Springfield Kids Directory

Refrigerator Notes

If I had to pick a word of the month for March, it would be perseverance.

It’s not easy to find our way through our obligations and our wishes. Parenting, work, and a million other little things crop up, derailing our paths.

It’s tough enough for us as adults. Hopefully, we have gained a few coping skills to see us through. And, using those skills is important to model for our kids to help them develop the same resilience when life seemingly hands them a bowl of cherry pits.

That’s hard, though. We don’t like seeing our kids struggle with a project, a friendship, or a new skill. Our natural inclination is to “helicopter” in and save the day. Sometimes, that is absolutely necessary. Other times, though, we need to resist the urge to fix everything for our kids so they have an easier time.

It’s OK to let them struggle a little bit so they figure out a way through the challenge and learn valuable skills that will help them as adults. That’s exactly how we learned to “adult.”

Hug your kids. Be good to yourself.

You’ve got this! |

~Melinda, parent & publisher

Kids Eat FREE

The original , most comprehensive guide in the Ozarks!

or almost free

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” offers continue on page 10.

Nature and the Arts

“Words on Birds”

presented by musical duo Still on the Hill

Friday, March 3 • 7-8 p.m.

Springfield Conservation Nature Center

Kelly and Donna Mulhollan sing about the birds of the Buffalo River. This program is free and for all ages.

Register online at mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237

4601 S Nature Center Way • Springfield

Kids Eat Free! (or almost 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

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.

Childcare Directory

Recent local media reports have shed light on the challenges working parents face finding quality, affordable childcare and preschools. In an effort to help parents and care providers connect, KIDS Directory is launching a Childcare Directory where families can search for facilities that fill their needs. We hope to see this page grow.

If you operate a daycare or preschool and are interested in advertising in the Childcare Directory, email Melinda at melinda@springfieldkids.com or call our office, 417-886-3478.

Kids Eat Free! (or almost free)

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.

Continued from page 10

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.

SUMMER CAM PS ‘ 23

The greater Springfield area offers everything from A to Z when it comes to summer camps! Your child will make friends and create memories to last a lifetime this summer. Whether camp involves animals, sports, educational enrichment, or the arts, there’s something for every child in this guide.

S ummer C amp S

Animals & Nature

Cub Creek Science Camp

16795 State Route E • Rolla

continued from page 15.

573-458-2125 • cubcreeksciencecamp.com

Cub Creek Science Camp has more than 300 animals including lemurs, foxes, porcupines, wallabies, parrots, sloths, and lizards in a handson, interactive zoo. When you hear “Science Camp,” don’t think it’s all about classrooms and books. Cub Creek is about friendship, fun, curiosity, guided learning, building self-confidence, learning problemsolving skills, and creating lasting memories Campers choose two week-long activity courses and two daily classes from 100 engaging options to round out their days. Each day is balanced with open time, evening activities, and options for those who are “early birds” and “night owls.” See ad on page 25.

Dickerson Park Zoo

1401 W. Norton Road • Springfield

417-833-1570 (M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) • dickersonparkzoo.org

Learning comes to life at Dickerson Park Zoo. Classes and camps at Dickerson Park Zoo introduce children from tots to teens to science, nature, conservation, geography, and, of course, animals! With the world as a classroom, Dickerson Park Zoo’s camps and classes instill a lifelong love of learning, as well as demonstrate how everyone can help protect and care for animals. If you know a young person interested in science, art, crafts, exploring, wild adventures, animals, and more then check out what’s happening at Dickerson Park Zoo. See ad on page 7.

Summer camps continue on page 16.

S ummer C amp S

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

2038 State Hwy 86 • Lampe

continued from page 14.

Education Office: 417-225-1162 • dogwoodcanyon.org

Keep your child connected to the great outdoors with summer camps at Dogwood Canyon. Through in-depth, hands-on learning, the Conservation EdVenture team inspires students of all ages to take an active role in conserving our planet’s natural resources. Summer campers in 3rd-8th grades learn through daily exploration of the park, guided hikes, and nature crafts for an unforgettable summer experience. Drop-off is available at Wonders of Wildlife where students will shuttle to Dogwood Canyon. To register, visit the website listed above. See ad on page 23.

Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park

3825 W. Farm Rd. 146 • Springfield

417-837-5949 • ParkBoard.org/Camps

Got a future farmer on your hands? Train them young at RutledgeWilson Farm Park with hands-on, interactive experiences with farm animals and agriculture. Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park offers several week-long full-day camps for ages 6-12, and half-day camps for 5- to 6-year-olds. Childcare before and after camp available for a fee. Space is limited; register early. Presented by Springfield-Greene County Park Board. See ad on page 19.

