Free Fun in 417 with Kids: January 10-16

There are two main themes for this week’s events – get in to the library, or get out in nature!  Either way, it’s all free!

This Week:

Friday, January 10th – Owl Prowl @ Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 6pm-9pm
All ages. Nesting season comes early for owls and they’re already hooting in anticipation. The trails will be open and patrolled, so bring a flashlight and a walking partner because you’re on your own. Dickerson Park Zoo docents will offer two indoor programs—one at 6:30pm and one at 7:30pm—to give you a close-up look at Missouri’s owls. You’ll learn about how these incredible predators have mastered surviving in darkness.

Friday, January 10th – 3D Hand Art @ the Library Station in Springfield, 6pm
Grades 6-12. Learn the simple secret of how to make it look like your traced hand is popping off the page! Materials provided.

Saturday, January 11th – Introduction to Fly-fishing and Fly-tying @ Roaring River State Park in Cassville, 9am-1pm
Ages 10 to Adult. Have you ever wanted to try fly-fishing or fly-tying, but didn’t know how to get started, what to use, or even where to go? The Missouri Department of Conservation and MAKO Fly-fishing Club will be hosting an Introduction to Fly-fishing and fly-tying workshop. Registration is required by January 8, 2014.Call 417-629-3423.

Saturday, January 11th – Conservation TEEN Club: Bird Watching @ Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Have you ever wondered what birds are here in the winter? Join us for an outdoor birding hike at Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area. Drinks, lunch, and transportation will be provided. Ages 12-17. Registration begins January 2. Call 417-888-4237. Reserve by January 11, 2014

Saturday, January 11th – Simply Science @ Midtown Carnegie Branch Library in Springfield, 10am-2pm
Grades 2-4. Explore the science behind exploding soap, view a vortex, and more.

Saturday, January 11th – Little Acorns: Terrific Trout @ Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 11-11:45 am
Ages 3-6. Fishing for trout is a great way to spend the day. Take a journey through the trout’s life cycle and learn more about how to catch these terrific and tasty fish. Registration begins January 2. Call 417-888-4237. Little Acorns programs are limited to one per month.

Saturday, January 11th – Nature Art With A Chinese Brushstroke @ Springfield Conservation Nature Center,  2:15 PM to 3:15 PM
Age 10 to Adult. Art instructor and nature enthusiast Hing Wah Hatch will increase your powers of observation as she demonstrates, step-by-step, how to capture the essence of local plants and animals through Chinese-style painting. Participants will go home with more nature knowledge and their own artistic masterpiece.  Registration begins January 2. Call 417-888-4237. Observers are welcome to stop by anytime.

Saturday, January 11th – Mock Caldecott @ The  Library Center in Springfield, 2pm
All ages. We’re going to choose our very own Caldecott Medal winner with 2013 Caldecott Medal Selection Committee member Sarah Howard. We’ll talk about picture books, what makes the best illustrated book of the year and decide which book should win the Springfield Caldecott Medal for 2014. Ask a librarian for the picture book reading list so you can come prepared to discuss your favorite.

Saturday, January 11th – Winter Outdoor Safety & Preparedness @ Watershed Center, Valley Water Mill Park in Springfield, 7pm
Age 9 to Adult. Prepare for being stranded in your car or home in a winter storm, learn what to do if lost in a remote location or if you fall into cold water. Registration required by 5 p.m. Tuesday before event.

All Ages. Come listen to the MSU Concert Chorale perform.

Tuesday, January 14th – Science Sprouts Storytime with the Discovery Center: Get Food Fit @ Park Central Branch Library in Springfield, 10:00am
Infants-Age 6. Explore and discover with a science-themed storytime and an experiment with guests from the Discovery Center!

Tuesday, January 14th – Tea-Rex: A Dinosaur Tea Party! @ Republic Branch Library in Republic 3pm
Pre-K to Grade 3.  Both boys and girls will enjoy this tea party!  Treats, games, and dinosaurs provided.

Wednesday, January 15th – Jan Thomas Extravaganza @  Fair Grove Branch Library in Fair Grove, 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m
Ages 2-8 Stop by for puzzles, activities and refreshments. Listen to favorite Jan Thomas titles at 11 a.m.

Wednesday, January 15th – Little Acorns: Terrific Trout @ Springfield Conservation Nature Center. 11-11:45am and 1:30-2:15pm
Ages 3-6. Fishing for trout is a great way to spend the day. Take a journey through the trout’s life cycle and learn more about how to catch these terrific and tasty fish. Registration begins January 2. Call 417-888-4237. Little Acorns programs are limited to one per month.

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 Your Local Library!

Springfield-Greene County’s Republic Branch Library

Your neighborhood library is a great place to visit anytime. This time of year when the weather is cold, it’s a nice, free way to get out of the house and exercise your brain. Of course every library has books, but many libraries also have games, movies, music, magazines, and more that you can enjoy at the library or at home, all with your free library card.  I encourage you to visit your local library and find out what they have to offer – I’ve even been to a library that checks out fishing gear!! You can go here to find your local library.

Here’s a fun perk from the Springfield-Greene County Libraries: you can check out passes to go to the Discovery Center of Springfield for free!  The Discovery Center is a hands-on science and technology center located in downtown Springfield. It features exhibits and activities for learners of all ages. A visit to a science museum by using your library card? – That’s double the free fun!

Have a great week!

Related posts:

Free Fun in 417 with Kids: January 3-9 Our Southwest Missouri Summer Bucket List Free Fun for Families: Oct 24-29 Free Fun for Families: Nov 28 – Dec 4