Springfield Kids Directory

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Refrigerator Notes

In this issue..

Kids Eat Free (or almost free)...... 6, 10, 12 Summer Camp Guide........................13-31 April KIDS Calendar...........................32-33

Wow! It’s exciting to see our April magazine at 36 pages! We are packed, page after page, with great resources for children and families.

April is the second of our two summer camp issues, and we have more advertisers this month than last. More great summer opportunities for our kids!

We’re looking ahead to a new summer project in the page garden—our first stand-alone Field Trip Guide to distribute to thousands of preschool-8th grade teachers in the greater Springfield area.

We know you love picking up Kids Directory each month, and you have your favorite pick-up locations. We hope to add even more convenient locations in the coming months.

When you don’t have a paper copy of Kids Directory with you, remember that our digital flip book, advertiser listings, resource guides, and Kids Eat Free are online. The calendar on our website includes many more events we don’t print in the magazine. So, bookmark SpringfieldKids.com on your home computer, tablet, and smartphone. We’ll be at your fingertips when you need us!

Plan a special outing or two with your family using our KIDS Calendar. And, always be good to yourself. You’ve got this! |

Boutiques, Consignment & Resale

Haute Tot Kids Resale................back cover Once Upon a Child................................... 3

Summer Camps & Education

B-Sew Inn.............................................. 25 Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield............ 22 Cub Creek Science Camp........................ 27 Dickerson Park Zoo................................ 19 Discovery Center................................... 17 Discovery Garden Montessori................ 27 Dogwood Canyon Nature Park............... 23 Itty Bitty City......................................... 25 James River Church..............................8-9 Ozarks Regional YMCA........................... 29 Sac River Stables................................... 27 Second Baptist Church Preschool............. 2 Springfield Art Museum......................... 14 Springfield Ballet................................... 19 Springfield-Greene County Parks........... 17 Springfield Little Theatre....................... 29 Springfield Public Schools Explore.......... 21 Sylvan Learning Center............................ 2 The Summit Prep School........................ 14 Willard Parks & Recreation..................... 21 Wonders of Wildlife............................... 15

Activities, Entertainment & Events

“Coppelia” by Springfield Ballet............... 7 Girls on the Run of SWMO....................... 5 Imaginasium............................................ 2 Jungle Gym........................................... 11 Ozark Public Television.......................... 35 Springfield-Greene County Library......... 11 Springfield Symphony Orchestra............ 34 “The Lightning Thief” @ SLT.................. 31

~Melinda, parent of a teen & publisher Hair Salons

Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids............ 27

Interested in advertising?

Healthy Kids & Healthy Families

email melinda@springfieldkids.com

Expedition Pediatric Dentistry.................. 5 Pierce Vision Specialists........................... 7 TheraCare Outpatient Services................. 7

Melinda Arnold: Parent/Publisher/Owner

©2021-2022 Kids Directory/Fusion Link Communications LLC. This directory, in part or whole, cannot be reproduced or copied without written permission. Kids Directory reserves the right to refuse any advertising for any reason. Readers should verify advertised information with advertisers. Kids Directory® is a registered trademark of Hidden Values, Inc. If you are interested in how to have your own Kids Directory in your city, please call 800-960-6788.

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Restaurants 4

Pizza Ranch........................................... 11

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Kids Eat FREE The original original, most comprehensive

or almost free

guide in the Ozarks!

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, supply shortages, and staffing, restaurants may modify or temporarily suspend Kids Eat Free offers. We do our best to publish accurate information. Please call ahead to confirm offers. Some restaurants may limit services to carry-out and/or curbside pick-up while others have open dining rooms. Thank you for supporting our local and locally owned and managed restaurants. Want to advertise your restaurant or know about a deal not listed? Email melinda@springfieldkids.com!

EVERY DAY

Moe’s Southwest Grill, 2212 W. Hwy 76, Branson, 417-334-3880. Kids age 9 and younger get a free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult entrée. Child must be present.

Incredible Pizza Company, 2850 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-887-3030. Kids age 3 and younger eat free.

