Things to do this week with kids — Springfield, MO

Be sure to check the “event details” link for up-to-date information from the organizers.

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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Note on Spring Sports! The Springfield Park Board is currently registering kids for the spring season’s soccer, baseball/T-ball, softball, and volleyball. Deadlines are in March. Scroll to the bottom of this newsletter for an easy view of the deadline dates for each sport.

Saturday, Feb. 28 — Little Acorns: Skunk Scurry. A sweet, nature-focused program for ages 3–6 at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, all about skunks — from their bold black-and-white coloring to the adaptations that help them survive. Expect simple activities and hands-on learning designed just for preschoolers. Little Acorns programs are small by design and fill quickly; as of this writing, only five spots remain. 11:15 a.m.–noon (4601 S. Nature Center Way). Registration required. Event details.

Monday, Feb. 23 & Tuesday, Feb. 24 — Pajama Storytime. A cozy evening storytime for infants through age 6, complete with stories, songs and simple activities designed to build early literacy skills. Kids are welcome to come in their PJs. Monday’s session is 6–6:30 p.m. at the Library Center (Community Room B, 4653 S. Campbell Ave.). Tuesday’s session is 6:30–7:15 p.m. at the Library Station (Story Hour Room, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway). Free. Event details.

Thursday, Feb. 26 — Conservation Kids: Hidden in Plain Sight. A hands-on evening at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center exploring camouflage and mimicry in the animal world. Designed for kids ages 7–12 and their adult caregivers, this interactive program invites families to work together while learning how animals stay hidden in plain sight. Conservation Kids programs are popular and tend to fill quickly. 6:30–7:45 p.m. (4601 S. Nature Center Way). Registration required; space is limited. Event details.

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday — Watch shark feeding at Wonders of Wildlife. This is for people who already have an aquarium pass at Wonders of Wildlife. Did you know you can watch the team feed the sharks every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 1 p.m.? A solid pick if you’re planning a museum afternoon and want to time it just right. 1–2 p.m. (500 W. Sunshine St.). Included with admission. Event details.

Friday, Feb. 27 — Art for Anyone. A beginner-friendly art class at the Doling Family Center. Participants ages 14 and up can try watercolor, sketch, oil pastel and more, with instruction and supplies provided. Sign up for a single class or commit to the full three-class series. Bonus for parents: free childcare is available for kids 8 and under. 5–6:30 p.m. (Doling Family Center, 301 E. Talmage St.). $10 per class or $25 for all three. Registration required. Event details.

Saturday, Feb. 28 — Design a Tumbler for Teens. A creative afternoon in the Maker Space at Midtown Carnegie Branch, where teens can bring a design (or create one on-site) and use library equipment to apply it to their own tumbler. Tumblers are provided, making this a fun, functional craft they’ll actually use. For ages 12–18. 2–4 p.m. (Midtown Carnegie Branch Library, 397 E. Central St., Maker Space). Registration required. Call 417-837-5011. Free. Event details.