Springfield Kids Directory

The holidays are rapidly approaching. Maybe for your family this means gathering with extended family and friends, attending school programs or worship services,

your home inside and out, or baking and cooking those special sweets we only get once a year.

Not every family is so fortunate. Can you drop your spare change in the Salvation Army’s red kettle at the store? Is there a giving tree at church or school for you to selecte an

to purchase for a family in need?

Or, maybe your family is the recipient of this generosity and your needs are great.

Gifts don’t need a monetary value. Time spent visiting elderly family members, helping a neighbor do yard work, and being together as a family are often far more meaningful than anything money can buy.

In whatever way you choose, help your children understand the value of a generous heart especially at the holidays.

From the Kids Directory family to yours, we wish your family a blessed and joy-filled Christmas, holiday season, and new year! | ~Melinda, parent & publisher

Kids Eat FREE

The original , most comprehensive guide in the Ozarks!

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. Some restaurants may limit service to carry-out and/or curb-side pick-up only while others have dining room seating. 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.

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. Bair’s All-American Sports Grill, three locations: 105 W. Sherman Way, 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.

Bosky’s Vegan Grill, 405 W. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-507-1050. One free kids’ meal for every adult meal purchased, 3-8 p.m. Kids 12 and under. Kids’ meal is a choice of slider and fries or tenders and fries. Dine-in only.

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 8.

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

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.

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.

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: 105 W. Sherman Way, 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 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

Continued from page 6 Remember to say, “I found it in Kids Directory!”

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 all-you-can-eat wings, 5-8 p.m.

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. Wednesday and Thursday also. 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. 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¢ kid’s meal for a child age 12 or younger. Offer good from 5-9 p.m.

“Kids Eat Free” offers continue on page 12.

Kids Eat Free! (or almost free)

Continued from page 8

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, and 3316 W. Hwy 76, Branson, 417-335-5450. 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: 105 W. Sherman Way, 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.

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. Dinein only.

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

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

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.

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.

FRIDAY

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

SATURDAY

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¢ kid’s meal for a child age 12 or younger. Offer good all day.

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.

Dickerson Park Zoo

1401 W. Norton Rd. • Springfield 417-883-1570 dickersonparkzoo.org

Give a gift that inspires, educates, entertains, and connects children and adults with nature, and helps save animals. Give a Friends of the Zoo membership––a year of free admission plus invitations to special, members-only events; and discounts at the cafe, gift shop, and on education classes. Join the FOZ family and join a mission of seeing, connecting, and protecting wild animals and wild places. See ad on page 15.

Haute Tot Upscale

Children’s Resale

1975 E. Independence St. Springfield • 417-720-1602 hautetotupscalekidsresale.com

Shop like it’s “Haute” for the holidays. Gently used clothing, baby and kid equipment, furniture, toys and books––plus men’s, women’s and maternity clothes. Haute Tot has the brands you love at affordable prices to make your holiday shopping an upscale experience without the upscale price. At Haute Tot, attentive customer service makes your holiday shopping stress-free. Open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Gift cards make a perfect gift for busy moms, new grandparents, and budgetconscious families. See ad on the back cover.

Imaginasium

3444-O S. Campbell Ave. Springfield • 417-368-2908

imaginasium417.com

Imaginasium is dedicated to indoor fun for children from infants to age 8. Their play experiences help them explore and socialize through dramatic play, bounces, and climbing

to build gross and fine motor skills. Need Toddler Time? Visit Imaginasium on Monday mornings at 9 a.m. (Call for details.) Birthday party packages are available, too. Give the gift of play with day passes or memberships. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. See ad on page 21.

Itty Bitty City

3640 S. Campbell Ave. Springfield • 417-202-2025 ittybitty.city Itty Bitty City has something for every Itty Bitty this holiday season. The Toy Nook carries unique and imaginative toys and stocking stuffers from Melissa and Doug, Green Toys, Haba, and Plan. Itty Bitty City has gift cards available in any amount you need and discount bulk admission cards. Our annual and monthly memberships make wonderful gifts that continue to give for the entire year. See ad on page 19.

Holiday Gift Guide

Once Upon A Child

1421 S. Glenstone Ave. Springfield • 417-886-1853 onceuponachildspringfieldmo.com

Once Upon A Child buys and sells gently used kids’ clothing, shoes, toys, and baby gear offering you the opportunity to recycle your children’s nearly new items and get paid on the spot. On a budget? Once Upon A Child is a great place to shop for your kids or grandkids. Gift cards make great gifts for family, grandparents, and caregivers. See ad on page 3.

Ozark Parks & Rec

ozarkmissouri.com

A membership to the Ozark Community Center (The OC) provides a year of access to state-of-the-art equipment and innovative programs. Snow Days Off for K-6th Grade keep the kids busy when the weather is frightful. See ad on page 21.

Ozarks Regional YMCA

orymca.org

Give a gift of health and fun for the new year. YMCA gift cards can be redeemed for summer camp, sports, or any Y program, service, or membership. See ad on page 23.