MONDAY

HuHot, 2825 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-882-0300. Kids age 3 and younger eat free every day. Drink not included. Dine-in only.

5 Spice China Grill, 2058 S. Glenstone Ave., 417-799-0215. One free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult entrée. For ages 12 and younger, after 4 p.m. Drink not included. Dine-in only.

WEEKDAYS

Village Inn, all Springfield locations. Get one kid’s meal for kids age 9 and younger Amigos Mexican Restaurant, 2118 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, with each adult meal purchased. Offer 417-887-1401. All day, get one free kid’s good all day, Monday through Friday. meal (for ages 10 and younger) with purchase of an adult entrée.

SUNDAY Houlihan’s, 2421 N. Glenstone Ave., Bair’s All-American Sports Grill, four 417-862-7777. Kids’ meals are $2.49 and locations: 105 W. Sherman Way, Nixa, $3.49. Cannot be combined with offers or 417-725-3777; 3821 S. Campbell Ave., coupons.

417-368-5919, and 631 S. Kimbrough Ave., King’s Asian Chef, 1336 N. Glenstone Ave., 417-866-2700, in Springfield; Springfield, 417-866-5527. Free kid’s 1644 E. Hwy 60, Republic, 417-732-5077. meal with every adult combo meal All day, kids eat for $1 with the purchase or entrée purchased. Choose junior of a regular-priced entrée. Also on cashew chicken or junior sweet and sour. Tuesday and Wednesday.

Maximum of three free meals. Dine-in only.

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Kids Eat Free! (or almost free) Continued from page 6

Pasta Express, for dine-in only at four Springfield locations: 3025 W. Republic Rd., 417-888-3048; 3250 E. Battlefield Rd., 417-890-1345; 603 S. Kimbrough Ave., 417-862-7833; 321 E. Battlefield Rd., 417-885-0030. Free kid’s meal for kids age 12 and younger with purchase of an adult entrée, 3-9 p.m.

Big Whiskey’s, five locations: in Springfield, 311 Park Central Square, 417-862-2449; 1440 W. Republic Rd., 417-882-2249; and 1550 E. Battlefield Rd., 417-883-5999; 602 N. 25th St., Ozark, 417-485-3800; and 301 Branson Landing, Branson, 417-334-4478. One free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult entrée, Pita Pit, for dine-in only at two Springfield 5-9 p.m. locations: 1318 E. Battlefield Rd., Coyote’s Adobe Cafe, Nixa location only, 417-883-1565; 3233 E. Sunshine St., 807 N. Main St., 417-725-6803. One free 417-771-5080. Get a $1 kid’s pita with the kids meal for kids age 12 and younger for purchase of a full-priced adult pita, 5-8 p.m. each adult entrée purchased, 5-8 p.m.

Drink and chips not included. Dine-in only. Parents can get all-you-can-eat wings, 5-8 p.m.

NEW! Springfield Brewing Company

305 S. Market Ave., Springfield, Double E Burger & Ice Cream Shoppe, 339 Kentling Ave., Highlandville, 417-832-8277. Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée. Dine-in only. 417-587-8018. One free kid’s meal for NEW DAY! Springfield Family Restaurant, ages 12 and younger with the purchase of one adult entrée of $5.99 or more. Dine-in 2222 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-883-0900. One free kids’ menu item only. Cannot combine with other offers or coupons. Wednesday and Thursday with the purchase of one adult entrée valued at $8 or more, after 4 p.m. Dine-in also. only. Cannot be combined with other offers. NEW! Luco’s Pizza, 2925 W. Republic Rd., Springfield, 417-315-8586. Get a free The Roost Bar & Grill, 4216 S. Cox Rd., kids’ pizza per child with the purchase of 417-612-9050; 2025 W. Sunshine St., any food item. Dine-in or carry-out.

