13 of the best things to do with kids in Springfield, Illinois
Here are just 13 places to visit in Springfield, Illinois, which are affordable and child friendly.
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One of the Trolls at Lincoln Memorial Gardens, Springfield Illinois.
1. Why not sTROLL through Lincoln Memorial Gardens
Visit the trolls at Lincoln Memorial Gardens created during summer camps with Springfield Art Association. Not only are the gardens visually stunning, teaming with wildlife, and fun for the whole family to explore, but Sensible Innovations’ award-winning Aware app is available too, so anyone with a visual impairment can enjoy descriptions of the area and its inhabitants for FREE.
2. Is it your child’s birthday this month?
On the first Saturday of each month, Little Lincoln’s Toy Shop hosts a ‘party’ so your little one can fill up a basket of gift ideas for friends and family to purchase. FREE arts and crafts, including a fun photo opportunity. Gift wrapping is FREE year-round!
3. Swing into Incredibly Delicious
Enjoy a sweet treat and a fun option for the littles. Family-owned and operated, Incredibly Delicious has a set of swings and beautiful gardens for you and your family to explore in the heart of downtown Springfield.
4. Do not miss Kidzeum
Kidzeum of Health & Science is an interactive children’s museum in downtown Springfield. The museum's first two floors offer permanent exhibits with a large water table, farmers market, dentist, ambulance, and veterinary clinic. From May to September 2023, the third floor will house Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice exhibit. Admission is $11 per person.
5. A bite to eat (and more) on Adams Street
Family-owned and operated, Café Moxo is located across the street from Kidzeum and is the perfect place to grab a bite before or after you hit the exhibits. The full breakfast and lunch menu is popular with locals, featuring wraps, sandwiches, salads, baked goods, and the famous Moxo Pot Pie! Itty Bitty Fashion Trunk is a few doors down and owned by three local sisters. If you are visiting family and have babysitters on hand, Buzz Bomb Brewing is the place to grab a drink. Owned by friends, the house-brewed selection of beers will have you wanting more. On Saturday and Wednesday mornings, the Old Capitol Farmers Market features a host of local growers and craftspeople, including our very own Ceramics by Rosie.
6. FREE museum
Staying downtown, the Illinois State Museum is FREE to visit. The Mary Ann MacLean Play Museum is open Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 3.30 pm and Sunday, noon to 3.30 pm. At the Play Museum, you can jump in the Jeep and go on safari, be a paleontologist for the day, and get up close and personal with insects. The Play Museum is for children ages three to 10 and their families.
Lewis Memorial Park and Trail sign with map of trails.
7. Lewis Memorial Park and Trail
A hot spot for local photographers, the trail is housed in a wooded area and prairie covering 40 acres of land. It is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and nature walks. The Sangamon Valley Trail runs parallel to the west boundary. The park boasts a fire pit, grill, picnic benches (covered), and a playground for children. Lewisl park and trails is the perfect spot to let the children run, play, and eat for FREE.
Jubilee Farm alpaca and llama saying hello.
8. Wander around Jubilee Farm
Jubilee Farm is FREE and offers a great morning or afternoon with the family. The 164-acre site offers a pond, labyrinth/maze, nature trails, a creek, fruit and vegetable gardens, a children’s garden, llama and alpacas, and wildflower meadows. Please call ahead to confirm your visit at 217-787-6927 or knock on the cottage door. Jubilee Farm is open to the public, Monday to Friday, 9 am to dusk, Saturday, 9 am to 4 pm, and Sunday, from noon to sundown. Jubilee Farm is cared for by the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois. Donations are welcome.
9. Henson Robinson Zoo
Henson Robinson Zoo, close to Lake Springfield, has animals from Australia, Africa, Asia, and North and South America, including spider monkeys, wallabies, African penguins, American Black Bears, and lemurs. The zoo is open from April 1 to October 31, 10 am to 5 pm, and weekends only in November. Two and under are free, adults $7.50, children three to 12 years $5.50, and seniors $5.50.
Entry to the zoo is FREE on June 17 to celebrate the City of Springfield’s proclamation of Henson Robinson Zoo Day.
Solar panel flower at Southwind Park, Springfield Illinois.
10. Splash into Southwind Park
Southwind Park is an 80-acre park with pond and fishing peers, a large logwood gazebo, multiple playgrounds with a focus on accessibility, a children’s garden, picnic tables with shelter, bocce ball, horseshoe pits, shuffleboard courts, sensory gardens, and waterfall, butterfly garden, giant solar sunflower, musical arches, and splash pad. Southwind Park is the perfect spot to spend the morning or afternoon with children of all ages.
SYPG Performers backstage at Rock the Conservatory.
11. Youth performances that your littles will love
If you time your visit to Springfield just right, you should also see a Springfield Youth Performance Group show. There are usually four to five annual performances by Springfield's most-loved ballet company. The group welcomes children of all ages with meet the cast opportunities before and after shows, as well as FREE arts and crafts.
Lincoln’s Home Springfield Illinois.
12. Travel back in time
Lincoln’s Home is in the only federal park within a city. It is a fun and FREE visit for the family. If you do not tour the homes, you can still enjoy the historical site and tree-lined streets. The park is also the perfect place to get a family photo and memento of your visit to our capitol.
Illinois Local Holiday Market 2022. Doors ready to open.
13 Illinois Local Holiday Market
The third annual Illinois Local Holiday Market on Small Business Saturday is in the Exposition Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds on November 25. Not just a market of local independent businesses across the state, there’s plenty of entertainment too. There will be performances, arts and crafts, and photo opportunities.
SYPG performance of the Nutcracker at Illinois Local Holiday Market 2022.
It’s a great day out for the whole family. Only a $3 entry fee per person. Children aged 12 and under are FREE.
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If you have a favorite spot to enjoy with your family in Springfield, which is FREE or affordable, please email hello@illinoislocal.org.