If you're planning a getaway with the kids, check out our kid-friendly itinerary built for families.

Day One: 

Urban Adventure

Discovery Center in Downtown Springfield, Missouri

Breakfast: Stop by Gailey’s Breakfast Cafe—a downtown staple—and don’t miss out on their sweet potato hash browns.  

Morning Activity: Explore the wonders of Dickerson Park Zoo, home to over 500 captivating animals. The zoo hosts events throughout the year for the whole family to enjoy. 

Lunch: Stop by Druff’s for soups, salads and sandwiches—you can’t go wrong with diner classics, especially their grilled cheese.  

Afternoon Activity: After lunch, walk over to the Discovery Center. The interactive science museum aims to inspire curiosity in kids and foster a fun environment to learn about STEM. 

Dinner: Springfield Brewing Company offers pub food, and they use only locally and responsibly sourced ingredients in their scratch-made recipes. 

Evening Activity: Enjoy a magical night out on the town at Springfield Little Theatre where stories have been told on stage since 1934. 

Day Two: 

Wild Explorations

Springfield Cardinals Game at Hammons Field

Breakfast: Even picky eaters in your family can find something at First Watch. With healthful and indulgent options on, you’ll find something to satisfy everyone 

Morning Activity: Take a drive through Springfield’s Wild Animal Safari and feed the animals along the way. The trail is five miles long, and you’ll see exotic birds, zebras, alpacas and more. 

Lunch: Grab lunch at Incredible Pizza. The ’50s-themed arcade and diner has more than 100 items on its buffet, more than 150 arcade games and a prize table. 

Dinner: Score dinner with the kids at a Springfield Cardinals game. The stadium food is always a hit, and adults can enjoy local craft beer. The best time to go is on Friday nights to see the fireworks or on Sunday afternoons when kids can run the bases and receive free Hiland Dairy Ice Cream!

Evening Activity: Pop in to Black Sheep Burgers and Shakes for a rich milkshake made with frozen custard. 

Day Three: 

Time to play

The Wildlife Galleries inside Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

Breakfast: Drop in at Parlor Doughnuts for freshly made layered doughnuts with fun flavors, like french toast, honey-glazed and lemonade. Parlor also offers vegan, gluten-friendly and keto-friendly products and specialty coffee. 

Morning Activity: Get lost in the halls of Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium. With more than 350,000 feet of galleries, state-of-the-art exhibits and aquariums, guests can be fully immersed in the museum. 

Lunch: Once lunchtime hits, cross over and grab something to eat at Hemingway’s Blue Water Cafe, located in Bass Pro Shops. The atmosphere is inspired by American saltwater fisherman Ernest Hemingway, and the menu boasts all the classics. Plus, there is an aquarium inside to continue the wildlife fun. 

Afternoon Activity: Travel across the world through Getaway Golf’s interactive miniature golf course. The course is travel-themed and features big cities from the U.S. and around the world at each hole. 

Dinner: Don’t let the fun stop—visit Andy B’s for dinner and games. Bowl a few rounds, visit the arcade and indulge in appetizers, pizza, burgers and more. Keep an eye out for family glow-bowling nights and late-night specials.