Springfield Kids Directory

Refrigerator Notes

When I was young, I was part of Camp Fire Girls. Each year, our group had a Valentine’s Box Supper with our fathers. The Springfield-Greene County Park Board’s Daddy-Daughter Dance brought back these memories. We decorated boxes to put our food in, and we had this special meal with just the girls and dads. There was entertainment—usually singing and a cheesy skit.

I think my sweetest memory was when all the daughters and dads sang “Let Me Call You ‘Sweetheart.’”

Looking back, those box suppers were very simple but VERY special. The closest my son came to this at school was Muffins with Moms and Donuts with Dads.

February is a great time to talk about “love” with your bigs and littles. Love isn’t just romance. We express love of others by showing respect, acting with kindness and compassion, and honoring the dignity of all people. During this month, hug a little tighter and say, “I love you” every day. And remember to love yourself as well. Be good to yourself. You’ve got this! | ~Melinda, parent & publisher

In this issue...

Kids Eat Free (*or almost free) ... 6, 8, 12 Healthy Kids Guide .................... 13-19 February KIDS Calendar ............. 20-21

Healthy Kids & Healthy Families Expedition Pediatric Dentistry .......... 15 NEW!! Little Grins Dental ................ 17 Ozark Parks & Recreation ................. 15 Ozarks Regional YMCA ..................... 19 Pierce Vision Specialists ................... 17 Sac River Stables ............................. 11 Springfield Ballet ............................. 10 Springfield-Greene Co. Park Board ... 11 TheraCare @ The Arc of the Ozarks .. 14 Boutiques, Consignment & Resale Haute Tot Kids Resale ......... back cover Once Upon a Child ............................. 3

Education & Tutoring Sylvan Learning Center of Springfield..... 2 Entertainment, Camps & Activities “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” @ SLT ..... 10 Cub Creek Science Camp .................... 2 Itty Bitty City ..................................... 2 JoyRide RV Rentals ............................ 9 Magical Stories & More ...................... 9 OPTV Seuss Science Day .................... 5 Springfield Art Museum ..................... 9

Springfield-Greene Co. Library ......... 11 Springfield Symphony ...................... 23 Wonders of Wildlife ........................... 7 Hair Salons

Melinda Arnold: Parent/Publisher/Owner ©2021-2022 Kids Directory/Fusion Link Communications LLC. This directory, in part or whole, cannot be reproduced or copied without written permission. Kids Directory reserves the right to refuse any advertising for any reason. Readers should verify advertised information with advertisers. Kids Directory® is a registered trademark of Hidden Values, Inc. If you are interested in how to have your own Kids Directory in your city, please call 800-960-6788.

Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids ...... 11

Kids Eat FREE

The original , most comprehensive guide in the Ozarks!

Restaurants may modify or temporarily suspend Kids Eat Free offers and operating hours. We do our best to publish accurate information. Please call ahead to confirm offers. Thank you for supporting our local and locally owned and managed restaurants. Want to advertise your restaurant or know about a deal not listed? Email melinda@springfieldkids.com

EVERY DAY

HuHot, 2825 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-882-0300. Kids age 3 and younger eat free every day. Drink not included. Dine-in only.

Incredible Pizza Company, 2850 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-887-3030. Kids age 3 and younger eat free.

SUNDAY

Houlihan’s, 2421 N. Glenstone Ave., 417-862-7777. Kids’ meals are $2.49 and $3.49. Cannot be combined with offers or coupons.

HuHot, 2825 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-882-0300. 25 percent off for all students with school ID.

King’s Asian Chef, 1336 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-866-5527. Free kid’s meal with every adult combo meal or entrée purchased. Choose junior-size cashew chicken or junior sweet and sour. Maximum of three free meals. Dine-in only.

Moe’s Southwest Grill, 2212 W. Hwy 76, Branson, 417-334-3880. Kids age 9 and younger get a free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult entrée. Child must be present.

Springfield Family Restaurant, 2222 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-883-0900. One free kids’ menu item with purchase of one adult entrée valued at $8 or more, after 4 p.m. Dine-in only. Cannot be combined with other offers.

MONDAY

Amigos Mexican Restaurant, 2118 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-887-1401. All day, get one free kid’s meal (for ages 10 and younger) with purchase of an adult entrée.

