There are so many things to do in Springfield MO! Whether you are looking for something to do with the whole family or a different date night idea, there is something for you.
Easy Family-Friendly Things To Do In Springfield MO:
Visit One Of The Top 7 Best 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.
One of the essential things in choosing a fitness center in Springfield, MO, is finding a facility that suits your family — including your kids.
Luckily, we have many family-friendly fitness centers in Springfield, MO, that offer kids centers to play while you exercise in their facility.
One of our favorite things to do in the summer is going to a swimming hole to splash around, fish, look for animals, get a tan, and spend time together! I asked my oldest what he remembered most about the memories we made over the summer and, finding local swimming holes was his favorite! Click to view the Top 5 Swimming Holes in Springfield, MO or Top 11 Places To Swim In Springfield, MO
Springfield, Missouri, has many scenic walking trail options all around the city and outskirts. The Ozark Greenways has made it their mission to provide our community with many walking trails throughout the city as part of their community outreach program. Their mission is to create trails accessible for everyone regardless of age, abilities, or interests. It is a perfect place to go on a family scavenger hunt and enjoy the fresh air. Create a list of fun outdoor things to look for and scout to discover all of the scenery the beautiful outdoors has to offer. You can also learn about fitness or a new skill. Learn to ride a bike, roller skate, skip, jump, run. There are so many great things for your family to have fun and learn. Click HERE to view The 6 Best Walking Trails in Springfield, MO
Visit an Indoor Playgrounds in Springfield Mo
Rainy and cold days can be challenging for kids because they have so much energy and are ready to play! (Or maybe that is my wild ones!).
We are always looking for new indoor playgrounds that are fun for my three kids! Here is a list of our Top 7 Favorites Indoor Playgrounds In Springfield, MO
Wonders of Wildlife is such a fun way to learn about animals, wildlife worldwide, and their habitats. They offer a hands-on experience to see thousands of animals with interactive educational opportunities to learn about each of them. We go here weekly and learn so many new things every time we go!
Fantastic Caverns is an excellent way to learn about our local caves, the animals that live in them, and their history. It is fun because you can ride in a Jeep as the tour guide teaches your whole family all about what’s around you and can even answer questions! In the end, there is a fun gift shop that takes a souvenir home to remember this fun adventure.
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield offers a unique experience to learn about the Civil War while still exploring the outdoors. They have a variety of walking trails across the battlefield and an indoor museum to learn even more.
Dickerson Park Zoo is a great way to learn about many unique animals worldwide. They even offer a way to feed some of them as well!
Springfield Art Museum is perfect for the artist in your family. It offers hundreds of beautiful art pieces from local arts for you to learn from. In the end, they even have a little play area for the kids to play at.
“Pythian Castle was originally built in 1913 as an orphanage by the Knights of Pythias. Later, it was owned by the U.S. Military. This certified haunted castle is a must-see.”. They host historical tours throughout the day to learn, but they also offer ghost tours, escape rooms, murder mystery dinners, and more that can be fun! I went on a ghost tour a few years ago. It was a blast! They talked about the castle’s history and taught about the history of the ghost.
Discovery Center Of Springfield
Discovery Center of Springfield is one of my favorite attractions in Springfield, MO, to visit with my kids. There is so much to learn! There are new things to discover around every corner between tornados, shadows, space, gravity, dinosaurs, and SO much more.
Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden
Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden is “The oldest attraction at the Springfield Botanical Gardens, the 7.5 acres, Mizumoto Japanese Stroll garden was created in 1985 and includes a large koi lake, moon bridge, meditation garden, tea house, and traditional Japanese garden landscaping.” It is a perfect place to learn about nature, local animals, and landscaping. It is an ideal quiet location to bring a book, coloring books and spend some time together relaxing in nature.
Springfield Cardinals games are one of the highlights of our summer. Gather up your family and learn about the great game of baseball while watching a Springfield Cardinals game. Even families who are not all that into baseball can have a blast in the atmosphere and entertainment they provide throughout the game. I didn’t understand the game for years that I would go but still had so much fun being part of all the raving fans and fun activities they provide for families.
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Springfield Conservation Nature Center is a great place to learn about nature, animals, and the local habitats in the Ozarks. Head over to their guest building. They have the coolest backpacks you can rent with magnifying glasses, animal calls, paper, and pencils to create nature art and more as you walk the paths through the conservation. For more educational and fun attractions in Springfield MO click HERE.
