50+ Summer Date Ideas to Do in Springfield, Missouri

Whether you're planning a first date or keeping the spark alive with your longtime partner, Springfield, Missouri is full of fun, unique, and affordable ways to connect this summer. From scenic outdoor adventures to foodie adventures and day trips, this guide offers over 50 creative date ideas to help you make the most of summer in the Ozarks.

Attractions & Things To Do

• Browse fresh produce and local crafts while tasting delicious samples from vendors at the Farmer's Market of the Ozarks, C-Street Market, Greater Springfield Farmers’ Market, Ozark Farmers’ Market and more. 

• Take a drive through the Wild Animal Safari and experience feeding on a whole new level.

• Go mini-golfing at Fun Acre!

• Bring your blankets or lawn chairs to Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield for Arts in the Park or take a self-guided tour.

• Tour the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden and Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park. 

• Watch fireworks around the Ozarks.

• Hit some balls at Swing Right Golf and Big Shots Golf.

• Take a cave tour of Fantastic Caverns, Smallin’ Civil War Cave and Crystal Cave.

• Feed the giraffes at Dickerson Park Zoo.

• Golf around the world at Getaway Golf.

• Play at one of dozens of disc golf courses around the Springfield-area.

• Watch a Springfield Cardinals Baseball game. 

• See the new sculptures on Sculpture Walk Springfield.

• Learn about Springfield’s History on the Springfield-Greene County African American Heritage Trail.

• Attend a Tent Theatre show at Missouri State University.

• Stroll down and shop Historic Commercial Street.

• Take a self-guided tour of Finley Farms.

Hiking, Floating & Trails

• Hike Busiek State Forest.

• Set up a cozy campsite and enjoy fishing, hiking, stargazing at Fellows Lake.

• Rent a kayak or canoe and have a float adventure on James River.

• Take a horseback riding tour with 37 North Expeditions.

• Explore the Springfield Conservation & Nature Center.

• Check out the outlook at Garrison Springs. 

• Bike the 30+ mile Frisco Highline Trail to Bolivar.

• Rent kayaks and float on Lake Springfield.

• Walk, skate, or bike the Fulbright Spring Greenway Trail.

• Honor fall soldiers at the Trail of Honor. 

• Explore the heart of Springfield through the Galloway Creek Greenway.

Food & Drink

• Share a locally brewed wine flight at Bear Creek Winery & Brewery. 

• Grab a drink and enjoy the skyline views of Springfield at Eyrie Rooftop Bar and Vantage Rooftop Bar. 

• Relax and sip on craft beers while enjoying live music at Tie & Timber Beer Co. 

• Visit these local dessert shops for the perfect summer sweet treat: Andy’s Frozen Custard, Pineapple Whip, Ozark Snoballz and more!

• Attend Millsap Farm’s Pizza Nights.

• Eat outside at a new patio.

• Play games and enjoy the live music at 14 Mill Market.

• Eat your way through Springfield’s Cashew Chicken Trail and the Ozarks Coffee Trail.

Day Trips

• Take a day trip to Dogwood Canyon Nature Park and hike to see the beautiful waterfalls. 

• Take a scenic golf cart tour or enjoy a romantic dinner with breathtaking views at Big Cedar Lodge’s Top of the Rock.

• Pick your own fresh blueberries at Black and Blue Berry Farm.

• Enjoy a cozy and nostalgic outdoor movie experience at the Sunset Drive-In.

• Cool off at one of the world’s top rated water parks: White Water in Branson!

• For an adrenaline rush, zipline through the Ozarks at Branson Zipline. 

• Post Malone and Jelly Roll travel to Thunder Ridge for their biggest headlining tour to date. 

• Enjoy a night out of the water with dinner and a show on the Showboat Branson Belle.

• Tour the Laura Ingalls Wilder House in Mansfield, Missouri.

• Buy seeds at Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. in Mansfield, Missouri.

• Go trout fishing at Rockbridge Rainbow Trout & Game Ranch in Rockbridge, Missouri.