Day Trips

The Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival began in 1991 as a celebration of the pumpkin and the promotion for the village of Hartsburg. In those days, and to the present, Hartsburg was known as “The Garden Spot of Boone County.” That rich Missouri River bottom soil produces unique and bountiful harvests of grains, grasses, fruits, and vegetables. It was a time to share our wealth with mid-Missouri.

The parade starts at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday. Most events are free of cost and there is free parking! There are more than 250 vendors at this wonderful festival!  Trams run both days to make the hike to town a little easier.Driving Directions:

  • From Jefferson City:  Take 63 North to the Eagle Knoll Golf Course exit and continue left around to Soft Pit Hill Rd. and follow it all the way to Hartsburg.
  • From Columbia: Go through Ashland and take Old Highway 63 South to Christian School Road, turn right and follow all the way to Hartsburg.

Note: Route A tends to be slower due to us routing traffic through town to the parking lots, however if you prefer to avoid gravel, Route A is your best bet.

  • Where: Hartsburg, MO
  • When: Saturday & Sunday, October 13-14, 2012 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Cost: Free admission!
  • Event WebsiteHartsburg Pumpkin Fetsival
  • View on the Mid-Mo Kids Guide Calendar

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Saturday, June 9, 2012

Lollipop Photography Mini Sessions
Rock Bridge State Park
Don’t miss this opportunity to get amazing professional photos taken.  It is perfect for birthday photos, couples, high school seniors, family photos and much more!  You really can’t beat the price or the quality. They are quick and painless (I promise — 20 minutes and you’re done!). Reservations required.

Free  Fishing Weekend
Missouri’s annual Free Fishing Days give you a chance to try fishing without having to buy a permit! Grab a rod & reel or stop by a conservation area where there is a Free Fishing Days program and you can borrow one! Anyone in Missouri can fish state waters without a permit.

Capital City Crappie Club Kid’s Fishing Derby
Binder Park, Jefferson City
Prizes and trophies will be awarded for smallest, largest and most fish caught in several age categorieBass Pros.

Bass Pro: Reel Time with Kids! 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Bass Pro, Columbia
Free fishing event open to kids of all ages. There will be fishing, education & prizes (grand prize is camping gear). Lunch will also be served!

Russellville Engine Show & Frog Leg Festival
Russellville, Missouri
Lots of events including a parade, engines, tractors, mules from Mizzou, Kid’s activities!  

Open Recreation in the Game Room 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Armory, Columbia
Bored on Saturday mornings and afternoons? Come to the Armory to play pool, ping-pong, foosball, shuffleboard, air hockey, Xbox360, safe darts, arcade games or just watch a movie.

Michael’s Father’s Day Craft 10 a.m.
Michael’s Arts & Crafts
Make-it, take-it event: kids can decorate a Father’s Day frame. Ages 3 & up, while supplies last.  

Barnes & Noble Storytime 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Jefferson City

Free Storytime for pre-K children. Small snack and craft to accompany the stories.

Barnes & Noble Storytime 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Columbia

Friends Yellow and Red live on neighboring tree branches. At night Yellow likes to sleep, but Red likes to play loud music! These two will have to use manners to come to a compromise and save their friendship.

Lowe’s Build & Grow Workshop 11 a.m.

Build & Grow Workshop: Monkey Powered Plane Each participant also receives a free apron, goggles, a project-themed patch, and a certification of merit upon completion of their project.  Be sure to pre-register as space is limited. Cost: FREE

Be Creative for Kids: Beach Crafts – Mini Lighthouses and Shell Friends 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
MRRL Art Gallery
Celebrate the sun and sand with your own mini lighthouse and googly eyed shell friend. Limited to the first 40 participants on the day of the craft.

Bass Pro Kid’s Fishing On The Deck 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Stop by the deck at Bass Pro for a FREE fun fishing experience for the kids! Every Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.(weather permitting) the kids can enjoy fishing on the deck with the Bass Pro staff. All equipment is provided.

