Springfield Kids Directory

Refrigerator Notes

I recently had my first opportunity to meet my 6-month-old great-niece in person. My nephew and his family live quite some distance away, so visits back home aren’t as frequent as we’d like.

My extended family gathered for photos at a local park. As the designated photographer, I now have the task of working my way through all of the images to pick the best ones and fine-tune them.

It reminded me how precious time is with family, and how special the little moments are with kids when we aren’t all lined up straight and tall for a group photo.

Candid moments help us capture a glimpse of our kids’ personality that we can treasure forever. |

Kids Eat FREE

The original , most comprehensive guide in the Ozarks!

or almost free

Restaurants may modify or temporarily suspend Kids Eat Free offers and operating hours. We do our best to publish accurate information. Please call ahead to confirm offers. 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

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

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

SUNDAY

Houlihan’s, 2421 N. Glenstone Ave., 417-862-7777. Kids’ meals are $2.49 and $3.49. Cannot be combined with offers or coupons.

HuHot, 2825 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-882-0300. 25 percent off for all students with school ID.

King’s Asian Chef, 1336 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-866-5527. Free kid’s meal with every adult combo meal or entrée purchased. Choose junior-size cashew chicken or junior sweet and sour. Maximum of three free meals. Dine-in only.

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.

Springfield Family Restaurant, 2222 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-883-0900. One free kids’ menu item with purchase of one adult entrée valued at $8 or more, after 4 p.m. Dine-in only. Cannot be combined with other offers.

MONDAY

Amigos Mexican Restaurant, 2118 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-887-1401. All day, get one free kid’s meal (for ages 10 and younger) with purchase of an adult entrée. Drink not included.

Bair’s All-American Sports Grill, three locations: 701 N. McCroskey Ave., Nixa, 417-725-3777; 3821 S. Campbell Ave., 417-368-5919, Springfield; 1644 E. Hwy 60, Republic, 417-732-5077. All day, kids eat for $2.99 with the purchase of a regular-priced entrée. Same offer available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Pasta Express, four 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. Dine-in only.

“Kids Eat Free” offers continue on page 10.

Kids Eat Free! (or almost free)

Springfield Brewing Company

305 S. Market Ave., Springfield, 417-832-8277. Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée. Dine-in only.

The Roost Bar & Grill, 4216 S. Cox Rd., 417-612-9050; 2025 W. Sunshine St., 417-865-4000. Free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée, 6-10 p.m. Village Inn, all Springfield locations. Get one kid’s meal for kids age 9 and younger with each adult meal purchased. Offer good all day. Offer also good on Tuesday.

TUESDAY

Bair’s All-American Sports Grill, three locations: 701 N. McCroskey Ave., Nixa, 417-725-3777; 3821 S. Campbell Ave., 417-368-5919, Springfield; 1644 E. Hwy 60, Republic, 417-732-5077. All day, kids eat for $2.99 with the purchase of a regularpriced entrée. Same offer available on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Big Whiskey’s, five locations: in Springfield, 311 Park Central, 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, 5-9 p.m.

Coyote’s Adobe Cafe, Nixa location only, 807 N. Main St., 417-725-6803.

One free kids meal for kids age 12 and younger for each adult entrée purchased, 5-8 p.m. Parents can get allyou-can-eat wings, 5-8 p.m.

HuHot, 2825 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-882-0300. After 4 p.m., one free kids’ grill meal per adult grill meal for kids ages 10 and younger.

Continued from page 6

Pizza Ranch, 2825 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-319-5021. One child 10 and under eats free per paying adult, 4-8 p.m.

Prima’s Mexican Grill, Two locations: 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.

Ruby Tuesday’s, 2725 N. Glenstone Ave., 417-831-7829. After 4 p.m., get one free kid’s entrée with one adult entrée purchase.

Village Inn, all Springfield locations. Get one kid’s meal for kids age 9 and younger with each adult meal purchased. Offer good all day. Offer also good on Tuesdays.

WEDNESDAY

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 valued at $9 or more.

Bair’s All-American Sports Grill, three locations: 701 N. McCroskey Ave., Nixa, 417-725-3777; 3821 S. Campbell Ave., 417-368-5919, Springfield; 1644 E. Hwy 60, Republic, 417-732-5077. All day, kids eat for $2.99 with the purchase of a regular-priced entrée.

Double E Burger & Ice Cream Shoppe, 339 Kentling Ave., Highlandville, 417-587-8018. One free kid’s meal for ages 12 and younger with the purchase of one adult entrée of $5.99 or more. Dine-in only. Cannot combine with other offers or coupons.

“Kids Eat Free” offers continue on page 12.

