Giboney Cave Tours

Explore the myths, facts, and history of Giboney Cave at Doling Park. Shoes will get muddy on Walking Tours, and you will get very muddy and wet on the in-depth Tunnel Tours. Dates are subject to weather and bat activity. Registration required by Friday before event. This program is tentative based on COVID-19 regulations.

Intro to Paddling

Learn beginner kayaking and canoe skills through fun games and activities, and then practice your new skills on Lake Springfield with knowledgeable instructors! This class is geared towards new and beginner level paddlers of all ages. Topics will include boater safety, basic paddling strokes for a canoe and kayak, where to go on your first float trip, and much more. Lifejackets and a free 1-hour boat rental for future use at Lake Springfield Park included. Register in by the Friday before each session by calling 417-891-1550. 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 and a fun opportunity to get out on the water at Lake Springfield outside of normal Boathouse rental hours. Park staff will go over safety and give a basic paddling demonstration before we launch at 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. Once we return to the Boathouse, enjoy a snack and community time on the lawn. (If you have any dietary or physical restrictions, please notify park staff when enrolling for this event.)

Guided Float

Join us for a guided float on the James River Water Trail and group hike! Great for beginners and a fun opportunity to get out on the water at Lake Springfield outside of normal Boathouse rental hours. Park staff will go over safety and give a basic paddling demonstration before we launch at 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. Once we return to the Boathouse, enjoy a snack and community time on the lawn. (If you have any dietary or physical restrictions, please notify park staff when enrolling for this event.)

Current River Paddle Trip

Paddle an easy and scenic 17 miles of the Current River, Cedargrove Access to Pulltite. This overnight trip is distinguished by abundant springs, a cave that can be paddled into and points of historical interest. Transportation and boat included. Major gear available for rent. Suggested gear and meal planning available. Register by Aug. 27. This program is tentative based on COVID-19 regulations.

Adventure Days - Hike & Paddle

This day will include two adventures, one on water, and one on land. We will start the day off on the water learning basic paddling skills in canoes and kayaks. Then as a group we will float over to the Trail of Honor and hike 1.5 miles along this scenic greenway trail. After hiking we will float back to Lake Springfield Park and finish the day at the Lake Springfield Boathouse. This adventure will start and end at the Lake Springfield Boathouse. Limited to 8 kids. Register by Tuesday, June 2.

Adventure Days - Hike & Swim at Lake of the Ozarks

The best way to experience any hike in the summer is to pair it with some swimming. For this adventure we will travel to one of Missouri’s best State Parks, Ha Ha Tonka, where we will hike 1.4 miles. After lunch, we will head down the road to Lake of the Ozarks State Park for some swimming. This adventure packed day will start and end at the Dan Kinney Park outdoor pavilion. Limited to 8 kids. Register by Tuesday, June 30.

Adventure Days - Go Carts & Paddle Boarding on Table Rock Lake

Another double adventure day! For this adventure we will travel down to Branson, home of Table Rock Lake and some of the best Go Carting in the Ozarks. We will start the day off with some go carting and then head to Table Rock Lake State Park for some paddle boarding. Paddle boarding skills will be incorporated throughout this part of the day through fun games/activities that will take place in and out of the water. This adventure will start and end at the Dan Kinney Park outdoor pavilion. Limited to 8 kids. Register by Tuesday, July 14.

Adventure Days - Springfield Caving Day

Dive to new depths with Outdoor Initiatives this summer! Join us for a day of exploration into the world underneath our feet that will include three caves located in Ritter Spring Park. Be ready to get muddy and have a blast! After caving, we will finish the day with some canoeing on the Ritter Springs Pond. This Adventure will start and end at the Dan Kinney Park outdoor pavilion. Limited to 8 kids. Register by Tuesday, July 21.

Adventure Days - Archery & Survival Skills

Do you have what it takes to survive for a day in one of our Parks? Well we’re here to help! For this adventure at Ritter Springs Park campers will learn basic archery skills in the morning followed by survival skills in the afternoon. Learn how to use a compass, how to build a fire, how to make custom sunglasses out of a survival blanket, and so much more! Survival has never been so fun! This adventure will start and end at the Dan Kinney Park outdoor pavilion. Limited to 8 kids. Register by Tuesday, Aug. 4.

Outdoor Trailblazers Camp

Does your child love the great outdoors? This outdoor skills camp will feature all the best outdoor activities the Ozarks has to offer and more! Each day will include an outdoor adventure that is centered around an outdoor skill. Campers will learn all about these outdoor skills through fun games/activities and then get to go on an adventure with certified staff. Trips will include a kayaking trip on the Niangua River, rock climbing skills with a trip to Zenith Climbing Center, cave exploration, a trip to Fritz’s Adventure, and to cap it all off parents are invited to join us for an optional overnight campout at Ritter Springs Park on the final night of camp. Drop off and pick up at Dan Kinney Family Center outdoor pavilion. Limited to 13 kids. Register by Aug. 14.