Bair’s All-American Sports Grill, three locations: 105 W. Sherman Way, Nixa, 417-725-3777; 3821 S. Campbell Ave., 417-368-5919, Springfield; 1644 E. Hwy 60, Republic, 417-732-5077. All day, kids eat for $2.99 with the purchase of a regular-priced entrée. Same offer available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Bosky’s Vegan Grill, 405 W. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-507-1050. One free kids’ meal for every adult meal purchased, 3-8 p.m. Kids 12 and under. Kids’ meal is a choice of slider and fries or tenders and fries. Dine-in only.

Kids Eat Free!

Pasta Express, four locations: 3025 W. Republic Rd., 417-888-3048; 3250 E. Battlefield Rd., 417-890-1345; 603 S. Kimbrough Ave., 417-862-7833; 321 E. Battlefield Rd., 417-885-0030. Free kid’s meal for kids age 12 and younger with purchase of an adult entrée, 3-9 p.m. Dine-in only. Springfield Brewing Company 305 S. Market Ave., Springfield, 417-832-8277. Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée. Dine-in only.

The Roost Bar & Grill, 4216 S. Cox Rd., 417-612-9050; 2025 W. Sunshine St., 417-865-4000. Free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée, 6-10 p.m. Village Inn, all Springfield locations. Get one kid’s meal for kids age 9 and younger with each adult meal purchased. Offer good all day. Offer also good on Tuesday.

TUESDAY

Bair’s All-American Sports Grill, three locations: 105 W. Sherman Way, Nixa, 417-725-3777; 3821 S. Campbell Ave., 417-368-5919, Springfield; 1644 E. Hwy 60, Republic, 417-732-5077. All day, kids eat for $2.99 with the purchase of a regular-priced entrée. Same offer available on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Big Whiskey’s, five locations: in Springfield, 311 Park Central, 417-862-2449; 1440 W. Republic Rd., 417-882-2249; and 1550 E. Battlefield Rd., 417-883-5999; 602 N. 25th St., Ozark, 417-485-3800; and 301 Branson Landing, Branson, 417-334-4478. One

(or almost free)

Continued from page 6

free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult entrée, 5-9 p.m. Coyote’s Adobe Cafe, Nixa location only, 807 N. Main St., 417-725-6803. One free kids meal for kids age 12 and younger for each adult entrée purchased, 5-8 p.m. Parents can get all-you-can-eat wings, 5-8 p.m. HuHot, 2825 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-882-0300. After 4 p.m., one free kids’ grill meal per adult grill meal for kids ages 10 and younger.

McAlister’s Deli, for dine-in only at locations in Springfield and Republic: 210 W. Sunshine, 417-831-4450; 1460 E. Primrose, 417-890-5250; 2445-A N. Kansas Expwy., 417-866-2331; 1711 W. Battlefield Rd., 417-888-0899; and 586 E. Harrison St., Republic, 417-732-4747. Purchase an adult meal and receive a 99¢ kid’s meal for a child age 12 or younger. Offer good from 5-9 p.m. Prima’s Mexican Grill, Two locations: 3662 S. Glenstone Ave., 417-890-1212, Springfield; 1769 James River Rd., Ozark, 417-582-2776. Dine-in only, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., one free kids’ meal ($4.25 or less) for kids age 10 and younger for each lunch or dinner entrée purchased.

Ruby Tuesday’s, 2725 N. Glenstone Ave., 417-831-7829, and 3316 W. Hwy 76, Branson, 417-335-5450. After 4 p.m., get one free kid’s entrée with one adult entrée purchase.

“Kids Eat Free” offers continue on page 12.

Kids Eat Free! (or almost free)

Continued from page 8

Village Inn, all Springfield locations. Get one kid’s meal for kids age 9 and younger with each adult meal purchased. Offer good all day. Offer also good on Tuesdays.

WEDNESDAY

Andy B’s, 1127 E. Battlefield Rd., 417-883-1234. Kids age 12 and younger get a free kids’ meal with every menu item purchase valued at $9 or more.

Bair’s All-American Sports Grill, three locations: 105 W. Sherman Way, Nixa, 417-725-3777; 3821 S. Campbell Ave., 417-368-5919, Springfield; 1644 E. Hwy 60, Republic, 417-732-5077. All day, kids eat for $2.99 with the purchase of a regular-priced entrée.

Double E Burger & Ice Cream Shoppe, 339 Kentling Ave., Highlandville, 417-587-8018. One free kid’s meal for ages 12 and younger with the purchase of one adult entrée of $5.99 or more. Dine-in only. Cannot combine with other offers or coupons. Thursdays also.

