Dear Springfield Mama is a weekly note from a local mom (that’s me!) to help you breathe easier, get out the door faster, and enjoy this town with your kids — without spending your time scrolling and searching.
It’s free. Just once a week.
Editions bring you:
- Seasonal guides
- Local outdoor places to explore
- Things to do around Springfield
- Easy, budget-conscious dinner ideas
- The occasional essay about motherhood
Sample Newsletter:
It’s not just me. Books and spring are mingling in people’s minds right now. I found a ridiculous number of Springfield events this week that mix literary delights with nature. (More on that later). I think the dogwoods and redbuds are making us all whimsical.
So it was the perfect time to turn a metaphorical leaf with my Seasons Reading Challenge. Check out the new theme, and the 3 books that changed how I spend outside time with Leo on the Dear Springfield Mama website. Hopefully, they will inspire and energize you for the season ahead, whether in the backyard or out on a trail.
The ‘car bag’ is my fix for mind-numbing park boredom
It would be fair to say that parks have been heavily on my mind lately. I just released a podcast episode about dead parks: how Springfield’s parks used to be thriving centers of community life, why people don’t show up anymore, and ideas to bring them back to life. Listen in to the episode: Parks are in a coma. It’s time to reclaim them. It’s on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
But after a lovely outing this week to Nathanael Greene, I had more thoughts on curing park boredom. Enter, my “car bag.” This is my antidote to sitting on the sidelines, flicking ants off of benches and wondering if it’s been long enough for vitamin D to soak in.
Parks don’t have to be boring. Read what’s in my car bag to keep myself having just as much fun as Leo.
Things to do
Note: Spring is bringing TONS of events in town, and I can’t fit them all inside the newsletter without triggering send issues. You can find the full event list on my website!
Tuesday, April 14 & Thursday, April 16 — Fresh air, outdoor play, and stories. An outdoor library storytime for infants through age 6 that brings together books, songs, and simple activities in a park setting—basically the best of both worlds if your kids love being outside. I went to the Republic one at Miller Park last year and it was such a hit (they had a bubble machine and music). I haven’t tried the Strafford version yet, but I’m curious. If you go to that one, report back! Tuesday, 10–11 a.m. (Miller Park, Republic); Thursday, 10–11 a.m. (Howard Smith Community Park, Strafford).
Thursday, April 16 & Saturday, April 18 — Nathanael Greene craft, story and wander. A sweet, short storytime designed with preschoolers in mind, featuring a spring-themed read-aloud and a simple craft (paper flower crowns). It’s held at the Botanical Center, which makes it extra fun because you can linger after and wander the gardens, explore nearby trails, or just let the kids roam a bit. 10–10:30 a.m. (Springfield Botanical Gardens, 2400 S. Scenic Ave.). Free; no registration required. Event details.
Friday, April 17 & Saturday, April 18 — The Narnia Faire. Step through the wardrobe into a fully immersive, family-friendly Narnia experience set at a real-life castle-like venue, complete with stone architecture and tucked-away grounds that make it feel extra magical from the moment you arrive. Kids can meet kings and queens, chat with “talking animals,” go on quests, and earn prizes, while parents browse artisan vendors or just soak in the storybook setting. It’s one of those events that truly leans into the fantasy (and the setting absolutely helps). 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Chateau Charmant). Tickets required. Event details.
Saturday, April 18 — Lit-Fest! A literature-themed morning at the Farmers Market with a little something for everyone—family storytime, a blackout poetry station, local authors, and hands-on activities woven in with your usual market stroll. It’s an easy way to mix books and fresh air (and maybe a pastry or two) while supporting local creatives. 8 a.m.–1 p.m. (Farmers Market of the Ozarks). Free. Event details.
Saturday, April 18 — Rosebud’s Cottage Spring Market. A big, bustling spring market with 80+ vendors, boutique finds, home décor, and plenty of food trucks to keep you fueled while you browse. There’s a full kid zone with bounce houses, a petting zoo, and face painting, but this one could also double as a solid mom outing (coffee in hand, wandering booths without anyone asking for snacks every 3 minutes). 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Rosebud’s Cottage). Free admission and parking. Event details.
Dinner done easy
You ever heard of “chopped cheese” sandwiches at NYC bodegas? Basically, they’re like burgers, but better (and somehow easier). Savory ground beef, melty American cheese, garden-fresh lettuce and bright pops of tomato? YUM. I made these for the first time last week and my family raved about them so much that I made them again a few days later. It’s a heavier meal, so I tried swapping the bun for romaine cups and found it equally satisfying.
This is a perfect recipe for busy nights, as it took me less than 15 minutes to throw together in a skillet. Serve with air-fryer fries or a salad.
A local shop for the kinds of toys kids actually play with
I stumbled across a wooden, Amish-made airplane at a craftsman festival a few years ago, and was completely enamored with its simplicity and sturdiness. I surprised Leo with it (he cried literal tears of joy), and he’s been playing with it for years. Just recently, he brought it to school for his show-and-tell.
I was delighted to learn there’s an entire shop of these beautifully made, artisan toys run by a local mom and educator here in the Ozarks! Her name is Erica Lindquist, and her Montessori toy store — Lindquist Lane — sells durable, long-lasting toys like smooth, wooden puzzles and unpainted trucks and trains. No batteries, noise, or plastic.
Since Erica’s a teacher, she prioritizes toys that encourage open-ended play. I love that! You can browse her collection at LindquistLane.com, or pop into Rosebud’s Cottage in Nixa to see a few in person.
Thank you, Erica, for sponsoring this week’s newsletter!
