Beyond Toys: Giving the Gift
of Education
When it comes to holiday shopping, many families look for gifts that last longer than the season. One smart alternative to toys and gadgets is contributing to a child’s future education through the Missouri MOST 529 plan. This state-sponsored savings program allows parents, grandparents, and even friends to easily give the gift of education once an account is established. Contributions grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified education expenses.
What makes the MOST 529 especially appealing for Missouri residents is the potential state tax deduction on contributions. It’s not just for college either, funds can also be used for K–12 tuition, trade schools, or apprenticeship programs. And thanks to recent rule changes, unused 529 funds can even be rolled into a Roth IRA for the beneficiary, making it a powerful long-term wealth-building tool. Instead of toys that may be forgotten by spring, a 529 gift can compound over time and help children step into
adulthood with less debt and more opportunity. The process is simple, once the account is set up, family and friends can contribute directly through the MOST 529 gifting portal. It’s a meaningful way to show love and support while providing a practical head start for the future.
This holiday season, consider a gift that truly keeps giving: the gift of education and financial security through Missouri’s MOST 529 plan. Get started today by visiting www.missourimost.org
Joe Shearrer, CPFA Vice President and Wealth Advisor at Fervent Wealth Management
SUNDAY
Houlihan’s
2421 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, MO
From 1–4 PM, get one half-price kids meal with each adult entrée purchased. Kids drink included. Not valid with other offers or coupons.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Springfield and Nixa Locations
All day, receive one free kids meal with every $15 adult entrée purchased. Dine-in only. Kids drink included.
King’s Asian Chef
1336 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, MO
All day, get one free kids meal with each adult entrée or combo purchased. Choose from junior-size cashew chicken or sweet and sour chicken. Limit three free kids meals per table. Dine-in only. Kids drink not included.
Buffalo Wild Wings
900 E. Battlefield Rd., Springfield, MO
From 5 PM–close, kids 12 and under receive one half-price kids meal with the purchase of an adult entrée. Kids drink included.
“Kids Eat Free” continues on page 15
Scan for the full list!
11/1
11am-12pm
Willard, MO. Veterans Day Parade:
Location: Jackson Street, Willard, MO Website: www.willardparks.com
11/8
1-3pm
11/11
9am-4pm
11/11
11am-12pm
417 Dance School “Fall Party”:
Location: 1517 E. Lark St, Springfield, MO Website: 417dance.com
Veterans’ zoo Appreciation Day:
Location: 1401 W. Norton Road, Springfield, MO
Info: Free zoo admission for military veterans and family.
Branson, MO. Veterans Day Parade:
Location: Downtown Branson, MO Website: www.explorebranson.com
School’s out? Not a problem! Our School Days Out programs are packed with fun, friends, and activities. Enrollment is now open!
11/20
5:30-7:30pm
11/21
10:15-10:45am
Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting:
Location: Downtown Lebanon, MO
Info: FREE carriage rides, food trucks, and Christmas music
Animal Encounter at Jungle Gym:
Location: 3322 S. Campbell Avenue Suite GG, Springfield MO Website: https://thejunglegym.org
11/22 11am
11/22
2-5:30pm
Lebanon Christmas Parade:
Location: 500 E. Elm Street, Lebanon, MO
Website: www.visitlebanonmo.org
Children’s Entrepreneur Market:
Location: 100 W. Church Street, Ozark, MO
Info: Free entry
11/23 Through 12/30
Light The Park:
Location: Bolivar’s Dunnegan Memorial Park, Bolivar, MO
Website: www.bolivarchamber.com/light-the-park
Info: 2025 is the 22nd Anniversary of Light the Park! Light the Park will be open each evening from 6 pm – 8 pm.
11/25
10-11am
11/27
11am-1pm
11/29
9am-1pm
Story Time at Ridgecrest:
Location: 2210 W. Republic Road, Springfield, MO
Info: A free event with story time, crafts, songs and fun!
