Springfield, Missouri is a vibrant town filled with exciting attractions and activities suitable for the whole family. When it comes to spending quality time with your tweens, Springfield offers an array of fun-filled options that will keep both parents and children entertained. From thrilling outdoor adventures to educational experiences, here are 40+ fantastic activities to enjoy with your tweens in Springfield.
| Walking and Biking Trails |
Galloway Creek Greenway
4.7mi ~ Springfield | Difficulty: Easy
This Southeast Springfield trail begins at Pershing school, runs through historic Sequiota Park and the Nature Center, ending at James River bridge. It connects to the James River Greenway and the James River Water Trail for a longer bike or transition to a float.
South Creek Greenway
4.5mi ~ Springfield | Difficulty: Easy
This trail runs east-west through the middle of Springfield. Join the trail at McDaniel Park and follow it all the way through to Nathanael Greene Park, where you can connect to the Wilson’s Creek Greenway Trail.
Wilson’s Creek Trail
11.9mi ~ Battlefield | Difficulty: Easy
Use this Southwest Springfield trail to stroll through Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park. You can access the trail from the park, Ewing Sports Complex, or Tal’s Trailhead at 3351 S. Kauffman Rd.
Frisco Highline Trail
35mi | Difficulty: Easy
This long trail connects Springfield to Bolivar (though you don’t have to travel the entire trail to enjoy it). Some of the interest points along the way include a rest stop and bike storage at Mile 3; Willard restaurants, stores, and history kiosk at Mile 6; Camping and restrooms at Mile 8; Food, drink and shopping in Walnut Grove at Mile 16; the Stone Railroad historic bridge at Mile 22.5; and Dunnegan Memorial Park in Bolivar at Mile 35.
Fulbright Spring Greenway
6.98mi ~ Springfield | Difficulty: Moderate
Travel this north Springfield trail between Ritter Springs Park through Lost Hill Park and ending at Truman Elementary to see some amazing water features, including the Watershed Center at Valley Water Mill. Some of the trail is gravel, and there are low water crossings that can be slick at times.
Sac River Mountain Bike Trail
14 mi ~ Springfield | Difficulty: Easy
Various trails make up 14 total miles of riding in this 400-acre park. Check out the Little Sac river on the west side, or pack a picnic for the pavilion. There are several events throughout the year, including group rides.
Two Rivers Bike Park
14mi ~ Nixa | Difficulty Varies
You can hike, bike, and play disc golf at this park. The trails boast rock features, bluffs, ladders, and other features that can increase the difficulty and thrills if you choose.
Howler Bike Park
12 trails spanning 200 acres ~ Walnut Shade | Difficulty: Beginner - Expert trails
This newer bike park is beautiful Taney County boasts carefully crafted trails that are great for every age and skill level. Kids will love the legend of the Ozarks Howler and merch at the bike shop.
The LINK City Street Biking
0.5mi intervals ~ Springfield | Difficulty: Easy
The LINK is a system of low-traffic streets and greenways that are great for walks around town. You can take in the city as a pedestrian and discover a new local boutique or cafe. Check out the connections through Commercial Street, downtown, Jordan Valley, and University Plaza Convention District.
Chadwick Flyer Trail
3.2 mi ~ Chadwick | Difficulty: Easy
This trail is currently still under construction. It will serve as a connection between Ozark and Springfield. You can access the finished part of the trail at the Ozark Community Center (the OC).
African American Heritage Trail
2mi ~ Springfield | Difficulty: Easy
This urban trail winds through Historic Midtown and Downtown with signage highlighting 20 historic points of interest. This is a great hike for history buffs!
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
3mi ~ Springfield | Difficulty: Easy
A slice of nature in the city limits. These trails do not allow bikes, skateboards, scooters, or pets. Check out the website to catch a
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
6.5mi ~ Lampe, MO | Difficulty: Easy
There are over 10,000 acres of Ozarks scenery to explore at Dogwood Canyon. Take in a hike or bike ride, or book a wildlife or horseback tour. You can even schedule fishing excursions, and watch the website for special events throughout the year.
| Swimming Holes |
Joe Creighton Access, Springfield
This access point to the James River is a popular swimming hole due to a calmer current. There are picnic benches and stairs along the riverbank. This is a daytime-only spot; no camping allowed.
