Things to Do With Your Kids
Quality time with Dad — right here in Springfield, MO.
Museums & Education
Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium
World-class aquarium and wildlife museum with 35,000 live animals including sharks and sea turtles. Immersive galleries that take you from swamps to open ocean.
Discovery Center of Springfield
Seven floors of hands-on science exhibits including the famous HighWire Bike, BodyWorks, and interactive STEM activities perfect for curious kids.
History Museum on the Square
Interactive exhibits on Ozarks history and Route 66. Great for older kids interested in local heritage.
Missouri Institute of Natural Science
Free admission! Fossil displays and active fossil excavation opportunities right on the grounds.
Parks & Nature
Nathanael Greene / Close Memorial Park
Home to the Springfield Botanical Gardens, the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, a seasonal Butterfly House, and playgrounds. A beautiful spot for a picnic.
Rutledge-Wilson Community Farm Park
Free farm-themed park with mini-horses, goats, playgrounds, paved trails, and hands-on agricultural experiences. Kids love it.
Jordan Valley Park
Interactive water fountains, a stream for wading, and outdoor climbing walls right in downtown Springfield.
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Miles of hiking trails through Ozarks forest with wildlife educational programs. Free admission.
Sequiota Park
A charming cave spring park with trails, a creek, and a playground. One of Springfield's hidden gems.
Doling Park
Historic park with a lake walking trail, museum, and family center. Great for a relaxed afternoon.
Animals, Caverns & Adventures
Dickerson Park Zoo
70 acres with 500+ animals, giraffe feeding, a reptile house, the Titus Express miniature train, playground, and the "Jumping Jewels" splash pad.
Fantastic Caverns
America's only ride-through cave! A 55-minute guided tram tour through a stunning underground cavern system.
Wild Animal Safari (Strafford)
Nearby drive-through and walk-through animal park where kids can feed animals from the car window.
Entertainment & Seasonal Fun
Springfield Cardinals Baseball
Catch a minor league game at Hammons Field. Affordable, fun, and great food.
Andy B's
Family entertainment center with bowling, laser tag, and arcade games.
Urban Air Adventure Park
Trampoline center with sky riders, ropes courses, and ninja warrior courses.
1984 Arcade
Classic 1980s arcade with unlimited play. Fun for dads too!
The War Zone
Indoor arena for Nerf-style blaster battles. High energy fun for older kids.
Fun Acre
Classic, budget-friendly miniature golf course.
Community Pools
Six outdoor public swimming pools open seasonally throughout Springfield.
Movies at Founders Park
Free outdoor movies at dusk during summer months. Bring a blanket!
Budget-Friendly Tip
Many Springfield attractions are free or low-cost! Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park, Springfield Nature Center, Jordan Valley Park, Movies at Founders Park, and the Missouri Institute of Natural Science all offer free admission.