Things To Do in Springfield MO For Date Night or Older Kids:
Ax throwing
Are you and your partner ready for a little friendly competition? If you haven’t seen it yet, Axe throwing is like darts with points but with axes! (How cool is that?!) There are two locations to this in Springfield, MO. Craft Axe Throwing- Springfield or Tommy Hawks Axe House.
Painting with A Twist offers in-studio events where you and your partner can experience a laid-back, fun, artsy date night. They provide painting supplies, step-by-step instructions, and a fun atmosphere for you and your partner to enjoy. Feel free to bring your drinks and snacks too! They also offer at-home paint kits so you and your partner can still have a fun night without leaving your home.
Springfield Escape Room challenges you and your partner as you solve puzzles, crack codes, and find clues before you run out of time. This is perfect for double dates as well!
1984 brings you back to the “retro” arcades with 70-80 arcade video games and 15+ pinball machines popular in the 1970-1990s.
Blue Room Comedy Club offers open mic night and tickets to your favorite local comedians. Check out their website here for the complete list of events.
Bingo Emporium is a fun way to get a little competitive with your partner, relax and have fun playing the game!
Dance Classes Step By Step Dance.
Dance classes step by step dance offers group and private dance classes to learn swing, ballroom, country, salsa, and argentine tango. Whether you have two left feet or are on your way to steal the show, Step by Step Dance offers a fun and enjoyable experience to spend time with your partner.
Sunset Drive-in Theatre (Aurora)
Sunset Drive-in Theatre in Aurora offers old-fashioned drive-in movies showing double features since 1951! You and your partner can load up blankets and pillows, snacks, and your favorite drink while you cuddle up to a movie in a unique way.
Last night, Evan grabbed a burger, and I got a milkshake and took a drive as we were dropping kids off to and from places. We watched the sunset, the scenery and talked about all of our hopes and dreams for what’s to come in our lives. It was so fun! Our favorite place to drive is the roads between Springfield and Branson to see the rolling hills of the Ozarks.
Zenith Climbing Center is equipped with Walltopia rock climbing walls and a yoga studio. There are walls for various difficulties so you and your partner can work out together and practice your climbing skills. They also have equipment rentals for you to rent as you enjoy the sport.
Backwoods Golf is a fun way for you and your partner to enjoy golfing in a tee box while getting food and drinks. I’ve heard their food is fantastic and their staff is so friendly and accommodating.
Firehouse Pottery is a unique type of studio! They have already made pottery that you and your partner can paint together! A few days later, you can come back and pick back your beautiful art piece as a keepsake.
Friend’s Karaoke Pub is a fun place for you and your partner to grab a drink and some good food and sing your hearts out!
Bawi Korean BBQ offers a different experience because customers cook their food with grills built into every table. Servers help guide guests through the experience to ensure food is cooked and seasoned.
B+B Boulangerie offers baking and cooking classes and special date night events. The events have couples learn to cook a meal together and then enjoy dinner by candlelight at the end of the class.
Tea Bar and Bites offers a special theme dinner night! “Our theme dinners are a special 5-course meal created and prepared by Chef Marty Almaraz, taking a theme and adding to it a Tea Bar twist. Theme Dinners are a wonderful night for a special date… with live entertainment and a unique atmosphere. Patio dining is available on the outdoor Spanish courtyard, weather permitting. Enjoy live music or entertainment (most dinners) by a local artist. Our seating is limited, and reservations fill up fast.”
First Friday Art Walk is held the first Friday of every month in downtown Springfield MO from 6-10 pm. It’s a fun experience visiting different businesses, viewing local artist work, and spending time walking through downtown Springfield.
Springfield Skateland is a fun date night idea to rollerblade, enjoy the music, and take back to the good old days of roller skating as a kid.
Canoe Or Kayak Lake Springfield
Lake Springfield Park and Boathouse offer canoe or kayak rentals for you and your partner to enjoy a night on the water. Grab some drinks, pack snacks, and enjoy a peaceful night together.
As a photographer, I had to save the best for last. One of our favorite things to do as a family is to create a photography adventure. The best part is you can find someone else to do the planning for you!
Families often come to me looking for an outdoor adventure with their family but don’t want the stress. I find the most beautiful locations, help find the BEST outfits that you are comfortable in, and love and capture your family playing, exploring, and spending time together candidly. You not only get a fun time together, but you will also receive a beautiful gallery of photos you will cherish forever. You can find more information on what I offer as a Springfield MO Maternity, Newborn and Family Photographer HERE.
There are so many things to do in Springfield, MO, whatever the occasion.
Looking for more to do in Springfield MO? Check out the blogs below
Top Education and Fun Attractions in Springfield MO
Top Toddler Activities in Springfield MO
