Instead of the Dishes » 417 With Kids, Free Fun Events, Frugal Fawn, Spending Less » Free Fun in 417 with Kids: January 3-9

Free Fun in 417 with Kids: January 3-9

January 2nd, 2014 | 2 Comments

This is the first of what I hope becomes a weekly series of posts featuring free events and activities available for families in Southwest Missouri. These first few may be a little skinny as I seek out sources of fun and because there is just not a ton going on this time of year. If you know of any events or organizations that I need to know about to help build this list, please let me know!

This Week:

Friday, January 3rd – Craftivities for Kids @ Willard Branch Library, 10am
Grades K-5. Wrap up winter break with a craft blowout featuring a wide variety of artistic activities. Materials and hot cocoa will be provided.

Friday, January 3rd – Downton Tea Time @ Brentwood Branch Library, 4pm
Grades 6-12. Take part in tea and trivia about the hit PBS show, “Downton Abbey”.

Saturday, January 4th – Kids Workshop @ Home Depot: Make a fun Desk Calendar, 9:00am-12:00pm
Workshop designed for children ages 5 – 12, teaches children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin. Thank you for registering online to help us better plan our craft kit quantities needed.

Saturday, January 4th – Bibliobop Dance Party @ Library Center, 10am
Ages 2-6. Get wiggly and dance your sillies out, listen to stories about music and dancing, and play some musical instruments!

Saturday, January 4th – 20th Annual Eagle Days @ Stockton Lake State Park, 10am-2pm
The Dickerson Park Zoo will present an eagle program featuring a live bald eagle and a live golden eagle at the Ray Zumwalt Expo Center. There are other activities at this event as well.

Wednesday, January 8th – Learn the Art of Zentangles @ Strafford Branch Library, 3:30pm
Grades 6-12. Learn how to draw Zentangles, an easy, fun and relaxing method of abstract art, while you enjoy some healthy snacks at the Library. Materials will be provided.

Thursday, January 9th – Snowfest @ Brentwood Branch Library, 3pm
All ages. Enjoy the fun of winter in the warm indoors. Play with ice and snow and snack on cocoa and cookies. Materials will be provided. Please register in advance by calling 883-1974.

Thursday, January 9th – Queen City Rock Camp presents “Girls Rock!” Documentary @ Park Central Branch Library in Springfield, 6:30pm-9:00pm
View the “Girls Rock!” documentary about the first rock ‘n’ roll camp for girls in Portland, OR and learn about Springfield’s camp from organizer Hannah Sheehan.

Go Here for events for Kids and Families at Springfield-Greene County Libraries.

Go Here for events for Teenagers at Springfield-Greene County Libraries.

Go Here for events at Christian County Libraries.

Featured Always-Free 417 Fun Activity:

Visit the Springfield Art Museum

Photos taken from Springfield Art Museum’s Facebook page.

If you’ve driven up and down National Avenue, you may be familiar with the big yellow sculpture that sits at the front entrance of the Springfield Art Museum, but have you ever been inside? Venture on in and you’ll find a collection of over 8,000 art objects, plus rotating featured exhibitions. Admission to the museum is free, although donations are accepted.Hours are:

Sunday: 1 PM – 5 PM
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Thursday: 9 AM – 8 PM
Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM

The Art Museum is a great indoor space to visit now that the weather is cold, and if you happen to get there on a warmer day, the museum sits on the edge of Phelps Grove Park, which has playground equipment and plenty of open space to romp.

If you have a free event that you’d like to share, please let me know!