Bass Pro Family Summer Camp 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Did you love summer camp when you were a kid? The whole family can enjoy summer camp at Bass Pro!  June 9 – July 15 on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday Bass Pro will offer FREE activities for the whole family! There will be a free shooting range, shooting arcade, and casting targets!  You can even get a free photo download on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 – 5 p.m. Crafts are from 1 – 4 p.m.

Puppet Theatre: Copycat & Wild Home, Sweet Home 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Runge Nature Center
Walk-in (All ages) Come watch Runge puppeteers present two shows. Copycats-Has anyone ever copied you? That happens to some of  Missouri’s wild animals. They get tricked by something that is a copy when they think it is real. This story shows how copycats mimic other things and why a fake could be a good thing.

Blues, Brews & Brats
Dunklin Street, between Madison & Jefferson
Family-friendly event features live music, food vendors, and a fun street party!

Bass Pro Family Summer Camp S’Mores Cookout 6 p.m.
Enjoy a free s’mores cookout — check out the Family Summer Camp post for more info!

Teen After Hours 6 p.m.
MRRL Art Gallery
It’s like a party at the library! Join us for gaming, fun, food and craziness. Now rocking until 9 p.m.

Sunday, June 9, 2012 

Free  Fishing Weekend
Missouri’s annual Free Fishing Days give you a chance to try fishing without having to buy a permit! Grab a rod & reel or stop by a conservation area where there is a Free Fishing Days program and you can borrow one! Anyone in Missouri can fish state waters without a permit.

Bass Pro Kid’s Fishing On The Deck 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Stop by the deck at Bass Pro for a FREE fun fishing experience for the kids! Every Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.(weather permitting) the kids can enjoy fishing on the deck with the Bass Pro staff. All equipment is provided.

Bass Pro Family Summer Camp 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Did you love summer camp when you were a kid? The whole family can enjoy summer camp at Bass Pro!  June 9 – July 15 on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday Bass Pro will offer FREE activities for the whole family! There will be a free shooting range, shooting arcade, and casting targets!  You can even get a free photo download on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 – 5 p.m. Crafts are from 1 – 4 p.m.

Michael’s Father’s Day Craft 1 p.m.
Michael’s Arts & Crafts
Make-it, take-it event: kids can decorate a Father’s Day keychain. Ages 3 & up, while supplies last.  

Lowe’s Build & Grow Workshop 2 p.m.

Build & Grow Workshop: Monkey Powered Plane Each participant also receives a free apron, goggles, a project-themed patch, and a certification of merit upon completion of their project.  Be sure to pre-register as space is limited. Cost: FREE

Have something to add? Comment below!

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The 2012 Wings Over Whiteman Air Show and Open House is scheduled for May 19 and 20, 2012. This great family-friendly event is held at Whiteman Air Force Base in Knob Noster, Missouri. Admission is free! Permitted items include: folding chairs, strollers, wagons, purses/diaper bags, beverages in clear containers, cameras, wheelchairs, and binoculars. Be sure to check out the flying schedule before you head out!

  • Where: Whiteman AFB, Knob Noster, Missouri
  • When: Saturday, May 19-20, 2012 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Cost: Free!
  • Event Website: Website
  • View on the Mid-Mo Kids Guide Calendar

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Lollipop Photography is offering an awesome photo shoot opporunity at Centralia, Missouri’s Achorfest. You’ll get to have fun at a great summer fair and not even think about having your picture taken! You won’t be able to beat the price or have this much fun while having your picture taken!

To schedule your session, go to Lollipop Photography’s schedule and select “Mini sessions”.  You will then be able to select your preferred time for the Carnival Time Mini Session!

Lollipop Photography Carnival Time Mini SessionsThe Carnival Time Mini Session includes:

  • 30-minute photography session
    (parents + up to 2 kids)
  • 20-30 high-resolution files
  • Quality print orders with no markup
  • Sharable Facebook gallery
  • You’ll get all of the above for only $100!