Free Thanksgiving Dinner:
Location: 923 W. Main Street, Buffalo, MO
Info: Join us for a free Thanksgiving dinner, dine in or drive thru!
Artsy Alley at Farmers Park:
Location: 2144 E. Republic Road, Springfield, MO
Website: www.loveyourfarmer.com/artsy-alley.html
Check out an Adventure Backpack for your next outing, and use the gadgets and field guides inside to learn while you explore! Just search “Adventure Backpack” at thelibrary.org/ catalog.
SPRINGFIELD-GREENE COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT
12/5
Every Wed.
12/6 10am-4:30pm
12/6 Times Vary
12/6 1pm-3pm
Kids Connection:
Location: 3700 S. Glenstone Avenue, Springfield, MO
Info: Story followed by an art project and a fun work sheet.
Christmas on the Frisco Activities:
Location: 222 W. Jackson Street, Willard, MO Website: www.willardparks.com
Breakfast with Santa:
Location: Republic Community Center, Republic, MO
Website: https://republicmo.com/356/Breakfast-with-Santa
Christmas at the Farmstand:
Location: 2400 S. Scenic Avenue, Springfield, MO
Website: https://graycampbellfarmstead.org
Get ready to celebrate the magic of Christmas in a spectacular fusion of wonder, laughter, and holiday cheer!
This unforgettable show dazzles with grand illusions, festive music, and the mesmerizing beauty of live birds appearing as if from thin air. With brilliant costumes, lighthearted comedy, and heartwarming moments, the show builds to a breathtaking finale that will leave you amazed and filled with joy.
Create a cherished memory this holiday season with an experience that is truly magical for all ages!
Experience a soulful holiday celebration that blends timeless country charm with classic Christmas spirit!
An acclaimed live band ignites the stage with beloved hits from legends like Dolly Parton, Frank Sinatra, and Andy Williams, bringing every note to life with incredible energy and heart.
From spirited big band numbers to heartfelt ballads, each song is wrapped in family warmth and festive joy. Perfect for all ages, Christmas in the Heartland captures the nostalgia, magic, and allAmerican spirit of the season, creating memories that will last a lifetime!
Embrace the Christmas spirit like never before in a dazzling showcase of joy, music, and festive charm!
The legendary Hughes Brothers and their family present an unforgettable holiday spectacular, a true Branson treasure.
Feel the magic in their soulful harmonies, vibrant choreography, and heartfelt instrumentals, all sprinkled with lighthearted family humor. With a kaleidoscope of colorful costumes and a special visit from Santa himself, this show beautifully captures the essence of Christmas, leaving every heart uplifted and inspired.
MONDAY
Iguana Roja
107 W. Church St., Ozark, MO
All day, get one free kids meal with each adult entrée purchased. Dine-in only. Kids drink included.
Amigos Mexican Restaurant
Rebar Kitchen & Taproom
2902 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, MO
All day, get one free kids meal with each adult entrée purchased. Dine-in only. Kids drink included.
Village Inn
Springfield, Republic, and Ozark, MO
From 10 AM–close in Springfield and all day in Republic and Ozark, kids ages 9 and under receive one free kids meal with each adult entrée purchased. Kids drink not included.
The Roost Bar & Grill
4216 S. Cox Rd., Springfield, MO
2025 W. Sunshine St., Springfield, MO
2510 S. State Hwy MM, Republic, MO
From 6 PM–close, get one free kids meal with each adult entrée purchased. Dine-in only. Kids drink included.
2118 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, MO
All day, kids ages 10 and under receive one free kids meal with each adult entrée purchased. Kids drink not included.
Pasta Express
Three locations, Springfield, MO
From 3–9 PM, kids receive one free kids meal with each adult entrée purchased. Kids drink included.
