Springfield, Missouri, is the largest city in the state and has a rich cultural history. It’s home to the world’s first jogging trail, it’s one of only four cities in Missouri to have hosted the Olympics, and it’s even rumoured to be haunted. With all this history and culture — not to mention fun things for kids — Springfield is an ideal destination for families who want to explore Missouri together.
Springfield is a city that has something for everyone, as you can ask the locals. With great museums and fun activities, there are plenty of things to do with kids in Springfield, MO. So, what are some of Springfield’s best things to do with kids? Here are a few ideas.
Wilson’s Creek Battlefield National Park is one of the most important sites for studying the Civil War. The park preserves a battlefield that was the site of a major battle in 1861, and it offers visitors a glimpse into history through guided tours and interpretive exhibits. The park also features an eight-mile driving tour looping through historical sightseeing spots.
In addition to being a historical attraction, Wilson’s Creek Battlefield offers several recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails and picnic areas and participate in Civil War re-enactments held throughout the year.
Fantastic Caverns is a limestone cave located in Springfield, Missouri. It is one of the largest commercial caves in the state of Missouri and remains open for guided tours. The caverns are open year-round.
The family-friendly cave offers fun activities for all ages:
You could spend hours at the Discovery Center of Springfield. It’s a hands-on science museum where kids can learn about planets, dinosaurs, and more. The exhibits are great for rainy days or even a day when you just want to escape! Kids of all ages will enjoy this place. If your kid is younger than 5 years old, it’s recommended to go with another adult as it can be hard for them to navigate some of the interactive exhibits.
The Dickerson Park Zoo is a great place to visit with the family. It’s located in Springfield and has several fun things to see and do there, including:
If you’re looking for something to do in Springfield, Missouri, with kids, the Springfield Cardinals baseball team is an excellent choice. The minor league team was founded in 1888 and is currently part of the Texas League. It’s also the Double-A affiliate of Major League Baseball’s St. Louis Cardinals.
The stadium is located at Hammons Field and is a great place to watch some exciting baseball when it isn’t too hot outside.
Runge Conservation Nature Center is a great place to spend some time. It’s located in the Ozarks and has a variety of animals and plants and a butterfly house. There is also a nature center with a gift shop and picnic area where you can enjoy lunch or dinner on your own. In addition to the conservation center, there are hiking trails open year-round, even during winter when other outdoor activities aren’t available.
The Springfield Art Museum is a museum of fine art that features a permanent collection of around 10,000 pieces. It’s located downtown and was founded in 1928, making it one of the oldest art museums in the state. It has many galleries and exhibits that change throughout the year, so there’s always something new to see.
Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park is a great place to take the kids. This park has plenty of activities for kids, including a playground and picnic tables. Many birds, fish, turtles, and other animals also make their home here. If you want to see some beautiful flowers and plants, check out their garden! It’s located in Springfield, MO’s historic Old Southwest neighborhood, filled with amazing old homes from around 100 years ago.
At the end of the day, these are just a few local attractions that will keep your kids happy. However, there are tons of other things to do in Springfield, MO, that we didn’t mention here! So if you have any favorite places for families with kids in this area, let us know in the comments below!
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