Sac River Stables, LLC

5798 N. Farm Rd. 125 • Springfield

417-742-4200 • sacriverstables.com

Sac River Stables’ Wrangler Worship Day Camps promote spiritual growth and horsemanship for students in kindergarten and older. Camps supervised by CHA-certified riding instructors at a CHAaccredited indoor/outdoor riding facility with well-trained horses. Campers are instructed in safety while working around and riding horses along with daily non-denominational devotions and praise songs. Horses, tack, helmets, equipment needed for riding, and Bible class materials provided. Early drop-off and late pick-up available. Spaces are limited, so register early. Day camp information under the “Services” tab on the website. See ad on page 18.

Summer camps continue on page 18.

S ummer C amp S

Valley Water Mill Equestrian Center

4007 N. Farm Rd. 171 • Springfield

417-833-3291 • ParkBoard.org/Camps

continued from page 16.

Spend the week with horses in the barn and the arena at Valley Water Mill Equestrian Center. Half- or full-day camps for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders ages 7-17. Camp includes safety rules, haltering, saddling, grooming, and handling, combined with daily barn chores and riding skills. Participants are assigned their own horse for the week. Friday performances highlight learned skills. Space is limited. Presented by Springfield-Greene County Park Board. See ad on page 19.

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

600 West Sunshine • Springfield Education Office: 417-225-1162 • wondersofwildlife.org/camps Dive into summer with an EdVenture at Wonders of Wildlife. Experience the wonder with four- or five-day summer camps that run from the end of May through mid-August. Your camper will learn about the creatures that call Wonders of Wildlife home while testing their survival skills, encountering live animals, exploring nature, and creating memories. From kindergarten to high school, students learn through games, crafts, and experiments for an unforgettable summer experience. Kindergarten: both half-day and full-day available; 1st-12th grade, full-day 8 a.m.-3 p.m., with Stay and Play available from 3-5:30 p.m. To register, visit the website. See ad on page 15.

Summer camps continue on page 20.

S ummer C amp S

Arts, Dance, and Theater

B-Sew Inn Sewing and Software Center

3046 S. Kimbrough Ave. • Springfield

417-882-7171 • bsewinn.com

continued from page 18.

B-Sew Inn Sewing and Software Center, the world’s largest Baby Lock sewing machine retailer, is once again offering Project Sew Summer Camp. Project Sew is open to girls and boys ages 9-16. Attendees learn the basics of sewing while stitching their own projects. With the camp fee of $299, attendees receive a Starter Sewing Kit, printed instructions, fabric kits, and supplies. After completing the camp, each participant receives a sewing machine valued at $199. Camps run five days: June 12-16 and July 10-14. Morning sessions are 9 a.m.-noon; afternoon sessions are 2-5 p.m. Availability is limited. See ad on page 25.

Springfield Art Museum

1111 E. Brookside Dr. • Springfield

417-837-5700 • www.sgfmuseum.org

Summer Art Camps at the Springfield Art Museum provide an enriching summer experience. Campers will spend the week expanding their creativity through interactive learning, art making, and gallery exploration. Camps are full-day camps with opportunities for all ages. Visit the Springfield Art Museum’s website for more details and registration information. See ad on page 21.

Springfield Ballet

411 N. Sherman Pkwy. • Springfield

417-862-1343 • springfieldballet.org

Summer is an excellent time to develop dance technique, and Springfield Ballet offers summer camps, intermediate and advanced intensives, and classes which allow students to start or continue their ballet training. Daytime camps and intensives offer learning experiences far beyond the barre including music, drama, nutrition, and anatomy. A special presentation at the end of each camp and intensive showcases the dancers’ hard work. See ad on page 27.

Summer camps continue on page 22.

S ummer C amp S

Springfield Little Theatre

continued from page 20.

Landers Theatre • 311 E. Walnut St. • 417-869-1334

SLT Education Department • 237 S. Florence Ave. • 417-413-2287 springfieldlittletheatre.org

This summer, encourage your child to try something they’ve never tried before, or follow their passion and grow in their craft at Springfield’s leading nonprofit community theatre and youth arts education institution. SLT offers one-week and multi-week summer workshops from May through August, serving beginning to advanced students ages 4-18. SLT’s passionate staff is proud to provide enriching, entertaining, and exciting summer theatre camp experiences in acting, musical theatre, dance, performance, technical theatre, or theatre administration for every child who participates. 2023 workshops feature popular themes such as Harry Potter, “Encanto,” Dr. Seuss, “The Lion King,” “Mean Girls,” and Disney’s “Newsies.” See ad on page 27.

