And the quicker I can search for something, the better!
The next time you are looking for something to do to keep your family busy, check out these resources. And enjoy some of what Hastings has to offer.
Tags: activities, children, events, family, Hastings, kids
About the author: Jill Kimle
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Having been born and raised in a small town in the heart of the Sandhills, I have to laugh when people say there’s nothing to do in Hastings. Try living in a small town where the nearest Walmart is over two hours away. We had to make our own fun — building forts and neighborhood baseball games were the norm.
I have always been impressed by the quality and quantity of family activities available in Hastings. It could be worse but it could be better. I know this isn’t Omaha — there’s no zoo, no minor league baseball games to attend, etc. But really, how often would you go to the zoo if it was in your hometown? I would say personally, not more than a few times a year. Easy enough to drive to Omaha then.
I recently took my two-year old son to the Children’s Museum. I was really impressed with the amount of activities and the detail that went into their individualized stations. I was disheartened by the two hours we were there, only two other families came and went. I’m planning on making it a point to take my son there a few more times through the winter months. I can’t think of a better place to let him burn energy and stimulate his mind, as playing outside is not much of an option these cold days. I hope to see more families utilize the Children’s Museum. I would hate to see it close down.
I agree with you Renee. We are members at the Children’s Museum and while it’s nice that it is never busy, I think a lot of parents are missing out by not checking into it. A membership is very, very reasonable. I think it’s my 4 and 2 year old’s favorite thing to do. The best part about it for me as a Mom is that it keeps them busy for a couple of hours and there is no fighting ever! (Which is usually what happens at home.) We also love the Adventure Challenge at the YMCA.