Indoors or outdoors. Day or night. There are always fun things to do in Springfield and the Ozarks. Are you a nature lover? Sports fan? Exercise fanatic? History buff? Patron of the arts? Power shopper? Maybe you like the rush of riding a roller coaster or zip-lining through the trees. Or maybe your idea of a good time is simply kicking back and enjoying dinner at a new restaurant after a good movie? No matter how you like to unwind or seek a new thrill, you’ll find plenty of ways to play your way in Springfield.
Below you can find dedicated sections to various fun activities and places to go in Springfield. Whether you’re looking for nearby attractions, events, restaurants or something else, you can be sure to find it here.
Springfield offers something for everyone from outdoor adventure in the Ozarks, professional and collegiate sports, a thriving arts and culture scene, year-round events, diverse dining, craft breweries, and world-class shopping. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a sports fan, or a foodie, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy. Browse everything available on the Attractions, Events, and Outdoors pages.
Yes. Sports Illustrated named Springfield one of America’s top sports towns, and it’s easy to see why. The city is home to the Springfield Cardinals minor league baseball team, the Springfield Lasers professional tennis team, Missouri State University Bears basketball, and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Learn more on the Sports page.
Springfield sits in the heart of the Ozarks, giving residents and visitors easy access to hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, caving, zip-lining, and fishing. The city has more than 100 miles of recreational trails, including 70+ miles of Greenways, and is surrounded by rivers, lakes, and natural areas. Explore options on the Outdoors page.
Springfield has a recognized creative community, having received the Creative Community Award for its arts and culture programming. The city offers live theater, public sculpture walks, galleries, music venues, and a vibrant downtown arts district. Find out what’s happening on the Arts page.
Springfield is home to several nationally recognized attractions, including the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, named America’s Best Aquarium multiple times by USA Today, and the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, the flagship location of America’s most popular outdoors retailer. The city also features Fantastic Caverns, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, and Dickerson Park Zoo. See the full list on the Attractions page.
Springfield has a diverse culinary scene that ranges from fine dining to local food trucks, with a strong craft beer, wine, and cocktail culture. The city is also the birthplace of cashew chicken, a locally invented dish found throughout the Ozarks. Explore dining and drink options on the Dining and Drinks pages.
Yes. Springfield hosts year-round celebrations centered on food, music, and the arts, with events drawing both locals and visitors throughout every season. Check the Events page for current and upcoming happenings.
Yes. Business Insider included Springfield on its list of fun cities that are actually affordable, and WalletHub has ranked it among the most fun cities in America. With a cost of living well below the national average and a wide variety of free and low-cost activities, Springfield delivers exceptional quality of life without a big city price tag. Learn more about cost of living and things to do.
Springfield isn’t just fun—it’s reasonably priced fun. That’s why Business Insider included us on its list of fun cities that are actually affordable.
