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This Month in Parks - December 2019

Special Events | Kids Sports and Activities | Gardening | Adult Sports | Fun for All Ages | Get Outside | Accessible Rec

Special Events

Nov. 29-Dec. 28: Gardens Aglow
Enjoy a serene evening stroll through the Mizumoto Japanese Garden, sparkling with festive lights! Campfires and hot cocoa available to keep you warm. Limited wheelchairs available. Springfield Botanical Gardens 891-1515

For all ages

Thurs.-Sat., 5-8:30 p.m.

$5/adult; FOG and SSCA members and children 12 yrs. and under free

Now-Dec. 31: Festival of Lights
A flurry of downtown events, including free ice skating and festive lights. Check out the displays at Park Central Square and at Jordan Valley Park, where light shows are programed to music for an enchanting stroll. Downtown Springfield 864-1049

For all ages

Ongoing, lights run 5:30-11 p.m.

Light displays are free, check venues for admission

Dec. 1-31: 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. Botanical Center 891-1515

For all ages

Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.;
Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Free

Dec. 5-7: PGA Annual Golf Sale
Save up to 75-percent off new and used golf products, as several area golf courses (including three Park Board courses) collaborate for their annual holiday PGA sale. Sale is at 228 W. Sunshine St., across from Bass Pro Shops.

For all ages

Thurs. and Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.;
Sat., 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Prices vary

Dec. 6-22: 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 837-5949

For all ages

Fri.-Sun., 5-8 p.m.

$5/Vehicle

Dec. 7, 21, 25: Free Ice Skating
Join us for free ice skating in honor of the Festival of Lights. $3 skate rental. Visit the Ice Park page for the full open skating schedule. Jordan Valley Ice Park 866-7444

For all ages

Dec. 7, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 21, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Dec 25, 5-6 p.m.

Free admission ($3/Skate rental)

Sat., Dec. 7: Christmas at the Farmstead
Join volunteers at the Gray/Campbell Farmstead to celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas. Decorate the tree with hand-made vintage ornaments and enjoy hot cocoa, cookies and carols. Gray/Campbell Farmstead 891-1515

For all ages

1-3 p.m.

Free

Kids Sports & Activities

Sun., Dec. 1: Art-C Paint at Chesterfield
A step-by-step painting class for all ages and abilities. Price is per canvas, so paint your own, or create a masterpiece together with a loved one. Chesterfield Family Center 891-1616

For all ages, 4 yr. & under must be with an adult

2-4 p.m.

$30/Member, $40/Non-member,
$25 for additional canvas

Tues., Dec. 3: Junior Master Gardener Nights
Kids get their hands dirty each month with a fun hands-on horticulture activity on the first Tuesday of each month. Botanical Center 891-1515

For ages 8-15 yrs.

5:30 p.m.

$5/class

Wed., Dec. 4: Garden Storytime
Kids and families meet for a nature-themed story and a timely garden activity and craft. First Wednesday of each month. Botanical Center 891-1515

All ages, designed for pre-schoolers

Wed., 10 a.m.

Free

Dec. 5, 12, 19: Home School Horticulture
Home school students study special topics in horticulture. Designed for Missouri Learning standards in Science. Botanical Center 891-1515

For grades K-12, organized by date

Dec. 5: Grade 6
Dec. 12: Grades 7-8
Dec. 19: High School
Thurs., 10 a.m.

$3/class

Fri., Dec. 6: Kids’ Night at Dan Kinney
Kids, join us for a movie, pizza, crafts, basketball, bouncy castle, games and more! Dan Kinney Family Center 891-1500

For ages 5-12 yrs.

5-8:30 p.m.

$7/Member, $10/Non-member

Dec. 7, 21, 25: Free Ice Skating
Join us for free ice skating in honor of the Festival of Lights. $3 skate rental. Visit the Ice Park page for the full open skating schedule. Jordan Valley Ice Park 866-7444

For all ages

Dec. 7, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 21, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Dec 25, 5-6 p.m.

