Discover 12 family-friendly activities, venues, and restaurants in Springfield.
9 Upcoming EventsThe highest-rated places we recommend first — start here.
Bunn Park is a welcoming neighborhood park in Springfield that delivers everything families need for a perfect outdoor playdate. With well-maintained playgrounds designed for different age groups, plenty of grassy areas for games and picnics, and a safe, enclosed environment, it's an ideal spot for letting kids burn energy while parents relax nearby.
🌳 ParkEnos Park is a welcoming neighborhood park in Springfield that delivers all the essentials for a great family outing. The modern playground equipment keeps kids entertained while parents relax at the picnic tables, and the splash pad provides perfect relief during hot Illinois summers. With its free admission and well-maintained facilities, it's an ideal spot for impromptu playdates or planned family gatherings.
🧗 AdventureLost Bridge Trail offers families an easy, scenic hiking experience perfect for introducing kids to outdoor adventures. This free trail features gentle terrain that's ideal for little legs, beautiful nature views to keep everyone engaged, and the excitement of exploring a picturesque bridge along the route. It's a wonderful spot to enjoy quality time together while getting kids moving and appreciating the great outdoors.
🎨 MuseumThe Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum brings history to life with engaging, interactive exhibits that captivate kids and adults alike. Children can explore replica log cabins, participate in hands-on activities, and experience immersive theatrical presentations that make learning about Lincoln's life an adventure rather than a typical museum visit.
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🎨 MuseumStep into architectural history at this stunning Frank Lloyd Wright prairie-style mansion, featuring over 450 art glass windows and doors. The Dana-Thomas House offers guided tours that bring the early 1900s to life through original furnishings, innovative design features, and stories that captivate older children interested in art, history, or how buildings are made.
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🌳 ParkWashington Park is a beloved Springfield treasure offering 155 acres of green space perfect for family adventures. With beautifully maintained gardens, multiple playgrounds, and plenty of open areas for running and playing, this historic park provides everything families need for a memorable outdoor day without spending a dime.
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🌳 ParkCarpenter Park is a family favorite in Springfield that delivers serious fun without spending a dime. With a splash pad for cooling off, multiple playgrounds for different age groups, and wide open spaces for running around, this spacious park gives families everything they need for an active outdoor day. The well-maintained walking trails and variety of sports facilities mean there's something to keep every family member entertained.
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🎨 MuseumThe Illinois State Museum in Springfield offers an impressive collection of natural history and art exhibits that captivate curious young minds without breaking the bank. With interactive displays spanning Illinois history, geology, and wildlife, plus engaging art galleries, this museum provides hours of educational entertainment that feels more like play than learning.
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🎨 MuseumThe Springfield Art Association is a welcoming community art center that sparks creativity in children of all ages. With rotating exhibits, hands-on art workshops, and family-focused programs, this budget-friendly destination makes art accessible and fun for young artists. The intimate setting allows kids to engage deeply with art without the overwhelm of larger museums.
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🧗 AdventureLake Springfield is a stunning 4,200-acre recreational lake that serves as Springfield's ultimate outdoor playground for families. With free access to sandy beaches, fishing spots, multiple boat ramps, shaded picnic areas, and paved walking trails, this scenic destination offers endless opportunities for kids to explore nature, spot wildlife, and burn off energy while parents soak in the beautiful water views.
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🤸 Trampoline ParkSky Zone Trampoline Park in Springfield transforms exercise into pure fun with wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, and dodgeball courts that let kids bounce off energy in a safe, supervised environment. This indoor facility is perfect for rainy days, birthday parties, or when your kids just need to jump, flip, and play without worrying about the weather outside.
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🍽️ RestaurantChesapeake Seafood House offers a relaxed, family-friendly dining experience where kids can enjoy classic seafood favorites without the fuss of formal dining. With a dedicated kids menu and casual atmosphere, parents can enjoy quality seafood and steaks while children feel comfortable being themselves in this welcoming Springfield establishment.
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Want a playful way to learn and create with your little one in Springfield, Illinois? Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN offers hands-on, play-based learning where parents and children explore arts and crafts together. This parent-child program focuses on making the creative process as much fun as the finished masterpiece.
via Springfield Parks and Recreation
Looking for a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience this winter in Springfield, Illinois? Thomas Dambo's TROLLS: Save the Humans at Lauritzen Gardens features six towering trolls crafted from reclaimed wood by the acclaimed Danish artist, creating a whimsical and thought-provoking exhibit. These gentle giants invite families to explore themes of environmental conservation and creativity through art in nature.
via Lauritzen Gardens/Nature Centers (Omaha area - regional)
Showing 9 events in and around Springfield