We all have those long summer days when everyone is bored or we can't think of what to do - bookmark this list to refer back to when you just need help making fun plans with your kids! Some of the best childhood memories are made during the Summer, and we've got the ultimate list of ideas! Don't have time for the full list? Don't stress! Have each of your kids pick their top 5 favorite bucket list ideas, and make those your priority.
- Play at the splash pad at Farmers Park
- Hike, bike, or walk on the Ozark Greenway Trails. Our favorite section is Tal's Trailhead/Wilson's Creek.
- Try a new ice cream flavor or frozen treats
- Watch an Outdoor Movie
- Feed the giraffes at Dickerson Park Zoo
- Take photos at the Giant Fork
- Play in the Jumping Fountains at Jordan Valley Park
- Go on a virtual field trip
- Visit a local farmers market
- First Friday ArtWalk downtown
- Attend an outdoor storytime with Springfield Greene County Libraries. Check our calendar for times and locations.
- Take photos in front of Springfield murals
- Play mini-golf at Getaway Golf or Fun Acre Mini Golf
- Wait until it's dark and lay outside and stargaze
- Play vintage arcade games at 1984
- Pet the animals at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park
- Paint Pottery at Village Pottery Cafe
- Join a Summer Reading Challenge
- Explore the Library - check out a new book, movie, toys, an adventure backpack, or even passes to the Discovery Center!
- Cheer on the Springfield Cardinals - check the schedule for kids run the bases and other special events
- Kayak at Lake Springfield
- See a discounted kids movie at B&B Theater or AMC
- Go camping in your backyard
- Make sidewalk chalk art
- Visit History Museum on the Square
- Fly a Kite at Nathanael Greene/Springfield Botanical Gardens
- Make Homemade pizza
- Kids Bowl Free! Go bowling!
- Roller skating at Springfield Skateland
- Late night movie at the Aurora Drive-In
- Have a Lake Day at Moonshine Beach
- Go on the Springfield Sculpture Walk
- Create a fun craft
- Use our summer camp guide to find a fun camp!
- Do a puzzle and make your favorite snacks
- Paint rocks and hide them throughout Springfield
- Have DIY Summer Camp at home! Check out our weekly itineraries.
- Learn something new at The Discovery Center
- Build a fort - inside or outside!
- Family Game Night
- Freeze toys in a block of ice and dig them out
- Create a summer scrapbook
- Plan a road trip: check out the events and guides from other nearby Macaroni KID Editions
- Bury a time capsule
- Make Homemade jam or a fresh pie
- Create a fairy garden
- Grab some frisbees and play disc golf
- Catch fireflies
- Plant a garden
- Go fishing
- Have a garage sale
- Have a tie-dye day! Pick up some white shirts and a tie-dye kit and get creative.
- Have a Nerf gun war
- Go creek wading at Lost Hill Park
- Visit an indoor play place
- Bake cookies for a neighbor or local fire department
- Water balloon fight in the backyard
- Find a Kids Eat Free (or cheap!) night at a local restaurant
- Explore nature at Springfield Conservation Nature Center
- Make homemade popsicles
- Exchange "Flat Stanleys" with a friend or relative, and take them on a tour of your favorite Springfield locations
- Visit Mr. Nick's Inclusive Playground
- Hike around Valley Water Mill Park
- Have a cookout with your family or neighbors
- Pack a picnic lunch and go to your favorite park
- Have a paper airplane contest
- Sign up for swimming lessons
- Make a bird feeder
- Volunteer at an animal shelter
- Get a snack at local Food Truck
- Take in the sights & good eats at the Ozark Empire Fair
- Explore a SW Missouri cave
- Touch stingrays & watch the fish at Wonders of Wildlife aquarium
- Have a laser tag adventure at Bill's Extreme Paintball and Laser Tag
- Hike at Busiek State Forest and then go wading in the creek
- Solve an Escape Room
- Have an animal encounter at Wild Animal Safari
- Have a backyard bonfire with smores
- Visit the Butterfly House at Springfield Botanical Gardens
- Go on a Summer Storywalk - check the events calendar for available Storywalks!
- Make fresh-squeezed lemonade
- Run through the sprinkler
- Play freeze tag with the garden hose
- Paint with nature
- Check our event calendar for more fun things to do!
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