417-865-4000. Free kid’s meal with the McAlister’s Deli, for dine-in only at locations in Springfield and Republic: TUESDAY 210 W. Sunshine, 417-831-4450; Bair’s All-American Sports Grill, four 1460 E. Primrose, 417-890-5250; locations: 105 W. Sherman Way, Nixa, 2445-A N. Kansas Expwy., 417-866-2331; 417-725-3777; 3821 S. Campbell Ave., 1711 W. Battlefield Rd., 417-888-0899; 417-368-5919, and 631 S. Kimbrough Ave., and 586 E. Harrison St., Republic, 417-866-2700, in Springfield; 417-732-4747. Purchase an adult meal 1644 E. Hwy 60, Republic, 417-732-5077. and receive a 99-cent kid’s meal for a child All day, kids eat for $1 with the purchase age 12 or younger. Offer good 5-9 p.m. of a regular-priced entrée.

purchase of an adult entrée, 6-10 p.m.

“Kids Eat Free” Tuesday offers continue on page 12.

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Kids Eat Free! (or almost free) Continued from page 10

Schlotsky’s, 4132 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-889-2445. Buy one regular 10-inch pizza and get one free on certain pizza selections.

Pizza Ranch, 2825 S. Glenstone,

Springfield, 417-319-5021.

Kids 12 and younger get one free buffet with an adult buffet purchase all day. See ad on page 11.

The Catfish Café, 1210 S. Ash St., Buffalo.

417-345-1277. Dine-in only. Kids eat free off the kids’ menu only, 4-8 p.m. One free kid’s meal per paid adult meal.

Prima’s Mexican Grill, Three locations: 2101 W. Chesterfield Blvd., 417-823-7180, and 3662 S. Glenstone Ave., 417-890-1212, Springfield; 1769 James River Rd., Ozark, 417-582-2776. Dine-in only, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., one free kids’ meal ($4.25 or less) for kids age 10 and younger for each lunch or dinner entrée purchased.

Whole Hog Café, 224 W. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-868-0042. Dine-in only.

One free kid’s plate for kids age 12 and younger with purchase of one adult plate, 5-9 p.m.

THURSDAY

Ruby Tuesday’s, 2725 N. Glenstone Ave., 417-831-7829, and 3316 W. Hwy 76, Branson, 417-335-5450. All day, get one free kid’s entrée with one adult entrée purchase.

Archie’s Italian Eatery, 1410 E. Republic Rd., 417-720-1763. All day, get one free kids’ meal with an adult entrée purchase.

Excludes other promotions or discounts.

SATURDAY

WEDNESDAY

McAlister’s Deli, for dine-in only at locations in Springfield and Republic: 210 W. Sunshine, 417-831-4450; 1460 E. Primrose, 417-890-5250; 2445-A N. Kansas Expwy., 417-866-2331; 1711 W. Battlefield Rd., 417-888-0899; and 586 E. Harrison St., Republic, 417-732-4747. Purchase an adult meal and receive a 99-cent kid’s meal for a child age 12 or younger. Offer good all day.

Andy B’s, 1127 E. Battlefield Rd., 417-883-1234. Kids age 12 and younger get a free kids’ meal with every menu item purchase of $9 or more.

Bair’s All-American Sports Grill, four locations: 105 W. Sherman Way, Nixa, 417-725-3777; 3821 S. Campbell Ave., 417-368-5919, and 631 S. Kimbrough Ave., 417-866-2700, in Springfield; 1644 E. Hwy 60, Republic, 417-732-5077.

All day, kids eat for $1 with the purchase of a regular-priced entrée.

Rosie Jo’s Café, 1711 S. 15th St., Ozark, 417-581-6047. Get one free kid’s meal Dowd’s Catfish & BBQ Eatery, 1760 W. Elm St., Lebanon, 417-532-1777. with purchase of an adult entrée, 4-8 p.m. Only for children ages 10 and One free kids’ meal for each adult meal purchased after 5 p.m. Does not include younger. all-you-can-eat. Dine-in only.

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Summer Camp Guide Animals & Nature Cub Creek Science Camp

16795 State Route E • Rolla • 573-458-2125 • cubcreeksciencecamp.com Cub Creek Science Camp has more than 300 animals including lemurs, foxes, porcupines, wallabies, parrots, sloths, and lizards in a hands-on, interactive zoo. When you hear “Science Camp,” don’t think it’s all about classrooms and books. Cub Creek is about friendship, fun, curiosity, guided learning, building self-confidence, learning problem-solving skills, and creating lasting memories Campers choose two week-long activity courses and two daily classes from 100 engaging options to round out their days. Each day is balanced with open time, evening activities, and options for those who are “early birds” and “night owls.” See ad on page 27.

