Bass Pro Summer Events | May 18-19 & 25-26

Go Outdoors
Click Image to Enlarge

When:  May 18-19 & 25-26
Where:  Bass Pro | Columbia, MO
Cost:  FREE

Columbia Spray Grounds

It's finally here: Spray Parks are OPEN!
The Spray Parks opened May 1, 2013

Stephens Park Spray Ground | 2001 East Broadway 
Photos of swimming beach and spraygrounds at Stephens Lake Park
Flat Branch Park Spray Ground | 400 Loucst
 (UNDER CONSTRUCTION for 2013)
Photo of Flat Branch Spraygrounds
Douglas Park Spray Ground | 400 N. Providence Road
Photo of Douglass Spraygrounds
  • Cost:  Free Admission | Open to the public
  • Time: 9am-8:30pm
  • Play at your own risk | No lifeguards
  • Chlorinated recycled water | Activated by push button
  • End of Season: September 30, 2012
  • Website:  Columbia Aquatics

National Kids to Parks Day | May 18, 2013

Children of all ages are invited to Rock Bridge’s National Kids to Parks Program: Splash Into Life on Saturday, May 18, 1:00-3:30 p.m. at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. Children will participate in fun activities to learn what a watershed is and how it affects animals that live in streams. Enjoy a creek walk and use nets to catch minnows, crawdads and other aquatic animals. Learn to identify them and what their presence tells us about water quality. There will be two guided creek walks - one for children 3 to 6 years old and another for those 7 years old and up. An adult must accompany each child. Wear shoes you can get wet. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 573-449-7400. This program is free.
  • What: Parks Program:  Splash Into Life 
  • When: Saturday, May 18, 1:00-3:30 p.m.
  • Where: Rock Bridge Memorial State Park | 5901 S. Hwy. 163, Devil’s Icebox Parking Lot
  • Who: Children of all ages (Parent or another adults must accompany children)
  • Cost: FREE | Reservations required: 573-449-7400
  • Website: MO State Parks

Movies in the Park


Join us for a community event that is fun for all ages. The movies, shown on a giant inflatable screen, resemble a drive in without cars, yet offers better sound, soft grass, and the gorgeous stars above. Grab a blanket or low lawn chair and head out for an unforgettable evening of cinema. Pre-show activities and entertainment begin one hour prior to movie
start time. Concessions available.

  • Where:  Flat Branch Park | 4th & Cherry Street
  • Cost: $2 | Kids 8 & under FREE
Friday, May 3, 8:30 pm - Brave (PG)
Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her 
kingdom. Granted one wish, Merida must rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse.

Friday, June 14, 9 pm - Hotel Transylvania (PG)
Dracula, who operates a resort away from the human world, goes into overprotection mode when 
a boy discovers the resort and falls for the Count’s teenage daughter.

Friday, July 12, 9 pm - Rise of the Guardians (PG)
When the evil spirit Pitch launches an assault on Earth, the Immortal Guardians team up to protect the 
innocence of children all around the world.

Friday, August 9, 8:30 pm - Escape From Planet Earth 
(PG) Astronaut Scorch Supernova finds himself caught in a trap when he responds to an SOS from a 
notoriously dangerous alient planet.

Stephens Lake Park Amphitheater


Photo of Videography event at the outdoor amphitheaterJoin us at the beautiful Stephens Lake Park Amphitheater for an evening of music under the stars. Bring a blanket or low lawn chair.

  • Where:  Stephens Lake Park Amphitheater
  • Time: 7pm-9pm
  • Cost:  FREE 
  • Website:  goColumbiaMO

May 2nd | Norm Ruebling Band 
Sponsored by MO-X and Will West Music

June 6th | Missouri Symphony Society
Sponsored by Office of Cultural Affairs and Missouri Arts Council

July 11th | The Community Band

August 1st | TBD

Free Bowling for Kids | Summer 2013

Kids Bowl Free

Kids 15 and under can bowl for free all summer. To qualify, simply register your children in the link below and you'll receive weekly vouchers via email for two free games per child per day through August. Shoe rental is not included.

  • Where: Lazer Lanes | Columbia, MO
  • When: Summer 2013
  • Cost: Free + the cost of shoe rental
  • Facebook Page
  • Event Website:  Register HERE

Family Fun Fest | 2013

Family Fun Fest Logo - T1This family event transforms Flat Branch Park into fun central with a new theme each month! Entertainment for the entire family will feature music, special performances, art activities, hands-on activities, face painting and guaranteed fun for all ages.
  • Where: Flat Branch Park | 4th and Cherry and Locust
  • Time: 6pm-8pm
April 17 | Teen Fest
Local teen talent will perform. All ages welcome.In recognition of child abuse prevention month and
alcohol awareness month.

May 15 |  Fitness is Fun
Sponsored by the ARC (Activity & Recreation Center).  Find out the many ways to enjoy getting fit from a  variety of organizations and departments.