Education & Enrichment

Itty Bitty City and Parents Cooperative Preschool

3640 S. Campbell Ave. • Springfield • 417-202-2025 • ittybitty.city

Itty Bitty City is BIG on summer fun. In 2023, The City joins with Parents’ Cooperative Preschool for four fun and engaging camp themes: Dinosaur Park (June 5-8), Pet Parade (June 26-29), Let’s Build It (July 17-20), and Fairy Tale (July 24-27). Camps are half-day programs for children ages 2-7 (must be potty-trained). See ad on page 21.

Laura Ingalls Wilder Home & Museum

3060 Hwy A • Mansfield • 417-924-3626 • lauringallswilderhome.com Rocky Ridge Adventure Pioneer Camp offers a week of pioneerthemed activities for children ages 9-12. Campers learn about Laura Ingalls Wilder, her life, and the 200-acre farm known as Rocky Ridge. Activities will include making a journal, identifying native plants, cooking from Laura’s cookbook, building life-size log cabins, and making ice cream and lantern. The camp focuses on team-building activities and making memories. Special guests will visit from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. and the Morgan Horse Society. Pack a lunch and join us for a week of pioneer adventures. See ad on page 14.

Summer camps continue on page 24. Remember

S ummer C amp S

continued from page 22.

SPARC and Springfield-Greene County Park Board

Ritter Springs Park and various Springfield school sites

417-837-5737 • ParkBoard.org/Camps

Sign up for one week or all summer at SPARC day camps, MondayFriday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Camps include games, crafts, sports, nature activities, and team building for ages 5-14. Choose from SPARC school sites or get out in nature and play in the creek at Ritter Springs. SPARC offers before- and after-Explore! programs, in partnership with Springfield Public Schools, as well as the smALL Stars sports camp. All SPARC day camps offer a safe, affordable opportunity for kids to have fun, make new friends, and stay active. Presented by SpringfieldGreene County Park Board. See ad on page 19.

Sylvan Learning Center

1830 E. Independence St. • Springfield

417-882-0740 • sylvanspringfield.com

Recreate a love for learning. Sylvan can help you end the educational roller coaster you and your child are on, avoid summer learning loss, and improve confidence. Sylvan’s personalized approach will drive test scores through the roof. Open year-round; instruction is available for K-12 after school and on Saturdays. Sylvan provides instruction in reading, writing, math/algebra, study skills, homework support, and ACT/SAT prep. Morning hours are available June-August. See ad on page 25.

The Summit Preparatory School

202 E. Walnut Lawn St. • Springfield

417-869-8077 • thesummitprep.org

Spend your summer at The Summit with Camp Raven. These weekly camps provide a fun, safe, and enriching way to continue learning over the summer break. Each camp, led by talented and enthusiastic instructors, focuses on a central theme from explorations in STEM and art to music and movement. Campers will have fun while learning and making new friends. Camps are available for students in PreK through high school. To learn more about our 2023 camp offerings, morning and afternoon schedules, and pricing, please visit The Summit’s website, thesummitprep.org/summer. Space is limited; register today. See ad on page 19.

Summer camps continue on page 26.

S ummer C amp S

Sports & Fitness

Ozark Parks & Recreation and The OC

1530 W. Jackson St. • Ozark

417-581-7002 • ozarkmissouri.com

continued from page 24.

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 17.

Ozarks Regional YMCA

Day Camp: orymca.org/springfield-summer-day-camp

Sleep-away camp: campwakonda.org/summercamp

Y Summer Day Camps for kids entering Kindergarten through 5th grade are full of learning, adventure, active play, and friendship. No two weeks of camp are the same with different themes, new activities and experiences, and memories. Play a new sport, learn about science and nature, or explore creativity. Your child will build confidence and develop friendships that last a lifetime.

YMCA Camp Wakonda, the Y’s sleep-away camp, is led by mature, caring counselors who share a variety of fun, exciting, and safe activities. Campers grow in confidence and build selfesteem by engaging in unique challenges and adventures. YMCA Camp Wakonda is located 30 minutes west of Springfield. See ad on page 8.

March 2023

Saturday, March 4

Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Party at Fair Grove Branch Library, 10 a.m.-noon. For infants-4th grade. Fair Grove Branch Library, 81 S. Orchard Blvd., Fair Grove thelibrary.org See ad on page 9.

Friday, March 10 and

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 April 28

OPT/PBS Kids Writers Contest. Kids in Kindergarten-3rd Grade write and illustrate their own stories. Deadline to submit entries is April 28. optv.org See ad on page 31.

Fridays Music Makers Club at Itty Bitty City, 10 a.m. 30-minute program for kids to socialize while playing instruments, singing, and dancing. Space is limited; register early. Itty Bitty City, 3640 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield 417-202-2025 or ittybitty.city See ad on page 21.