Dickerson Park Zoo

1401 W. Norton Road • Springfield 417-833-1570 (M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) • dickersonparkzoo.org Learning comes to life at Dickerson Park Zoo. Classes and camps at Dickerson Park Zoo introduce children from tots to teens to science, nature, conservation, geography, and, of course, animals! With the world as a classroom, Dickerson Park Zoo’s camps and classes instill a lifelong love of learning, as well as demonstrate how everyone can help protect and care for animals. If you know a young person interested in science, art, crafts, exploring, wild adventures, animals, and more then check out what’s happening at Dickerson Park Zoo. See ad on page 19.

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

2038 State Hwy 86 • Lampe Education Office: 417-225-1162 • dogwoodcanyon.org Keep your child connected with the great outdoors with summer camps at Dogwood Canyon. Through in-depth hands-on learning, the Conservation EdVenture team inspires students of all ages to take an active role in conserving our planet’s natural resources. Summer campers ages 8-18 will learn through daily exploration of the park, guided hikes, and nature crafts for an unforgettable summer experience.

Drop off will be available at Wonders of Wildlife where students shuttle to Dogwood Canyon. Themes: Wilderness Survival, June 6-9; Dogwood Explorers, June 13-16 and June 20-23; Naturalist, June 27-30. To register, visit the website listed above. See ad on page 23.

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Summer Camp Guide Continued from page 16.

Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park

3825 W. Farm Rd. 146 • Springfield 417-837-5949 • ParkBoard.org/Camps Got a future farmer on your hands? Train them young at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park with hands-on, interactive experiences with farm animals and agriculture. Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park offers several week-long full-day camps for ages 6-12, and half-day camps for 5- and 6-year-olds.

Childcare before and after camp available for a fee. Space is limited; register early. Presented by Springfield-Greene County Park Board. See ad on page 17.

Sac River Stables, LLC

5798 N. Farm Rd. 125 • Springfield 417-742-4200 • sacriverstables.com Sac River Stables’ Wrangler Worship Day Camps promote spiritual growth and horsemanship for students in kindergarten and older. Camps supervised by CHA-certified riding instructors at a CHA-accredited indoor/outdoor riding facility with well-trained horses. Campers are instructed in safety while working around and riding horses along with daily non-denominational devotions and praise songs. Horses, tack, helmets, equipment needed for riding, and Bible class materials provided. Sibling discounts, early drop-off, and late pick-up available.

Spaces are limited, so register early. Day camp information under the “Services” tab on the website. See ad on page 27.

Valley Water Mill Equestrian Center

4007 N. Farm Rd. 171 • Springfield 417-833-3291 • ParkBoard.org/Camps Spend the week with horses in the barn and the arena at Valley Water Mill Equestrian Center. Half- or full-day camps for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders ages 7-17. Camp includes safety rules, haltering, saddling, grooming, and handling, combined with daily barn chores and riding skills. Participants are assigned their own horse for the week. Friday performances highlight learned skills. Space is limited.

Presented by Springfield-Greene County Park Board. See ad on page 17.

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Summer Camp Guide Continued from page 18.

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

600 West Sunshine • Springfield Education Office: 417-225-1162 • wondersofwildlife.org/camps Dive in this summer with an Edventure at Wonders of Wildlife.

Experience the wonder, weekdays from the end of May through midAugust, discovering the wild side with four- or five-day summer camps.

Your camper will learn about many of the creatures and habitats while testing their survival skills, encountering live animals, exploring nature, and creating memories. From kindergarten to high school (ages 5-18), your camper will learn through games, crafts, and experiments for an unforgettable summer experience. Ages 5-6: 9 a.m.-noon; ages 6-18, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., with Stay and Play available from 3-5:30 p.m. To register, visit the website. See ad on page 15.

