Springfield is brimming with exciting activities tailored for children of all ages. From exploring interactive museums to discovering the wonders of nature, there’s no shortage of kid-friendly fun in this vibrant city.
Dickerson Park Zoo
A great way to enjoy the summer weather is to take a self-guided tour of Dickerson Park Zoo. You can see various animal exhibits, explore the reptile house, have an animal encounter and much more. There’s even a cafe for snacks, so you can easily take your time and spend the whole day exploring at your own pace.
Address: 1401 W. Norton Road, Springfield
Wonders of Wildlife
Voted America’s Best Aquarium multiple years in a row, Wonders of Wildlife is guaranteed to amaze. Follow along with immersive environments and learn all about the fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds that reside there. There are also multiple rest stops along the way, along with snacks and bathrooms, so visitors can take their time and enjoy all this attraction has to offer at their own pace.
Address: 500 W. Sunshine St., Springfield
Wild Animal Safari
A little way outside of Springfield, Wild Animal Safari offers many different ways to get up close to exotic animals. Enjoy their walk-through zoo with a petting area, a ride-through tour where visitors can feed and learn about the animals, or you can drive through in your own vehicle. If you opt to drive yourself, just remember that USDA regulations prohibit feeding the animals without a guide, along with requiring windows to stay rolled up.
Address: 124 Jungle Road, Strafford
The Discovery Center
The Discovery Center takes an interactive, hands-on approach to science. All ages can have fun learning alongside exhibits that explore anything from physics to chemistry. Visitors will be amazed at how much fun they can have while also learning! The Discovery Center offers all this and more in Southwest Missouri’s first LEED Gold-certified building.
Address: 438 E St Louis St, Springfield
Indoor Playgrounds & Play Centers
With various indoor playgrounds scattered throughout the city, families have plenty of options to keep their little ones entertained, rain or shine. Check out the ones closest to Springfield!
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The Jungle Gym - 3322 S. Campbell Ave., Suite GG, Springfield
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Where The Wild Things Play - 5557 N. 21st St. Suite 4, Ozark
Mini Golf
Springfield offers several mini-courses that are fun for kids and adults.
- Getaway Golf - 3833 E. State Highway D, Springfield
- Fun Acre - 214 W. Glenwood St., Springfield
- Swing Right Golf - 444 E. Farm Road 192. Springfield
- Discovery Center - 438 E. St. Louis St., Springfield (Discovery Center is a hands-on science museum that includes a miniature golf course inside.)
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Springfield Conservation Nature Center is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of nature within the Ozarks. Visitors can stop in at the educational conservation center, where they can interact with fun exhibits teaching all about native wildlife and how we can use conservation to preserve it. After learning all about the great outdoors, visitors can hike along one of the Nature Center’s many trails, experiencing some of the many biomes that Missouri offers.
Address: 4601 S. Nature Center Way, Springfield
Missouri Institute of Natural Science
The Missouri Institute of Natural Science houses hundreds of animal, plant, and mineral specimens. Visitors can come face-to-face with triceratops, see glow-in-the-dark minerals and dig for fossils. They are also encouraged to hike up the hill and hunt for fossils to take home. The best part is admission is free!
Address: 2327 W. Farm Road 190, Springfield
Splash Pads
If you’re looking for a way to cool off this summer, Springfield has a few different splash pads that will help you beat the heat! The splash pads at Jordan Valley Park and Farmers Park are entirely free to enjoy, and the one inside Dickerson Park Zoo is included with entry.
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Dickerson Park Zoo - 1401 W. Norton Road, Springfield
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Jordan Valley Park - 635 E. Trafficway St., Springfield
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Farmers Park - 2144 E. Republic Road, Springfield
Park Board Summer Camps
Over the summer, Springfield’s Park Board offers a variety of camps that can fit any kid’s wants or interests! Camps also come in various time frames, so kids can have a day or more of fun activities and comradery. View the summer camp guide to learn more.
Real Madrid Soccer Camp
Real Madrid Soccer Camp is great for any soccer lover to attend! Running from July 15-19, the camp is open to boys and girls of all levels of soccer players, ages 6 to 17!
Address: 209 Airport Blvd., Springfield
Moxie Mornings
Photo courtesy of Ashley Clair
If your kid has a more artistic side, Moxie Mornings is the perfect creative escape! Kids can watch educational short films while indulging in crafts and learning to think critically and appreciate art. Moxie Mornings are on select Saturday mornings starting at 10 a.m. View the schedule to learn about upcoming ones.
Address 305 S. Campbell Ave #101, Springfield
Movies at Jordan Valley Park
A great evening family activity happening this summer is the free family-friendly movie screenings at Jordan Valley Park! Each movie will have themed concessions and crafts available, so all you have to worry about is bringing your own seating.
Address: 635 E. Trafficway St., Springfield
Parks & Playgrounds
Springfield has dozens of free parks with great playgrounds for the kids. If you’re kid loves to climb and slide, here are several parks in the vicinity with delightful playgrounds.
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