Festival of Lights

A flurry of downtown events, including carriage rides, holiday shows and concerts, free ice skating, the Downtown Springfield Christmas Parade, and of course, festive lights. Check out the displays at Park Central Square, opening Nov. 17 with the Mayor’s Tree Lighting, and at Jordan Valley Park, where light shows are programed to music for an enchanting stroll. Details and schedules at itsalldowntown.com.  Downtown Springfield 864-1049

Free Ice Skating

Join us for free ice skating in honor of the Festival of Lights. $3 skate rental.  Jordan Valley Ice Park 866-7444

Gardens Aglow

Enjoy a serene evening stroll through the Mizumoto Japanese Garden, sparkling with festive lights! Campfires and hot cocoa available to keep you warm. Limited wheelchairs available.  Springfield Botanical Gardens 891-1515

Holiday Train Garden Display

The magic of miniature landscapes and moving model trains transforms the Botanical Center atrium into a holiday wonderland. Presented by the Ozarks Garden Railway Society. Donations accepted.   Botanical Center 891-1515

Candy Cane Lane

Drive through the farm and enjoy dazzling farm-themed holiday displays and more than 10,000 lights. Hot cocoa available for purchase. Friday-Sunday nights only.  Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park 837-5949

Downtown Christmas Parade

The Downtown Springfield Association invites the community to celebrate the holiday season at the 2019 Downtown Springfield Christmas Parade at 2 p.m. Dec. 14. This year’s theme is Silver Bells: It’s Christmas Time in the City. Details and schedules at itsalldowntown.com.  Downtown Springfield 864-1049

Eagle Days

Learn about eagles and other migratory birds visiting Lake Springfield this winter. Bring binoculars, telephoto cameras or small telescopes, or use equipment provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Indoor eagle programs, crafts and activities also offered by MDC staff and Dickerson Park Zoo at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center.
  Lake Springfield Boathouse 891-1550
Springfield Conservation Nature Center 888-4237

National Skating Month Event

Free skating with coaches on the ice to assist new and beginning skaters of all ages.  Jordan Valley Ice Park 866-7444

Black History Month

Learn about African-Americans contributions to Springfield history at Timmons Hall. The Feb. 1 People’s History Café offers a history skit and a panel discussion of African-Americans in the Medical Profession. The Feb. 8 History Spotlight focuses on the Milly Project, a play about a former Springfield slave who won her freedom in 1836. Space is limited, registration required.   Timmons Hall 864-1171

Try Hockey for Free Day

Kids interested in ice hockey? Give it a try. We provide coaches and equipment. Skating experience not required, but registration is.  Jordan Valley Ice Park 866-7444

Daddy Daughter Dance

Girls, bring your dad, step-dad, grandpa, uncle, or special guy out for a night you’ll always remember. This year’s theme is Enchanted Evening! Enjoy a catered dinner, music, dancing, and special surprises. Event held in the Northview Center Ballroom, adjacent to Doling Family Center. Registration opens Jan. 13. Register early, space is limited.   Doling Family Center 837-5900

USA Olympic Softball Team Tour Stop

The 2020 USA Softball Women’s National Team will play an exhibition doubleheader at Killian Softball Stadium Wed., June 3, 5:30 p.m., as the “Stand Beside Her” tour rolls through the US in preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Tickets go on sale Tues., March 3.   Killian Softball Stadium 837-5817

Floating Easter Egg Hunt

A hoppin’ good time with a floating twist. We fill the pool with floating eggs for kids to splash, swim, and plunge their way to gathering them up. Bring a waterproof basket to collect eggs. Every participant receives a prize! Children 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult in the water.   Chesterfield Family Center 891-1616

Cherry Blossom Kite and Piñata Festival

Celebrate spring with the Springfield Sister Cities Association. Bring a kite to fly or build one with us on the Great Lawn. Whack a piñata nearby. Enjoy Japanese and Mexican children’s crafts at the Botanical Center, and free admission to the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden as it reopens for the season.   Botanical Gardens 891-1515

National Zoo Lovers Day & Enrichment EGGstravaganza

Celebrate zoos, and watch the zoo’s animals “hunt” when zookeepers hide papier-mâché eggs filled with treats or use other egg-themed enrichment items.   Dickerson Park Zoo 833-1570

Easter at the Farm

A day of family-oriented activities celebrating spring, including arts and crafts, inflatables, yard games and the Easter Bunny. We’ll have more than 20,000 eggs filled with candy and prizes, with individual Easter Egg Hunts throughout the day. Kids are limited to 15 eggs each, while supplies last. Bring your basket, and your camera for pictures with the Easter Bunny.   Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park 837-5949

Golf Customer Appreciation and Masters Kick-Off Party

Join the Park Board and kick off the 2019 Masters Tournament at Rivercut Golf Course, with themed appetizers, demos, contests and other surprises.  Rivercut Golf Course 891-1645

Party for the Planet

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day at Dickerson Park Zoo with hands-on conservation learning stations and zookeeper chats. Activities free with paid zoo admission.  Dickerson Park Zoo 833-1570

Earth Day & Arbor Day Movie Night

Free screening of an earth and family-friendly movie at the Peace Through People Pavilion. Movie begins at dark. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets.  Botanical Center 891-1515

Bark in the Park

A fun and relaxing day in Phelps Grove Park with your family and beloved canine. Enjoy live music and other activities at the Canine Vendor Village. All ages welcome! Vendors must register by April 19. Proceeds benefit Cruse Dog Park.  Phelps Grove Park 864-1049

Community-Wide Play Day

The Community Partnership of the Ozarks (CPO) partners with numerous groups to present this 23rd Annual event at Fassnight Park. Includes murals, bounce houses, sensory play, planting, bubbles, puppets, face painting, stacking games, obstacle courses, jump ropes, lots of goop and more. Special play area for infants and toddlers. Held rain or shine.  Fassnight Park 888-2020 (CPO)

Master Gardener and Garden Society Plant Sale

Presented by the Master Gardeners of Greene County and other garden societies. Sale includes annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, bulbs, grasses, vines, ground covers, shrubs and trees. Master Gardeners accept credit cards. Other societies accept cash or check only. Held rain or shine. Arrive early for best selection.  Botanical Center 891-1515