Arts, Dance, and Theater B-Sew Inn Sewing and Software Center

3046 S. Kimbrough Ave. • Springfield • 417-882-7171 • bsewinn.com B-Sew Inn Sewing and Software Center, the world’s largest Baby Lock sewing machine retailer, is once again offering Project Sew Summer Camp. Project Sew is open to girls and boys ages 9-16. Attendees will learn the basics of sewing while stitching their own projects. With the camp fee of $299, attendees receive a Starter Sewing Kit, printed instructions, fabric kits, and supplies. Upon completion of camp each participant receives a sewing machine valued at $199. Camp runs five days: July 25-29. Morning sessions are 9 a.m.-noon; afternoon sessions are 2-5 p.m. Availability is limited. See ad on page 25.

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Summer Camp Guide Continued from page 20.

Springfield Art Museum

1111 E. Brookside Dr. • Springfield 417-837-5700 • www.sgfmuseum.org At Art Camp, kids experiment with a variety of materials, techniques, and ideas to create an unforgettable summer experience. The Great ARTdoors, June 13-17; Art of Imagination, June 27-July 1; Awesome Artists, July 11-15; Fantastic Ceramics, July 18-22; Perspectives on Painting, July 25-29; and The Wide World of Art, Aug. 1-5. Art Camps are designed for kids ages 6-10, and 5 year olds who have completed kindergarten. All sessions run Monday through Friday. Half-day and fullday options are available, and sibling discounts apply. Read full session descriptions, see pricing, and sign up your art camper today on the museum’s website. See ad on page 14.

Springfield Ballet

411 N. Sherman Pkwy. • Springfield 417-862-1343 • springfieldballet.org Summer is an excellent time to develop dance technique, and Springfield Ballet offers summer camps, intensives, and evening classes which allow students to start or continue their ballet training. Daytime camps and intensives offer learning experiences far beyond the barre including music, drama, nutrition, and anatomy. A special demonstration at the end of the week showcases the dancers’ hard work. Register before May 14 and receive a 10 percent discount. During a four-week session, classes are offered in creative movement, ballet, and pointe. Register for classes

by June 2, and the registration fee is only $10. See ads on page 7 and 19.

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Summer Camp Guide Continued from page 24.

Springfield Little Theatre

311 E. Walnut St. • Springfield • 417-869-1334 SLT Education Department • 237 S. Florence Ave. • 417-413-2287 springfieldlittletheatre.org Try something new or follow your passion and improve your craft at Springfield Little Theatre. SLT offers one-week and multi-week summer workshops from May-August for beginning to advanced students, ages 4-18. SLT provides enriching, entertaining, and exciting camp experiences in musical theatre, dance, acting, performance, technical theatre, film, and arts management in the historic Landers Theatre and Judith Enyeart Reynolds School for the Performing Arts. 2022 themes include “Encanto,” “Harry Potter,” “High School Musical,” “Seussical,” “Willy Wonka,” and “Sleeping Beauty.” Find your fit, discover your talents, nurture your gifts, and strengthen your skills through SLT’s summer education series. See ads on page 29 and 31.

Education & Enrichment Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield

Six Springfield Units Henderson Unit: 835 W. Calhoun St. Fremont Unit: 1630 N Weller Ave. Musgrave Unit: 720 S. Park Ave. O’Reilly Unit: 2205 W. Kearney St. Sertoma Unit: 2524 S. Golden Ave. Stalnaker Unit: 1410 N. Fremont Ave. 417-862-9249 • bgclubspringfield.org Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield provides summer day camp for youth ages 6-18 and before- and after-school activities for select summer school sites. Membership includes access to an array of activities in these program areas: Sports and Fitness, Good Character & Leadership, Workforce Readiness, Health and Life Skills, Education, and the Arts.

Lunch and snack are provided for all Club members. Online registration is required by visiting bgclubspringfield.org. Registration begins April 4.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield’s mission for more than 80 years is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. See ad on Continued on page 26. page 22.

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Summer Camp Guide Continued from page 24.

