When we said goodbye to the bus and hopped on a plane bound for Springfield, Missouri, we weren’t quite sure what to expect. To be honest, we thought it would be a quick stopover on our route across the Midwest. But Springfield completely surprised us. What we found was a city full of charm, family-friendly attractions, local flavor, and outdoor escapes that made us fall in love with this underrated destination.
We explored caves by lantern light, caught hot rolls mid-air, strolled through mossy forests, and ate our way through the city’s local favorites. And the best part? We planned every step of our trip using the Steller app, which helped us turn our road trip into a story-driven itinerary we could follow on the go and share with friends later.
So whether you're in a bus like us, piling into the family minivan, or hopping a quick flight, here's our in-depth guide to experiencing the best of Springfield, MO.
Why Springfield, Missouri Should Be on Your Family Road Trip List
Springfield blends small-town friendliness with big-city amenities. It has a quirky, down-to-earth vibe that immediately puts you at ease, and there's so much to do for families, nature lovers, and foodies alike. It also makes a great base for exploring other parts of southern Missouri, including the Ozarks and Route 66 attractions.
We spent four days exploring the best of Springfield and while we definitely want to come back for more, we think this itinerary hits the highlights.
Where We Stayed: Oasis Hotel & Convention Center
The Oasis Hotel quickly became a favorite of our kids thanks to its indoor pool and splash pad, but what really stood out was the tropical-themed décor and welcoming atmosphere. We appreciated having everything we needed right on-site, including one of the best meals of our trip, from the hotel's Fire & Ice Restaurant. Room service after a long day? Yes, please.
Day 1: Pizza, Pool Time & Frozen Custard
Welcome to Pizza House
We kicked off our Springfield experience with a stop at this local legend. Open since 1958, Pizza House serves hand-rolled, ultra-thin crust pies that are a must-try. Our kids loved watching the team toss the dough and build the pizzas through the window. The crust was crisp and light and satisfying without being heavy. It was the perfect start to our Missouri adventure.
Evening Splash & Sweet Treats
After checking in at the Oasis and enjoying some splash pad fun, we capped the night with a visit to Andy’s Frozen Custard. It came highly recommended by locals, and it did not disappoint. From Ozark Turtles to classic concretes, everything was rich, creamy, and hit the spot. This quickly became our kids’ top dessert pick. We loved it so much we went back for seconds!
Day 2: Breakfast Bliss & Outdoor Exploration
Breakfast at The Aviary Café
A total gem. This spot absolutely stole our hearts with its warm atmosphere and kid-friendly service (they even brought out sample pomme frites while our kids waited!). The lemon sugar crepes and lattes were standout favorites. It felt like a slice of Paris in the Ozarks and left us smiling long after we left.
Smallin Civil War Cave
We stepped into history on the lantern-lit tour at Smallin Cave. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience with deep Civil War history and stunning natural formations. Our guide was engaging, and the flickering lanterns added a magical, time-travel feel. Older kids and history lovers will especially appreciate this stop.
Lambert’s Café
“Throwed Rolls” may be the main attraction, but the endless pass-arounds and welcoming vibe made Lambert’s a true highlight for our family. Our kids were wide-eyed catching hot rolls flying through the air, and the portions were hearty and comforting. It’s part restaurant, part entertainment, and completely unforgettable.
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
This quiet, shaded trail system was the perfect way to walk off lunch. The kids loved the interactive exhibits inside, and we got an impromptu lesson in wildlife safety when we came across a copperhead on the trail (luckily, we had just learned how to spot one!). The boardwalks and creek crossings were peaceful and fun to explore.
Evening Bite at Civil Kitchen
We stopped in for a relaxed evening meal at Civil Kitchen, and it did not disappoint. The food was flavorful, with plenty of options for kids and adults alike. The cozy atmosphere made it easy to unwind after a packed day.
Day 3: Wildlife, Water & Wholesome Fun
Gailey’s Breakfast Café
Voted “Best Breakfast in the 417,” Gailey’s served up hearty, delicious plates in a classic diner atmosphere. The coffee was strong and the service friendly, everything you want before a big day. We loved the retro vibe, and the kids were fans of the big pancakes.
Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium
This was hands-down one of the most memorable stops of the trip. We spent over six hours here and even walked through the aquarium twice! The exhibits are immersive, beautifully designed, and full of interactive fun. From giant aquariums to wildlife dioramas, it’s a paradise for nature-loving families.
Picnic & Paddle at Fellows Lake
We grabbed provisions at Mama Jean’s Natural Market and headed to the lake. Though we didn’t realize they don’t take reservations, the staff went above and beyond to get us on the water with a mix of tandem and single kayaks. The peaceful setting, friendly carp, and lakeside picnic made for an unexpectedly magical afternoon. It’s an ideal place for a calm, scenic break.
Dinner at Black Sheep Burgers & Shakes
A total highlight. This was our favorite dinner of the trip—burgers loaded with flavor, truffle fries, and homemade blackberry cobbler and strawberry shortcake shakes. The vibe was fun, the staff was fantastic, and we left absolutely full and happy. Pro tip: ask your server for shake flavor recommendations, they know what’s best.
Day 4: Pancakes, Giraffes & Goodbyes
Van Gogh’s Eeterie
This artsy Dutch café served up tiny pancakes (called poffertjes) and strong coffee with loads of charm. We were greeted warmly, with a table already waiting, and it was the perfect start to our final day. The décor is whimsical, and the food left us wishing we had more mornings to spend here.
Dickerson Park Zoo
Before heading home, we made a stop at this small but thoughtful zoo where the kids got to feed giraffes and soak in one last dose of adventure. The enclosures were well-kept, and the staff was engaging and helpful. Our oldest said, “this is the best!”, and we’d have to agree.
Bonus Stop: The World’s Second Largest Fork
Because how could we not? We ended our trip with laughs and a little roadside whimsy, coming up with the best fork puns we could while snapping photos. It’s a quirky must-see that perfectly sums up the fun spirit of the trip.
Springfield Belongs on Your Travel List
Springfield, MO surprised us in all the best ways. It was full of character, rich in history, and easy to explore. From caves and crepes to kayaking and custard, it delivered meaningful, joy-filled moments for our family.
If you’re craving a vacation or road trip destination with charm, adventure, and food your whole family will rave about, Springfield deserves a spot on your list.
