Where kids find wonder (and moms find warmth) this November

Trails, bridges, animals, crafts, terrariums, books, puzzles, puppets — all free? Moms, we’ve got to use the Springfield Nature Center more often.

A longtime volunteer who has coordinated a children’s event here for more than 40 years told me attendance has dwindled over the years. Why? She said people don’t know about them like they used to. Years ago, kids’ events were published in local papers and distributed to doorsteps in mailers. Now, it’s harder to reach busy parents scrolling past flyers on their phones.

It’s a shame, because the 80-acre property is loaded with nature fun for children of all ages. In addition to their regular events like Little Acorns and Storytime with Ms. Ladybug, the facility has loads of things to do.

As a full-grown adult, it’s still one of my favorite places to visit in the fall and winter, especially when the wood-burning fireplace gets going. There’s nothing better than trekking through the trails, then landing in a dry, warm room full of comforts for mom and curiosities for children.

Warmth: things to do indoors at the Nature Center

Indoors, the highlight is the Exploration Room for hands-on fun and the glassed-in bird watching station. A volunteer told me the fish tanks are getting replaced by terrariums to house animals that are part of their kids programming. For now, you can still see the big turtles and snakes in tanks and terrariums, as well as explore the audio/visual educational exhibits.

Ask the volunteers at the front desk for their free games and puzzles, and they’ll hand over a bin of high quality nature-themed games you can take to the carpeted play area. They have stuff for a wide range of ages, so don’t hesitate to look through the bin!

The lobby also has a cozy seating area around the fireplace, where volunteers display a rotating collection of seasonal children’s books; perfect for an impromptu storytime. Sometimes, there are arts and crafts set up in the lobby.

Nature fix: perfect trails for fall and winter at the Nature Center

Outdoors, you have three miles of trails. The Boardwalk Trail is your best bet for little legs and strollers, as it’s accessible and runs over the wetland where kids can lean over bridges to spot wildlife. For older kids, the longer trails offer more rugged terrain and great chances to see deer and birds, making the whole visit an easy way to burn off some energy and connect with the Ozarks.

It’s one of those perfect places that stays interesting for kids no matter how many times you’ve visited, because the seasons are always changing. And for mom, it’s easy, it’s free and it’s comfortable.