In exchange for a little over a two hour drive, a weekend (or even a day trip!) packed full of activities awaits you in Springfield, Missouri! A destination that boasts the best aquarium in the United States (USA Today), also has a litany of other impressive attractions, restaurants and family forward attractions for those seeking an adventure without the commitment of a long road trip.
Mostly known to my family of five as a pit stop during frequent trips to Northwest Arkansas, we recently decided to make Springfield the endpoint as a treat for finishing out a successful school year. What a pleasant and jam-packed visit, trying to fit in all of the possibilities for fun in only a few days.
Guide to a Weekend of Fun in Springfield, Missouri
Attractions
Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium
My husband and I quip anytime we visit Springfield or the Branson area, that when Johnny Morris does something, he does it right. The Wonder of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium is a true testament to the saying. In fact, if you only have a few hours, or one day to visit, this should be the priority. It never ceases to amaze, with over 350,000 square feet to explore, all of which is packed with marvel and delight for those who love the outdoors and conservation.
Divided in to two sections, Wildlife Galleries and Aquarium Adventure, these attractions can be an all-day event, or broken in to digestible outings suited to your family’s needs. In the galleries, you will see 4D dioramas of animals from around the world, a museum or Native American artifacts, beautiful artwork and big game trophies. The aquarium presents river and sea creatures from around the world, displayed in awe-inspiring settings.
Tips for the Best Visit
- Plan to dedicate at least a half day to visit both the wildlife galleries and the aquarium.
- Strollers are welcome, but a side-by-side double stroller may struggle to fit in some areas.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as it’s a huge space.
- Make time for Bass Pro Outdoor World, the company’s flagship store, attached to the museums, as it is an attraction itself.
Fantastic Caverns
As someone who has spent a large number of vacations passing through southern Missouri, I have seen the abundance of Fantastic Caverns billboards, but never had the time to stop. Our weekend away was the perfect chance to break the streak. A ride-thru experience, the activity is an excuse to escape the summer heat and give nature lovers a look at an ancient wonder in the Cave State. The ride via a propane powered Jeep and wagon, took approximately 60 minutes with narrated stops along the way, showing the impressive stalactites, stalagmites and columns of rock formations. Although it’s accessible and welcomes anyone, the sweet spot for children is probably ages 7 to 14. Wiggly toddlers might have a hard time sitting still on the ride.
Discovery Center of Springfield
STEM loving and curious minded kids will find an abundance of learning opportunities at the Discovery Center of Springfield. Three different floors offer various experiments, displays and hands-on activities. While accompanying my three boys around the building, they gravitated toward the digital playground, water play and LEGO building area. If your family is a fan of Science City in Kansas City, they will also enjoy the Discovery Center.
Dickerson Park Zoo
The Dickerson Park Zoo is a great spot to fill a morning’s worth of animal watching. A family favorite was the opportunity to feed lettuce to giraffes ($4), and the extra cost for this experience is worth it! As is the train ride and the small amount it takes to buy food for the petting zoo full of goats, a donkey and alpaca. As we perused the exhibits, stopped for a slush at the shaded playground and walked along the paths, peacocks could also be found meandering. It brought much delight as we watched them display their beautiful fans, squawk at the passersby and scoot under the slides as children played.
Springfield Cardinals Game
It may feel a little wrong to cheer for a farm team that feeds in to the St. Louis Cardinals, but a minor league baseball game is an inexpensive way to have an All-American experience. At Springfield Cardinals games, concessions are cheap, great seats are easy to come by and fireworks are flying every Friday night during the season. Also, players are more than happy to toss game balls to adoring little fans. Don’t forget to bring your glove!
Seasonal Attractions
Nice weather brings a ton of family friendly experiences to the Springfield area. Keep an eye on their events calendar to see what might be happening during your stay. Great events you might want to seek out include:
- Artsfest
- Cherry Blossom Kite and Pinata Festival
- Millsap Farm Pizza Nights
- Ozark Balloon Glow
- Birthplace of Route 66 Festival
Additional Attractions to Consider
Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden is an expansive park with walking trails, picnic areas and playgrounds.
Sequoita Park is worth a stop after eating at the Rock at Quarry Town. A quaint stream, cool cave, climbing structures and playground equipment wore my kids out before we drove back to the hotel at bedtime.
Where to Eat in Springfield
Finley Farms is a beautiful location on the river with three different culinary experiences. Fill up on a farm-to-table inspired meal at the Ozark Mill Restaurant. Satisfy a caffeine fix at The Workshop. Enjoy shareables and fine dining at The Garrison.
The Rock at Quarry Town is the perfect stop for cauliflower crust pizzas, gourmet sandwiches and healthy options. Keep Great Escape Beer Works in mind when you are waiting for a table at The Rock at Quarry Town. Kids can play shuffleboard while parents share a flight of locally brewed beer.
Springfield Brewing Company serves up the Americana brewery food we all know and love.
Pineapple Whip food truck serves refreshing treats the whole family will love.
Hit up the popular Gailey’s Breakfast Café for breakfast or brunch. Avocado toast was a hit as were the massive pancakes!
Make Springfield your next excuse to head out of town and enjoy an easy and memorable getaway with your family!
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