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Outdoor Initiatives
Outdoor Initiatives provides adventure trips, outdoor recreation programs & education at an affordable price to the community. Leave No Trace guidelines are followed on all excursions. Scholarships may be available, call 833-8647. Office location: Valley Water Mill Park, 2450 E. Valley Water Mill Rd.
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Crater of Diamonds State Park Camp and Hike
Time to do some prospecting as we head south to the Arkansas Crater of Diamonds State Park. We’ll dig for diamonds, learn about minerals, and hike and camp in the scenic hills. Camping and access fees provided. Camping gear available for rent. Gear lists and meal planning help available. Transportation is tentative, based on COVID restrictions. Call for details. Register by March 25.
AGE13 yrs. and up (13-17 yrs. with an adult)DATEMarch 26-28TIMEFri., 12 p.m.-Sun., 8 p.m.LOCATIONArkansas Crater of Diamonds State ParkFEE$75/Person
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Ozark Trail Backpacking Trip
Hike a section of the scenic Ozark Trail! We’ll backpack along the beautiful Eleven Point River, hike 11 miles over two days, and camp right next to the river. This trip is rated strenuous in difficulty, so physical fitness is a must. Camping gear available for rent. Gear lists and meal planning help available. Register by April 23.
AGE15 yrs. and up (15-17 yrs. with an adult)DATEApril 24-25TIMESat., 8 a.m.-Sun., 7 p.m.LOCATIONOzark Trail and Eleven Point RiverFEE$60/Person
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Inside Out at Doling Park
Kids and adults spend time inside and outside, learning about rocks and minerals! Inside Doling Family Center, we’ll examine our favorite minerals and create a miniature cave. Outside in Doling Park, we go on a fossil hunt, learning about the rocks that make up Giboney Cave. The best part about this program is it’s Inside Out Day, so wear your favorite clothes turned inside out — but dress for the weather! Participants are entered in a drawing for a free cave tour for 4 at one of our local park’s caves! Register by Feb. 5.
AGE4 yrs. and up (4-15 yrs. with an adult)DATESat., Feb. 6TIME2-3:30 p.m.LOCATIONDoling Park and Family CenterFEE$4/Child and adult pair
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Sequiota Cave Boat Tours
Slowly paddle through Sequiota Park Cave learning its myths, facts and history. Paddle a kayak on the kayak tours, with our guides leading the way. On the jon boat tours, we will paddle for you; each boat can fit 2-3 people. Bring your own headlamps or flashlights. Dates subject to weather and bat activity. Space is limited, so register early. No on-site registration. Register by day before tour. Boats and life jackets provided.
AGEKayak Tours: 14 yrs. and up; Jon Boat Tours: 4 yrs. and up (4-12 yrs. with an adult)DATEKayak Tours: March 5 and 12; Jon Boat Tours: March 6-7, 13-14TIMEKayak Tours: Fri., 4-6 p.m.; Jon Boat Tours: Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.LOCATIONDoling Park and Family CenterFEEKayak Tours: $10/person; Jon Boat Tours: $8/Adult; $6/Youth 4-15 yrs.
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Boat Rentals at Lake Springfield
It may be icy outside, but that doesn’t mean we can’t kayak! Join us at Chesterfield Family Center Indoor Aquatics for a fun skills class preparing you for kayaking this summer. Practice paddle skills, entering and exiting the boat, how to use as a throw rope and more. Boats are provided. Register by Jan. 22 or Feb. 26.
AGE3 yrs. and up (Ages 3-5 allowed in only canoes, with a guardian. Ages 6-13 must be with a guardian. Ages 14-17 may command their own boat accompanied by an adult.)DATEApril 15-Oct. 15TIMEMon.- Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.LOCATIONLake Springfield ParkFEE$10/hour solo kayaks and stand-up paddleboards; $12/hour tandem kayaks and canoes
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Kayaking Skills at Chesterfield Pool
It may be icy outside, but that doesn’t mean we can’t kayak! Join us at Chesterfield Family Center Indoor Aquatics for a fun skills class preparing you for kayaking this summer. Practice paddle skills, entering and exiting the boat, how to use as a throw rope and more. Boats are provided. Register by Feb. 26.
AGE13 yrs. and up (13-15 yrs. with an adult)DATESat., Feb. 27TIME6-8 p.m.LOCATIONChesterfield Aquatic CenterFEE$25/Member, $35/Non-member
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Winter Twilight Hikes
A staff-guided hike on the trails at Lake Springfield Park. Enjoy the subtle beauty of a winter landscape, listen for owls and early spring peepers. Hot chocolate and treats provided. Register by Feb. 5 or 19.
AGE5 yrs. and upDATESat., Feb. 6 and 20TIME5-6:30 p.m.LOCATIONLake Springfield ParkFEE$3/Adult; $2/5-12 yrs.
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Spring Hiking Series
Warm up on the trail as we make our way through some of the most scenic parts of Missouri. Trips are easy to moderate in difficulty. Bring your own lunch, snacks and water. Transportation is tentative, based on COVID restrictions. Call for details. Register by the Friday prior.- Feb. 20: Lake of the Ozarks State Park Rocky Top Trail, with campfire and s’mores (2 mi.)
- March 20: Devil’s Well and Cave Spring Trail (4.6 miles)
- April 10: Bennett Springs State Park
AGE13 yrs. and up (13-17 yrs. with an adult)DATESat., Feb. 20, March 20, April 10TIME8 a.m.-5 p.m.LOCATIONVariesFEE$20/Person
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Fun Free Hikes
Get outside in two of our favorite parks while learning about the outdoors! Hikes are less than a mile and packed full of information and games for your adventurous child. Register by March 20 or April 11. Meet in the park’s main parking lot.- March 21: Don’t Get Lost Hike at Lost Hills Park (Nature walk and games centered around directions and using a compass)
- April 11: Cave and Bat Hike at Ritter Springs Park (Learn about bats and crawl into Junction Cave)
AGE4-12 yrs. with an adultDATESun., March 21 and April 11TIME2-3:30 p.m.LOCATIONVariesFEEFree
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Outdoor Initiatives
Physical Address
2450 E Valley Water Mill Road
Springfield, MO 65803
Phone: 417-833-8647
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Justin Smith
Supervisor of Outdoor Initiatives
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Jerome Brauner
Community Recreation Specialist