Dowd’s Catfish & BBQ Eatery, 1760 W. Elm St., Lebanon, 417-532-1777. One free kids’ meal for each adult meal purchased after 5 p.m. Does not include all-you-can-eat. Dine-in only.

Schlotsky’s, 4132 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-889-2445. Buy one regular 10” pizza and get one free on certain pizza selections. Limit 1 BOGO offer when ordering multiple pizzas.

The Catfish Café, 1210 S. Ash St., Buffalo. 417-345-1277. Dine-in only. Kids eat free off kids’ menu, 4-8 p.m. One free kid’s meal per paid adult meal.

Whole Hog Café, 224 W. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-868-0042. After 5 p.m., kids age 12 and younger get one free kid’s plate with purchase of one adult plate, 5-9 p.m. Dine-in only.

THURSDAY

Double E Burger & Ice Cream Shoppe, 339 Kentling Ave., Highlandville, 417-587-8018. One free kid’s meal for ages 12 and younger with purchase of one adult entrée ($5.99 or more). Dine-in only. Cannot combine with other offers or coupons.

FRIDAY

Ruby Tuesday’s, 2725 N. Glenstone Ave., 417-831-7829. All day, get one free kids’ entrée with one adult entrée.

SATURDAY

McAlister’s Deli, for dine-in only in Springfield and Republic: 210 W. Sunshine, 417-831-4450; 1460 E. Primrose, 417-890-5250; 2445-A N. Kansas Expwy., 417-866-2331; 1711 W. Battlefield Rd., 417-888-0899; and 586 E. Harrison St., Republic, 417-732-4747. Purchase an adult meal and receive a 99¢ kid’s meal for a child age 12 or younger. Offer good all day.

Rosie Jo’s Café, 1711 S. 15th St., Ozark, 417-581-6047. Get one free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult entrée, 4-8 p.m. Only for children ages 10 and younger.

H ealt H y K ids in 2023

Ensuring your child’s health and wellbeing can be some of the most emotional, expensive, and frustrating issues you face as a parent or primary caregiver. We’ve put together a list of quality providers across multiple fields that can help take away some of the stress and frustration of navigating the world of children’s health, therapy services, and fitness.

H ealt H y K ids in 2023

Dentistry

Expedition Pediatric Dentistry

417-719-7862 • expeditiondental.com 1250 E. Walnut Lawn St. • Springfield 716 W. Mt. Vernon St. • Nixa | 772 US Hwy 60 • Republic

Dr. Jesse Gardner and his staff at Expedition Pediatric Dentistry help children grow up with healthy, bright smiles and enthusiasm for their dental health. Dr. Gardner is a board-certified pediatric dentist. He and his team treat each child as they would their own: gently, patiently, and with great compassion. They strive to make every visit fun and enjoyable for your child while providing comprehensive preventive and restorative care. When your child walks out the door with a big smile and says they can’t wait to come back, they’re on the path to a lifetime of healthy smiles. See ad on page 15.

Little Grins Dental

4728 S. Campbell Ave. • Springfield 417-300-9424 • littlegrinsdental.com

Dr. Craig Rechkemmer, a kid-friendly general dentist, and his staff at Little Grins Dental provide a positive dental experience for children and their parents. From the moment you walk through the front door, it’s obvious their focus is pediatric dental care. The waiting area has a huge play area. Exam rooms have whimsical themes and kid-sized exam chairs. Services include routine cleanings and examinations, fluoride treatments, digital dental X-rays, instruction in proper oral hygiene, sealants, tooth repair, extractions, and dental emergencies. See ad on page 17.

Healthy Kids continues on page 16.

H ealt H y K ids in 2023

Fitness

Ozark Parks & Recreation & The OC

1530 W. Jackson St. • Ozark • 417-581-7002 • ozarkmissouri.com

Ozark Parks & Rec provides children and teens with opportunities for fitness through organized athletic teams, martial arts, gymnastics and ballet, and dance and cheer. The OC is a hub of fitness for the community offering year-round programs for all ages. Kids can take swim lessons at the indoor OC Aquatic Facility and participate in swim team. The OC also features state-of-the-art strength equipment and free weights, a cardio center, indoor track, and classes. The Kids Zone gives young children activity while parents are working out or in classes. See ad on page 15.

Ozarks Regional YMCA

orymca.org

The Ozarks Regional YMCA is made up of seven family centers, including two Springfield locations. The Y is built on programs, services, and initiatives to enable kids to realize their potential; prepare teens for college; offer families fun activities; and empower people to be healthy in spirit, mind, and body. The Ozarks Regional YMCA is a not-for-profit organization that believes no one should be denied access to membership and programs due to an inability to pay. These funds are subsidized through the United Way of the Ozarks and the Y Impact Campaign. See ad on page 19.

