Springfield, Missouri is a great place to live with kids! There are plenty of things for families to do together.
In this blog post, we will discuss 12 of our favorite activities for parents and their children.
From visiting the zoo to playing in the park, Springfield has something for everyone!
#1. 1984 Video Arcade
If you’re looking for a fun activity the whole family can enjoy, look no further than 1984 Video Arcade in Springfield, MO.
This retro-style arcade features classic games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Space Invaders, as well as modern favorites like Mario Kart and Dance Dance Revolution.
There’s something for everyone at 1984 Video Arcade, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening with the kids.
And if you get hungry while you’re playing, the arcade also has a snack bar with all your favorite munchies. So come on down to 1984 Video Arcade and have a blast!
#2. Dickerson Park Zoo
Dickerson Park Zoo is a great place to take the kids for a day of fun in Springfield, MO. The zoo has a wide variety of animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, and elephants.
Kids will love getting up close to the animals and learning about their habits and habitats. In addition to the animals, the zoo also has a playground, a petting zoo, and a train that kids can ride.
There is also a café on-site, so you can grab a bite to eat while you explore the zoo. Dickerson Park Zoo is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
#3. Discovery Center of Springfield
One of the best places to take kids is the Discovery Center of Springfield. This hands-on museum has something for everyone, from toddlers to tweens.
Kids can explore their senses in the Sensory Garden, build towers out of foam blocks in the Construction Zone, or get up close and personal with animals in the Petting Zoo.
And that’s just the beginning! The Discovery Center also offers programs and classes throughout the year, so there’s always something new to learn.
Whether your kids are into science, art, or history, they’re sure to have a blast at the Discovery Center of Springfield.
#4. Fantastic Caverns
Fantastic Caverns is one of the top attractions in Springfield, MO for families with kids. The cavern is home to a variety of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as other geological formations.
Visitors can take a tram tour of the cavern, which lasts about an hour. The tour is conducted by knowledgeable guides who provide interesting facts about the cavern and its history.
Fantastic Caverns is also home to a number of animals, including bats, snakes, and spiders. The cavern is open year-round, making it a great option for families looking for things to do in Springfield, MO regardless of the season.
#5. History Museum on the Square
The History Museum on the Square is a great place to take kids in Springfield, MO. Not only is it a fun and educational way to spend an afternoon, but it’s also one of the most affordable museums in the city.
Located in the heart of downtown Springfield, the museum offers a wide variety of exhibits on local history, from the city’s founding to the present day.
The museum also has a large collection of artifacts, including tools, clothing, and household items. Kids will love exploring the museum’s hands-on exhibits, and they’ll also enjoy learning about the people and events that have shaped Springfield’s history.
Best of all, admission to the museum is free for kids under 12. So if you’re looking for a fun and educational activity for your family, be sure to check out the History Museum on the Square.
#6. Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium
If you’re looking for a fun and educational activity to do with your kids in Springfield, MO, be sure to check out Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium.
This world-class facility is home to over 350 species of animals, including sharks, penguins, and bears. Kids will love exploring the different exhibits and learning about the amazing creatures that inhabit our planet.
And, best of all, the museum is designed to be accessible for children of all ages and abilities. So whether your child is a budding zoologist or just loves animals, they’re sure to have a great time at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium.
#7. Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
No matter what time of year it is, there’s always something fun to do in Springfield, MO with kids! One of our favorite places to visit is the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.
This world-class facility hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including musical performances, dance recitals, and theatrical productions.
What’s more, the hall offers educational programs for kids of all ages, making it a great place to learn about the performing arts. Best of all, tickets are very affordable, so you can enjoy a show without breaking the bank.
If you’re looking for a fun and educational activity for your family, be sure to check out the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.
#8. Lake Springfield Park
Situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Springfield, this park is a great place to take the kids for a day of outdoor fun. There are plenty of picnic tables and grills, making it a perfect spot for a family cookout.
The kids will love exploring the nature trails, and there’s also a playground and sand volleyball court. In addition, the lake provides ample opportunity for fishing, swimming, and canoeing.
So whether you’re looking to relax or stay active, this park has something to offer everyone in the family.
#9. Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden
Families looking for a fun and educational activity to do together will love Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden in Springfield, MO. The garden is a replica of a traditional Japanese stroll garden and features winding paths, bridges, ponds, and a variety of plant life.
Visitors can learn about the different elements of the garden and how they are used in Japanese culture. Younger children will enjoy the playful koi fish, while older kids can appreciate the tranquil beauty of the surroundings.
Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden is a great way for families to spend time together while learning about another culture.
#10. Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park
Springfield, MO is home to Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, a great place to take kids for a day of fun. The park has a playground, splash pad, and plenty of green space to run around.
There are also several picnic shelters if you want to pack a lunch. In addition, the park is adjacent to the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, which has a tropical conservatory, an herb garden, and a children’s garden.
The Botanical Center also offers educational programs throughout the year. So whether you’re looking for a place to let your kids run off some energy or hoping to learn something new, Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park is sure to please.
#11. Springfield Cardinals
Springfield, MO is known for its family-friendly activities, and one of the most popular things to do with kids is to catch a Springfield Cardinals game.
The Cardinals are the minor league affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, and they play their home games at Hammons Field. During the game, kids can enjoy entertainment like face painting and mascots, and there are also plenty of opportunities to snag some freebies.
After the game, families can explore downtown Springfield, where there are a variety of shops and restaurants. And no trip to Springfield would be complete without visiting the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
With so much to see and do, Springfield is the perfect place to take the family for a fun-filled weekend.
#12. The Air and Military Museum of the Ozarks
The Air and Military Museum of the Ozarks is a great place to take kids if you’re looking for something fun to do in Springfield, MO. The museum has a wide variety of exhibits on military history, as well as an outdoor area where you can see planes and helicopters up close.
There are also a number of interactive displays, which kids will love. In addition, the museum offers a number of educational programs, making it a great place to learn about military history.
Best of all, admission is free for everyone. So if you’re looking for a fun and educational activity for your family, be sure to check out the Air and Military Museum of the Ozarks.