Kids Eat Free! (or almost free)

Dowd’s Catfish & BBQ Eatery, 1760 W. Elm St., Lebanon, 417-532-1777. One free kids’ meal for each adult meal purchased after 5 p.m. Does not include all-you-can-eat. Dine-in only.

Schlotsky’s, 4132 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-889-2445. Buy one regular 10” pizza and get one free on certain pizza selections. Limit 1 BOGO offer when ordering multiple pizzas.

The Catfish Café, 1210 S. Ash St., Buffalo. 417-345-1277. Dine-in only. Kids eat free off kids’ menu, 4-8 p.m. One free kid’s meal per paid adult meal.

Whole Hog Café, 224 W. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-868-0042. After 5 p.m., kids age 12 and younger get one free kid’s plate with purchase of one adult plate, 5-9 p.m. Dine-in only.

THURSDAY

Continued from page 10

Double E Burger & Ice Cream Shoppe, 339 Kentling Ave., Highlandville, 417-587-8018. One free kid’s meal for ages 12 and younger with purchase of one adult entrée ($5.99 or more). Dine-in only. Cannot combine with other offers or coupons.

FRIDAY

Ruby Tuesday’s, 2725 N. Glenstone Ave., 417-831-7829. All day, get one free kids’ entrée with one adult entrée.

SATURDAY

Rosie Jo’s Café, 1711 S. 15th St., Ozark, 417-581-6047. Get one free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult entrée, 4-8 p.m. Only for children ages 10 and younger.

Fall Festivals & Events

Billings Community Fair

Information on Facebook

Friday and Saturday, Sept. 1-2

Billings City Park, 201 W. Howard Ave., Billings. Tractor pulls, car show, food trucks, cattle show, inflatables.

Feemster’s Twisted Corn Maze

feemsterscornmaze.com

Opens Saturday, Sept. 2

Saturdays and Sundays through October. North of Springfield on Bluegrass Rd. (Farm Road 94) east of Glenstone Ave. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, Circle S Mobile Petting Zoo, rubber duck races, and pumpkin bowling. Admission is $8/adults, $6/kids 4-10; children age 3 and younger are free. See ad on page 17.

Exeter Corn Maze

exetercornmaze.com

Sept. 2-Nov. 5

State Hwy MM, Exeter. Kid-friendly and haunted attractions, pumpkins, concessions, go-karts, apple orchard, and sunflower field. Admission for age 3 and older, $20.95-22.95; attractions may require tickets.

Seymour Apple Festival

seymourapplefestival.com

Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 7-9

Entertainment, vendors, a parade, 5K, and contests.

Conway Community Days

Information on Facebook

Friday-Saturday, Sept. 8-9

102 W. Madison Ave., Conway. Food, vendors, carnival, prizes, and music.

Harvest Home Fall Festival

seaschurch.org/harvest-home

Friday-Saturday, Sept. 8-9

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 2200 W Republic Rd., Springfield. Kids Zone and games, live music, corn hole tournament, Bingo, and a silent auction. Food and drinks for sale. Friday, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, 4-11 p.m. See ad on page 19.

Japanese Fall Festival

peacethroughpeople.org

Friday-Sunday, Sept. 9-11

Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield. Performers, activities, and workshops.

Bolivar Country Days

Information on Facebook

Saturday, Sept. 9

On the Bolivar square. Food, a car show, crafts, and games. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Branson Autumn Daze

Arts, Crafts, & Music Festival

explorebranson.com (Things To Do)

Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 14-16

Awberry Parking Lot, 100 W. Atlantic St., downtown Branson. Thursday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

61st Annual Steam-O-Rama

steamorama.com

Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 14-17

New location: Whinrey Homestead, 6065 State Hwy O, Ash Grove (Exit 58 on Interstate 44). Opens at 8 a.m. each day. Tractor pulls, parade, sawmill, music, flea market, and concessions. $10/age 13 to adults; kids 12 and younger are free.

Continued on page 18

Fall Festivals & Events

Marionville Applefest

marionvilleapplefest.com

Friday-Saturday, Sept. 15-16

Downtown Marionville. Festival with vendors, kids zone, and contests. Friday, noon-8 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Marshfield Harvest Days

Information on Facebook

Friday-Saturday, Sept. 15-16

Marshfield Square. Live music, vendors and pumpkin chuckin’. Friday, noon-7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

MO Food Truck Fest

mofoodtruckfest.com

Saturday, Sept. 16

Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, 3001 N. Grant Ave., Springfield. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free admission.

Cider Days

Itsalldowntown.com/ciderdays

Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 16-17

Historic Walnut Street in Springfield. Artists and crafters, performances, and cider. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., both days.

