When thinking of places in the US I want to visit, Springfield, Missouri wasn’t even on my radar.
I mean I knew that, “The 417” is home to Missouri State University and is the birthplace of Route 66, but other than that, I didn’t know much about the city. It wasn’t until Discover Springfield asked me to visit that I started looking more into the city. In researching our activities beforehand, I found all sorts of fun, unique activities that our whole family would enjoy.
I’ve compiled a ton of tips, ideas, and experiences that we had and I’m ready to show you what Springfield is all about!
Where should I stay in Springfield?
I’m always a lover of staying in AirBnBs, but the Holiday Inn & Suites on the North side of Springfield, MO was perfect for us. The rooms were clean, spacious, and having breakfast downstairs in the restaurant was perfect, so we didn’t have to worry about leaving the hotel to look for food first thing in the morning. With two kids in tow, we were happy to just go downstairs to get a bite to eat instead of having to get everyone ready for the day beforehand. It’s the little things when traveling with kids, am I right? All of the staff was so friendly too!
What is there to eat in Springfield?
Whole Hogs BBQ
There’s a reason why there’s a bunch of BBQ contest trophies in the front window of this restaurant. It may not look like much from the outside, but the food here is delicious!
The Pulled pork sandwich was so tasty! And there was 6 different barbecue sauces on the table that you could choose from. My husband also got the beef and sausage plate and he said everything was delicious for him too.
What I really loved is that their kids meal was REAL food. Both of my kids had the smoked chicken and it was freshly pulled white meat chicken that would have been just as good on an adult’s plate.
Bricktown Brewery
I love the vibe of this place! It’s a relaxed bar setting with the ability to bring your kids – win win! The burgers were delicious, as was the chicken Caesar salad! Definitely a great place to stop in for dinner and try one of the many beers they have on tap!
The Grotto
This fast-food feeling place has great dishes, uses quality ingredients, and delicious food. It’s also great for kids with a wide array of options. I got the Steak & Gorgonzola Salad and it was delicious!
Black Sheep Burgers & Shakes
If you’re looking for the best burger in the city and delicious fries to go with it, this is the place! I had the Foodie Burger,, and, at our waitress’ recommendation, got the candied bacon on top. Holy moly. So good! The truffle fries were amazing too. There is no shortage of fry sauces either! With an order of fries, you’ll get a bunch of options for fry dipping.
Civil Kitchen
I love the vibe of this place! The dishes are all at a great price point, and it’s conveniently located near History Museum on the Square. I got the Maple Bourbon Petite Filets with mashed potatoes and brussels sprouts and it was delicious! Everyone else at my table got burgers and they said they were tasty too! It seems like a great place to hang out after work for a drink or have dinner with friends.
Lost Signal Brewing Company
If you’re noticing a trend with us visiting breweries, you’re right. My husband loves trying local craft breweries wherever we go, so this place was a must on our list.
I like citrus-y beers with not too much hops, so the Little Bo Pits was perfect for me! And it went really well with my pulled pork sandwich. I definitely recommend using the spicy BBQ sauce on it – so good! The Mexican street corn was a good side dish as well. My kids loved the chicken wings and chicken street tacos. The menu isn’t extensive, but it doesn’t really need to be if the food is good – and it is.
What there is to do in Springfield?
Springfield has a little something for all sorts of interests. Like fishing? There’s something for that. Like crafting? They’ve got that covered too.
Creative Escape Glass
Route 66 Car Museum
Bass Pro Shop
Dubbed the “Granddaddy of Bass Pro Shops” this giant Bass Pro Shop is just under 500,000 square feet and is the headquarters for the outdoor store chain. It’s not the largest (Memphis, Tennessee has that title at 535,000 square feet), but sure is impressive. If you are a fan of the outdoors and enjoy fishing, hunting, camping, etc. you just have to visit this store. My kids’ favorite part was the free carousel, but it’s also home to the National Archery Hall of Fame, NRA Sporting Arms Museum, and the John A and Genny Morris Conservation Education Center. Inside the “shop” is also an elaborate conference center and café.
Fantastic Caverns
We have plenty of caverns in Texas, but we certainly don’t have one where you can ride in a car through one! This propane-powered vehicle goes all throughout a beautiful cavern and from the comfort of your seat can see all the stalagmites and stalactites your heart could ever want! And the best part? No carrying your kids when they get tired of walking!
You’ll be amazed by the story of the 12 year old girls that first explored the cave and the size of the opening they went through to get in! And they’re open 362 days per year, so you have plenty of opportunities to check it out!
Pythian Castle
If you like historical sites or things of a spooky nature, check this place out! Pythian Castle offers ghost tours, murder mystery dinners, and an escape room. Or you can just take an afternoon and explore the historic home. The castle was an orphanage, army base, and a flea market, but had been restored so it’s original beauty.
World’s Largest Fork
I think this one is pretty self explanatory, but at 2215 W Chesterfield Blvd in Springfield, MO, you’ll find the biggest cutlery you’ve ever seen. It’s just a simple stop and see it kind of thing, but if you get creative, you can make some super fun vacation memories with it. At 35 feet tall and weighing in at 11 tons, you can’t miss it.
Historic Street is also great for restaurants, shopping, and local favorites.
Looking for more family-friendly vacation ideas?
Andy B’s
If you have a family with kids of any age, you just have to spend the day at Andy B’s. This family-friendly location has laser tag, bowling, virtual reality, and an arcade. They also have a full menu and bar so you can play, eat, and enjoy spending time together as a family – with something for everyone!
Since my kiddos both love anything competitive (where could they have gotten that from?), they both loved the laser tag and bowling the best. They had so much fun shooting their dad and I with laser guns and then bowling with the bumpers was a must.
Itty Bitty City
If you have younger kids, they’re going to love Itty Bitty City! Picture a tiny town where they can be anything they like – from veterinarian to policeman – and go to their own grocery store as well. It’s a cute place for the kids to play pretend and explore.
Dickerson Park Zoo
While we have a pretty awesome zoo here in Houston, it’s always fun to visit other cities’ zoos and see what they have to offer. This zoo definitely didn’t disappoint! While it was a little chilly when we visited (we’re from Texas, so 37 degrees is cold, okay?), the animals were totally used to it and out and about in their confinements.
Our favorite animals we spotted were the giraffes, kangaroos, and lions. It was also really neat to see how the peacocks were just everywhere! They were wandering all over the place – but steering clear of the tiger cage of course.
This is a great place to visit if you have little ones or are an animal lover yourself.
Wonders of Wildlife
When my son was little, I had a membership to the local aquarium. It was the greatest outing for him because he could sit and stare at the fish and turtles all day. Over the years, that love for sea creatures hasn’t changed one bit. The only exception is that now my son likes to make sure to point out every octopus he sees (I am so not a fan of octopus). All that to be said, this aquarium was awesome. There’s plenty to see and experience there! And when USA Today votes it as America’s Best Aquarium, you know you’re in for a treat.
My favorite was seeing Johnny Morris’ boat suspended in what looked like a painting – it was gorgeous! With tank after tank of unique fish and wildlife, this is no ordinary aquarium!
More Family Friendly Travel Ideas
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