Sac River Stables

5798 N. Farm Road 125 Springfield • 417-742-4200 sacriverstables.com

Gift certificates are available for riding lessons, horse day camps, and birthday parties. Sac River Stables is a family-owned business, conveniently located five minutes north of Springfield and five minutes from the Frisco Highline Trail on a 200-acre farm bordered by the Little Sac River. Instructors are CHA-certified, and the facility is accredited through CHA and Girl Scouts- and Boy Scouts-approved to earn horse badges. See ad on page 10.

Springfield Ballet

411 N. Sherman Pkwy. Springfield • 417-862-1343

springfieldballet.org

Give the gift of ballet with season tickets to Springfield Ballet’s upcoming performances. Season tickets include “The Nutcracker” (Dec. 16-19) and “The Wizard of Oz” (May 5-7, 2023). A season of lasting memories for you and your family is waiting. See ad on page 5.

Holiday Gift Guide

Springfield- Greene County Libraries

thelibrary.org/holidaystore The Springfield-Greene County Library system’s popular Holiday Store for kids returns Dec. 3-11 at The Library Center and Dec. 3 at The Library Station. Kids select and purchase holiday gifts priced for their budgets (from 25¢ to $10). The Holiday Store is for ages 18 and younger to shop for family, friends, and teachers. Find locations, days, and times on the Holiday Store website. See ad on page 10.

Springfield-Greene County Park Board

417-864-1049 • parkboard.org

The Park Board has the perfect gift for any fitness or outdoor enthusiast. Ideas range from memberships for Chesterfield, Dan Kinney, or Doling Family Centers to golf gift cards redeemable at any of four Park Board golf courses. Parks gift certificates may be purchased for any amount to cover program fees for tennis, basketball, softball, swim lessons, summer camps, horseback riding, dance classes and more. Pair with a

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“Love Our Parks” apparel item for an extra special surprise (ParkBoard.org/Apparel). See ad on page 19.

Springfield Little Theatre

311 E. Walnut St. • Springfield 417-869-1334

springfieldlittletheatre.org

Give a little theatre for the holidays. Springfield Little Theatre gift certificates can be purchased in multiples of $10 through the box office or online. Use gift certificates for shows during the remainder of the 2022-23 season. Receive a limited-edition Landers ornament with a gift certificate order of $100 or more (limit one per customer; limited availability). See ad on page 13.

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Holiday Gift Guide

Springfield Symphony

411 N. Sherman Pkwy. Springfield • 417-864-6683 springfieldmosymphony.org

Join the Symphony for the annual FREE holiday matinee, Saturday, Dec. 10, at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are required for entry and are assigned seats on a first come, first served basis. Doors open at 1:30 p.m., and seating begins at 2 p.m. Reserve your seats today through the symphony’s website. Contact the symphony office for information on assembling a holiday package of tickets for inperson seating or live-streaming for the remaining concerts in the Symphony’s 2022-23 “Swipe Right” season. See ad on page 25.

Where

the

Wild Things Play

5557 N. 21st St., Suite 4 • Ozark 417-470-1417

wildthingsozarks.com

Where the Wild Things Play is the Springfield area’s newest indoor play space where imaginations run wild. Through imaginative play, children develop cognitive, social, and emotional skills. Amenities include plenty of seating for adults, café tables and high chairs for snacks or lunch (bring your own!), and family-

friendly restrooms. Check their calendar for story times, art events, and character meet-andgreets. Monthly memberships and 10-visit play passes make play time even more affordable. See ad on page 9.

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

500 W. Sunshine St. • Springfield 888-222-6060 wondersofwildlife.org

Celebrate the SEAsons of Wonder at Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium. Come experience one of the most magical Christmas traditions in the Ozarks from Nov. 22-Dec. 31. With offerings like dazzling holiday lights, appearances by SCUBA Claus, penguin encounters, and special holiday programs, there is something for the whole family to enjoy. The Conservation Attraction Gift Card can be used at any Conservation Attraction property and makes a great stocking suffer. Now through Dec. 31, receive a free plush toy with a $50 gift card purchase and a 1x free admission when you purchase a $100 gift card. See ad on page 17.

CALENDAR

Event details sometimes change after Kids Directory goes to print. While we strive to provide accurate information, we encourage you to call ahead or confirm events with the host. You’ll find even more events on our website, springfieldkids. com.

Through Sunday, Dec. 4

“White Christmas, The Musical” presented by Springfield Little Theatre. Dates and showtimes are online. Landers Theatre, 311 E. Walnut St., Springfield 417-869-1334 or springfieldlittletheatre.org See ad on page 13.

Through Saturday, Dec. 31

Christmas Lights of Ozark at Finley River Park, 891 N. Riverside Rd., Ozark See ad on page 21.

Fridays & Saturdays, Dec. 2-18 Dec. 19-23, 26, 30 and 31 Gardens Aglow at Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, 5-8:30 p.m. Hot beverages, food, and snacks available for purchase. Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield 417-891-1515 or friendsofthegarden.org See ad on page 19.

