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 at bit.ly/SPD_Art-Explore-1. Residents $75, non-residents $85. Lincoln Park Funshop, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-753-6234.
Lincoln’s Birthday at ALPLM Thu., Feb. 12, 9am-5pm. Celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s 217th birthday with free admission. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
Poetry Out Loud Central Illinois Regional Contest Thu., Feb. 12, 4pm. In Poetry Out Loud, teens select, analyze and commit to memory classic and contemporary poems for recitation. This year’s event features 155 students and 21 teachers from six area high schools. Winners will advance to one of seven regional competitions in Illinois; then to the state tournament (also held in Springfield, 10am March 2); and ultimately to the national finals in Washington, D.C., in late April. Presented by the Springfield Area Arts Council and Illinois Arts Council. Free. Hoogland Center for the Arts Club Room, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-753-3519.
The Addams Family Fri., Feb. 13, 7:30pm, Sat., Feb. 14, 7:30pm and Sun., Feb. 15, 2pm. This comedy – presented by the Springfield Theatre Centre – features an original story about Wednesday Addams, who has grown up and fallen in love with a young man from a respectable family. She confides in her father, Gomez, who keeps the secret. Everything changes during a dinner for the boyfriend and his parents. $20-$22. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Parents Night Out | Kidz Night In Fri., Feb. 13, 5-8pm. Looking for a Valentine’s Day date night plan that everyone will love? Drop the kids off and enjoy a worry-free evening out while they enjoy a fun-filled night made just for them. Open to children ages 4 and up. Must be potty-trained. Pizza dinner included for kids. Drop-off starts at 5pm with pickup at 8pm. kidzeum.org. $35. Kidzeum of Health and Science, 412 E. Adams St., 217-671-2123.
Springfield Jr. Blues vs. Fairbanks Ice Dogs Fri., Feb. 13, 7:05pm and Sat., Feb. 14, 6:05pm. The Jr. Blues take on the Ice Dogs in the first two games of a four-game home stand. jrblues.com. $10, $6 children 12 and younger. Nelson Center, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-525-2589.
Funshop Kids Club Fridays, 3:30-6pm. Through April 24. This is a fun and welcoming drop-off program where children ages 6 to 12 explore themes through crafts, STEM projects and interactive play. It includes group games, hands-on stations and active play. Pack a snack or light meal for your child. Kid’s Club encourages creativity, teamwork, and a love of learning—all while having a great time! Register at bit.ly/Funshop_KidsClub1. Activity #140910. $30 residents, $35 non-residents for 1 day only. Lincoln Park Funshop, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-753-6234.
Lincoln Birthday Bash Sat., Feb. 14, 9am-4pm and Sun., Feb. 15, 9am-4pm. A free, all-day public celebration marking the 217th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Event features family-friendly crafts and activities including a button making station, a chance to design a birthday card for Abraham Lincoln and a photo booth with Lincoln Home and National Park Service props. On Feb. 14, the bookstore will host book signings with Marla Harms Judge and Jan Jacobi and provide cake to commemorate Lincoln’s birthday. Free, no cost. Lincoln Home National National Home Site Visitor Center, 426 S. 7th St,, 217-391-3254.
Abe Lincoln Route 66 Chili Cook-off Sat., Feb. 14, 11am-5pm. Cook-off with sampling from cooks far and wide. Proceeds benefit the Shriners Hospital for Children and Springfield Dyslexic Center. Competitors must be members of the International Chili Society. Judging begins at 3pm. Includes cash bar, silent auction. $10. VFW Lafore Lock Post 755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-341-1782.
Valentine’s Day Community Meal Sat., Feb. 14, 11am-1pm. Enjoy a delicious meal. No signups, no requirements. All are welcome. Use ramp on Carpenter Street side to enter. Free. Kumler United Methodist Church, 600 N. Fifth St., 217-523-2046.
Learn to Play Hockey Saturdays, 8:15-9:15am. Through Feb. 14. Does your child dream of hitting the ice like a pro? The Springfield Park District’s Learn to Play Hockey program is the perfect way to start. This fun, skill-building program helps kids improve coordination, build confidence and learn teamwork. Registration deadline is Jan. 1. Participants must have passed Basic 1 before enrolling in Learn to Play. Register now at bit.ly/L3arn-to-Play1. Residents $67, non-residents $77. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-753-2800 ext.1503.
