Looking for FREE family fun in Springfield, Missouri? Check out our list of FREE things to do with your family right here in Southwest Missouri! You'll find something for all age ranges - and best of all - they are FREE! From outdoor activities to help kids get their wiggles out, to educational activities for the whole family, there's so much to do with your kids or grandkids in Springfield, Missouri!
1. Walk, bike, or run along the Ozark Greenways Trails
Our family loves visiting the trails year-round. We love the versatility for easy walking terrain on paved paths for our toddler, and easy use with the stroller or bikes. Our favorite trails include Tal's Trailhead and Fulbright Spring Greenways, but there are over 75+ miles of trails to explore!
2. Visit the farm animals at Rutledge Wilson Farm Park
It's always fun to see and pet the farm animals. My toddler loves trying to find the barn cat, and I'm a big fan of the goats! There are handwashing stations and hand sanitizer available, and for a very small cost, you can purchase food to feed the animals. Stopover to the playground for slides and climbing on a barn-themed playset. Visit the website to download a free farm scavenger hunt for your visit!
3. Explore Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Explore 3 miles of walking trails while connecting with nature! Situated on 80 acres, the Springfield Conservation Nature Center is a great place to take in the beauty of the Ozarks. How many squirrels can you count? Bring along binoculars to spot birds and other wildlife!
4. World's Largest Fork
Stop by this fun roadside attraction for some silly family photos. Located at 2215 W Chesterfield Street in Springfield, you can't miss the 35-ft. fork weighing 11 tons emerging from the ground!
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5. Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park
Have fun playing on the Play Trail! Explore the main playground area, then find the five botanical-themed Playpods along the trail, with butterflies, caterpillars, mushrooms, and more! Stroll through themed gardens and check our events calendar for free activities and storytimes at the park. Download a FREE Botanical Garden coloring page!
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6. Sequiota Park
Located on 28 acres in the Galloway area of Southeast Springfield, we love this park because there is a variety of things to do and see! Peek into a cave - bring a flashlight or use the flashlight on your phone (the caves are blocked off though to protect the bat population). Watch the ducks, geese, and swans swim in the ponds. Play at one of the two playground areas. Hike one of the nature trails. Stroll around the ponds on stroller-friendly paths. Bike, walk or run on the Ozark Greenways Trail at the Galloway Creek Greenway access at the park. Have a picnic at a covered pavilion or on a blanket on the grass!
7. 417 Street Art
Springfield is full of incredible street art and murals painted by local artists. Grab your camera and head out for a fun day of photo opportunities with unique local murals! From giant legos at the Downtown YMCA, to a variety of butterfly wings and inspiring quotes, you'll find plenty of perfect spots to capture fun photos with your family!
8. The Library
Sign up for a library card at Springfield-Greene County Libraries and you'll have access to a plethora of FREE family fun in Springfield! Aside from all the books your heart desires, you can check out toys and games, too! Looking for adventure? The Library has filled 20 backpacks with all the tools you need to explore the great outdoors, or just a nearby city park. They’re located at the Republic Branch Library or you can request one at your local branch. Take a stroll through a local park for a Storywalk, perfect for babies through school-aged children! Want to encourage imaginative play? Visit the Library Station branch for the Play & Learn Center, where children from birth through age 12 can learn with interactive toys. Check our events calendar for weekly library activities and other special events!
9. Valley Water Mill Park
Explore the park's 1.5-mile hiking trail around the lake. Stop along the way to see the natural spring and the dam. The trails take you through diverse habitats including glades, woods, bluffs, and stream beds.
10. Jordan Valley Park
Located downtown in the heart of Springfield, this park is a blend of open spaces, water features, meadows, and playgrounds. In the summer, cool off in the water features which include a free splash pad! Explore the trails and sculptures year-round. Check our events calendar for FREE ice skating opportunities at Jordan Valley Ice Park, which are available several times each year!
11. Missouri Institute of Natural Science
This museum is home to hundreds of animal, plant, and mineral specimens to learn about. Have dinosaur fans in your family? You can even see a triceratops right here in the Ozarks!
12. Battle of Springfield Tour
For older kids and history buffs, check out the free, self-guided Battle of Springfield tour. In 1863, Union forces defended the Springfield territory during Confederate attempts to gain supplies and high-ground access. There are 12 commemorative markers placed throughout the battleground area that show where battle defenses were organized, whre troops gathered their supplies, and where wounded soldiers were hospitalized.
13. Bass Pro Shops
The original Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World location in our hometown of Springfield is known as The Grandaddy of All Outdoor Stores®. The store boasts 7 large aquariums to view fish native to Missouri. Watch divers feed the fish on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 3 p.m. in Uncle Buck's Auditorium on our ground floor. You can even spot alligators and turtles in the "swamp". Walk over to the lobby and entrance of Wonders of Wildlife Aquarium, and you can view several tanks for free without entry into the aquarium. Be sure to check out our events calendar for Bass Pro Shops special events that happen seasonally, including free photos with Santa and the Easter Bunny!
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14. First Friday Art Walk
Located throughout downtown Springfield, First Friday Art Walk happens on the first Friday of each month from 6-10pm. Follow the map to see artwork created by local artists on display, while visiting local businesses.
Click HERE to get the map!
15. Sculpture Walk of Springfield
Available 24/7, 365 days a year, the Sculpture Walk Springfield has sculptures located throughout downtown Springfield and features local and national artists’ works, with larger-than-life sculptures installed throughout the downtown area. Don't forget your camera! These sculptures change annually. Click HERE for a printable map.
15. Springfield Art Museum
The Springfield Art Museum is a community treasure, introducing people of all ages to the beauty, wonder, and imagination of art. Explore the permanent collection of artwork and temporary exhibits, and take a stroll through the sculpture garden. Your kids will love to pick up a FREE project bag to create their own work of art! Project Bags contain materials and instructions for projects inspired by works in the museum's collection. Project bags are ideal for children ages 3-12.
17. Search for hidden rocks
Have you spotted hidden painted rocks throughout the local parks and community? Go on an adventure to search for rocks and/or hide your own painted rocks! Share your finds with Springfield Rocks!
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For more ideas for FREE family fun in Springfield, visit our events calendar and type "free" into the search field or use the categories drop-down menu at the top to filter all of the FREE family-friendly events and activities happening in the Springfield, Missouri area!
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