Delaware Town Access, Nixa
Another popular way to access the James River, Delaware Town has a rope swing and boat ramp. There are two parking areas at this access.
Lindenlure, Christian County
This out-of-the-way swimming hole near Ozark on the Finley has been a controversial topic around town, but it’s hard to deny the waterfall's beauty and the spot's popularity. If you’re looking for a tucked-away swimming hole that’ll really make you feel like a local, this is it.
| Camping Spots |
Table Rock State Park, Branson
This state park offers two campgrounds with basic sewer/electric/water hookups. Family campsites with double tables, grills, and lampposts are available. This is a popular camping spot in the Ozarks, but you can make a reservation up to a year in advance.
Stockton State Park, Stockton
Stockton’s clear waters make it a super popular sailing and swimming spot. Walk-in basic and electric campsites are available. If you’re planning a water adventure, you’ll find everything you need at the park’s marina.
Nemo Landing, Hermitage
This campsite on Pomme de Terre Lake is a bit of a longer drive, but it is a hidden gem. There are numerous coves to explore over 113 miles of shoreline, and you can book a standard or electric campsite.
Indian Pointe, Branson
This green and spacious campground offers 74 reservable campsites plus a large group camping area. The available hot showers and drinking water make for a (slightly) less rustic experience.
| Sports |
Pickleball for Beginners, Springfield
The Park Board offers ongoing pickleball classes and workshops for those just learning or anyone who wants to brush up on their skills. Once you’ve got it down, head to the indoor courts at Chesterfield Family Center, Dan Kinney Family Center, Doling Family Center, Fieldhouse Sports Center, or the O’Reilly-Teft Gymnasium; or the outdoor courts at Horace-Mann School Park, Meador Park, Nichols Park, or Westport Park.
Archery, Springfield
Check out a Try Archery workshop or Archery for Beginners class at the Springfield Archery Complex. You can also schedule a private lesson, or join a league if your tween has progressed past the beginner level.
Your disc golf course options are nearly unlimited throughout the Springfield metro area. In Springfield, check out the courses at Lake Springfield Park, McBride Park, Oak Grove Park, or Tom Watkins Park. You can also try the courses at Miller Park in Republic; Grubaugh Park in Ozark; Juniper Valley Farm in Rogersville; or Greystone Park in Willard.
Betty Allison Junior Golf Course, Springfield
This 3-par, 9-hole course is perfect for tween beginners! Family-friendly and not too tough, this lighted course is the only one of its kind in this area.
Springfield Skate Park, Springfield
This is a great park for all skill levels. Bring your skateboard, BMX bike, scooters or rollerblades and check out the indoor or the outdoor parks. There are obstacles, ramps, a Pro rippin’ bowl, a flow course, and more features to explore.
| Drop-in Art Classes |
Painting with a Twist, Springfield
Guided art classes at Painting with a Twist are fun, and you get to take your masterpiece home to enjoy forever! Painting with a Twist has a periodic family day classes, or you can pick up a paint kit to take home and complete together.
AR Workshop, Springfield
There are so many workshops to choose from here! You can paint, make candles, decorate clothes and work with wood. They also offer periodic youth camps and DIY to-go kits.
| Museums |
Discovery Center, Springfield
Science-minded tweens love the hands-on exhibits at the Discovery Center. Watch for special events like School Days Out, Homeschool Workshops, and themed days.
Missouri Institute of Natural Science, Springfield
This museum has free admission! Check out the informative exhibits inside, and then head outside for activities like fossil hunting and hike the trails. MONatSci is also adjacent to Riverbluff Cave, and ongoing research is performed in the onsite lab.
Titanic Museum Attraction, Branson
A short drive from Springfield, the Titanic Museum in Branson features over 400 artifacts from the shipwreck. There are plenty of hands-on exhibits to keep you busy all day! The museum requires a ticket reservation ahead of time, as many days sell out.
History Museum on the Square, Springfield
History buff tweens can see Springfield in a whole new light at this interactive gem downtown. Become part of Springfield’s story as you ride on a passenger train, encounter Wild Bill Hickock, and be transported to the birth of Route 66.
