As a Springfield, MO family photographer and family of four, I know parents are always looking to take their kids to fun new parks in Springfield, MO. We are so blessed with so many amazing local parks that are fun for the whole family! Park dates are a daily visit for us. My kids LOVE to run around, swing, climb, chase each other, and make new friends.
Last year, we made a goal to visit EVERY park in Springfield to find our favorites. I had no idea there are SO MANY amazing local parks! Each one has so many beautiful, unique features my kids enjoyed.
7 Best Parks In Springfield MO
Rutledge Wilson Park is by far our FAVORITE park as well as one of the top toddler activities in Springfield, MO. It is 207-acre farmland with not only the cutest barn playset for kids, but it also has farm animals to pet, walking trails, tractors to climb on, tractor trikes to ride, and family-friendly events year-round. It also has pavilions, a pond, a picnic table, and seasonal concessions. In my opinion, the playset is geared towards older kids but still a blast. My wild kids were about 2.5 before they were confident to play on it.
I absolutely love Ritter Spring Parks for how beautiful and spacious it is! It offers a variety of activities to do there as well! It is a 246-acre park with creeks to splash in, multiple play sets that are perfect for all ages, several walking trails for your family to enjoy, caves to explore, archery targets to practice, BBQ grills to have a picnic, and much more! Most of the park is shaded, which makes it the perfect park to visit on hot summer days.
Jordan Valley is our favorite in the summer because of its water fountains. A section of their park has a man-made stream for kids to “swim” in and fountains that shoot up. It is a blast for all ages. They also have a playground, walking trails connecting 75+ miles of Ozark Greenway trails, picnic tables, and an outdoor amphitheater. It not only made it on our list here for favorite parks, it also made it on our list for the Top 5 Swimming Holes in Springfield, MO as well as The 6 Best Walking Trails in Springfield, MO
4. Lake Springfield Park and Boathouse
Lake Springfield is such a fun way for your kids to enjoy nature and connect with wildlife. This park is a 153-acre park with lake views, bird watching, playground, trails, pavilion, picnic tables, and more! Families are welcome to fish, as well as rent canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks. My kid’s favorite part is that we always see so many animals in their natural habitat. It is beautiful! We always see deer, fish, geese, ducks, squirrels, and many more! Lake Springfield has charming scenery surrounded by the park, woodland scenery, and lookout views along the walking trails.
5. Springfield Botanical Gardens
Springfield Botanical Gardens AKA Nathanial Green Park is HUGE and has many fun things to see. They have many beautiful flower gardens, playgrounds, and picnic tables throughout the park for everyone to enjoy. They also have a pond, pavilion, barn, and visitors center that regularly has events and activities for the whole family to enjoy. It also connects to the Ozark Greenway trails. This is the perfect park if your family wants to go on a walk or a bike. It is one of the most beautiful parks I have ever visited!
Phelps Grove is so fun if you are planning to have a picnic! They have all the necessities for a perfect family picnic park, including brick BBQs for public access, pavilions, a trail around the park, and playsets. It is such a beautiful shaded park! They also have a wading pool for kids, a water-wise garden, and a tennis court.
If you are looking for a country-style park Lost Hill Park is a gem! It is a 60-acre scenic park with a playground, trail, picnic tables, a creek to splash in, beautiful scenery, and even an old barn to look at!
For more parks in Springfield MO
For a full list of Springfield Parks, as well as annuities each of them offers, you can visit Springfield Park Board’s website HERE.
Are you looking for a Springfield MO Photographer?
Hello! I am a maternity, newborn and family photographer in Springfield MO. From finding the perfect outfit location to planning, preparation, and more, I help with it all! I even have a motherhood client closet you are welcome to borrow from! For more information, click HERE.
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