Discovery Center

438 St. Louis Street • Springfield 417-862-9910 • discoverycenter.org Reignite their love of learning at the Discovery Center’s in-person summer camps with everything kids love like NERF, space exploration, and video games for kids ages 5-14. Campers will turn up the heat in the kitchen and learn the science of cooking, build new inventions from old tech, explore the colorful world of Dr. Seuss, gear up for outdoor adventures, and be wowed through memorable hands-on learning they won’t want to miss. Camps run 9 a.m.-4 p.m., May 31 through Aug. 19 with extended care options available from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. See ad on page 17.

Discovery Garden Montessori School

1515 S. National Ave. • Springfield 417-631-4590 • dgmontessori.org Join Discovery Garden Montessori School for summer camp.

Weekly themes will explore animals and their climates, science, and experiments. With full-day and half-day options, your child will discover and grow throughout the off-school months. Week-to-week and full-summer sign-ups are available for children 16 months to 10 years. Discovery Garden has been educating Springfield for more than 10 years, and summer camp is a great way to learn, have fun, and meet new friends. See ad on page 27.

Explore with Springfield Public Schools

417-523-4747 • sps.org/explore Explore is an exciting opportunity for students to have fun while learning. Led by professional educators and enriched by field experiences and hands-on activities, Explore offers something for children from kindergarten to high school—and it’s all FREE. Choose from seated or online classes. In addition to Artworks for grades 3-5, there is a Middle School Fine Arts Academy for grades 6-8. Free meals are served at most schools, and bus transportation is available for eligible students. Visit sps.org/explore to enroll or learn more. See ad on page 21.

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For busy moms on the go

SpringfieldKids.com Our print edition at your fingertips!

Kids Eat Free • Birthday Party Guide Education Resources • Event Calendar Advertiser Listings • Digital Flip Book

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Summer Camp Guide Continued from page 26.

Itty Bitty City and Parents Cooperative Preschool

3640 S. Campbell Ave. • Springfield 417-202-2025 • ittybitty.city Itty Bitty City is BIG on summer fun. Escape the heat for a day of creative play. See the online calendar of events for classes, events, and summer camps offered by Parents Cooperative Preschool. See ad on page 25.

SPARC and Springfield-Greene County Park Board

Ritter Springs Park and various Springfield school sites 417-837-5737 • ParkBoard.org/Camps Sign up for one week or all summer at SPARC day camps, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Camps include games, crafts, sports, nature activities, and team building for ages 5-14. Choose from SPARC school sites or get out in nature and play in the creek at Ritter Springs. SPARC offers before- and after-Explore programs, in partnership with Springfield Public Schools, as well as the smALL Stars sports camp. All SPARC day camps offer a safe, affordable opportunity for kids to have fun, make new friends, and stay active. Presented by Springfield-Greene County Park Board. See ad on page 17.

Sylvan Learning Center

1830 E. Independence St. • Springfield 417-882-0740 • sylvanspringfield.com Recreate a love for learning. Sylvan can help you end the educational roller coaster you and your child are on, avoid summer learning loss, and improve confidence. Sylvan’s personalized approach will drive test scores through the roof. Open year-round; instruction is available for K-12 after school and on Saturdays. Sylvan provides instruction in reading, writing, math/algebra, study skills, homework support, and ACT/SAT prep.

Morning hours are available June-August. 2022 Summer camps include Sylvan’s Got the Write Stuff: All Things Grammar, Punctuation, & Publishing, June 22-24 and Aug. 8-10. See ad on page 2.

Camp update: In our March Summer Camp Guide, Campbell United Methodist Church advertised their NextGen camps. After that issue was printed, the church staff informed us the camps have been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.

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Summer Camp Guide Continued from page 28.

The Summit Preparatory School

202 E. Walnut Lawn St. • Springfield 417-869-8077 • thesummitprep.org Spend your summer at The Summit with Camp Raven. These weekly camps provide a fun, safe, and stimulating way to continue learning over the summer break. Each camp, led by talented and enthusiastic instructors, focuses on a central theme from explorations in STEM and art to music and movement. Campers will have fun while learning and making new friends. Camps are available for students in pre-K through high school. To learn more about our 2022 camp offerings, morning and afternoon schedules, and pricing, please visit The Summit’s website, thesummitprep.org/summer. Space is limited; register today. See ad on page 14.