Wonders of Wildlife, Springfield
Your tween won’t want to miss the largest immersive wildlife attraction in the world. There are mesmerizing aquariums to explore, but WOW also places a heavy emphasis on conservation, offering virtual EdVentures, homeschool workshops, and more.
Air & Military Museum of the Ozarks, Springfield
This off-the-beaten-path museum is a must-visit in Springfield. You’ll see over 5,000 pieces of military history, including vehicles, weapons, uniforms, and more. The docents also offer tours and educational programming.
| Chill Hangouts |
The Mudhouse, Springfield | Ozark
Maybe the area’s most beloved coffeehouse, The Mudhouse also serves up tea, smoothies, and sweet treats. The laid-back atmosphere makes it the perfect place to hang out and talk with friends.
Societea, Springfield
This adorable boba spot is delicious and makes for fantastic selfies. They also make all their toppings and sweet treats in-house!
| Games |
Andy B’s, Springfield | Branson
You can bowl, hit up the arcade, and get dinner here. Check out the weekly specials to save some cash - and kids 12 and under eat free on Wednesday!
Springfield Incredible Pizza Co., Springfield
If the giant buffet isn’t enough for your tween, the enormous arcade, go karts, bumper cars, laser tag, and prizes will be. Head here for a full day of fun.
Paintball Outpost, Strafford
Head out to Strafford for open paintball play on Saturdays and Sundays, or make a reservation for a time slot during the week. They also offer low impact paintball for less sting - perfect for first timers!
Ozark Paint Ball, Ozark
South of town, this paintball place offers public paintball sessions on Sundays, or by reservation. This place also features the Doening Sport Swings, giant obstacle course and slide, rock climbing, and more. Definitely go in the fall and catch the bonfires and hayrides.
Village Meeple, Springfield
Tweens love Springfield’s first board game cafe! $5 gets you in all day (you can come and go), so you can try as many games as your heart desires.
Bricks & Minifigs, Springfield
LEGO enthusiasts won’t want to miss this store. They’ve got tons of LEGO sets, a build-your-own minifig, bulk bricks, and accessories. It’s a shopping paradise, but a great place to hang out with friends, too!
1984, Springfield | Branson
This classic arcade may be (almost) as fun for parents as it is for tweens. Play all your favorites - even Pong and Pac-Man - and hang out in the 80s themed rooms.
Meta Games Unlimited, Springfield
Serious game enthusiasts will love Meta Games Unlimited. The massive 10,000 square foot gaming facility has plenty of space for all the gamers in your tween’s life. They can also try out the latest games and get expert advice from the friendly folks in this local store.
Craft Axe Throwing, Springfield
Kids 10 and up can get some aggression out in a seriously fun way at this downtown spot. There are 12 targeted lanes to tackle, and the staff gives a full safety rundown prior to your session.
Bill's Xtreme Adventure Paintball and Laser Tag, Marionville
Experience the thrill of competition at Bill's Extreme Paintball and Laser Tag, where tweens, teens, and grown ups can dive into adrenaline-fueled battles in a safe, fun environment, making it an ideal destination for birthdays, parties, and weekend fun.
| Movies |
Moxie Flix Series, Springfield
The Moxie Cinema, Springfield’s independent downtown movie theatre, offers a series of movies each year that kids should see before they turn 13. These films have included everything from silent films to classic musicals and popular films. The best part? The screenings are free!
Alamo Drafthouse Movie Parties, Springfield
We think Alamo Drafthouse makes any movie fun, but movie parties take it to another level. Depending on the film, a movie party might include a special themed menu, costumes, sing-alongs, visits from characters, and even extra goodies with your ticket, like a poster or toy. Look for the movie parties on the Alamo’s monthly calendar!
Springfield, Missouri offers a myriad of exciting and engaging activities for parents to enjoy with their tweens. From exploring wildlife at the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium to embracing history at the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, there is something to captivate every member of the family. Make the most of your time in Springfield and create lasting memories with your tweens by immersing yourselves in these 40+ fun-filled adventures.
When visiting local businesses and events in Springfield, be sure to tell them Macaroni KID sent you... and don't forget to tell all of your friends!
Macaroni KID Springfield is a free local events calendar, weekly newsletter, and website focused on family-friendly events and resources in the Greater Springfield, Missouri area. We gather all the local family-friendly events and activities happening in Springfield so you can find them all in one place!
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