Wednesday, March 1

Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Storytime at Ash Grove Branch Library, 10:30 a.m. For infants-age 6. Ash Grove Branch Library, 101 E. Main St., Ash Grove thelibrary.org See ad on page 9.

Saturday, March 4 Seuss Science Day at Pat Jones YMCA, 9 a.m.1 p.m. Free Seuss-themed activities hosted by OPTV with an appearance by the Cat in the Hat. Event at Pat Jones YMCA, 1901 E. Republic Rd., Springfield optv.org See ad on page 31.

Monday-Friday, March 13-17

School’s Out: Play in a Day Workshops at Springfield Little Theatre, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Creative play for students ages 5-12 with theatre games, improvisation, dance, and an art project. Performance for parents at the end of the day. Each day is a different theme. “The Judy” and Springfield Little Theatre Education Department, 237 S. Florence Ave., Springfield 417-413-2287 or springfieldlittletheatre.org See ad on page 27.

Monday-Friday, March 13-17

Spring Break Camp with The OC, 7 a.m.6 p.m. Spring break field trips and fun. Attend one day or all five days. The Ozark Community Center, 1530 W. Jackson St., Ozark 417-581-7002 or ozarkmissouri.com See ad on page 17.

Monday-Friday, March 13-17

Spring Break Camp: Junior Zookeeper at Wonders of Wildlife, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Students in Kindergarten-6th grade learn what it takes to be a zookeeper. Visit the aquarium, hear keeper chats, and meet crafty critters. Stay-and-play after-care available until 5:30 p.m. for an additional fee. John A. and Genny Morris Conservation Center at Wonders of Wildlife, 600 W. Sunshine St., Springfield 417-225-1162 or wondersofwildlife.org See ad on page 15.

Monday-Friday, March 13-17

Spring Break Scavenger Hunt at the Botanical Center. Free self-guided scavenger hunt through the park for ages 6-18. Springfield-Greene County

Botanical Center at Nathanael Greene/ Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield 417-891-1515 or parkboard.org See ad on page 19.

Monday-Friday, March 13-17

Poké-Week at The Library Station, 2-4 p.m. Students in Kindergarten-6th grade can stop by any day of the week for Pokémon activities. The Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expwy., Springfield thelibrary.org See ad on page 9.

Thursday, March 16

Babes in the Woods at the Nature Center, 9-10:30 a.m. Bring your baby age 0-2 to walk the Boardwalk Trail. Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way, Springfield 417-888-4237 See ad on page 8.

Friday, March 17

St. Patrick's Day

Monday, March 20

First Day of Spring

Tuesday, March 21

Learn to Skate at Jordan Valley Ice Park. Eight-week sessions begin today for all ages. 30-minute classes. Registration includes eight public skating passes. Learn to Skate USA Basic Skills membership required. Registration: $110/session, including skate rental. Jordan Valley Ice Park, 635 E. Trafficway St., Springfield 417-874-2933 or parkboard.org See ad on page 19.

Wednesday-Saturday, March 22-25

Creature Feature: Chuckwallas at Dickerson Park Zoo. For ages 2-1st Grade with an adult. Cost: $12/FOZ members; $17/non-members. Classes are offered on each these days. Visit the website for specific dates and times. Dickerson Park

Zoo Education Building, 1103 W. Smith St., Springfield 417-833-1570 or dickersonparkzoo.org

See ad on page 7.

Friday, March 24

Kids’ Night at Dan Kinney Family Center, 5:30-8 p.m. For ages 5-12 with a bounce house, open gym, movie, and pizza. $15/member; $20/non-member. Dan Kinney Family Center, 2701 S. Blackman Rd., Springfield 417-891-1500 or parkboard.org See ad on page 19.

Sunday, March 26

“The Wizard of Oz” workshop with Springfield Ballet, 3-5 p.m. For boys and girls ages 3-8. Learn about the ballet through dance, crafts, games, and a synopsis of the story. No dance experience needed. Creamery Arts Center, 411 N. Sherman Pkwy., Springfield 417-862-1343 or springfieldballet.org See ad on page 27.

Thursday, March 30

Kids Create at Springfield Art Museum, 3:30-5 p.m. For ages 6-8. Visit a gallery or look at images of art from the Museum’s permanent collection. Students will create a piece of art inspired by what they observe. Registration is required; $25/class. Springfield Art Museum, 1111 E. Brookside Dr., Springfield 417-837-5700 or sgfmuseum.org See ad on page 21.

Thursday, March 30-

Sunday April 2

“Treasure Island” presented by Springfield Little Theatre (rated G). Runtime is 60-minutes. Show dates, times, and ticket information are online. The Judith Enyeart Reynolds School of the Performing Arts for Springfield Little Theatre, 237 S. Florence Ave., Springfield 417-869-3869 or springfieldlittletheatre.org See ad on page 27.