Sports & Fitness Ozarks Regional YMCA Day camp

orymca.org/springfield-summer-day-camp Sleep-away camp: campwakonda.org/summercamp Y Summer Day Camps for kids entering kindergarten through 8th grade are full of learning, adventure, active play, and friendship. No two weeks of camp are the same with different themes, new activities and experiences, and memories. Play a new sport, learn about science and nature, or explore creativity. Your child will build confidence and develop friendships that last a lifetime. YMCA Camp Wakonda, the Y’s sleep-away camp, is led by mature, caring counselors who share a variety of fun, exciting, and safe activities.

Campers grow in confidence and build self-esteem by engaging in unique challenges and adventures.

YMCA Camp Wakonda is located 30 minutes west of Springfield. See ad on page 29.

Continued on page 31.

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Springfield-Greene County Park Board Specialty Camps

1923 N. Weller • Springfield • 417-864-1049 • ParkBoard.org/Camps The Springfield-Greene County Park Board offers specialty day camps and clinics spanning a variety of interests. Check out sports through SPARC smALL Stars, junior golf clinics, hockey and figure skating camps, and archery programs. Learn to skateboard at Springfield Skate Park.

Explore the outdoors through hiking and paddling adventures with Outdoor Initiatives. Dickerson Park Zoo offers animal-inspired camps and education programs for all ages. See ad on page 17.

Willard Parks & Recreation

Jackson Street Park • 220 W. Jackson St. • Willard Camp Coordinator: 417-742-5382 • willardparks.com Make this summer one to remember at Willard Parks’ summer camp where every day is an adventure. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, splash around at the Willard Aquatic Center. Wednesdays are field trips to some amazing adventures, from roaring with the lions at Dickerson Park Zoo to having a pizza party at Incredible Pizza. Mondays and Fridays are full of fun crafts, games, friends, movies, and sports at Jackson Street Park. Find a list of camp details at willardparks.com, and plan your summer full of adventures with Willard Parks & Rec. See ad on page 21.

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Saturday, April 2 Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Resource Fair, 1-4 p.m. The Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expwy., Springfield.

417-319-5803 or beajewel.today Saturday, April 2 “Dance Around, Around,” concert by Springfield Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m.

For tickets, contact the box office, 417-836-7678. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, 525 S. Hammons Parkway, Springfield. See ad on page 34. springfieldmosymphony.org

CALENDAR

Remember, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, event details may change after Kids Directory goes to the printer. While we strive to provide accurate information, we encourage you to call ahead or confirm events with the host.

Friday, April 8-Sunday, April 24 “The Lightning Thief,” at Springfield Little Theatre. Family-friendly musical (rated PG) based on the novel by Rick Riordan.

Tickets and show times on the website or call the box office. Landers Theatre, 311 E. Walnut St., Springfield. See ad on page 31. 417-869-1334 or springfieldlittletheatre.org

Ends Friday, April 29 OPT/PBS Kids Writers Contest.

Submission deadline is April 29. Children in kindergarten-3rd grade write and illustrate stories. Contest entry form and details online. See ad on page 35. optv.org Saturday, April 2 Cherry Blossom Kite and Piñata Festival, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Hosted by Springfield Sister Cities Association at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park and the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden.

Purchase a kite or piñata kit for $5, or bring your own kite to fly. Performances, children’s activities, and free admission to the stroll garden. Nathanael Greene/ Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield. Springfield Botanical Center, 417-891-1515 or parkboard.org

Saturday, April 9 Easter at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Ages 12 years and younger.

20,000 candy-filled eggs. (Limit of 15 per child while they last.) Bring a basket, but no cellophane basket filler. (It’s bad for the farm animals.) Free admission, but some activities have a fee. RutledgeWilson Farm Park, 3825 W. Farm Rd. 146, Springfield. See ad on page 17.

