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.
Note: Greene County libraries have LOADED their calendars this summer with tons of great activities and events for families. Check out their website for more options this week.
Sunday, May 31 — An afternoon of live music in the gardens. Gigs in the Garden wraps up its spring concert series with indie-folk artist Annabelle Moore performing among the blooms at Nathanael Greene Park. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket, let the kids do the make-and-take crafts, and settle in. 2 p.m. (Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave.). Free admission; $10 suggested donation. Event details.
Tuesday, June 2 — A creative afternoon weaving for crafty teens. Local artist Leslie Berry will teach the basics of weaving using cardboard looms, yarn and fabric scraps, with each participant creating their own wall hanging to take home. This feels like a nice fit for teens who enjoy making things with their hands, decorating their rooms, or taking a break from screens for an hour to learn a new skill. All materials are provided. 1–2 p.m. (Strafford Branch Library, Community Room). Ages 12–18. Free. Event details.
Wednesday, June 3 — An old-fashioned summer movie outing downtown. The Gillioz is showing the original 1961 version of “The Parent Trap”on the big screen, giving parents a chance to share a childhood favorite with their kids inside one of Springfield’s most beautiful historic theaters. The story follows twin sisters separated at birth who meet at summer camp and hatch a plan to reunite their parents. Trivia begins at 1:50 p.m.; movie starts at 2 p.m. (Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central E.). Tickets are $5. Event details.
Friday, June 5 — Affordable date night idea out downtown. First Friday Art Walk at The Gallery offers an easy excuse to hand the kids off to a babysitter and spend an evening together wandering art exhibits, listening to live jazz, and enjoying a cocktail inside the historic Gillioz Theatre building. This month features Gillioz Resident Company exhibits, a live jazz set from MOJO beginning at 6:30 p.m., and a hands-on activity hosted by the Springfield Art Museum. 6–9 p.m. (The Gallery, 325 Park Central E., Suite 200). Free admission. Event details.
Friday, June 5 — A train-themed morning for kids who can’t get enough locomotives. Fantastic Friday at the Railroad Historical Museum combines train stories, hands-on activities and a chance to explore real train engines and cars with museum volunteers. Bring your library card, as the Mobile Library will be parked nearby so you can stock up on summer books! 10 a.m.–noon. (Railroad Historical Museum, 1300 N. Grant Ave.). Ages 3 and up. Free. Event details.
Friday, June 5 — An outdoor concert that still works with kids in tow. Blues band Sister Lucille is bringing its Memphis-inspired sound to Tie & Timber Beer Co., but parents don’t have to choose between live music and family time. Tie & Timber’s newer three-story pizza kitchen overlooks the beer garden where the bands play, so you can grab dinner, enjoy the music from the balcony patio, and let the kids soak up the atmosphere without feeling like you’re spending the evening in a bar. Music starts at 7 p.m. (Tie & Timber Beer Co., 1451 E. Cherry St.). $5 cover. Event details.
Friday–Saturday, June 5–6 — A chance for young baseball fans to play where the pros play. The Springfield Cardinals’ free Play Ball Skills Competition lets kids ages 5–12 test their throwing, hitting and running skills right on the field at Route 66 Stadium, then return Saturday for showcase games. For kids who dream about baseball, getting onto a professional ballfield is a pretty memorable way to spend a summer morning — and for parents, it’s hard to beat the price. Registration required. Skills competition takes place June 5; showcase games are June 6. (Route 66 Stadium, 955 E. Trafficway St.). Free. Event details.
Saturday, June 6 — A community summer kickoff designed with kids in mind. The All Wheels Summer Bash combines free games, activities, hot dogs, a bike giveaway and food distribution into one family-focused afternoon at Smith Park. Whether you’re hoping to snag a bike, connect with local resources, or simply spend a few hours outside with the kids, the event is built around helping children get active and enjoy the start of summer. Bike giveaway begins at noon. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. (Smith Park, 1536 E. Division St.). Free. Event details.
Saturday, June 6 — A survival-skills class that will make adventurous kids feel downright prehistoric. Outdoor Preparedness: Fire and Flintstone teaches participants ages 8 and up how to start a fire without matches or a lighter, using traditional fire-starting techniques that have been practiced for thousands of years. If you have a child who loves camping, scouting, survival shows, or generally figuring out how things work, this is the kind of hands-on skill they’ll be talking about long after the class ends. 10 a.m.–noon. (Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way). Registration required. Event details.
Saturday, June 6 — A flower-filled stroll through one of Springfield’s most charming neighborhoods. The C-Street Floral Stroll transforms Historic Commercial Street into a mile-long showcase of elaborate floral arrangements created by designers from across the region. Wander slowly, admire beautiful things, shop in vintage thrift stores and boutiques, and grab a delicious treat from Blue Heron Bakery (I almost passed out when I tasted their chocolate croissant last weekend). 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (Historic C-Street, 299 E. Commercial St.). Free. Event details.
Sunday, June 7 — An affordable summer movie outing for the whole family. The Gillioz is kicking off the season with a free screening of “Moana,” complete with free popcorn and a non-alcoholic drink. There’s just something about going to the movies in the middle of a hot summer day, and the historic Gillioz makes it feel a little more special. Try out the new Iraqi cafe and coffeeshop next door, where their cheesecake (adorned with Nutella and Pistachio) is big enough to share with 3 people! Theatre doors open at 1 p.m.; movie begins at 2 p.m. (Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central E.). Free. Event details.
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