Family events in Springfield, MO

Downtown Springfield hosts the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival and Parade, bringing together hundreds of classic cars, live music on three stages, and flavors from downtown restaurants along with area food trucks. Kindig-it Design will be on site with its Big Rig, featuring appearances by Dave Kindig and KevDogg. Meet and greet schedules will be announced. Guests can explore cars on display and find merchandise at the rig.

Spend a day exploring cactus-inspired art at Art Zone. Participants will create a cactus painting and a coordinating sculpture. Camps welcome students 5 years old and up, with the choice of a full day or a half day. Early drop off and late pickup are available for $5 each. Pricing is $40 for a full day and $25 for a half day. Multi-day discounts apply at $110 for three full days, $155 for four, and $175 for five, and attending five full days in the same week includes time on the pottery wheel. Please pack a sack lunch, and let Art Zone know about any allergies.

The 4th annual Show Me Skate Invitational Tournament brings three days of roller derby to Brightspeed Ice Park. Enjoy derby action along with activities and photo opportunities, with team merchandise available and concessions provided by the venue. Admission is $10 for a single day or $25 for a full weekend pass, and children 12 and under are admitted free. A limited number of tickets will be sold at the door. Applications for volunteers are open, and details for tournament referees and NSOs are to be determined. Sponsors include Village Meeple and Body Piercing by Qui Qui. Sponsorship opportunities such as vendor tables, in game announcements, wall banners, and team sponsorship are available through the Sponsorship and Fundraising Committee. The full digital program will be shared when available.

Settle in for story time at Graddy’s Playhouse, featuring books about home with Adam Graddy’s real estate team and a chance to explore a brand new exhibit. The house invites imaginative play with hands-on STEM activities and interactive pretend play spaces, including a real-life kitchen, living room, and backyard.

This two-day racing event packs in multiple formats, cash opportunities, and awards. The first day opens with a three car bracket at $10 per car, with $5 buy backs and a $5 light money bonus for the fastest winning light in round one. Plaques are presented for best light and for first, second, and third place. It then moves into a Highroller race using a two car entry format at $20 each, with a $10 buy back option and $10 in light money for the top winning light in the opening round. The second day features a twelve car entry format, $5 buy backs, and $5 light money for the best winning light in round one, plus plaques for best light and for first through fourth place. Every race over both days pays out 80 percent.

Celebrate the journey of motherhood and the strength that comes from breastfeeding support at this World Breastfeeding Week gathering. Families can enjoy free kid friendly activities, snacks and drinks, and the chance to win door prizes such as a convertible car seat, a pregnancy pillow, a nursing pillow, and more. It takes place in the Springfield Botanical Center Banquet Hall and is supported by United Healthcare, Healthy Blue, and Home State Health. The hosting institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Kids Market at the Ozark Empire Fair is an in-person vendor market geared toward kids and families. Vendors are required to register at kidsmarkets.com. Plan on a 3-hour event window.

Show Me Shock is holding tryouts in Springfield, Missouri for softball players in the 12U to 14U divisions. Registration is open for candidates.

The Hardee’s Xtreme Freestyle Bullfights makes its return at the Ozark Empire Fair for a single night of nonstop action. American freestyle bullfighters square off against powerful bulls in a fast paced contest that showcases nerve, agility, and precision. Expect acrobatic jukes, leaping maneuvers, and hair raising near misses as athletes try to outsmart their four legged rivals. The showdown unfolds in the KY3 Grandstands and delivers an intense showcase of courage and skill.

Stop by the Kids Market at the Greater Springfield Farmers Market, where kids run their own booths and sell handmade crafts, treats, and more. It is a free event and a great hands-on way for children to build confidence, practice money skills and entrepreneurship, meet local farmers, and enjoy prizes, games, and a fun community atmosphere.

This one day class offers practical preparation for birth for expectant parents and their chosen support person. Topics include what to expect in late pregnancy, how labor and birth progress, comfort strategies and pain relief options, common medical interventions, cesarean birth, and care for your newborn and the postpartum period. A guided tour of Labor & Delivery and Women & Newborn is included, so a separate tour sign up is not necessary. The class features videos on breastfeeding, a vaginal birth, and brief views of a cesarean. It is offered in person for those planning to deliver at CoxHealth. Please choose either this class or Natural Childbirth, not both. Plan to attend during your third trimester, and call The Women’s Center at 417-269-4664 option 2 to register. For best availability, call around 20 to 25 weeks. Registration closes three days before the class or when full. A two part evening version is also available, with details listed in a separate event.

C-Street City Market offers a lively market experience in uptown Springfield, Missouri on Historic Commercial Street. Everyone is welcome, including families and dogs, with a mission to connect urban neighborhoods with local farmers and artisans. The market continues in all weather and highlights goods from these local producers. Applications from new vendors are being accepted, and interested participants can contact the market for details.