417-837-5949 or parkboard.org Saturday, April 9 Unicorn Day Celebration at The Library Center, 11 a.m. Ages 3 years and older.

The Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield. 417-616-0526 or thelibrary.org

Saturday, April 2 Pat Jones YMCA Easter Egg Hunt in the pool, 1 p.m. Splash, float, and hunt for plastic eggs in the pool. Ages 6 months14 years. Free for Y members; $5/non-member. Registration required.

Pat Jones YMCA, 1901 E. Republic Rd., Springfield. See ad on page 29.

417-881-1599 or orymca.org

Remember to say, “I found it in Kids Directory!”

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Tuesday, April 12 Homeschool Discount Day at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, 9 a.m. Ages 4-17 years (18 with proof of enrollment).

Details online. Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, 2038 W. State Hwy 86, Lampe. See ad on page 23. dogwoodcanyon.org 32

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Tuesday, April 12 Babes in the Woods: April Showers, 9-10 a.m. Bring your stroller or baby carrier and walk the trail with your little ones. Ages 0-2. Register online or call the nature center. Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way, Springfield. 417-888-4237 or mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents

Sunday, April 17 Greater Springfield Easter Sunrise Celebration, 6:20 a.m. (The service will be canceled if it rains.) Stadium opens at 5:45 a.m. Hammons Field, 955 E. Trafficway St., Springfield. eastersunriseservice.net Friday, April 22 Earth Day Picnic Dinner and Movie, 6-9 p.m. Free movie begins at 6 p.m. at the Peace Through People Pavilion. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic dinner.

Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave. Springfield. Botanical Center, 417-891-1515 or parkboard.org

Saturday, April 16 Eggstravaganza & Spring Search at Dickerson Park Zoo, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. While zoos animals enjoy special Easter eggs, guests can hunt for spring-related items around the zoo. Admission: $16/adults and teens, $11/children ages 3-12, and $13/seniors 60+. Free for ages 2 and younger. Dickerson Park Zoo, 1401 W. Norton Rd., Springfield. 417-833-1570 or dickersonparkzoo.org Saturday, April 16 Indoor Easter Egg Hunt at Discovery Center, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Search for Easter eggs while learning about science and then trade the eggs in for prizes. Free with admission: $8/ages 3-15, $12/ages 16-59, $10/ages 60 and older. Free for children 2 and younger and Discovery Center members. Discovery Center, 438 E. St. Louis St., Springfield. See ad on page 17. 417-862-9910 or discoverycenter.org

Monday, April 25 PALS: Earth Helpers at Wonders of Wildlife, 10-11 a.m. Ages 4-5 years with a parent. Learn the importance of flowers for pollinators. Register by April 24.

Morris Conservation Center at Wonders of Wildlife, 600 W. Sunshine St., Springfield. See ad on page 15. wondersofwildlife.org Wednesday, April 27-Sunday, May 1 Spring Book Sale with Friends of the Library. Like-new, bargain-priced books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, vinyl records, games, and puzzles for adults, young adults, and children. Proceeds benefit Springfield-Greene County Libraries. At the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E-Plex, 3001 N. Grant Ave., Springfield. See ad on page 11. thelibrary.org

Saturday, April 16 Floating Easter Egg Hunt at Chesterfield Family Center, noon-4 p.m. Bring a waterproof basket to collect eggs.

Children age 8 and younger must be accompanied by an adult in the water.

Times: 6 mo-4 yrs., noon-1 p.m.; 5-8 yrs., 1:30-2:30 p.m.; and 9-12 yrs., 3-4 p.m.

Registration is required. $8/participant Friday, April 29-Sunday, May 1 and one accompanying adult; $2/ “Coppélia,” presented by Springfield additional spectator. Chesterfield Family Ballet. Call or visit the Landers Theatre Center, 2511 W. Republic Rd., Springfield. box office, 417-869-1334 or 417-891-1616 or parkboard.org landerstheatre.org. The Landers Theatre, 311 E. Walnut St., Springfield.

Sunday, April 17 See ad on page 7. 417-862-1343 or springfieldballet.org

Happy Easter

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