June 19 |  Explore the Outdoors
See and learn about Missouri fish, birds, parks, camping and more from local and state organizations about all that the outdoors has to offer.

July 17 | Summer Fun
This evening will feature a variety of summer-inspired entertainment and hands-on activities for all ages.

August 21 |  Around the World
Travel the globe with dancing, games, music and more

September 18 |  Creative Kids
Sponsored by the Columbia Office of Cultural Affairs & the Missouri Arts Council.  Participatory art activities and kid-friendly performances of music, theater and dance.

PACE | Jump Through Hoops


Jump through Hoops 
A Hula-Hoop Dance Class
Robin Anderson, Instructor
Ages 12 and up (Adults welcome)
Mondays 7:00 - 8:00 pm
$75 for 6-week session
(4/8/13 - 5/13/13)
 
This is a class designed for the novice/amateur hula-hoop dancer wanting to have fun, stay fit, and learn the basics of hoop dance. Focus will be spent on tricks, flow, controlling the hoop, and moving between vertical/horizontal planes. Students can also learn how to make their own hoops. 

See this video for a sample of what you'll learn...this is awesome!
 
Click here for more information and registration.

Home Depot | Kids Workshop


*NO registration required*


The Home Depot's Kids Workshops offer useful projects including the creation of toolboxes, fire trucks and mail organizers, as well as more educational projects, such as a window birdhouse, bughouse or Declaration of Independence frame kit.  The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, this fun time allows for quality one-on-one time between adults and children.


In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.
  • When: First Saturday of every month
  • Time: 9am-12pm
  • Where: Home Depot off Clark Lane
  • Ages: 5-12 years
  • Price: FREE
  • Website:  Home Depot Kid's Workshop

Armory Movie Nights



Date
Movie
February 2Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
February 16Wreck-It Ralph
March 2Thunderstruck
March 16Hotel Transylvania
April 6Here Comes the Boom
April 20Delhi Safari
May 4Won't Back Down
May 18Toys in the Attic

  • When: Every 1st & 3rd Saturday
  • Time: 6pm-8:30pm
  • Cost: FREE
  • Where: Armory Sports Center
  • More Information: 874-6378
  • Popcorn and juice provided! 

MU School of Music Summer Camps

School of Music - University of Missouri

Community Music Program (CMP)
The Community Music Program (CMP) is an outreach effort sponsored by the University of Missouri School of Music to aspiring musicians in central Missouri. CMP offers opportunities for those who seek musical instruction purely for personal enrichment.
Our goal is to serve as a primary resource for high quality instruction and performance opportunities for students of all ages and stages of musical development. Music lessons offered through CMP are ideal for those individuals seeking individualized attention, musical challenges and enrichment beyond the usual large ensemble experience. Motivation and interest are the only entrance requirements.


2013 Mizzou Summer Music Camps
Mizzou Junior High School Band Camp
June 2-7, 2013
Mizzou Band, Choir and Piano CampOpen to band students entering grades 6-8. Campers should have one year previous experience on their instrument.
Mizzou Senior High School Band, Choir, and Piano Camp with Show Choir!
June 9-14, 2013
Open to students entering grades 9-12 and entering college freshman. Band and choir campers should have one year previous ensemble experience. Pianists will be asked for a recording and recommendation from their current piano teacher.

More information, email KuuskoskiJ@missouri.edu
Application deadline: April 22, 2013

Lend & Learn Toy Library

 

 Lend & Learn Toy Libraries provide a safe location in which young children and their parents can play with toys that develop their motor and cognitive skills. Our toys can be enjoyed at the library or borrowed for free. The toy libraries also provide opportunities for parents to link with other parents.


Parents with children infant age to 3 are invited to explore educational toys, visit with the on-site early childhood specialist and browse resource materials on topics ranging from learning activities to toilet training.
Families can enjoy a large, safe, inviting space to play with their children and visit with others. There’s even an infant/toddler area that provides protected play space for the youngest children and their parents.
You also can check out developmentally appropriate toys for your children for free.

Lend & Learn is for children birth-3 years old! 
  • Where: 1010 Fay St. and 207 Park Ave.
  • When: 10am-1pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
  • Cost: FREE
  • Website: First Chance for Children  
  • Visit Lend & Learn on Facebook.
NOTE: Lend & Learn is CLOSED when Columbia Public Schools are closed!
(Pictures were taken from the Fay Street Location)






Closet full of toys to check-out and bring home:

FREE Spring Movie Lineup

FREE SPRING MOVIES start March 2nd!

  • When: Saturday and Sundays at 9am and 10am  
  • Cost: FREE | Tickets are first come, first served
  • Where: Forum 8 Theater | Columbia, MO
  • Website: Goodrich Quality Theaters


Lowe's Build and Grow Clinics




Bring your child to Lowe's on Saturdays to build something they get to bring home and call their own.  They ask that you pre-register for each workshop so they have have the amount of materials needed for each child.  After registering on their site, only the first 50 kids that have registered and present at the store at 10am will receive a kit, aprons and goggles.

