Running out of ways to keep kids occupied during spring break? Here are 14 things to do

For kids in Springfield schools, spring break started last Friday and is more than halfway over at this point.

For parents, it might feel like an eternity is left. If you’re looking for things to do and ways to get out of the house, here are some ideas for last-minute spring break activities in the Springfield area.

Get up and move

Need to tire the kids out so they’re not bouncing off the walls after dinner? Here are some physical activities that can help burn off energy:

• Hit the roller rink: Springfield Skateland, 5163 S. Campbell Ave., is hosting extra sessions during spring break. The roller rink has a 1-3 p.m. skate on Thursday and Friday for $8 per person; a 7-10 p.m. Friday skate for $10 per person (age 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult); a 2-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Saturday skate for $8 per person; a 16 and older skate from 8 to 10 p.m. for $10 per person; and a 2-4 p.m. Sunday skate for $8 per person.
• Break out the board, bike or blades: Springfield Skate Park, 945 W. Meadowmere St., is offering all-ages morning sessions during spring break. The session is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday. Admission is $7 for members and $12 for non-members.
• Chill out: Brightspeed Ice Park, 635 E. Trafficway St., is hosting public ice skating sessions during spring break. Public skate session is open 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Thursday and Friday; noon to 2:15 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 3:15 p.m. Sunday. Admission per session is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors 55 and older, $6 for students (ID required), $6 for children ages 3 to 12, free for children 2 and younger. Skate rentals are $3.
• Make a splash: Both Chesterfield Family Center, 2511 W. Republic Road, and Doling Family Center, 301 E. Talmage St., have indoor aquatic features such slides and water features. Both have special spring break hours, with an open swim session from 2 to 8 p.m. daily through March 21. Members can enter for free; admission for youth (ages 3 to 17) and seniors is $7; admission for adults (18 and older) is $10 and admission for children 2 years old and younger is free with a paid adult.
• Take a walk on the wild side: Dickerson Park Zoo, 3043 N. Fort Ave., is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $19 for adults and teens, $14 for children between the ages of 3 and 12, $16 for those 60 and older and free for children 2 years old and younger.

Keep brains active

Just because you’re on a school break doesn’t mean you can’t continue to learn. These activities offer ways to keep young minds active.

• Mario Week: Kids ages 6 to 12 can take part in a Lego block challenge daily at the Frisco Community Room in Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway. From 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, kids can enjoy a Mario-themed craft, challenge or activity. Friday will include a showing of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.”
• Garden Story & Zoo Friend Time: Kids can learn about turkey vultures and meet one 10 a.m. Thursday at the Springfield Botanical Gardens, 2400 S. Scenic Ave. Free event.
• Mermaids at Wonders of Wildlife: Watch a mermaid swim in the Great Barrier Reef and Lower Shipwreck Reef exhibits, have a meet-and-greet at the Nature’s Best Photography exhibit, participate in crafts and hands-on learning at Wonders of Wildlife. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday. General admission tickets — $49 for adults, $24.95 for children between 4 and 11, free for children 3 and younger — include the mermaid experience.

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Hungry? Kid-friendly food options for treats

If you’re looking for somewhere to grab a bite or a sweet treat, here are some kid-friendly places that are open or have specials.

• Kids eat free 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily with the purchase of an adult entree at Jimmy’s Egg, 3837 S. Campbell Ave., through Friday.
• Free Italian ice Thursday at Rita’s Italian Ice & Custard, 2100 W. Republic Road, which is open noon to 9 p.m.
• Sips and Scoops, 3202 W. Republic Road, is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. It offers ice cream treats as well as coffee, smoothies and snacks like pretzel bites and muffins.
• Lucky Cat Boba Tea and Taiyaki, 3424 S. Glenstone Ave., is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The shop features boba tea as well as Japanese treats and snacks.
• Beth’s Bake Shoppe and Tea Room, 1645 W. Republic Road, offers lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Or, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can stop in for a freshly-baked variety of cookies and brownies.
• 14 Mill Market, 203 E. Mt. Vernon St. in Nixa, is a food hall with 10 different kitchens and an outdoor entertainment area. It’s open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. (There’s also a bar for the adults!)