Spring break can be a blast (or a scramble) depending on how prepared you are. To help families make the most of the week, we’ve gathered outdoor adventures, indoor events, and spring break childcare options all in one place. Use this guide to plan ahead, stay flexible, and keep kids busy and happy all week long.
This guide is sponsored by Discovery Center. Thanks to amazing businesses like them, Macaroni KID remains a free resource to the Springfield community!
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Day Off Camp Options
 | STEAM Break @ The Discovery Center |
 | Springfield Little Theatre's School's Out Workshops 237 S. Florence Ave., Springfield These no-experience-required workshops immerse kids age 8-12 in all things theatre, culminating in a short performance at the end of each day! Enroll in just one, or in all. Register online. |
 | Kids Inn Spring Break Camp |
Springfield Warrior Sports
605 W. Farm Rd. 182, Springfield
Full-day, half-day and early drop-off options
Pat Jones YMCA
1901 E. Republic Rd., Springfield
Variety of theme-based activities based on age & grade level. Extended drop-off and pickup times available.
Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park
3825 W. Farm Rd. 146, Springfield
Art at the Farm camp for ages 8-12. March 17-20.
Green Valley Stables
1590 Hwy. 174, Republic
Horse Camp
March 16-20 from 9-2 daily; Friday includes parent presentation. Limited to 8 campers only!
Kids Inn
1511 E. Lark St., Springfield
Drop-in childcare for kids 6 months - 12 years old.
Art Zone
840 W. Guin Rd., Nixa
Daily themed camps with half- and full-day options available to students age 5 and up.
Painting with a Twist
3444 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield
Kids Art Camp available daily for ages 6 and up.
Events
Trading Hands Spring/Summer Sale
March 11-14
Open Jump @ Jump Mania
See calendar for available days and times
The Pretenders @ Brentwood Library
March 13
Music & Me @ Nana's Play Place
March 13
Racing to Read Storytime @ Willard Library
March 13
Racing to Read Storytime @ The Library Station
March 13
Teen Night @ The Library Station
March 13
Sweeney Todd @ Springfield Little Theatre
Weekends, March 13-29
STEAM Explorers @ The Library Station
March 14
Racing to Read Storytime @ Willard Library
March 16
"The Super Mario Bros Movie" @ The Library Center
March 16
Junior Jump @ Jump Mania
March 17
Teen Craft Extravaganza @ Midtown Library
March 17
Kids in the Kitchen @ Nana's Play Place
March 18
Sensory Friendly Hours @ Village Meeple Board Game Cafe
March 18
"The Peanuts Movie" @ The Library Center
March 19
Nintendo Switch 2 Play Time @ Midtown Library
March 19
Fire Safety Story Time @ The Discovery Center
March 20
"How to Train Your Dragon" @ The Library Center
March 20
Night at the Farm (Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park) - Registration Required
March 20
Open Jump @ Jump Mania
March 20
TDMSO Contra Dance
March 21
Mermaids @ Wonders of Wildlife
Weekends in March
Day Trip Ideas
Branson (1-hour drive)
Attractions galore: Silver Dollar City, Aquarium at the Boardwalk, Branson Scenic Railway, mini-golfing, and hiking are all great spring break options for families. Pick this day trip if you want a lot of entertainment options all in one place.
Bennett Spring State Park (1-hour drive)
Trout fishing season starts March 1, so this is a great day trip for fishing enthusiasts! Don't miss the hatchery visitor center, scenic hikes, and picnic spots. This day trip is great for outdoorsy families who don't mind dressing in layers and packing for the weather!
Eureka Springs, AR (2-hour drive)
Explore the historic downtown, which as a European feel, unlike anything else in the region. Architecture enthusiasts won't want to miss Thorncrown Chapel. This is a great day trip for families who never miss a good photo op.
Fayetteville, AR (2.5-hour drive)
Visit the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, take a walk on the greenways, and grab lunch in the sweet downtown. This trip is great for families with strollers (the greenways are paved), and tweens or teens who like exploring shops and local faves.
Kansas City (2.5-hour drive)
The closest spot with a big city feel, don't miss Science City at Union Station, the zoo, and the huge variety of museums and dining spots. This is the day trip for those looking for a city vibe.
Tulsa, OK (2.75-hour drive)
Tulsa makes a great day trip, but it's even better if you can make a weekend out of it. The Gathering Place, Discovery Lab, and Tulsa Zoo are all can't-miss attractions. A great trip for families who want a good mix of indoor and outdoor activities.
Outdoor Fun
You know what they say about the weather in Springfield: if you don't like it, just wait five minutes, and it'll change. That may be more true during Spring Break than other times in the year! Still, Spring Break can be a fantastic time to get out and enjoy the unfurling leaves and blooming flowers. Just dress in layers, and maybe hold your plans with an open hand (pssst: rain got you down? Check out our list of indoor fun ideas instead!)
Nathanael Greene Park/Springfield Botanical Gardens
Spring break plans can change fast, especially with Ozarks weather! Be sure to check the Macaroni KID Springfield calendar each day for the latest family-friendly events, pop-up activities, and last-minute fun happening around the area. We update it regularly so you don’t miss a thing.