Enjoy a morning of fresh air and four legged company at the 2nd Annual Wag N' Walk Dog Walk Fundraiser at scenic Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park. Walkers can participate with or without a dog, set their own pace, and go as far as three miles, making it welcoming for all ages and energy levels. Every step helps raise funds for dogs and cats in need of love, care, and second chances. After the walk, attendees can visit sponsor booths with giveaways, browse Humane Society merchandise, meet adoptable animals, and take part in raffles for prizes. Water stations for people and pets will be available, scenic park views offer space to relax, and a bake sale adds a sweet treat to the day. Sponsorship opportunities are available with multiple levels that support pets in need while showcasing participating brands to a pet loving audience. All proceeds benefit the shelter and help give pets the second chances they deserve. Participants who bring a dog must sign a waiver on the day of the event confirming the dog is healthy, free from contagious diseases, and current on vaccinations, including rabies and DHPP.

A back to school bash offers free backpacks packed with school supplies for the first 200 kids who arrive. Families can enjoy games, prizes, and complimentary pizza slices. The celebration will wrap up once the backpacks are gone, and all activities are available while supplies last.

New Growth Ministries International is hosting a free back to school bash for families across Springfield and nearby communities. The event offers backpacks and grade appropriate school supplies for elementary, middle, and high school students, along with new shoes as sponsorships allow, plus new socks and underwear. Students in need can also receive first day of school outfits. There will be snacks and refreshments, music, and family friendly activities. Everything is available at no cost while supplies last. Businesses and organizations are invited to partner by helping provide shoes, socks and underwear, and first day outfits so students can begin the school year with confidence and dignity.

The Back-to-School Chess Tournament at Code Ninjas Nixa invites young players ages 8 to 14 to enjoy an afternoon focused on tactical thinking, fair play, and a supportive competitive spirit. New and experienced participants are welcome. The event follows a Swiss-style format that guarantees multiple games, with pairings adjusted according to experience and round results. No official rating is required. Trophies and additional honors will recognize top finishers and standout performances. The entry fee is $15. Capacity is limited to 24 players, so early registration is recommended. Along the way, kids can build confidence, strengthen their skills, and connect with fellow chess enthusiasts in a welcoming setting.

Take a guided walking tour through Giboney Cave at Doling Park and dive into its myths, facts, and history. Expect muddy conditions, so wear shoes that can get dirty. Bring a headlamp or flashlight for exploring the passages. Space is limited and registration is required, with signups accepted through the day of the program. Plans may change based on weather or bat activity. The fee is $7 per person. Suitable for ages 4 and up, with participants ages 4 to 17 attending with an adult.

Catch the Truck & Tractor Pull at the 90th Annual Ozark Empire Fair. It takes place in the Grandstand at the fairgrounds, and the event is outdoors, rain or shine. Gates open at 5:00 PM, with the main show starting at 6:00 PM. The event is all ages.

Meet ambassador animals at the Show Me Reptile Shop in an informal setting that encourages questions and close observation. Guests can learn about a range of species, spend time with featured animal ambassadors, and talk with the team. It is suitable for devoted reptile fans as well as those who are simply curious.

Summer art camps at Art Zone offer flexible full-day and half-day options with daily themes shared in the event listings. Early drop off and late pick up are available for an additional $5 each. Students ages 5 and up are welcome. Please send a sack lunch for the scheduled lunch break and notify Art Zone of any known allergies. Pricing is $40 for a single full day and $25 for a half day, with multi-day discounts of $110 for three full days, $155 for four full days, and $175 for five full days. Participants who attend five full days in the same week will also get time on the pottery wheel at no additional cost.

Art Zone offers a homeschool art class designed for teens, with a new project introduced each month. In August the focus is acrylic painting, and students will create a painting inspired by a sweet treat. The class is taught by Catherine Russell, who holds a BSED in K-12 Art Education from MSU and a master’s in Studio Art and Theory from Drury University. She taught at Clever RV schools for 17 years and has served on the Missouri Art Education Board as a district representative and as the elementary chair. Classes run for four weeks, are open to ages 12 and up, and the monthly cost is $35.

Homeschool Club is a relaxed social gathering centered on creative LEGO building and connection with other homeschoolers. Weekly themes keep activities fresh. Entry is $5 per child, payable at the door or online. Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay and participate at no additional cost. There are no formal age restrictions, and this session is suggested for ages 4 to 9, while welcoming all homeschooled children as well as kids who have the day off.

Buffalo Wild Wings in Springfield, Missouri is partnering with the Armed Services YMCA of Missouri to support military families in the local community. Guests who present the fundraiser flyer on a phone or as a printout will have 20 percent of net sales from their order donated to ASYMCA programs. Friends, family, and coworkers can participate together to help increase the impact.

