Events


  2. Festival of Lights Free Ice Skating


    Free public skating with a $3 skate rental. Mediacom Ice Park 866-7444

    All ages
    Nov. 17, 6:45-8:45 p.m.
    Nov. 22, 5-6 p.m.
    Dec. 1, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
    Dec. 25, 5-6 p.m.
    Free with a $3 skate rental

  3. Evening Strolls through the Garden


    Walk through the Japanese Garden and take in winter’s subtle beauty highlighted with festive lights. Springfield Botanical Gardens 891-1515

    All ages
    Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 30-Dec. 22, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
    $4 per adult, free for 12 and under with paid adult
    FOG and SSCA members are free

  4. 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 537-5949

    All ages
    Fridays through Sundays, Nov. 30-Dec. 16, from 5-8 p.m.
    $5 per vehicle

  5. 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. Springfield Botanical Gardens 891-1515

    All ages
    Dec. 1-31
    Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
    Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
    Free

  6. Kindergarten/1st Grade Winter Break Camp


    Take a two-day adventure exploring animals from all around the world. From the tiniest to the largest, come celebrate animals from all walks of life. Dress for weather and bring a sack lunch. Dickerson Park Zoo 833-1570

    Grades K-1
    December 27 and 28 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
    $75/FOZ Member
    $90/Non-member

  7. Pre-K Day Winter Break Class


    Celebrate animals from all walks of life, from itty-bitty to gigantic, and everything in between! Includes animal encounters, snack and craft. Dickerson Park Zoo 833-1570

    4-5 yrs. who have not started K (no parents)
    Sat., December 29 from 9 a.m.-Noon
    $20/FOZ Member
    $30/Non-member

  8. 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 Center888-4237

    All ages
    Saturday, Jan. 19 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
    Sunday, Jan. 20 from Noon-3 p.m.
    Free

  9. Ritter Springs Cave Tours


    A true caving adventure awaits you on this tour in Ritter Springs Park. Walk, crawl, and slide your way through Bat Cave on this once a year caving experience. Participants should expect to get completely covered in mud. This tour requires extended amounts of crawling in spaces that might be tight. Spots are limited. Participants encouraged to bring headlamps. Register by January 18.

    Ages 12 yrs. and up
    Saturday, January 19 at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.
    Sunday, January 20 at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.
    $10/Person

  10. National Skating Month


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

    All ages
    Saturday, Jan. 26 from 1-2:30 p.m.
    Free, includes skate rental

  11. Ultimate Springfield Cave Tour


    This exclusive tour includes a full day of caving adventure in the Springfield area, consisting of a hiking tour that highlights the caves of Ritter Springs Park, a walking tour through Giboney Cave in Doling Park, and a boat tour through Sequiota Cave in Sequiota Park. Pack snacks and water. Transportation provided. Participants encouraged to bring headlamps or flashlights. Register by February 8.

    Ages 6 yrs. and up
    February 9 at 11 a.m. (Tour 1) and 12 p.m. (Tour 2)
    February 10 at 11 a.m. (Tour 1) and 12 p.m. (Tour 2)
    $15/Person

  12. Daddy Daughter Dance


    Girls, bring your dad, step-dad, grandpa, uncle, or special guy out for a night you’ll always remember. Enjoy a catered dinner, music, dancing, and special surprises with your guest. Event held in the Northview Center Ballroom, adjacent to Doling Family Center. Dance theme is ‘50s Sock Hop. Tickets go on sale Jan. 16. Space is limited. Northview Center 837-5900

    3 yrs. and up
    Saturday, Feb. 23 from 6-9 p.m.
    $40/Couple
    $15/Each Addtl. Girl

  13. 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

    10 yrs. and under
    Saturday, Feb. 23 at 1 p.m.
    Free

  14. Sequiota Cave Boat Tours


    Slowly paddle through Sequiota Cave learning its myths, facts, and history. Dates subject to weather and bat activity. Space is limited. Participants encouraged to bring headlamps or flashlights. Register by March 1 and March 8.

    Ages 6 yrs. and up
    March 2-3, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
    March 9-10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
    $8/Adult
    $6/Youth (6-15 yrs.)

  15. 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament


    Get your team together and compete in SPARC’s Annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament at Parkview High School. Boys and girls divisions, co-ed teams compete with boys. Register by March 20. Benefits the Park Board Youth Recreation Scholarship Fund. SPARC Office 837-5737

    Grades 3-8
    Sunday, March 24
    Check-in begins at Noon
    $50/Team of 304

  16. WOW School at Lake Springfield Park


    Have you ever wanted to take your family camping and learn new outdoor skills? Come to Lake Springfield Park for WOW School and join us for an exciting weekend of family camping with over 30 classes teaching outdoor recreation, conservation, nature crafts and much more! Registration opens in February. Space is limited. For more information and to register, visit WondersOfWildlife.org Lake Springfield Park 891-1550

    Ages 4 and up
    Friday, April 5 at 5 p.m. through Saturday, April 6th at 5 p.m.
    $30/Person - $100/Family of 4

  17. 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

    All ages
    Saturday, April 6 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
    Free admission, $5/Kite Kits

  18. 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

    All ages
    Saturday, April 6 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
    $14/13-59 yrs.
    $11/60 yrs. and up
    $9/3-12 yrs.
    Free/2 yrs. and under and FOZ Members

  19. Bass Pro Shops Pre-1840’s Outdoor Days


    Come visit the Primitive Skills Village Program Decennial; interactive activities and demonstrations will include Dutchoven cooking, blacksmithing, soap making, woodcarving, and more! Lake Springfield Park 891-1550

    All ages
    Sunday, April 7 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
    Free

  20. Golf Customer Appreciation and Masters Kick-Off Party


    Join the Park Board and kick off the 2019 Masters Tournament at Bill & Payne Stewart Golf Course with themed appetizers, demos, contests and other surprises. Bill & Payne Stewart Golf Course 833-9962

    All ages
    Wednesday, April 10 from 4-6:30 p.m.
    Free

  21. 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

    3-9 yrs.
    Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
    Free (some activities have small fee)

Special Events Calendar

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  1. Sat Dec. 15

    Handmade Wreath Workshop Create your own wreath with fresh greenery and dried natural ornaments from the garden. Classes limited to 12, registration required. Or book your own group for a private decorating party anytime through the holidays!
    Read More

  2. Sat Dec. 15

    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.
    Read More

  3. Sun Dec. 16

    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.
    Read More