I suggest to register early, as spots fill up fast!  
To see upcoming Build & Grow dates & to register, click HERE!

April 13 | Planter

May 11 | Sweetheart Frame (Mother's Day craft)

Register for Classes HERE

Barnes & Noble | Story Time

Head on over to Barnes & Noble for free story time on Saturdays & Mondays.  Not only is storytime super fun for the kids but you'll get in a nice break - where you can take advantage of their complimentary Wi-Fi (great for browsing through books on your Nook or Kindle if you have one!)  After storytime, check out their amazing children's section while letting your kids explore all the toys and books that Barnes & Noble has to offer.  My kids think the best part of storytime is the play time that follows!  The Columbia Barnes & Noble has a Thomas the Train table and a NEW Duplo Lego Table area that is great for toddlers! 
  • When: Saturday & Monday | 10:30am
  • Where: Barnes & Noble | Columbia Mall
  • Cost: Free

Girls on the Run

Girls on the Run® is a non-profit after school program for 3rd to 5th grade girls with the mission to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. The curricula addresses all aspects of girls' development - their physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual well-being. 

We are currently at 6 elementary schools in Columbia but are accepting girls from any area schools in order to fill our sites. We are trying to get the word out and get our spots filled before registration closes next Friday, February 15th. Families can find more information about the program and register on our website at heartofmissourigirlsontherun.org

TRYPS | Columbia Mall Kidz Court

TRYPS, a children's theater at the Columbia Mall, is hosting FREE workshops for parents & their children: 
LIVE AT ELEVEN & Tiny TRYPSters 
Upcoming Workshop Dates: March 2nd | April 13th
LIVE at ELEVEN 
  • When: Second Saturday of each month
  • Time: 11am-11:30am
  • Where: Columbia Mall | Kidz Court
  • Cost: FREE and open to the public! No reservations are necessary.
  • What: The workshops are interactive movement and games.


TRYPS • Columbia Mall • 2300 Bernadette #918 • Columbia, MO

Call (573) 449-4536 with questions

Email: trypskids@gmail.com

Museum of Anthropology Kid Events

Experience Cultures of the World children’s classes offered through the Museum of Anthropology including presentations on artifacts and cultures from a range of areas. Activities include music, games, craft projects, and traditional folktales from the regions. These programs take place on the MU campus from 4pm-6pm. They are designed for children in the 1st-5th grades.
Mizzou Anthropology
  • February 5 or 12, 2013 | Arctic
  • March 5 or 12, 2013 | South Africa
  • April 2 or 9, 2013 | Japan
The same class is offered twice each month so you can choose whichever date works best for your schedule.  Class sizes are limited to the first 15 registrants! Please email Jessica Boldt at boldtj@missouri.edu or call 882-3573 to enroll.

Museum of Art & Archaeology Kid Events

Museum of Art and Archaeology
All events are FREE and open to the public, and appropriate for children ages five and older who are accompanied by an adult. All events start in the Cast Gallery unless otherwise stated. Pre-Registration is requested for all events, and required for some, as noted below. Please call 573-882-3591 to register.
  • JANUARY 31 | Thursday Art After School (Grades K-8) 4-6 pm The World of Watercolor 
Tour the watercolors by Keith Crown, then try your hand at your own, using watercolor pencils. 
  • FEBRUARY 28 | Thursday Art After School (Grades K-8) 4-6 pm 
Mummy's the Word Get your inspiration for a paper masterpiece by looking at the Rolando Estévez and the Genius of Vigía exhibition. Then make a greeting card out of paper and decorate it in any way you choose.
  • MARCH 16 | Saturday Children’s Workshop SESSIONS BETWEEN 1:00–3:30pm 
Art in Bloom for Kids Participants will create their own arrangements with real flowers. (Preregistration BEFORE MARCH 15, 882-3591) Drop-ins on a space-available basis.
  • APRIL 18 | Thursday Art After School (Grades K-8) 4-6 pm Landscapes The special exhibition featuring watercolors by Keith Crown has wonderful examples of landscapes. After viewing those and others in the Museum, we will try our hand at our own landscapes, using a variety of media.
  • MAY 9 | Thursday Art After School (Grades K-8) 4-6 pm Sketching 
The Museum has lots of examples of techniques of sketching and drawing. If the weather is fine, we will go outside and try our hand at these, or else stay in the Museum and practice.




Chuck E. Cheese

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"Where a Kid can be a Kid!"


Price: ALL games & rides 25 cents!

I never thought I would step foot in this place, knowing that it is a mad house, but come to find out, they have an area in the back for toddlers that was somewhat calm. Games and a play area with a slide just for their size! All games were 25 cents...you can't beat that! The pizza was surprising good too! Check out their website for coupons & join their email club and save more!

It can be a cheap and fun experience for the whole family with the coupons they send out!