Ritter Springs Camping Weekend

A fun overnight campout at beautiful Ritter Springs Park. Includes canoeing, hiking, archery and more. Dinner & breakfast provided. Some camping equipment available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Scholarships may be available to youth 18 years and under. Register by Oct. 1.

Fall Backpacking Trip

Beautiful forests, glades and expansive views mark the scenic Bell Mountain Loop Trail, part of the Missouri’s Mark Twain National Forest. Hike 11.6 miles in two days, and camp on top of Bell Mountain, overlooking the scenic St. Francois mountains. This is a moderate level trip, so physical fitness is a must. Transportation included. Camping gear available for rent. Gear lists and meal planning help available. Register by Oct. 23.

Sequiota Cave Boat Tours

Slowly paddle through Sequiota Cave learning its myths, facts and history. Dates subject to cancel due to weather and bat activity. Space is limited, so register early. Participants encouraged to bring headlamps or flashlights. Register by Nov. 20, preregistration required.

Introduction to Kayaking

Want to get out on the lake but not sure where to start? Introduction to Kayaking is for you! Learn beginner safety tips and paddle strokes before getting out on Lake Springfield for practice time with knowledgeable instructors. Show off your newly acquired skills as we play games and paddle around the lake. Registration includes boat rental, paddle, life jacket. Bring your own dry bag. This program is tentative based on COVID-19 regulations.

Guided Float

Join us for a guided float on the James River Water Trail and group hike! Great for beginners. You will learn the safety and basics of paddling before launching on Lake Springfield and head to the Springfield Conservation Nature Center to go hiking. Spot wildlife both on and off the water and learn more about the area from one of our guides. After, you can enjoy snacks and socializing on the lawn. (If you have any dietary or physical restrictions, please notify park staff when enrolling for this event.)

Fall Float Package

Join us for a guided float on the James River Water Trail and group hike! Park staff will go over safety and give a basic paddling demonstration before we launch at Lake Springfield and head to the Nature Center to go hiking. This is a great place to spot wildlife both on and off the water or learn more about the area from one of your guides. Once we have returned to the Boathouse, we will have a bonfire, dinner and community time on the lawn. Boat rental, paddle and life jacket are included in the rental fees. If you have any dietary or physical restrictions, please notify park staff when enrolling for this event.

Hike and Lunch

Warm up with a hike and lunch at Table Rock State Park. Hike 3 miles along scenic glades and evergreen trees, then gather around the fire and prepare to eat a delicious meal. Bring your own snacks and water. Transportation provided. Register by Dec. 11.

Adventure Days

If you are ages 11-14 and like all kinds of outdoor adventure, these day trips are for you! Each day is packed full of different outdoor activities that include hiking, kayaking, and bicycling. Sign up for one day, or for the ultimate adventure, all three! Drop off and pick up at Dan Kinney Family Center outdoor pavilion. Limited to 9 kids. Register by day before each program date.

Night at the Park

Experience some of your favorite Springfield parks at night! Each month we will visit a different park and explore the exciting, sometimes creepy side of the parks you don’t get to see during the day. Registration required by day of program.

Ritter Springs Camping Weekend

A fun overnight campout at beautiful Ritter Springs Park. Includes canoeing, hiking, archery and more. Dinner & breakfast provided. Some camping equipment available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Scholarships may be available to youth 18 years and under. Register by Oct. 1.