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2024 Summer Bucket List: 85 Things to do in Springfield this Summer

By Janel Plunkard, Publisher of Macaroni Kid Springfield MO April 12, 2024

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. 

  1. Play at the splash pad at Farmers Park
  2. Hike, bike, or walk on the Ozark Greenway Trails. Our favorite section is Tal's Trailhead/Wilson's Creek.
  3. Try a new ice cream flavor or frozen treats
  4. Watch an Outdoor Movie
  5. Feed the giraffes at Dickerson Park Zoo
  6. Take photos at the Giant Fork
  7. Play in the Jumping Fountains at Jordan Valley Park 
  8. Go on a virtual field trip
  9. Visit a local farmers market 
  10. First Friday ArtWalk downtown
  11. Attend an outdoor storytime with Springfield Greene County Libraries. Check our calendar for times and locations.
  12. Take photos in front of Springfield murals
  13. Play mini-golf at Getaway Golf or Fun Acre Mini Golf 
  14. Wait until it's dark and lay outside and stargaze
  15. Play vintage arcade games at 1984
  16. Pet the animals at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park
  17. Paint Pottery at Artistree Pottery
  18. Join a Summer Reading Challenge
  19. Explore the Library - check out a new book, movie, toys, an adventure backpack, or even passes to the Discovery Center!
  20. Cheer on the Springfield Cardinals - check the schedule for kids run the bases and other special events
  21. Kayak at Lake Springfield
  22. See a discounted kids movie at B&B Theater, Alamo Drafthouse, or AMC
  23. Go camping in your backyard
  24. Make sidewalk chalk art
  25. Visit History Museum on the Square
  26. Fly a Kite at Nathanael Greene/Springfield Botanical Gardens
  27. Make Homemade pizza
  28. Kids Bowl Free! Go bowling!
  29. Roller skating at Springfield Skateland
  30. Late night movie at the Aurora Drive-In
  31. Have a Lake Day at Moonshine Beach
  32. Go on the Springfield Sculpture Walk
  33. Create a fun craft
  34. Use our summer camp guide to find a fun camp!
  35. Do a puzzle and make your favorite snacks
  36. Paint rocks and hide them throughout Springfield
  37. Have DIY Summer Camp at home! Check out our weekly itineraries
  38. Learn something new at The Discovery Center
  39. Build a fort - inside or outside!
  40. Family Game Night
  41. Freeze toys in a block of ice and dig them out 
  42. Create a summer scrapbook
  43. Plan a road trip: check out the events and guides from other nearby Macaroni KID Editions 
  44. Bury a time capsule
  45. Make Homemade jam or a fresh pie
  46. Create a fairy garden
  47. Grab some frisbees and play disc golf
  48. Catch fireflies
  49. Plant a garden
  50. Go fishing 
  51. Have a garage sale
  52. Have a tie-dye day! Pick up some white shirts and a tie-dye kit and get creative.
  53. Have a Nerf gun war
  54. Go creek wading at Lost Hill Park
  55. Visit an indoor play place
  56. Bake cookies for a neighbor or local fire department
  57. Water balloon fight in the backyard
  58. Find a Kids Eat Free (or cheap!) night at a local restaurant
  59. Explore nature at Springfield Conservation Nature Center
  60. Make homemade popsicles
  61. Exchange "Flat Stanleys" with a friend or relative, and take them on a tour of your favorite Springfield locations
  62. Visit Mr. Nick's Inclusive Playground
  63. Hike around Valley Water Mill Park
  64. Have a cookout with your family or neighbors
  65. Pack a picnic lunch and go to your favorite park
  66. Have a paper airplane contest
  67. Sign up for swimming lessons
  68. Make a bird feeder
  69. Volunteer at an animal shelter
  70. Get a snack at local Food Truck
  71. Take in the sights & good eats at the Ozark Empire Fair
  72. Explore a SW Missouri cave
  73. Touch stingrays & watch the fish at Wonders of Wildlife aquarium
  74. Have a laser tag adventure at Bill's Extreme Paintball and Laser Tag
  75. Hike at Busiek State Forest and then go wading in the creek
  76. Solve an Escape Room
  77. Have an animal encounter at Wild Animal Safari
  78. Have a backyard bonfire with smores
  79. Visit the Butterfly House at Springfield Botanical Gardens
  80. Go on a Summer Storywalk - check the events calendar for available Storywalks!
  81. Make fresh-squeezed lemonade
  82. Run through the sprinkler
  83. Play freeze tag with the garden hose
  84. Paint with nature
  85. Check our event calendar for more fun things to do!