As parents, we are constantly searching for the next great adventure. We want to find a place that lights up our child’s eyes and makes their week. Lucky for you, Springfield has quite a few destinations meant to do exactly this! As a Springfield family photographer, I have made it my personal mission to help parents find ways to make memories you can carry with you for years to come. Here are the best kid-friendly things to do in Springfield, IL!
412 E. Adams St, Springfield, Illinois 62701
If you have a science kid, you need to check out Kidzeum of Health and Science in Springfield, IL, created by HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital! There are so many things for your child to explore, from the food production exhibits to the Migration Mural. The star of the show, however, is Active Alex, an interactive, three-story structure that gives kids a behind-the-scenes look at how our bodies work every day!
22301 East Lake Shore Drive, Springfield, Illinois 62712
The Lincoln Memorial Garden is always a great kid-friendly way to get out and explore nature in Springfield, IL! While taking a walk through the trails is an adventure enough, younger visitors will adore the Children’s Woodland Garden. This nature-inspired play place features climbable logs, splashy streams, a sensory table, a giant tic-tac-toe board, and a picture-ready troll sculpture.
1700 Knights Recreation Drive, Springfield, Illinois 62711
Located inside of the legendary Knight’s Action Park, Route 66 Drive-In gives you a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest films. Each evening, this theater lights up their two screens with new movies. You can stay in your car, or you can bring a picnic blanket and relax beneath the stars. While they aren’t sticklers about bringing in outdoor foods, they have a bustling concession stand that helps keep the doors open for years of family memories!
1320 South State Street, 9 Springfield, Illinois 62704
If you are looking for the ideal all-weather kid-friendly activity, Ergadoozy is your Springfield, IL spot! This indoor playground was created for kids of all ages. There are 7 different playgrounds with designated toddler areas to ensure younger visitors have a safe space to play. They offer open play 360 days a year, and they have flexible memberships so you can stop in as much as you’d like!
2500 S 11th Street, Springfield, Illinois 62703
The Henson Robinson Zoo is an award-winning spot that has been a family favorite since the 1970s. This zoo features all sorts of adorable animals from all across the globe. You can spend your day meeting some black bears, spider monkeys, boa constrictors, and more! The zoo also puts on regular events throughout the year, including holiday light displays and trick-or-treating.
I hope this list of kid-friendly things to do in Springfield, IL helps you out as you start to plan your next family day! Now, you just need the right photographer to make sure each family memory can last for years to come. That’s what I am here for! As a Springfield family photographer, I love planning sessions that let you document those everyday moments. If you have been considering booking your family portraits, let’s have a conversation so you can decide if I am the photographer for you! Send me a message to get started!