Sac River Stables

5798 N. Farm Road 125 • Springfield 417-742-4200 • sacriverstables.com

Trot on over to Sac River Stables for fun fitness in the saddle. Brushing horses, saddling, and riding in the indoor and outdoor riding facilities are great ways to burn off some winter calories, stay flexible, and use those horseback riding muscles. Follow Sac River Stables on Facebook to learn more about the facilities and programs. See ad on page 11.

Healthy Kids continues on page 18.

H ealt H y K ids in 2023

Springfield Ballet

411 N. Sherman Pkwy. • Springfield • 417-862-1343 • springfieldballet.org Springfield Ballet’s dance school is a comprehensive training program for dancers to build a strong foundation in classical ballet and complementary dance styles. The school’s curriculum is built on the core values of professionalism, excellence, and discipline in an atmosphere that fosters self-confidence, grace, and focus. All classroom time is spent learning and strengthening dancers’ technique; Springfield Ballet’s classes are not driven by recital performance or competition. Classes are offered for all skill levels to individuals from age 2 through adults. See ad on page 10.

Springfield-Greene County Park Board

417-864-1049 • parkboard.org/fitness

Chesterfield Family Center • 2511 W. Republic Rd. • 417-891-1616 Dan Kinney Family Center • 2701 S. Blackman Rd. • 417-891-1500 Doling Family Center • 301 E. Talmage St. • 417-837-5900 The Park Board’s Chesterfield, Dan Kinney, and Doling Family Centers are designed to keep kids and families active, with childcare for ages 8 and younger, gym time and game rooms for kids, and workouts and classes for ages 14 and up. All three locations offer youth personal training and Pickleball leagues. Look for kids’ dance classes, tae kwon do, and Kids’ Nights at select locations. The biggest draw for kids may be indoor swimming with lap lanes, recreation pools, and whirlpool spas at Chesterfield and Doling. Memberships include all three locations. Day passes available. See ad on page 11.

Therapeutic Services

TheraCare Outpatient Services

3023 S. Fort Ave. • Springfield • 417-890-4656 • theracareozarks.com

TheraCare Outpatient Services partners with clients and families to provide therapy in a safe, caring environment with a focus on improving quality of life and confidence. TheraCare provides speech, occupational, physical, and music therapy; augmentative and alternative communication; dyslexia services; and feeding therapy to children of all ages. TheraCare provides timely and effective services while helping families assist and cope with the needs of the individual. See ad on page 14.

H ealt H y K ids in 2023

Vision Care

Pierce Vision Specialists

3626 South Avenue • Springfield • 417-887-7151 • piercevision.com

Dr. David M. Pierce, Dr. Courtney Wintjen, Dr. Julia Mobilio, and the team at Pierce Vision Specialists are experienced professionals in a comprehensive range of eye disorders in people of all ages. Services provided include eye examinations for infants, children, and adults; vision therapy; and contact lenses. Pierce Vision therapists are welltrained professionals who implement individually prescribed vision therapy procedures and programs. In addition, you’ll find an in-office optical lab and large selection of eye wear with frames for all face shapes and sizes. See ad on page 17.

February 2023

CALENDAR

Event details sometimes change after Kids Directory goes to print. While we strive to provide accurate information, we encourage you to call ahead or confirm events with the host. You’ll find even more events on our website, springfieldkids.com.

Through Sunday, Feb. 12

“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” at Springfield Little Theatre (rated G). Show information and tickets online. The Landers Theatre, 311 E. Walnut St., Springfield 417-869-1334 or springfieldlittletheatre.org See ad on page 10.

Mondays and Wednesdays

Toddler Time at Imaginasium, 9 a.m. Ages 3 and younger. Imaginasium, 3444 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield 417-368-2908 or imaginasium417.com

Tuesdays and Fridays

Junior Jump at Jump Mania, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Ages 5 and younger. Cost: $5 plus tax. Jump Mania, 3202 W. Republic Rd., Springfield 417-881-5867 or jumpmaniaspringfield.com

Fridays

Music Makers Club at Itty Bitty City, 10 a.m. 30-minute program with Musical Bridges Music Therapy. Space is limited; register early. Cost: free with paid admission or $5/child for music class. Itty Bitty City, 3640 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield 417-202-2025 or ittybitty.city See ad on page 2.