1860s Lifestyle Exposition

graycampbellfarmstead.org

Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 16-17

Gray-Campbell Farmstead, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield. Visit the oldest house in Springfield for exhibits, music, crafts, cooking, and activities for kids. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Wilder Days

lauraingallswilderhome.com

Friday-Saturday, Sept. 22-23

Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum, 3060 Hwy A, Mansfield.

Continued from page 16

Gainsville Hootin an Hollarin

hootinanhollarin.com

Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 21-23

Gainesville courthouse square.

Campbell’s Maze Daze

campbellsmazedaze.net

Opens Saturday, Sept. 23

Weekends in September and FridaySunday in October. 177 Carob Rd., Clever. Corn maze, pumpkins, haunted maze, and hay rides. $10-12/person.

Fair Grove Heritage Reunion

fg-historical.org

Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 23-24

Parade, music, demonstrations, and vendors.

Pioneer Heritage Festival of the Ozarks

heritage417.com

Friday and Saturday, Sept. 29-30

Fox Trotters Park, Highway 5 North, Ava. Artisans, live music, food, and activities. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Dickerson Park Zoo

Wizards & Fantastic Beasts Day

dickersonparkzoo.org

Saturday, Sept. 30

Harry Potter-inspired event from Dickerson Park Zoo, 1401 W. Norton Rd., Springfield. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. See ad on page 23.

SGF CultureFest

sgfculturefest.com

Saturday, Sept. 30

321 E. Commercial St., Springfield.

Celebrate ethnic diversity and heritage in music, dance, and art. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Continued on page 20

Fall Festivals & Events

Republic Pumpkin Daze

republicpumpkindaze.com

Friday and Saturday, Oct. 6-7

J.R. Martin Park, 300 E. Hines St., Republic. Giant pumpkins, vendor booths, entertainment, and food.

Ozark Arts & Crafts Show

ozarkcraftfair.com

Friday-Sunday, Sept. 30-Oct. 2

Finley River Park, Riverside Rd., Ozark.

Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.;

Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Ozark Fall Farmfest

ozarkfallfarmfest.com

Friday-Sunday, Oct. 6-8

Ozark Empire Fairgrounds

3001 N. Grant Ave., Springfield.

Aurora Auto Fest

Information on Facebook

Saturday, Oct. 7

Oak Park on Business Hwy 60. Classic cars, street rods, trucks, and motorcycles.

Harvest Fest on the Farm parkboard.org

Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 7-23

Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park, 3825 W. Farm Road 146, Springfield. Concessions, corn maze, and pumpkins.

Apple Butter Makin’ Days

mtvernonchamber.com

Friday-Sunday, Oct. 13-15

Courthouse square in Mt. Vernon. Contests, apple butter, entertainment, food, activities, and Saturday’s parade.

Hartville Fall Festival

hartvilleareacc.com

Saturday, Oct. 14

Hartville courthouse square.

Continued from page 18

Grape & Fall Festival

hollisterchamber.net

Saturday, Oct. 14

Downing Street in Hollister. Food, craft vendors, 5K, entertainment, children’s area, and street dance.

Art in the Park

swmoartcraftguild.com

Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 14-15

Sequiota Park, 3500 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield. Fine art and contemporary art on show and for sale. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Camden County Apple Butter Days

camdencountymuseum.org

Friday-Saturday, Oct. 20-21

Camden County Museum, Linn Creek.

Apple Butter Day

Information on Facebook

Saturday, Oct. 21

Ozark Mennonite School, 1164 Peewee Crossing Rd., Seymour.

Pets & Pumpkins

petsandpumpkins.com

Saturday, Oct. 21

On Park Central Square in downtown Springfield. Admission: $2 per person or pet. Costume contest and walking parade. 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Festival of Frights

ozarkmissouri.com

Saturday, Oct. 28

Ozark Community Center, 1530 W. Jackson St., Ozark. Indoor trickor-treating, carnival games, hayrides (weather permitting). Free admission; some activities have a fee. 5:30-8:30 p.m. See ad on page 21.

September

2023

Saturday, Sept. 2

Little Acorns: Dandy Daddy Longlegs at the Nature Center, 10-10:45 a.m. Here come daddy longlegs, scurrying across the forest floor. Learn about these special creatures, and make a craft. Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way, Springfield 417-888-4237

CALENDAR

September

Jordan Valley Park’s Ozarks Stream and Fountain, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. 30-minute fountain show on the hour from 10 a.m.9:30 p.m. Fountain runs continuously from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Jordan Valley Park, 635 E. Trafficway St., Springfield parkboard.org

September

Dr. Bill Roston Native Butterfly House, open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Native caterpillars, chrysalides, and butterflies. Call to confirm hours; free admission. Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield 417-891-1515 or parkboard.org

Saturday, Sept. 2

Weekends through October

Feemster’s Twisted Corn Maze opens at 10 a.m. Corn maze, petting zoo from Circle S Mobile Safari, corn hole, pumpkin bowling, and corn pit. Feemster’s Twisted Corn Maze, Bluegrass Rd. (Farm Road 94) east of Glenstone Ave., Springfield 417-894-7458 or feemsterscornmaze.com See ad on page 17.