Tuesdays and Fridays, Dec. 2-23

Storytime with Scuba Claus at Wonders of Wildlife, 6-9:30 p.m. Splashy lights, hot cocoa, reading of “‘Twas the Night Before Fishmas” from Mrs. Claus, Scuba Claus and his helper Peppermint. Wonders of Wildlife, 500 W. Sunshine St., Springfield wondersofwildlife.org See ad on page 17.

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays

Dec. 2-4, 9-11 and 16-18

Candy Cane Lane at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park, 5-9 p.m. Drive-through holiday light displays. Cost: $5/vehicle. RutledgeWilson Farm Park, 3825 W. Farm Rd. 146, Springfield 417-837-5949 or parkboard.org

Saturday, Dec. 3

Christmas at Gray/Campbell Farmstead, 1-3 p.m. Handmade ornaments, hot cocoa, and carols. The Gray/Campbell Farmstead, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield 417-891-1515 or parkboard.org

Saturday, Dec. 3-Sunday, Dec. 11

Holiday Store for Kids hosted by Springfield-Greene County Library. Kids ages 18 and younger can shop for budgetfriendly gifts for family, friends, and teachers. The Library Center’s store is open Dec. 3-11; the store at The Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expwy., is Dec. 3. The Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield.thelibrary.org/holidaystore See ad on page 10.

Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 3-18

“A Very Grinchy Christmas” at Discovery Center,10 a.m.-6 p.m. See the Grinch, explore Whoville, and write a letter to Santa. Discovery Center, 438 E. St. Louis St., Springfield 417-862-9910 or discoverycenter.org

Sunday, Dec. 4

“The Nutcracker” workshop with Springfield Ballet, 3-5 p.m. An afternoon of dance for boys and girls ages 3-8. No dance experience needed. Registration required. The Creamery Arts Center, 411 N. Sherman Pkwy., Springfield 417-862-1343 or springfieldballet.org See ad on page 5.

Saturday, Dec. 10

Moxie Mornings at The Moxie Cinema, 10 a.m. Free one-hour kid-friendly short film and hands-on art projects geared toward kids ages 2-5. The Moxie Cinema, 305 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield 417-429-0801 or moxiecinema.com

Saturday, Dec. 10

Downtown Springfield Christmas Parade, 2 p.m. itsalldowntown.com

Saturday, Dec. 10

“In Love at Christmas” presented by Springfield Symphony Orchestra. FREE holiday matinee at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are required, available online from the Symphony. Evening concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11 Tickets available through the Hammons Hall box office. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, 525 S. John Q. Hammons Pkwy., Springfield 417-864-6683 or springfieldmosymphony.org See ad on page 25.

Saturday, Dec. 10

Santa Dive at Chesterfield Family Center pool, 6-7 p.m. For ages 2-10. Swim with Santa and get a picture taken underwater or at the surface. Take home a craft kit to create your own holiday ornament. Cost: $10/member, $20/non-member. Chesterfield Family Center, 511 W. Republic Rd., Springfield 417-891-1616 or parkboard.org

Saturdays, Dec. 10 & 17

Sunday, Dec. 25

Free ice skating at Jordan Valley Ice Park. Admission is free; skate rental is $3 (or bring your own skates). Dec. 10 and 17, 6-7 p.m.; Dec. 25, 5-6 p.m. Jordan Valley Ice Park, 635 E. Trafficway, Springfield 417-866-7444 or parkboard.org

Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 15-18

“Alice’s Christmas In Wonderland” presented by Springfield Little Theatre Education Department. The Reynolds Auditorium at The Judy, 237 S. Florence Ave.. Springfield 417-869-1334 or springfieldlittletheatre.org See ad on page 13.

Friday-Monday, Dec. 16-19

“The Nutcracker” presented by Springfield Ballet. In-person and live-stream tickets available. Tickets: $21-$60. Performance at

The Landers Theatre, 311 E. Walnut St., Springfield. Box office: 417-869-1334 or landerstheatre.org Ballet website: springfieldballet.org See ad on page 5.

Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 17 & 18

“Christmas in Narnia” presented by Petra Ballet Company. Tickets available online or at the studio, 1711-U W. Battlefield, Springfield. Performance at Ozark High School, 1350 W. Bluff Dr., Ozark 417-425-9891 or petraballet.com See ad on page 13.

Thursday, Dec. 22

Holiday Nature Crafts at the nature center, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Make nature crafts to give as a gift or keep for yourself. This program is designed for children ages 7-12 with an adult/caregiver. Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way, Springfield. 417-888-4237

Sunday, Dec. 25

Merry Christmas

Monday-Friday, Dec. 26-30

Winter Wrangler Worship Day Camp at Sac River Stables, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Spiritual growth and horsemanship educational fun for ages kindergarten and older. Choose one day or all five. Sac River Stables, 5798 N. Farm Rd. 125, Springfield 417-742-4200 or sacriverstables.com See ad on page 10

Saturday, Dec. 31

Noon Year’s Eve Party at Jungle Gym, 10 a.m.noon. Kid-friendly New Year’s event with sensory play stations, crafts, snacks, a photographer and special guest Elsa from Princesses of 417. Cost: $30/child ($25/ additional sibling). The Jungle Gym, 3322 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield 417-319-5595 or thejunglegym.org See ad on page 11.