One of Springfield’s most beautiful parks, Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, is a favorite for families — and for good reason. Between the playground, pond, fountain, gazebo, and Butterfly House, there’s more to see than most families can fit into one visit.
But tucked just south of the playground, inside the Botanical Center building, is a lesser-known gem worth ducking into on a cold day: the Lois K. Boswell Memorial Botanical Reference Library. It’s a small, cozy room with a rug, shelves of nature-themed picture books, a basket of toys and puzzles, and soft seating for kids. Parents can flip through gardening books at the study table while little ones explore.
Right down the hall, the Friends of the Garden hosts a twice-monthly storytime — complete with hands-on activities. The first time Leo and I attended, on a freezing February day, they read two storybooks, then allowed the children to plant herb seeds in little pots to take home.
It’s a cozy, low-key outing for winter days when you need a dose of nature but don’t want to brave the cold for long.
Check the Friends of the Garden website for scheduled storytimes.
Location
2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo.
I send a “things to do” email every Sunday night to tons of moms in the Springfield, Mo. area. It’s full of free, often outdoorsy ideas that always match the season we’re in.
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