Free admission ($3/Skate rental)

Sat., Dec. 14: School’s Out: Holiday Crafts
Join us in the Botanical Center Meeting Room to make nature-themed holiday crafts. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Botanical Center 891-1515

For all ages

12 p.m.-3 p.m.

$5/Person

Sat., Dec. 14: Little Elf Party
Parents, enjoy a night out while we entertain your kid(s) with dinner, movie, and games. Doling Family Center 837-5900

For ages 5-12

4-7:30 p.m.

$10/Member
$15/Non-member

Dec. 14 & 21: Drop and Shop at Chesterfield
Parents may go shopping while kids have supervised fun, with movies and crafts. Chesterfield Family Center 891-1616

For ages 3-11 yrs., kids must be potty-trained

Sat., Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 21, 8 a.m.-Noon

$20/Member, $30/Non-member

Dec. 18: Try Archery Program
Allows beginners an opportunity to shoot a limited number of arrows under the supervision of an instructor. Equipment is provided. Archery Range 874-2910

For ages 6 yrs. and up

Wed., 6-7 p.m.

$5/One-hour class

Dec. 20 and 27: Pony Day Camp
When school’s away, it’s time to play! A fun educational day with crafts, movies, stick horse races, horse care, petting ponies and one lead line ride. Bring a lunch, snack and water bottle. Wear jeans, boots/tennis shoes and appropriate outerwear. Space is limited, so register early. Equestrian Center 833-3291

For ages 6 yrs. and up

Drop-off opens 7:30 a.m.
Pick-up before 5:30 p.m.

$35/Day

Dec. 20, 23, 27, 30, 31: SPARC Winter Break Program
Don’t sit at home with the Winter Break Blues. Join the SPARC crew for fun-filled camp-style activities at Sequiota Elementary. Space is limited. Registration required. Sequiota School 837-5737

For ages 5-12 yrs.

7 a.m.-6 p.m.

$20/Child/Day

Sun., Dec. 22: Game of Skate and High Ollie Contest
Two contests, two categories. In the Game of SKATE, one skater starts by doing a trick, and other the other players try to duplicate it. For every miss, they get a letter, and when they have enough letters to spell SKATE, they’re out. The last remaining skater is the winner, like the basketball game HORSE. Test your High Ollie skills on our high bar. Winner with the highest jump over the bar is the winner — a reverse Limbo! Choose Intermediate or Advanced divisions. Prizes awarded. Limited skateboard rentals available. Springfield Skate Park 868-8758

For ages 7 yrs. and up

6-9 p.m.

Free with purchase of session

Gardening

Now-Dec. 28: Gardens Aglow
Enjoy a serene evening stroll through the Mizumoto Japanese Garden, sparkling with festive lights! Campfires and hot cocoa available to keep you warm. Limited wheelchairs available. Springfield Botanical Gardens 891-1515

For all ages

Thurs.-Sat., 5-8:30 p.m.

$5/adult; FOG and SSCA members and children 12 yrs. and under free

Dec. 1-31: 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. Botanical Center 891-1515

For all ages

Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.;
Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Free

Tues., Dec. 3: Junior Master Gardener Nights
Kids get their hands dirty each month with a fun hands-on horticulture activity on the first Tuesday of each month. Botanical Center 891-1515

For ages 8-15 yrs.

5:30 p.m.

$5/class

Wed., Dec. 4: Garden Storytime
Kids and families meet for a nature-themed story and a timely garden activity and craft. First Wednesday of each month. Botanical Center 891-1515

All ages, designed for pre-schoolers

Wed., 10 a.m.

Free

Dec. 5, 12, 19: Home School Horticulture
Home school students study special topics in horticulture. Designed for Missouri Learning standards in Science. Botanical Center 891-1515

For grades K-12, organized by date

Dec. 5: Grade 6
Dec. 12: Grades 7-8
Dec. 19: High School
Thurs., 10 a.m.

