Family event calendar
FEBRUARY Funshop: Little Creators Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm. Through Feb. 26. Get a little messy in this four-week, hands-on art program designed to spark creativity and self-expression. Young children will explore colors, textures, and materials through painting, sculpting and more. Caregivers can join in. All classes blended ages 3 to 5 years of age. Activity #150971. Register…
A center for STEAM education
In 2025, Kidzeum was voted the Best Family Fun Spot in the Illinois Times Best of Springfield competition. Kidzeum is that and so much more. It is a place where children explore new skills, think critically and engage in hands-on learning. Kidzeum recently received a grant of nearly $150,000 from the National Science Foundation to…
Firefighter Explorers Program
Do you know a young person interested in the fire service? Springfield’s Fire Explorer Post 300 is a program open to youth between the ages of 14 and 20 that provides a unique opportunity to experience the life of a firefighter firsthand. In partnership with Scouting America (formerly known as Boy Scouts of America), this…
Dealing with sibling rivalryÂ
Imagine coming home from a long day of work or errands and meeting your partner at the door. Your partner gestures for you to take off your coat and sit down at the table. Would you like a snack or a glass of water? There is some big news to share with you! Would you…
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
The many benefits of reading to young children are well-documented. The 1000 Books Foundation promotes reading to newborns, infants and toddlers and encourages parent and child bonding through reading. Its 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge is a simple way to do this. Many local libraries promote this initiative and create incentives to participate as part…
A parent’s guide to gaming
Growing up, my brother had a Game Boy that he let me use on long car rides. It simply wasn’t my thing. I remember not having any patience for leveling up in Zelda, often choosing to stare out of a window rather than take a turn on the device. As an adult, I am thus…