Ice Skating Saturdays, 1-4pm, Sundays, 1-4pm and Mon., Feb. 16, 1-4pm. Through Feb. 15. An age-old holiday tradition. Skating and skate rental are free, though donations are welcome to help maintain equipment. A full schedule can be found on ALPLM website. Free, donations accepted. Union Square Park, 212 N. Sixth St.
Mansion Tours Saturdays, Sundays, 1:45-2:45, 3-4pm. Illinois Department of Natural Resources trained staff and volunteers lead this tour of the official residence of Gov. JB and first lady MK Pritzker. Tour focuses on the history of the mansion. No self-guided tours are permitted. Reserve a spot on eventbrite.com. Free. Illinois Governor’s Mansion, 410 E. Jackson St., 217-782-6450.
Springfield International Folk Dancers Mondays, 7-9pm. Experience the joy of folk dancing from many cultures. All skill levels welcome and no partners necessary. Free. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-793-8035.
The Foundation Academy LLC Youth Program Tuesdays, 4:30-7:30pm. Through March 5. The Foundation Academy LLC serves all central Illinois youths ages 12-18, with emphasis on at-risk and underprivileged individuals, by providing comprehensive, job-focused education. Soft skills are essential for navigating personal life and workplace challenges. Email Lbrown.thefoundationacademyllc@gmail.com for registration information. thefoundationacademyllc.com. Free. Kumler United Methodist Church, 600 N. Fifth St., 217-523-2046.
Line Dancing Lessons Third Wednesday of every month, 7-9pm and First Monday of every month, 7-9pm. Mrs. Debbie is teaching the lessons. All ages welcome. Kick up those heels and dance. Free. Coghlan’s Hideout LLC, Bulpitt, 201 Main St.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Fri., Feb. 20, 7pm, Sat., Feb. 21, 2, 7pm and Sun., Feb. 22, 2pm. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a reimagining of the biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, 11 brothers and the coat of many colors. Presented by the Hoogland Performing Education Creators (grades 7-8) along with a children’s chorus of our Dreamers (grades 1-2). $12-$20. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Weekend Play & Stay Feb. 21, 28; March 7, 14, 21 and 28, 9:30-11:30am. At Weekend Play & Stay, little ones and their caregivers can dive into two hours of playful discovery. From building block towers to creative play and interactive storytime, every week brings new ways to spark imagination and connect with other families. For children ages 16 months to 5 years with caregiver. No class Feb. 14. $10 per child when registered online, $10 per child day-of when bringing a friend, or $20 per child for drop-ins. Lincoln Park Funshop, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-753-6234.
Refuge Ranch Pancake Breakfast Sat., Feb. 21, 7-11am. Menu includes pancakes, sausage links, toppings and beverages (milk, juice, coffee, or cocoa). Proceeds support the Refuge Ranch, which empowers at-risk and special needs youth through Christ-centered, equine-assisted programs at no cost to program participants. refuge-ranch.org. $12, free plate for children 3 and younger. Cherry Hills Church, 2125 Woodside Road, 217-498-7679.
Cabin Fever Sat., Feb. 21, 1-4pm. Children ages 5-12 can beat the winter blues during a day filled with energy, excitement and endless fun indoors at Erin’s Pavilion. The event will promote physical fitness and encourage social interaction. Free. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217-585-2941.
Maple Syrup Time Demonstrations Feb. 21-22, Feb.28-March 1, March 14-15, 1, 2:30pm. Demonstrations will show the entire syrup making process from tree tapping to boiling the sap down into syrup. Dress for the weather as this program is hands-on and involves a trek to one of the garden’s many sugar bushes. Demonstrations start at Nature Center lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Free. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.
Monster X Tour Sat., Feb. 21, 1:30, 7:30pm. The nation’s most competitive monster trucks invade the center for two shows. Watch these 10,000-pound, car-crushing giants race, do wheelies and more. Attendees can also see the trucks up close at the pre-event pit party. theboscenter.com. $21-$48. BOS Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 7th & Adams- outdoor, 217-788-8800.