$3/class

Fri., Dec. 6: Garden Nights Out-Holiday Ornament Terrariums
Bring a date, bring your friends, or just bring yourself for a night out in the garden. Classes give instruction in practical and creative ways to use garden plants. Snacks provided. Registration required by 5 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5. Space is limited. Springfield Botanical Gardens 891-1515

For ages 16 and up.

7 p.m.

$30

Sat., Dec. 7: Christmas at the Farmstead
Join volunteers at the Gray/Campbell Farmstead to celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas. Decorate the tree with hand-made vintage ornaments and enjoy hot cocoa, cookies and carols. Gray/Campbell Farmstead 891-1515

For all ages

1-3 p.m.

Free

Fri., Dec. 13: Handmade Wreath Workshop
Create your own holiday wreath with fresh greenery and dried natural ornaments from the garden. Classes limited to 12. Register by Dec. 11. Botanical Center 891-1515

For ages 12 yrs. and up

2-4 p.m.

$30/item

Sat., Dec. 14: Topiary Trees and Swags Workshop
Create your tabletop tree or swag for tables, mantles or door hangings, using an oasis form with fresh greenery and dried natural ornaments from the garden. Classes limited to 12. Register by Dec. 12. Botanical Center 891-1515

For ages 12 yrs. and up

2-4 p.m.

$30/item

Sat., Dec. 14: School’s Out: Holiday Crafts
Join us in the Botanical Center Meeting Room to make nature-themed holiday crafts. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Botanical Center 891-1515

For all ages

12 p.m.-3 p.m

$5/item

Adult Sports & Programming

Ongoing: NEW! Pickleball Open Play
Join us for open play Pickleball at O’Reilly-Tefft Gymnasium at 1408 E. Pythian St. Open play available 3 times a week. O’Reilly-Tefft Gymnasium 837-5817

For ages 10 yrs. and up

Mon., 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Tues. & Wed., 1-3 p.m.

$5/Person for a day pass

Dec. 5-7 : PGA Annual Golf Sale
Save up to 75-percent off new and used golf products, as several area golf courses (including three Park Board courses) collaborate for their annual holiday PGA sale. Sale is at 228 W. Sunshine St., across from Bass Pro Shops.

For all ages

Thurs. and Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.;
Sat., 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Prices vary

Sat., Dec. 7: Fitness Expo at Dan Kinney
Plan for the New Year with your family center. We want to be a part of your New Year resolutions! Dan Kinney Family Center 891-1500

For all ages

9-11:50 a.m.

Free

Dec. 14, 28: Country Dances at Northview
All ages are welcome to enjoy an evening of dancing with a variety of live bands at Northview Center. Northview Center 837-5808

For all ages

Sat., Dec. 14: LuAnn Turner with Dixie Creek
Sat., Dec. 28: Special Holiday Dance
Doors at 6:30 p.m., Dance from 7-9:30 p.m.

$4/Person

Tues., Dec. 17: Billiards Tournament at Northview
Join us for a billiards tournament! Tournaments begin at 9 a.m. on 3rd Tuesdays and will have 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies for winners.. Northview Center 837-5808

For ages 55 yrs. and older

9 a.m.

$3/Tournament

Fri., Dec. 20: Registration deadline for Volleyball
Adult volleyball leagues for women (Mon. nights), and coed (Thurs. or Fri. nights). Register your team of about 6+ players in advance. Adult Volleyball 837-5817

For ages 16 yrs. and up

Session 3: Jan. 2-Feb. 17
Times vary, check site for details

$160/Team

Fun for All Ages

Now-Dec. 28: Gardens Aglow
Enjoy a serene evening stroll through the Mizumoto Japanese Garden, sparkling with festive lights! Campfires and hot cocoa available to keep you warm. Limited wheelchairs available. Springfield Botanical Gardens 891-1515

For all ages

Thurs.-Sat., 5-8:30 p.m.

