Springfield is filled with family-friendly adventures that will create a lifetime of memories for all ages. With the perfect mix of kid activities and other options for mom and dad, check out this kid-friendly itinerary that’ll satisfy all family members.
Where To Stay
Springfield has a variety of accommodations to fit your desired experience, needs, and budget. Check out our places to stay page for more information.
Things To Do
Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium
Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium was voted America’s Best Aquarium and Best New Attraction in “USA Today” reader polls. Featuring an immersive design with more than 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds, the attraction is home to 1.5 million gallons of saltwater and freshwater aquariums. The immersive wildlife galleries bring visitors eye-to-eye with the greatest collection of record-setting game animals ever assembled. See all kinds of aquarium life from sea turtles to sharks and albino alligators. For tired explorers, there are many rest stops along the way for snacks and bathroom breaks.
Address: 500 W. Sunshine St., Springfield, MO 65807
Discovery Center
The Discovery Center is an interactive hands-on science center for all ages. Imagine, create, have fun and learn with hundreds of exhibits that explore physics, chemistry, energy, health and culture all in an environmentally-friendly building, the first LEED Gold Certified building in southwest Missouri. Explore galleries and exhibits such as HighWire Bike, BodyWorks, Discovery Town and Energy Exchange.
Address: 438 E. St. Louis St., Springfield, MO 65806
Andy B’s
For an afternoon of fun, feel like a kid again at Andy B’s. With attractions like bowling, arcade games and virtual reality, spend the afternoon exploring and playing all kinds of games. They also have a full menu and bar available!
Address: 1127 E. Battlefield Rd., Springfield, MO 65807
History Museum On The Square
Voted the best new attraction in the nation in a “USA Today” readers’ poll, the History Museum on the Square is where you’ll learn about the history of the Ozarks and the third-largest city in Missouri. Kids love the interactive exhibits and grown-ups enjoy the fascinating displays that explore famous incidents of the past, how the city has developed, famous Springfieldians and more. If you’re a Route 66 enthusiast, be sure to spend time in the exhibit about the famous highway that takes up a large portion of the third floor.
Address: 154 Park Central Square, Springfield, MO 65806
Wild Animal Safari
A short drive from Springfield, the Wild Animal Safari includes a small walk-through zoo featuring a petting area, monkeys, a giraffe and other creatures along with a reptile house. The attraction has a ride-through tour where patrons can see - and feed - dozens of animals and learn about them from a well-versed tour guide. Another option is to drive through in your own vehicle but USDA regulations prohibit feeding the animals without a guide present and windows must be rolled up.
Address: 124 Jungle Rd, Strafford, MO 65757
Dickerson Park Zoo
After breakfast, take a stroll through Dickerson Park Zoo. The zoo is a self-guided walking tour you can explore at your own pace with a wide variety of animal exhibits. Kids can explore the reptile house, feed the giraffes, and attend special events for more hours of fun. There’s even a miniature train ride, a gift shop, playground and cafe for snacks.
Address: 1401 W. Norton Rd., Springfield, MO 65803
Where To Eat
Gailey’s Breakfast Cafe
Gailey’s has been a local favorite in Springfield because of a flair on breakfast favorites. It started out as a pharmacy serving hamburgers in 1940 and has been serving food ever since. Though the pharmacy part of the business is long gone, the restaurant has expanded into the ground floor of neighboring buildings and even includes a bar frequented by locals and travelers in the evening. Try breakfast favorites such as breakfast tacos, steak and eggs, delicious pancakes, and home fry skillets. Or try a giant breakfast built on a bed of home fry potatoes served with your choice of toast, pancake, french toast, or biscuit and gravy.
Address: 220 E. Walnut St., Springfield, MO 65806
Druff’s
Photo courtesy of Druff's
A kid’s paradise and lunch come together in harmony between two slices of sourdough bread at Druff’s, a tiny diner tucked into the corner of North Jefferson Avenue and Park Central East. Known for its crazy grilled cheese sandwich combinations, a popular breakfast sandwich is {The Fun Group} made with cheddar cheese, bacon, fried egg, and an apple between two slices of sourdough. A side of tomato soup, ruffled potato chips or fresh fruit are the perfect combinations to finish off the meal.
Address: 331 Park Central E #101, Springfield, MO 65806
Big Whiskey’s
End the night at Big Whiskey’s across the street. Big Whiskey’s will satisfy adults with their famous selection of wings that includes 14 flavors, steaks, salads and burgers. Oh and, of course, its collection of over 100 whiskeys. Kids can enjoy a variety of favorites like mac and cheese, grilled chicken, shrimp, mini corn dogs and more.
Address: Multiple Locations
St. George’s Donuts
Every local in Springfield will say that St. George's Donuts is a must-visit. A locally-owned bakery in Springfield, Missouri, St. George’s offers donuts, pastries and locally roasted coffee. Their donuts, pastries, icing and glaze are handmade from scratch using only quality ingredients and classic pastry techniques. Treat the kiddos to a breakfast treat, and don’t forget to take a picture in front of the new donut mural!
Address: 3628 E Sunshine St, Springfield, MO 65809, 3012 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65804,
Hemingway’s
After touring the aquarium, walk through Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World and dine at Hemingway’s Blue Water Cafe. Relax in the Ozarks' restaurant named after the famous author, Ernest Hemingway. Dine amid sport fish, African game trophies and a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium. Enjoy sandwiches, salads, seafood, beef, chicken and pasta entrées or try their bountiful breakfast, lunch or dinner buffets.
Address: 1935 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, MO 65807
Cafe Cusco
A local favorite, Cafe Cusco is Springfield's hidden gem. The ever popular Peruvian restaurant is in the Historic district on Commercial Street, or as the natives say "C Street.” Walk inside to the beautifully restored building dating back to 1883. The warm ambiance with covered booths, mother of pearl chandeliers and rich woodwork will equally match the aroma of fresh-from-scratch Latin food. The only place in Springfield to fill up on anticuchos, ceviche, Andean tamales, fried yucca, arroz con pollo and decadent desserts like the lucuma cheesecake and apricot tres leches.
Address: 234 E. Commercial St., Springfield, MO 65803
Andy’s Frozen Custard or Pineapple Whip
To end the night, take a relaxing break and look for the iconic giant custard cone or dancing hula girl for a sweet treat. Andy's Frozen Custard is a Springfield staple when it comes to enjoying a creamy, delectable dessert made with fresh ingredients; all custard is served within an hour after its made and a huge hit for the kids. If you're feeling something fruitier, grab a cup or a cone of delicious Pineapple Whip. If you wanna mix things up, order a swirl of two different flavors combined.
Address: Multiple Locations
Leong’s Asian Diner
You can’t leave Springfield without trying the dish that made the city famous! Enjoy original “Springfield-Style” cashew chicken made with fried chicken chunks covered with Chinese oyster sauce, cashews and chopped green onion at Leong’s Asian Diner.
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