Designed with homeschoolers in mind, this Art and Dance class invites ages 5 and up to build a castle tower and melt glass to form the surrounding moat. Participants may take both Art and Dance together or choose only one of the two options. Finished pieces will be ready two weeks after the work is completed. Instruction is provided by Catherine Russell, who holds a BSED in K12 Art Education from MSU and a master’s degree in Studio Art and Theory from Drury University. Her experience includes 17 years teaching at Clever RV schools, and service on the Missouri Art Education Board as District Representative and Elementary Chair.

The August gathering takes place at The Library Center in Community Room A and welcomes pregnant and breastfeeding parents, their support people, and children of all ages. It offers a chance to talk about breastfeeding and parenting with other families. La Leche League Leaders will be available to address individual breastfeeding questions. The meeting is informal and centered on sharing real-life experiences, practical tips, and encouragement from both Leaders and parents. It is a friendly space for peer support and connection, with expectant, new, and experienced parents attending alongside their babies. Discussion topics rotate through various aspects of breastfeeding, and each session adapts to the needs of those present, prioritizing attendees’ questions.

Homeschool Club offers a relaxed social hour centered on LEGO building and connecting with other homeschool families. Themes rotate each week to keep things fresh. Two sessions run each week, one on Monday and one on Tuesday. While there are no strict age limits, the Monday gathering is recommended for ages 4 to 9, and the Tuesday meetup is geared toward ages 10 and up, though anyone is welcome at either. Admission is $5 per child, payable at the door or online. Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay and take part at no additional cost. The club welcomes homeschoolers as well as kids who have the day off.

Children and older adults come together in a warm, intergenerational setting that fosters kindness, empathy, and a shared sense of belonging. Young participants learn from the life experience of seniors, build compassion and confidence, and enjoy themselves in a supportive space. Possible activities include simple crafts and games, storytelling, light music or gentle movement, and time for snacks and conversation. The emphasis is on forming friendships across generations and discovering real-life lessons that grow through meaningful connection.

Young builders can take part in a weekly club focused on adventure, creativity, imagination, and LEGO. For ages 6 to 13, each session includes fun, themed builds, mini challenges, and plenty of time to show off new creations. It is an after school setting where kids can create, explore, and make new friends. Two sessions are available each week, and the cost is $10.00 per person.

Neighbors, first responders, and community organizations come together in Springfield for a free National Night Out focused on building safer, stronger neighborhoods and positive connections. Attendees can see police vehicles, get an up-close look at fire trucks, and enjoy complimentary hot dogs, ice cream, and Ozark Mountain Popcorn. Games and activities are planned for kids and adults, with lots of family-friendly fun throughout. No registration is required, and the gathering supports community partnerships that help make Springfield a better place to live.

Celebrate National Night Out at Meador Park and Pool with pickleball, discounted swimming, and conversations about public safety. This free, all-ages gathering welcomes families and neighbors to enjoy friendly games on the courts. Equipment is provided, or bring your own. It is also a Splash & Sizzle night, so Meador Pool offers $1 admission during event hours for an easy cool down between matches. Presented in partnership with the Community Partnership of the Ozarks’ National Night Out campaign, which builds police community partnerships and supports safer Springfield neighborhoods.

At 5C Gaming, Pokemon players can take part in organized play using a Constructed Standard format. The schedule features three rounds, with matches decided in best-of-three series. There is no cost to enter, and Pokemon Prize promo packs are available as rewards.

Settle in with a blanket or a chair near the Roston Native Butterfly House for a butterfly themed story led by Docent Lindsey. After the reading, take a little time to explore the butterfly house. This program is free, and no registration is required. For more information, call 891-1515, ext. 4.

Each week, this kids club focuses on LEGO building with themed projects, quick challenges, and time for participants to showcase what they create. Designed for ages 6 to 13, it offers an after school opportunity to build, explore, and meet new friends. Multiple sessions are available each week. Admission is $10 per person.

Designed for parents who want to pursue an unmedicated birth, this in person class serves as an alternative to Prepared Childbirth. It explores practical ways to manage labor sensations, including focused breathing, relaxation techniques, and helpful positions, while also covering what to expect in the Labor and Delivery setting. A support person is encouraged to attend. Participants will view educational videos on vaginal delivery and breastfeeding. The class concludes with a guided look at the Labor & Delivery and Women & Newborn units, and no separate tour registration is required. This offering is intended for those planning to deliver at CoxHealth. Please choose either this course or Prepared Childbirth, since limited capacity does not allow attendance at both. Many attendees plan for the last trimester, and reaching out around weeks 20 to 25 can help with availability. Registration closes three days before the session or sooner if it fills. For phone assistance with registration, call The Women’s Center at 417-269-4664, option 2.

Dirk's Pokemon TCG League is a weekly event for fans of the Pokemon Trading Card Game.