Fridays

Pre-K Open Studio at Springfield Art Museum, 2-4 p.m. Ages 3-5 with a caregiver. Registration is required. Springfield Art Museum, 1111 E. Brookside Dr., Springfield 417-837-5700 or sgfmuseum.org See ad on page 9.

Saturday, Feb. 4

Frosty Fun at Northview Center, 10-11 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Ages 5-12. Professor Powers Science Symposium. Registration is required. Cost: $5/child. Northview Center, 305 E. Talmage St., Springfield 417-864-1049 or parkboard.org See ad on page 11.

Saturday, Feb. 4

Little Acorns: Love Each Otter at the Nature Center, 10 a.m. Ages 3-6. Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way, Springfield 417-888-4237

Saturday, Feb. 4

“Star-Crossed Lovers” with Springfield Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m. Tickets at Hammons Hall box office, 417-836-7678 or mpv.tickets.com. Symphony office: 417-864-6683 or springfieldmosymphony.org. Hammons Hall, 525 S. John Q. Hammons Pkwy., Springfield See ad on page 23.

Wednesday,

Feb. 8

Valentine’s Storytime at Ash Grove Branch Library, 10:30 a.m. Ages infants to 6 years. Ash Grove Library, 101 E. Main St., Ash Grove thelibrary.org See ad on page 11.

Thursday, Feb. 9

Valentine Make, Take & Play at Where the Wild Things Play, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free activity with paid admission. Where the Wild Things Play, 5557 N. 21st St., Ozark 417-470-1417 or wildthingsozark.com

Beginning Friday, Feb. 10

OPT/PBS Kids Writers Contest. Grades K-3 to create and illustrate stories. Contest rules and entry form online. optv.org/events-outreach/writers-contest

See ad on page 5.

Friday, Feb. 10

Make Your Own Valentine at Strafford Library, 1-4 p.m. Grades K-5. Strafford Library, 101 MO 125, Strafford thelibrary.org

Saturday, Feb. 11 & 25 Moxie Mornings at Moxie Cinema, 10 a.m. Ages 2-6. Free short film and art project. The Moxie Cinema, 305 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield 417-829-0800 or moxiecinema.com

Tuesday, Feb. 14

Tuesday, Feb. 14

Valentine’s Day Storytime at Willard Library, 10:30 a.m. Ages infants-6 years. Willard Library, 304 E. Jackson St., Willard thelibrary.org

Saturday, Feb. 18 Storytime Saturday with Springfield Little Theatre, 10 a.m. Ages 4-7. Cost: $5/person. The Studio Theatre at The Judy, 237 S. Florence Ave., Springfield 417-869-3869 or springfieldlittletheatre.org See ad on page 10.

Monday, Feb. 20

Monday, Feb. 20

SPARC School’s Out, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Ages 5-12. Cost: $25/child. SPARC Office 417-837-5737 or parkboard.org See ad on page 11.

Monday, Feb. 20

Schools Out Day: Dino Day at Wonders of Wildlife, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Ages 5-12. Learn about dinosaurs through crafts, games, and a tour of Wonders of Wildlife. After-care available for an additional fee. Register by Feb. 13. Program is in the Morris Conservation Center, 600 W. Sunshine St., Springfield 417-225-1162 or wondersofwildlife.org See ad on page 7.

Saturday, Feb. 25

“Fairy Tale!” Daddy-Daughter Dance at Northview Center, 6-9 p.m. Girls ages 3 and older with their fathers or other male family or friend. Dinner, music, and dancing. Space is limited; register early. Cost: $40/couple and $15/additional girl. Northview Center, 305 E. Talmage St., Springfield 417-837-5900 or parkboard.org See ad on page 11.

Saturday, Feb. 25

Mother and Son Fun Night at The OC, 6-9 p.m. Boys ages 5 and older and their mothers. Cost: $25/mother-son pair for OC members and $30/nonmembers. Each additional person is $10. Registration is required. The OC, 1530 W. Jackson St., Ozark 417-581-7002 x2004 or ozarkmissouri.com See ad on page 15.

Sunday, Feb. 26

“Aladdin” Workshop with Springfield Ballet, 3-5 p.m. For boys and girls ages 3-8. Learn about the ballet story; no dance experience needed. Registration is required. Creamery Arts Center, 411 N. Sherman Pkwy., Springfield 417-862-1343 or springfieldballet.org See ad on page 10.

S U M M E R

C A M P S !