Hands-On History: Historic Games on Worldwide Day of Play

About this event

In partnership with Nickelodeon and the Association of Children’s Museums, we’re happy to announce the Nebraska History Museum’s participation in Our World: Worldwide Day of Play on September 26, 2026. As a day dedicated to joyful learning through play, this event focuses on getting kids and their families up, out, and playing around. To celebrate, we’ll be exploring how Nebraskans of all ages had fun in the past, including trying your hand at games played by Indigenous peoples like: Cup and Ball Make your own cup and ball game and challenge your friends and family to see who can win Bison Chip Toss With not many trees in early Nebraska, American Indian tribes found another source for fuel, bison chips! Can you help us gather “bison chips” to toss into the fire? Haηpapecuη (Hand game) Join us for this game of chance, played by Indigenous tribes for generations. Haηpapecuη, a Lakota word meaning “moccasin game” challenges you to correctly guess which hand has the wood piece, to win all the points for your team Kaηsu Kute (Plum Pit Game) Kaηsu Kute, or plum pit game, is often played in the fall and winter and is similar to dice. Come learn about the meaning behind the game and challenge your family and friends Regular admission rates apply. Admission is free with a NSHS membership.