“Kids Eat Free” continues on page 20
Bennett Spring State Park
More than 100 million gallons of clear, cool water gush from Bennett Spring each day and form a spring branch stocked daily with rainbow trout waiting for lucky fishermen. Fishing may be the main draw, but the park also offers many other amenities such as a dining lodge, campgrounds, cabins and hiking trails. Whether you are a traditional fishing enthusiast or someone seeking a place to relax and refresh, Bennett Spring State Park has what you need to make every trip one to remember. www.mostateparks.com
Rutledge‑Wilson Farm Park
207 acres with farm animals, farm-themed playground, paved trail, catch-and-release fishing (for a small fee) free to visit. www.parkboard.org/farmpark
fellows lake
A recreational area with over 25 miles of hiking trails and a dock for fishing. www.springfieldmo.org
bass pro museum
There are several free things to see at Bass Pro, including a free race car museum, archery hall of fame, and gun museum. https://about.basspro.com
moxie mornings
Introduces children to film through themed short films and is usually followed by an activity.
www.moxiecinema.com
Jordan Valley Park
Popular water feature, play area, paved walking trail and several sculptures; free and family-friendly. www.parkboard.org/jordanvalley
wilson’s creek Greenway
A paved hiking trail that stretches 5 miles; perfect for walks or bike rides. www.ozarkgreenways.org
the
library center
A free public library with books your whole family can enjoy. www.thelibrary.org
missouri institute of natural science
Free admission (donations appreciated). Enjoy the museum, fossil hunting, and hiking. www.monatsci.org
Finley river park
A public park with pavilions for eating and events, and parks for playing and fun. www.ozarkmissouri.com
Meet Sparky!
He’s the free, downtown Branson trolley. You can hop on from any of the 12 stops and travel easily through downtown, including Main Street, Branson Landing and the Branson Convention Center. www.ridesparky.com
Branson
Landing Water & Fire Show
You will be amazed by the dazzling interplay of water Fountains shooting 120-foot geysers and fire cannons blasting, all choreographed to light and music. https://bransonlanding.com
The original most Comprehensive guide in the Ozarks!
TUESDAY
Big Whiskey’s
Pizza Ranch
Ozark, Branson, Republic, Nixa, and Springfield, MO
All day, receive one free kids meal with each adult entrée purchased. Dine-in only. Kids drink included.
Ruby Tuesday’s
Springfield and Branson, MO
From 5 PM–close, children 12 and under receive one free kids meal with the purchase of a full-priced adult entrée. Kids drink included.
Prima’s Mexican Grill
Springfield and Ozark, MO
All day, kids 10 and under receive one free kids meal with each adult entrée purchased. Dine-in only. Kids drink not included.
2825 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, MO
All day, kids ages 10 and under receive one free kids meal with each adult entrée purchased. Kids drink included.
Village Inn
Springfield, Republic, and Ozark, MO
From 10 AM–close in Springfield and all day in Republic and Ozark, kids ages 9 and under receive one free kids meal with each adult entrée purchased. Kids drink not included.
Coyote’s Nixa Grille
807 N. Main St., Nixa, MO
From 5–8 PM, receive one free kids meal with each adult entrée purchased. Kids drink not included.
“Kids Eat Free” continues on page 24
WEDNESDAY Andy B’s
Red Robin
3720 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, MO
Springfield and Branson, MO
All day, kids 12 and under receive one free kids meal with every menu item purchase of $9 or more. Kids drink included.
Whole Hog Café
Multiple Locations, Springfield, MO
From 5 PM–close, receive one free kids meal with each adult entrée purchased. Dine-in only. Kids drink included.
Kids 12 and under receive one half-price kids meal with the purchase of an adult entrée. Kids drink included.
Buffalo Wild Wings
900 E. Battlefield Rd., Springfield, MO
From 5 PM–close, kids 12 and under receive one half-price kids meal with the purchase of an adult entrée. Kids drink included.
Cabos Bonitos Grill & Cantina
3637 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, MO
Receive one free kids meal with each adult entrée purchased. Dine-in only. Kids drink included. Be sure to reference the Kids Directory when checking out.
