Springfield, Missouri, is known as the Queen City of the Ozarks and the Birthplace of Route 66. Today, it’s the third largest city in Missouri, home to three universities and a hub of the evangelical Christian community. But more importantly, it’s an exciting, family-friendly stop with plenty of ways to enjoy the Missouri Ozarks without wandering too far from city amenities.

Like most other communities in the Ozarks, the Native Americans were the first to settle this region. What is known today as Springfield, Missouri was once home to the Kickapoo, Osage, and Lenape tribes. These tribes were forcibly relocated to Indian Territory in Oklahoma in the 1830s.

Spend a Day at the Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park

Take in the rural Midwestern lifestyle at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park–a 207-acre retreat just outside of the city. Here, you’ll find plenty of agritainment, beginning with an animal barn, visitor center, gift shop, farm-themed playground, demonstration crops, pastureland and a paved walking trail through 20 acres of native prairie.

Take in Unique Nature at the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden

This unique attraction is an exhibit at the Springfield Botanical Gardens. Originally built in 1985, this garden features a large koi lake filled with brightly colored fish, a moon bridge, meditation garden, and tea house.

This garden is one feature in a larger, 112-acre botanical garden in Springfield, Missouri.

Bike Miles of Trails & City Routes Maintained by the Ozark Greenway

Ozark Greenways is the driving force behind a system of accessible trails designed for multi-use purposes throughout the Springfield, Missouri area. These trail systems are continuously growing thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Ozark Greenway.

• Frisco Highline Trail
• Loop the Lakes
• Bikes & Battlefields Loop
• SGF Brewery Loop
• Springfield Sculpture Tour
• Dirt 66: Fellows Lake Trail System
• Galloway Creek Greenway
• And Much More!

Find Kid-Friendly Fun Indoors & Out

If you’re visiting Springfield, MO with kids in tow–there are a few great places to spend the day. If you’ve exhausted your capacity for outdoor fun at the Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park or Fellows Lake recreation area, move the party indoors and check out attractions like:

Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

This aquarium bills itself as The Largest Immersive Wildlife Experience in the World. It’s really a lot more than an aquarium. At Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife, you’ll be able to explore exhibits, galleries, and immersive dioramas that depict the whole range of the animal kingdom. Here’s just a quick glimpse of what you’ll find inside:

• Native American Hall
• Theodore Roosevelt’s Cabin
• The Lewis and Clark Collection
• National Parks
• Africa After Dark
• Polar Expedition & Penguin Cave
• The Great Barrier Reef
• Swamp at Night
• The Amazon Rainforest
• And Much More!

Read our full review of the Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium

Dickerson Park Zoo

If you’re looking for another way to explore the animal kingdom, stop by Dickerson Zoo–home to more than 500 different species. Make sure to get the full experience by visiting the Outback Corral Petting Zoo, the Dickerson Zoo playground park, and the Safari Trading Company gift shop. Plus, take a ride on Titus Express and stop for lunch at the Bush Country Cafe.

Springfield Discovery Center

The Springfield Discovery Center is the best way to burn off some wiggles on a rainy day. This three-story playscape has a variety of exhibits and activities for kids of all ages and abilities. Kids can learn how energy works in an interactive exhibit, connect with favorite characters in the Build a Minecraft Adventure, and much more.

Explore Fantastic Caverns

One of the hidden treasures that can be found throughout the Ozarks region are stunning systems of caves. Fantastic Caverns is one of 7,300 caves that have been discovered in Missouri alone.

Fantastic Caverns in Springfield, Missouri is open year-round. The caves maintain a comfortable 60-degree temperature 365 days a year. To add to the experience, visitors tour the cave in Jeep-drawn trams which makes this experience more accessible by limiting the walking, climbing, or crawling that might otherwise be involved in a spelunking adventure.

The Grandaddy Bass Pro Shops

No trip to Springfield, Missouri, would be complete without a stop at the Grandaddy Bass Pro Shops. This 50k square foot immersion experience is rooted in retail but designed to promote conservation education every step of the way.

From an outdoor world shopping experience like no other, complete with both taxidermied and live animals, to a handful of free admission museums, there is much more to do beyond the Wonders of Wildlife, also housed in the same facility.

Don’t forget to stop for a bite to eat (and a little bit of fun) at Lambert’s Cafe near Springfield, Missouri.

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