An important way for kids to experience the world is through play and physical activity. Parents and caregivers can encourage healthy growth and development through play and fitness. There are many opportunities to get kids moving through creative and active playtime, individual and team sports, and physical activity. Whether it is an indoor play space, organized sports, or a trip to your neighborhood park, start your kids on a path to a lifetime of fitness. Let’s get a move on!
Itty Bitty City
3640 S. Campbell Ave. • Springfield
417-202-2025 • ittybitty.city
Itty Bitty City was created to provide a place for young children to do what they do best: play. Whether they are building with the Big Blue Blocks, putting on a stage performance, creating art in the Playology Lab, or role-playing as an active member of the Village, children and their family members are playing, learning, and building memories through every experience at Itty Bitty City. Special play area specifically for babies age 1 and younger. Play for a day or purchase a membership for year-round fun.
Jump Mania
3202 W. Republic Rd. • Springfield
417-881-5867 • jumpmaniaspringfield.com
Kids ages 12 and younger bounce, jump, and slide in Jump Mania’s 8,700-square-foot indoor inflatable park. Open Jump days and times are posted on the website. Junior Jump on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. offers discounted prices and play time for ages 5 and younger. Check the Jump Mania calendar for special events throughout the year. The Jump Mania arcade is perfect for ‘tweens who are too old to jump. Grab a snack from the concession counter to power up for more play. Bring the fun to your event or party location with Jump Mania rentals.
Ozark Parks & Recreation & The OC
The OC: 1530 W. Jackson St. • Ozark
417-581-7002 • Ozark Parks Website
Ozark Parks & Recreation is your destination for kids’ fitness. The OC’s Kids Zone is open to Annual Family Members Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-noon and 4-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday for children to play while their parents work out. Organized youth athletics include volleyball, baseball, softball, soccer, and basketball. Homeschooled students can take P.E. classes with pool time and gym games. Keep kids moving with classes in martial arts, gymnastics, ballet, and dance & cheer. Plus, the OC hosts fun pop-up events and classes throughout the year.
Ozarks Regional YMCA
orymca.org
The Ozarks Regional YMCA operates six family centers. The Y is the starting point for many youths to become and stay active and develop healthy habits they’ll carry throughout their lives. Whether it’s the confidence that comes from learning to dribble a basketball or positive relationships that lead to good sportsmanship and teamwork, participating in sports at the Y helps build the whole child from the inside out. The Ozarks Regional YMCA is a nonprofit organization that believes no one should be denied access to membership or programs due to the inability to pay. These funds are subsidized through the Y Impact Campaign.
Sac River Stables
5798 N. Farm Road 125 • Springfield
417-742-4200 • sacriverstables.com
Trot on over to Sac River Stables for fun fitness in the saddle. Brushing horses, saddling, and riding in the indoor and outdoor riding facilities are great ways to exercise, stay flexible, and use those horseback riding muscles. Follow Sac River Stables on Facebook to learn more about the facilities and programs.
Springfield Ballet
411 N. Sherman Pkwy. • Springfield
417-862-1343 • springfieldballet.org
Springfield Ballet transforms the lives of children through dance, instilling confidence and fostering strong character through self-discipline. Creative Movement classes are designed as a fun way for 3- to 6-year-old boys and girls to develop movement instincts by combining creativity and physical skills. The children cultivate an awareness of music, space, and their body movements, along with social skills relating to fellow dancers. The second Fall 2023 8-week session begins Oct. 2. Springfield Ballet offers classes for children beginning at age 2 through adults.
Springfield-Greene County Park Board
417-864-1049 • parkboard.org
Keeping kids, and their families, healthy and active is what the Park Board is all about. Check out classes like tae kwon do, dance, and pickleball at Chesterfield, Dan Kinney, and Doling Family Centers. SPARC offers soccer, basketball, and volleyball. The Fieldhouse has year-round court sports for youth. Hike, paddle, camp, or explore caves with Outdoor Initiatives. Learn to skateboard, shoot archery, ride a horse, play tennis, swing a golf club, and more at ParkBoard.org.
Urban Air Adventure Park
2825 S. Glenstone Ave. • Springfield
417-210-7889 • urbanair.com/missouri-springfield
Urban Air Adventure Park in Battlefield Mall is the best place for your next indoor adventure. Urban Air is a safe place for the whole family to jump, soar, race, climb, and play. Adventure Hub® is a combination of some of the best indoor attractions from SkyRider to the Ropes Course. And, your kids can test their skills on the Battle Beam, Warrior Course, trampolines, and climbing walls. Monthly memberships make frequent trips for unlimited play a breeze. And, remember, Urban Air birthday parties take your celebration to the next level.
