There’s nothing better than heading out with the family and making some memories. It feels like we all get so busy that it can be hard to be intentional with these moments. So, when you do finally get some time together, it’s a mad rush to figure out what the heck you should do with it! I can help with that! As a Springfield family photographer, I love working with my clients to honor each and every season of these precious years. If you need an idea for what to do this week, here are my favorite family activities in Springfield, IL!
Plan Some New Adventures With These Family Activities In Springfield, IL Everyone Will Love
Tanners Orchard
740 IL-40, Speer, Illinois 62479
Starting around August outside Springfield, IL, Tanners Orchard is the place to be with family activities! This apple farm offers events from late summer through the holiday season. You can come in and explore sunflower fields or spend an hour navigating the corn maze. Before you leave, be sure to grab some apples so you can spend the evening making your dessert of choice!
SCHEELS
3801 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, Illinois 62711
SCHEELS is so much more than just a store! This center gives you tons of family activities, including an in-store Ferris wheel, arcade games, a cafe, a candy store, and even an aquarium. You can also check out the top gear for hunting, fishing, and camping. Even if you don’t purchase anything, you can spend hours exploring this one-of-a-kind space.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
212 N. Sixth St, Springfield, Illinois 62701
While you’re in the Land of Lincoln, you might as well celebrate him a little! The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum takes you through the life of this extraordinary man. From exploring a replica of his childhood cabin to seeing his artifacts, you are going to leave feeling like you know him. There’s also a kids’ space where younger children can find out what it means to be a “good citizen.”
Illinois State Museum
502 S. Spring St, Springfield, Illinois 62706
Abe doesn’t have a monopoly on unforgettable museums in this town. The Illinois State Museum lets you step through the pages of history and see what the area looked like over the years. As you explore the family activities and exhibits, you will learn about the natural history, the different civilizations, and the governments that have made this state and Springfield, IL so unique!
Ergadoozy
1320 South State Street, Springfield, Illinois 62704
If you have younger kids, Ergadooozy is ah-mazing! This indoor playground features several areas where your child can release some energy. They can bounce around on the inflatables, climb up several stories on the play equipment, or release their inner artist in the craft area. The center offers daily open play, and they have fun passes for repeat visitors.
Henson Robinson Zoo
1100 E Lake Shore Dr, Springfield, Illinois 62712
If your Springfield, IL child just can’t get enough of animals, they are going to love the family activities at Henson Robinson Zoo! This local destination brings you adorable creatures from all across the globe. Throughout your time here, you can meet African Penguins, Black Bears, Painted Dogs, Spider Monkeys, and a Boa Constrictor. The zoo is open every day from April through November 1.
Nelson Center Ice Rink
1601 North 5th Street, Springfield, Illinois 62703
Nelson Center Ice Rink is the ideal spot to brush up on your skating skills. The center hosts daily skating hours that allow residents from across the city to have an unforgettable time. They also designed this to be a safe space for all, with Sensory-Friendly accommodations for guests with functional needs.
Kidzeum
412 E. Adams Street, Springfield, Illinois 62701
If your child loves learning about science, Kidzeum is the spot for them! This center features a rotating list of exhibits designed to engage your child’s brain. As your child explores, they are going to learn how the body works, what it means to live in a community, and how we get food from the farm to the table.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
413 S 8th Street, Springfield, Illinois 62701
If you want to learn more about the 16th president, you can visit his home on 8th Street. The Lincoln Home is now maintained by the National Park Service to teach Springfield, IL families all about the space where Lincoln lived from 1844 to 1861 with fun activities. As you go on a guided tour of his home, you will learn more about the complicated person beneath that famous hat.
Cozy Dog Drive In
2935 S. 6th Street, Springfield, Illinois 62703
Springfield has become the spot to go when you want some downhome Americana cuisine, and the Cozy Dog Drive-In is a good example of why! This place has been serving up hot dogs on a stick since it first opened in 1949. You can come by, try out the homemade chili, and enjoy the best corndog of your life.
Route 66 Drive-In
1700 Knights Recreation Drive, Springfield, Illinois 62711
Route 66 Drive-In gives you a vintage activity to enjoy some family time together in Springfield, IL! This legendary theater lets you pull up in your car and enjoy a double feature. Whether you want to stay in the vehicle or prefer to get out on a picnic blanket, you’ll have just the way to enjoy the film. They also have a concession stand full of delicious treats to go with the latest movies!
Knight’s Action Park
1700 Knights Recreation Drive, Springfield, Illinois 62711
Knight’s Action Park has gained a reputation as one of the best family spots in the city! During the summers, the center features an outdoor waterpark complete with slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. Once you’re ready to start drying off, you can head over to the mini-golf course and try your hand at some friendly competition. They also offer arcade games, a giant playground, and go-karts.
Illinois State Fair
801 E. Sangamon Ave., Springfield, Illinois 62706
Be sure to mark your calendars so you don’t miss the Illinois State Fair! This legendary celebration takes place around the end of each August. For ten days, you will have non-stop activities to explore. You can hop aboard some rides, see the competitions, watch the rodeo, or enjoy some live entertainment. And yes, the fair food is a must.
Little Ones Can’t Get Enough Of These Fantastic Family Activities In Springfield, IL
If you are looking for the best thing to do with your family, I just know you are going to love these family activities in Springfield, IL! Now, it’s just a question of how to make these little moments last for a lifetime. Believe it or not, I can help with that, too! As a Springfield family photographer, I love working with families to plan photo sessions so they never have to forget a season. If you have been considering booking some portraits for your adorable family, I would love to chat all about it! Send me a message today to find out more!