“Kids Eat Free” continues on page 26
THURSDAY
Double E Burger & Ice Cream Shoppe
339 Kentling Ave., Highlandville, MO
All day, kids 12 and under receive one free kids meal with each adult entrée purchase of $5.99 or more. Dine-in only. Not valid with other offers or coupons. Kids drink included.
The Catfish Cafe
1210 S. Ash St., Buffalo, MO
From 4–8 PM, receive one free kids meal with each adult entrée purchased. Dine-in only. Kids drink included.
Saturday
Rosie Jo’s Cafe
1711 S. 15th St., Ozark, MO
All day, kids 10 and under receive one free kids meal with each adult entrée purchased. Kids drink included.
Weekends
Qdoba
All Locations, MO
All day, kids 12 and under receive one half-price kids meal with each adult entrée purchased. Kids drink included. Child must be present.
Scan for the full list!
KD Directory
Your Go-To Business Listings
Vision
Jordan Valley Springfield: Benton
618 N. Benton Ave., Springfield, MO
www.jordanvalley.org
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!
Jordan Valley Springfield: Tampa St.
440 E. Tampa St, Springfield, MO
www.jordanvalley.org
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!
Kids Activity Classes
417 Dance
1517 E. Lark St., Springfield, MO (417) 317-9495
www.417dance.com
ACCEPTING NEW DANCERS!
The Music Studio
3853 S. Cox Ave. Suite 100, Springfield, Missouri (417) 343-9811
www.themusicstudio.com
Sac River Stables
5798 N. Farm Rd 125, Springfield, MO (417) 742-4200
www.sacriverstables.com
Warrior Sports Springfield
605 W. Farm Rd 182, Springfield, MO (417) 894-7319
www.springfieldwarriorsports.com
ACCEPTING NEW WARRIORS!
Cafes
Mochas and Meows
3265 Falls Pkwy. V, Branson, MO (417) 598-5195 mochasandmeows.com/
Grooming/Self-Care
Cookie Cutters
900 E. Battlefield Rd., Springfield, MO (417) 889-4386
www.haircutsarefun.com
APPOINTMENT ONLY!
Veterinary
Strafford Veterinary Clinic
609 W. Evergreen St., Strafford, MO (417) 736-3131
www.straffordvetclinic.com/
ACCEPTING NEW PETS!
Entertainment/Attractions
Andy B’s
405 Branson Landing Blvd., Branson, MO (417) 213-8631
www.bowlandybs.com/branson BIRTHDAY PARTIES AVAILABLE!
Bigfoot Fun Park
3608 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson, MO (800) 562-2416
www.bigfootfunpark.com
Bricks and Minifigs
1570 E. Battlefield Rd Suite E., Springfield, MO (417) 771-5255
bricksandminifigs.com/springfield-mo/ BIRTHDAY PARTIES AVAILABLE!
The Butterfly Palace
4106 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson, MO (417) 332-2231
thebutterflypalace.com
Discovery Center
438 E. St Louis St., Springfield, MO (417) 862-9910
www.discoverycenter.org
BIRTHDAY PARTIES AVAILABLE!
Imaginasium
3444 S. Campbell Ave. Suite O, Springfield, MO (417) 368-2908
imaginasium417.com
BIRTHDAY PARTIES AVAILABLE!
Nana’s Play Place
3550 N. Glenstone Ave. Suite K, Springfield, MO (417) 379-2396
nanasplayplace.com
BIRTHDAY PARTIES AVAILABLE!
The War Zone
4032 W. Lark St. Suite N, Battlefield, MO (417) 761-0314
www.thewarzonespringfield.com
BIRTHDAY PARTIES AVAILABLE!
Schools & Education
Summit Prep School
202 E. Walnut Lawn St., Springfield, MO (417) 869-8077
www.thesummitprep.org
YEAR AROUND OPEN ENROLLMENT!
Discovery Garden Montessori School
1515 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO (417) 631-4590
www.dgmontessori.org
YEAR AROUND OPEN ENROLLMENT!
Greater Springfield
