Instead of the Dishes » 417 With Kids, Free Fun Events, Frugal Fawn, Spending Less » Free Fun in 417 with Kids: January 24-30

Free Fun in 417 with Kids: January 24-30

January 23rd, 2014 | Add a Comment

This Week:

Friday, January 24th – Cozy up with “Extra Yarn” @ The Library Center, Springfield, 2pm
Grades K-5. Read the Caldecott Honor book “Extra Yarn” by Mac Barnett and try some traditional methods of crafting with wool. Materials provided. Registration begins January 11. Call 882-0714.

Friday, January 24th – Beach Blanket Bingo @ Republic Branch Library, Republic, 4pm
Grades K-5. Dress in your summer clothes, wear your sunglasses, sit on your favorite beach towel and play summer bingo.

Friday, January 24th – Nature And The Arts: An Evening With Tim Ernst @ Springfield Conservation Nature Center 5-6pm and 7-8pm
Ages 12 and up. Before or after taking a stroll outdoors, enjoy the scenic photography of nationally known nature photographer Tim Ernst as he returns to share images set to music from his latest publication—Buffalo River Beauty. See stunning images that will leave you inspired to explore the natural beauty of the Buffalo National River area, the Ozarks, and areas beyond. Tim will be available for book signing from 6-7pm and 8-9pm. Call 417-888-4237 to register.

Friday, January 24th – Parent’s Night Out “Winter Wonderland”@ University Heights Baptist Church, 6-9pm
Age 6 weeks – 5th grade. Come for an evening of fun as we watch the movie “ICE AGE” and enjoy snow cones! Please pre-register at www.uhbc.org or call (417) 862-0789. Everything is Free!

Saturday, January 25th – Stella Eagle Day Event @ Stella Veteran’s Memorial Park, Stella, 10am to 3pm
The fish filled streams of southwest Missouri are the winter home to bald eagles. Join the Joplin Conservation Office, Community of Stella and Missouri Master Naturalists for an eagle viewing opportunity. There will be spotting scopes set up and fun educational activities for all ages throughout the day. For more infromation call 417-629-3423.

Saturday, January 25th – Cozy up with “Extra Yarn” @ The Library Center, Springfield, 11am (repeat performance)
Grades K-5. Read the Caldecott Honor book “Extra Yarn” by Mac Barnett and try some traditional methods of crafting with wool. Materials provided. Registration begins January 11. Call 882-0714.

Saturday, January 25th – Ninjago @ The Library Station, Springfield, 11am
Grades K-5. Gather for Ninjago crafts and activities, test your agility in our training course, and perfect your ninja skills!

Saturday, January 25th – Acoustic Guitar Concert with Dan Harmening @ Strafford Branch Library, 1pm
All ages. Enjoy an afternoon of classic folk and rock music with local musician Dan Harmening and his acoustic guitar.

Saturday, January 25th – Fly-Tying Demonstration Location: Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 1-4pm
Members of the Missouri Trout Fishermen’s Association will be on hand to demonstrate basic fly-tying techniques. Stop by anytime and learn how combinations of feathers, yarn, and thread can imitate insects or other food that will fool a fish. All ages. No registration required.

Sunday, January 26th – February 1 – Food For Fines @ All Springfield-Greene County Library Branches
Earn a 50 cent credit for each non-perishable food item you donate at any Library Branch or Mobile Library.

Thursday, January 30th – You Got Game? @ Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 7-9pm
Ages 10 and up. Outdoor enthusiasts always have questions about care and usage of nature’s bounty and we have answers. Learn how to care for game taken from the field and then prepare it for the table. Taste samples of wild game from fish to venison. Copies of our favorite recipes will be available. Come enjoy a wild game taste-testing treat. Call 417-888-4237 to register. Priority will be given to first-time attendees.

Thursday, January 30th – Teddy Bear Slumber Party @ Republic Community Center, 5-7pm.
Ages 3-8. Bring your teddy bear or stuffed animal to the Republic Community Center and make a craft, have snacks and read stories. Leave your bear for a sleepover and return in the morning (8:30-9:30am) to have breakfast. Call 417-732-3500 to register by Jan 27th.

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:

Tour Bass Pro Shops

Photo from Springfieldmo.org

Bass Pro Shops calls itself the “Grandaddy of all Outdoor Stores”, but I call it Springfield’s best indoor zoo. Of course, most of the animals are no longer living, but it’s still a great place to see lots of interesting things. I’m featuring it this week because dang, it’s cold out, so climate control is a must. There are live fish, turtles, ducks, and even alligators to be had. Keen eyes will have fun scouting out animals, artwork, and funny signs on walls and ceilings. There are also some fun photo opps along with cool boats to check out. You can do all of this without spending a dime, so yes, it’s fun and FREE!

Store Hours:
Mon – Sat 7:00am – 10:00pm
Sun 8:00am – 8:00pm

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