Hurry, only two spots remain!

Don’t forget!

You can still enter to win a $25 credit to Erin Condren!

This giveaway ends Thursday, April 12, 2012 at 11:01 p.m. CST.

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Congratulations to our winner…

Entry #46 – Jennell H.!

Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove sets the gold standard with a magical medley of Disney tales in one jam-packed ice show that commemorates the legacy of Disney animated films. This brand-new skating spectacular visits Kansas City from March 21 to March 25 for nine performances at Sprint Center.

The show opens Wednesday, March 21 at 7 p.m. and tickets for opening night are only $10!

Now for the exciting part!  

We are excited to offer a special giveaway to Mid-Mo Kids Guide readers!    You have a chance to win FREE tickets to the show!  We have a family 4-pack of tickets to Disney on Ice Treasure Trove to giveaway!  Please note: This giveaway is for a WEEKDAY performance only. See below for details!

If you chose to do the additional (optional) entries, be sure to follow the instructions! We will check! If you don’t complete the entry, it won’t count & you won’t win! This giveaway starts NOW and ends Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 12:01 a.m. EST (11:01 p.m. CST).
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Today was such a beautiful day that we had to get out and enjoy the weather! We stopped by Runge Conservation Nature Center’s scenic trails.

You can hike one of the five nature trails to view a variety of Missouri wildlife. Many of the trails are “stroller-friendly” (paved) and they even have strollers in the center if you leave yours at home! There are also many special events offered at the center. Inside the center there are hands-on exhibits, and indoor wildlife-viewing area, and conservations movies.

Check out Runge’s printable trail map before you go!

Building Hours:

  • Tuesday – Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (open Thursdays until 8 p.m.)
  • Building is closed on Sunday and Monday

Trail Hours:

  • November 1 – March 31: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • April 1 – October 31: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Remember that Runge is a nature center. Pets, fishing, collecting, skateboarding, jogging, and bicycling is not permitted on the trails.

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The Bass Pro Spring Fishing Classic Kids’ Weekend is March 9-11. Kids can enjoy free crafts, seminars and a catch and release pond.

Friday, March 9 – Sunday, March 11, 2012

  • Catch and Release Pond: 12 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Free Crafts: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.(Alligator Clip or Wooden Wiggle Snake)
  • Free Seminars: 2 p.m. Use a Spinning Reel, 3 p.m. Bobbers, Sinkers, Live & Artificial Bait, 4 p.m. Fishing Baskets & Stringers

At the catch and release pond your kids can learn to cast and will receive a free photo of their catch! The first 50 kids participating in the catch and release pond each day will receive a free drawstring backpack!
 

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Exclusive Discount for Disney on Ice in Kansas City!

February 23, 2012

We are excited to announce we are able to offer Mid-Mo Kids Guide readers with an exclusive discount courtesy of the Sprint Center! Disney On Ice: Treasure Trove Save $4 per ticket! Thursday, March 22, 2012 | 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 23, 2012 | 7:00 p.m. Saturday, March 24, 2012 | 7:00 p.m. Sunday, March [...]

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Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream in St. Louis

February 22, 2012

Disney will also be bringing Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream to St. Louis next month! This event will be held at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis. Thursday, March 22, 2012 | 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 23, 2012 | 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 23, 2012 | 7:00 p.m. Saturday, March 24, 2012 | 11:00 [...]

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Clifford the Big Red Dog: Live!

February 5, 2012

Sunday, March 25, 2012 @ 4:00 p.m. Hendricks Hall University of Central Missouri Warrensburg, Missouri Celebrate Clifford’s 50th anniversary in 2012 with Clifford’s all new musical adventure! Based on the award-winning Scholastic book series by Norman Birdwell, the show invites everyone to take action and raise awareness for how Clifford’s Big Ideas can make the [...]

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