$5/adult; FOG and SSCA members and children 12 yrs. and under free

Now-Dec. 31: Festival of Lights
A flurry of downtown events, including free ice skating and festive lights. Check out the displays at Park Central Square and at Jordan Valley Park, where light shows are programed to music for an enchanting stroll. Downtown Springfield 864-1049

For all ages

Ongoing, lights run 5:30-11 p.m.

Light displays are free, check venues for admission

Sun., Dec. 1: Art-C Paint at Chesterfield
A step-by-step painting class for all ages and abilities. Price is per canvas, so paint your own, or create a masterpiece together with a loved one. Chesterfield Family Center 891-1616

For all ages, 4 yr. & under must be with an adult

2-4 p.m.

$30/Member, $40/Non-member,
$25 for additional canvas

Dec. 1-31: 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. Botanical Center 891-1515

For all ages

Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.;
Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Free

Dec. 7, 21, 25: Free Ice Skating
Join us for free ice skating in honor of the Festival of Lights. $3 skate rental. Visit the Ice Park page for the full open skating schedule. Jordan Valley Ice Park 866-7444

For all ages

Dec. 7, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 21, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Dec 25, 5-6 p.m.

Free admission ($3/Skate rental)

Dec. 14 & 21: Drop and Shop at Chesterfield
Parents may go shopping while kids have supervised fun, with movies and crafts. Chesterfield Family Center 891-1616

For ages 3-11 yrs., kids must be potty-trained

Sat., Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 21, 8 a.m.-Noon

$20/Member, $30/Non-member

Dec. 18: Try Archery Program
Allows beginners an opportunity to shoot a limited number of arrows under the supervision of an instructor. Equipment is provided. Archery Range 874-2910

For ages 6 yrs. and up

Wed., 6-7 p.m.

$5/One-hour class

Sun., Dec. 22: Game of Skate and High Ollie Contest
Two contests, two categories. In the Game of SKATE, one skater starts by doing a trick, and other the other players try to duplicate it. For every miss, they get a letter, and when they have enough letters to spell SKATE, they’re out. The last remaining skater is the winner, like the basketball game HORSE. Test your High Ollie skills on our high bar. Winner with the highest jump over the bar is the winner —a reverse Limbo! Choose Intermediate or Advanced divisions. Prizes awarded. Limited skateboard rentals available. Springfield Skate Park 868-8758

For ages 7 yrs. and up

6-9 p.m.

Free with purchase of session

Get Outside

Sat., Dec. 7: Fall Hiking Series at Natural Tunnel Trail
Hit the trail with us this fall, exploring some of the finest scenery in the Ozarks. On Dec. 7 we’ll be traveling to Bennett Springs State Park to hike the Natural Tunnel Trail (7.5 miles). This trip is moderate-to-strenuous in difficulty, so physical fitness is required. Transportation provided. Bring your own lunch, snacks and water. Register by Fri., Dec. 6. Outdoor Initiatives 833-8647

For ages 15 yrs. and up (15-17 yrs. with an adult)

Sat., 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

$20/Person

Accessible Rec

Wed., Dec. 18: Leather Stamping with Tandy Leather
Participants ages 12 and up with a disability, as well as their family, friends, and staff are welcome to purchase a project and join us! Northview Center 837-5808

For ages 12 yrs. and up with a disabilityFor ages 12 yrs. and up with a disability

3:30-5 p.m.

$5-15/Project

Dec. 28: Registration deadline for Bowling Program
Enjoy bowling while you meet new friends at Park Board Bowling. This program is for bowlers ages 16 years and up with a disability. Open bowling is offered for recreational bowling and league bowling is offered for those wanting a more competitive experience. Northview Center 837-5808

For ages 16 yrs. and up with a disability

Session 2: Jan. 6-April 6, 2020
Mon., 3:30-5:30 p.m.

$6/Week for two games and shoes