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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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)