Saturday, Sept. 2

World Vulture Day at Dickerson Park Zoo, 1401 W. Norton Rd., Springfield 417-833-1570 or dickersonparkzoo.org

Monday, Sept. 4

Monday, Sept. 4

Splash & Sizzle Swimming at Fassnight Pool, 1-6:30 p.m. Admission is $1 or free with a canned food donation. Fassnight Pool, 1305 S. Main Ave., Springfield parkboard.org See ad on page 5.

Monday-Friday, Sept. 4-8

Student Days at Wonders of Wildlife and Dogwood Canyon. Student discounts; full details online. Wonders of Wildlife, 500 W. Sunshine St., Springfield; Dogwood Canyon, 2038 W. State Hwy 86, Lampe wondersofwildlife.org or dogwoodcanyon.org See ads on pages 7 and 11.

Tuesday, Sept. 5

Dog Swim at Fassnight Pool, 4-7 p.m. Dogs 4 months and older swim in the pool. Vaccination certificate required with registration by Sept. 1. $8/dog-human pair; $3/additional human. Fassnight Pool, 1305 S. Main Ave., Springfield parkboard.org

Tuesday, Sept. 5

Paws In the Pool with Ozark Parks, 5-7 p.m. Dog swim. $3/dog and owner pair; $1/additional human. Register at the OC with vaccination certificate. Grubaugh Municipal Pool, 907 E. Parkview St., Ozark 417-581-7002 x2024 or Ozark Community Center on Facebook See ad on page 21.

Friday & Saturday, Sept. 8 & 9

Harvest Home at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Kids Zone, live music, silent auction, Bingo, BBQ dinner and Harvest Grill. Corn hole tournament on Saturday (register online). Friday, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, 4-11 p.m. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 2200 W. Republic Rd., Springfield 417-887-6472 x603 or seaschurch.org See ad on page 19.

Friday-Sunday, Sept. 8-10

Japanese Fall Festival at Mizumoto

Japanese Stroll Garden. Japanese games and crafts for children, market, workshops, and food court. Cost: $9-14/adults, $4/ages 3-12. Presented by Springfield Sister Cities Association and the Park Board. Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield 417-891-1515 or parkboard.org

See ad on page 5.

Friday, Sept. 8-Sunday, Sept. 24

“Fiddler On The Roof” presented by Springfield Little Theatre. Dates, show times, and ticket prices are online. Landers Theatre, 311 E. Walnut St., Springfield 417-869-1334 or springfieldlittletheatre.org

See ad on page 22.

Saturday, Sept. 9

Kid’Athlon triathlon hosted by SpringfieldGreene County Parks. 8-9 a.m. for ages 5-8; 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for ages 9-12. Swim, bike, and run. Register by Sept. 7. $35/child and $25/additional child in the same household. Chesterfield Family Center, 2511 W. Republic Rd., Springfield 417-891-1616 or parkboard.org/kidathlon

See ad on page 19.

Sunday, Sept. 10

Grandparents Day

Sunday, Sept. 10

Grandparents Day at Dickerson Park Zoo, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission for grandparents. Dickerson Park Zoo, 1401 W. Norton Rd., Springfield 417-833-1570 or dickersonparkzoo.org

September 2023

Wednesday-Sunday, Sept. 13-17

Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale. Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (half-price day); Sunday, 1-5 p.m. ($1/$5 bag day). Event is at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E-Plex, 3001 N. Grant Ave., Springfield

thelibrary.org/friends See ad on page 8.

Saturday, Sept. 16

“Opening Night” concert of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra season, 7:30 p.m. Performance features “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” “The Beautiful Hours,” and “Pictures at an Exhibition.” Hammons Hall, 525 S. Hammons Pkwy., Springfield

417-864-6683 or springfieldmosymphony.org

See ad on page 26.

Saturday, Sept. 23

Tuesday, Sept. 26

“PALS: Bears” at Wonders of Wildlife, 10-11 a.m. For ages 3-5 with an adult. Learning through hands-on activities, stations, and a book. Register by Sept. 19. Wonders of Wildlife, 500 W. Sunshine St., Springfield wondersofwildlife.org/event/ pals-bears/ See ad on page 7.

Saturday, Sept. 30

Wizards and Fantastic Beasts Day at Dickerson Park Zoo, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. A Harry Potter-inspired event for all ages. Zoo hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dickerson Park Zoo, 1401 W. Norton Rd., Springfield 417-833-1570 or dickersonparkzoo.org

See ad on page 23.