Express Yourself! Acting & Improv Class Mon., Feb. 23, 5-6:30pm, Mon., March 9, 5-6:30pm and Mon., March 23, 5-6:30pm. by Springfield Park District Special Recreation. Residents $8, non-residents $10.50. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217-585-2941.
Young Adult Group Fourth Monday of every month, 6-8pm. A drug and alcohol-free space where young adults can be themselves. Ages 18-26. Phoenix Center: Out On Second, 120 E. Scarritt St., 217-528-5253.
Special Recreation Cooking Class Wed., Feb. 25, 5:30-6:30pm and Wed., March 11, 5:30-6:30pm. This inclusive cooking class is a fun, hands-on experience designed for individuals of all abilities. Participants will build confidence, independence and creativity in the kitchen. Each week, the class will make a simple, tasty recipe with guidance from instructors and volunteers. Register at bit.ly/SPD_SpecRec_CookingClass. Activity #170205. ahawkins@springfieldparks.org. Residents $5, non-residents $7.50 per session. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217-585-2941.
Mother Road Bones Trombone Quartet Concert Thu., Feb. 26, 7pm. This free, hour-long concert will feature music in a wide variety of styles, showcasing the rich and powerful sound of the trombone quartet. Several selections will be accompanied by St. John’s organ, highlighting its broad range of tonal colors and adding a unique dimension to the performance. stjohns-springfield.org. Free. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., 217-793-3933.
Springfield Jr. Blues vs. Minnesota Wilderness Fri., Feb. 27, 7:05pm and Sat., Feb. 28, 6:05pm. The Jr. Blues take on the Wilderness during the last two games of a four-game home stand. jrblues.com. $10, $6 children 12 and younger. Nelson Center, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-525-2589.
Woodlawn Farm Museum open house Sat., Feb. 28, 10am-3pm. Learn the about the pioneers who settled Woodlawn Farm and their efforts in the Underground Railroad movement in the mid-1800s. Adults $5, students $3. Woodlawn Farm, Jacksonville, 1463 Geirke Lane, 309-678-7716.
Learn to Skate Feb. 28, March 7, 8 and 14, 10:15-11:55am. Ready to hit the ice? The Springfield Park District’s Learn to Skate Academy is the perfect place for kids to build confidence, balance and skating skills in a fun and supportive environment. No session March 28. Class times: 10:15–10:45am – Jumps, Spins and Advanced Skills (ages 6+, must have passed Basic 3); 10:50–11:20am – Snowplow 1–2 (ages 3–5) and Basic 1–2 (ages 6+); 11:25–11:55am – Snowplow 3 (ages 3–5) and Basic 3–6 (ages 6+). Register at: bit.ly/SPD_Ice-Programming. Residents $77, non-residents $97. Nelson Center, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-753-2800.
Sleeping Beauty Sat., Feb. 28, 2pm and Sun., March 1, 2pm. Step into a world of magical fairies, royal courts and timeless romance in this classic tale. Tchaikovsky’s glorious score will carry audience members through enchanted forests and glittering palaces as the dancers of the Copper Coin Ballet Company bring this classic to life. Lavish costumes, sweeping waltzes, and dazzling visuals make this beloved ballet a theatrical dream come true. coppercoinballet.org. Reserved seating, $40 advance; $45 day of show. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 217-528-9760.
A Journey Through Gospel Music Sat., Feb. 28, 7pm. Celebrate Black History Month with the Napier Family and friends for The Good News Experience – A Journey Through Gospel Music. This concert will feature local talents highlighting the progression of Gospel music, as well as cultivate an interactive environment for all. Presented by Ryan Napier and the Hoogland Center for the Arts. $20-$22. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Learn to Play Hockey Saturdays, 8:15-9:15am. Through April 11. The Learn to Play Hockey program improves physical fitness, builds mental toughness, encourages leadership and fosters character development on and off the ice. Prerequisite: Must have passed Basic 1 or Skating to Hockey before Learn to Play. class for children ages 6-15. On Rink 1. Register now at bit.ly/Learn-to-Play1. Activity #140402. Residents $67, nonresidents $77. Nelson Center, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-753-2800, ext. 1503.
This article appears in Parent Spring 2026.
