For the younger members of the family, Itty Bitty City and Discovery Center are the perfect places for hours of educational, hands-on play. Itty Bitty City is exactly that - a miniature city complete with a fire station, grocery store, zoo and more created to inspire make-believe play. Discovery Center, a hands-on science center, offers all sorts of activities designed to spark curiosity about scientific concepts, such as physics, anatomy, the environment, electricity, music and more.
Wonders of Wildlive National Museum & Aquarium.
Get the kids outdoors at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park to explore the rich agricultural heritage of the Ozarks thanks to a red barn that’s home to miniature horses and donkeys, goats and sheep; other animal exhibits; and activities designed to teach about farm life and where food comes from.
For those who want to get physical, get into the bounce of things at Sky Zone Trampoline Park or Urban Air Adventure Park at Battlefield Mall. Test your skills in a friendly game of miniature golf at one of the great courses in the city. Enjoy a classic round of 18 holes and batting cages at Fun Acre Mini Golf and for a modern twist, Swing Right Golf offers two indoor simulators featuring 41 courses. Another option is to strap on some blades and try out the icy surfaces at Jordan Valley Ice Park where open skating is available most days.
Fun Aacre Golf.
For the teens and tweens, make it a family game night with classic arcade games at 1984 Arcade or mix it up with modern games at Andy B’s Restaurant and Entertainment or Springfield’s Incredible Pizza Company.
Take a walk on the wild side and experience several animal attractions in the Ozarks. The largest - and newest - is Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, a wildlife and aquarium experience that will entertain the entire family for hours. Wild Animal Safari includes a ride- or drive-thru animal park and a small walk-through zoo featuring a petting area, monkeys, a giraffe, a reptile house and other creatures.
Dickerson Park Zoo is a self-guided walking tour with a variety of animal exhibits organized geographically with animals from around the world. At National Tiger Sanctuary, home to several exotic felines, only guided walking tours are allowed with feeding tours and other special tours as options.
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