Events


  2. Zoo Explorers Fall Series


    This season Zoo Explorers will focus on amazing predators. From hunting techniques to incredible physical adaptations, learn what it takes to make it to the top of the food chain.Dickerson Park Zoo 833-1570

    Grades 2-3
    Grades 4-6
    Grades 2-3
    Crocodiles and Alligators - Nov. 4 from 2-4 p.m.
    Sharks and Rayz - Dec. 2 from 2-4 p.m.

    Grades 4-6
    Crocodiles and Alligators - Nov. 18 from 2-4 p.m.
    Sharks and Rayz - Dec. 2 from 2-4 p.m.
    $20/FOZ Member
    $30/Non-member

  3. Kindergarten/1st Grade Fall Series


    Engage in a myriad of activities including: zoo tours (weather dependent), crafts, animal visits, stories, snacks, and more. Dickerson Park Zoo 833-1570

    Ages K-1
    Talking with Turles - Sat., Sept. 22 from 1-4 p.m.
    Slithing with Snakes - Sat., Oct. 20 from 1-4 p.m.
    Laughing with Lizards - Sat., Nov. 17 from 1-4 p.m.
    $20/FOZ Member
    $30/Non-member

  4. Zoo Tots Fall Series


    Designed to excite and inspire a love of learning in 2-5-year-olds. Includes a craft, an animal friend or two to meet and lots of fun facts to learn! Dickerson Park Zoo 833-1570

    Ages 2-5 yrs. who have not started K, with an adult
    Who Has Hooves? - Sept. 26, 27, 28, 29 from 10-11 a.m.
    Who Has Horns? - Oct. 24, 25, 26, 30 from 10-11 a.m.
    Who Has Tusks? - Nov. 24, 28, 29, 30 from 10-11 a.m.
    $10/FOZ Member
    $15/Non-member

  5. Training for the Trot


    Get ready for the 24th Annual Turkey Trot 5K by training with a group at Dan Kinney Park. Designed for individuals who want to run a 5K race for the first time, get back to running or who want to train with a group. Program fee includes registration for Turkey Trot and a Training for the Trot t-shirt. Register by Sept. 30. Dan Kinney Family Center 891-1500

    16 yrs. and up
    Oct. 2-Nov. 20 on Tuesdays at 6 p.m.
    $45, includes Turkey Trot registration

  6. Cruse Dog Park 10-year Anniversary


    Bring your best friend and join Cruse Dog Park’s 10th anniversary celebration. Treats for humans and dogs, with on-site membership registration available (bring proof of vaccination.) 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at 2100 W. Catalpa, behind Walgreens off Kansas Expressway. Note: Dogs are allowed inside Cruse Dog Park only if you're a registered member or with purchase of a day pass (with proof of vaccination.)

    All ages
    Sat., Nov. 17 at 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
    Free

  7. Festival of Lights Free Ice Skating


    Free public skating with a $3 skate rental. Mediacom Ice Park 866-7444

    All ages
    Nov. 17, 6:45-8:45 p.m.
    Nov. 22, 5-6 p.m.
    Dec. 1, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
    Dec. 25, 5-6 p.m.
    Free with a $3 skate rental

  8. 24th Annual Turkey Trot


    Springfield’s Thanksgiving tradition and the largest Thanksgiving Day 5K in Missouri! Turkey Trot takes place in downtown Springfield Thanksgiving morning, with four race categories: Elite, Runner, Walker and Family/Pet. Trophies for overall winners and medals for each age group. Build up your Thanksgiving appetite while benefiting the Park Board Youth Recreation Scholarship Fund and the Developmental Center of the Ozarks. Bring five items or five pounds of food to donate to Ozarks Food Harvest. Downtown Springfield

    All ages
    Thurs., Nov. 22 at 8 a.m.
    By Nov. 16: $20/Adult, $15/Child
    In person: $30/Adult, $25/Child

  9. Evening Strolls through the Garden


    Walk through the Japanese Garden and take in winter’s subtle beauty highlighted with festive lights. Springfield Botanical Gardens 891-1515

    All ages
    Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 30-Dec. 22, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
    $4 per adult, free for 12 and under with paid adult
    FOG and SSCA members are free

  10. PGA Golf Sale


    Save up to 75-percent off new and used golf products, as several area golf courses (including three Park Board courses) collaborate for their annual holiday PGA sale. Sale location to be announced, check ParkBoardGolf.org

    All ages
    Nov. 29-Dec. 1
    Thurs. and Fri, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
    Sat., 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
    Prices vary

  11. Festival of Lights Holiday Skating Exhibition


    Holiday themed figure skating show. Presented by Mediacom Ice Park, the Jordan Valley Figure Skating Club, the Skating School of Springfield. Mediacom Ice Park 866-7444

    All Ages
    Fri., Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. and
    Sat., Dec. 1 at 2 p.m.
    Fee: $5

  12. Candy Cane Lane


    Drive through the farm and enjoy dazzling farm-themed holiday displays and more than 10,000 lights. Hot cocoa available for purchase. Friday- Sunday nights only. Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park 537-5949

    All ages
    Fridays through Sundays, Nov. 30-Dec. 16, from 5-8 p.m.
    $5 per vehicle

  13. Christmas at the Farmstead


    Join volunteers at the Gray-Campbell Farmstead to celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas. Decorate the tree with hand-made vintage ornaments. Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies and carols. Gray-Campbell Farmstead 891-1515

    All ages
    Saturday, December 1 from 1-3 p.m.
    Free

  14. Holiday Train Garden Display


    The magic of miniature landscapes and moving model trains transforms the Botanical Center atrium into a holiday wonderland. Presented by the Ozarks Garden Railway Society. Donations accepted. Springfield Botanical Gardens 891-1515

    All ages
    Dec. 1-31
    Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
    Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
    Free

  15. Kindergarten/1st Grade Winter Break Camp


    Take a two-day adventure exploring animals from all around the world. From the tiniest to the largest, come celebrate animals from all walks of life. Dress for weather and bring a sack lunch. Dickerson Park Zoo 833-1570

    Grades K-1
    December 27 and 28 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
    $75/FOZ Member
    $90/Non-member

Special Events Calendar

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  1. Thu Nov. 22

    24th Annual Turkey Trot Springfield’s Thanksgiving tradition and the largest Thanksgiving Day 5K in Missouri! Turkey Trot takes place in downtown Springfield Thanksgiving morning, with four race categories: Elite, Runner, Walker and Family/Pet. Trophies for overall winners and medals for each age group. Build up your Thanksgiving appetite while benefiting the Park Board Youth Recreation Scholarship Fund and the Developmental Center of the Ozarks. Bring five items or five pounds of food to donate to Ozarks Food Harvest...
    Read More

  2. Fri Nov. 30

    Candy Cane Lane Drive through the farm and enjoy dazzling farm-themed holiday displays and more than 10,000 lights. Hot cocoa available for purchase.
    Read More

  3. Fri Nov. 30

    Festival of Lights Holiday Skating Exhibition Holiday themed figure skating show. Presented by Mediacom Ice Park, the Jordan Valley Figure Skating Club, the Skating School of Springfield.
    Read More