Why Springfield Is the Most Memorable Vacation Destination for Families

Looking for your next great family adventure? Springfield, Missouri is the gateway to the great outdoors and so much more. Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, Springfield wraps you up in that warm, small-town feel. It’s the perfect destination for city lovers and nature explorers alike, with access to exciting city amenities and plentiful outdoor activities. Something the whole family can agree on for sure is a love of food! And Springfield has an incredible food and beverage scene. Read on for five reasons why Springfield will be your most memorable vacay!

When you arrive, don’t forget to “Ask a Local,” Springfield’s newest initiative meant to capture the personality of their charming city: welcoming, energetic, fun and creative. Ask a local to find out the best things to see, do and eat in the Ozarks and they’ll be more than willing to show off their city to you!

1. Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

America’s Best Aquarium (voted by USA Today) is in Springfield! Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium is not to be missed. Stroll through the exhibits, interact with penguins, stingrays, sharks and more! This impressive aquatic adventure consists of an all-new 1.5-million-gallon aquarium showcasing 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles and birds. Not to mention their immersive wildlife galleries that bring visitors eye-to-eye with the greatest collection of record-setting game animals ever assembled. Yeah, it's that impressive!

2. Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World® is a massive, outdoor-themed experience that includes nearly 500,000 square feet of immersive fun—including shopping, seven intricate aquariums, waterfalls, a swamp with turtles and alligators, museums and more. There is simply nothing else like it! Affectionately known as "The Granddaddy of All Outdoor Stores," it's the number one tourist destination in Missouri, attracting four million families, sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts every year. 

Celebrate life’s genuine moments in Springfield.

3. Ride-Through Caves!

Missouri is the cave state and Springfield is home to the only ride-through cave, Fantastic Caverns! The cave was found in 1862 by a farmer whose dog chased a rabbit into a small opening in a bluff. There’s no sign of humans ever being in Fantastic Caverns cave prior to that, though it’s been used extensively since then—as a speakeasy in the 20s, a country music performance venue in the 50s and 60s and a present-day tour cave. Jeep-drawn trams were created and now it’s one of the area’s most visited caves. 

Build your best weekend, now!

4. Dickerson Park Zoo

A trip to Dickerson Park Zoo is a must for animal lovers, where you can feed the giraffes and walk among the roaming peacocks!  Learn about more than 450 animals while strolling along 1.2 miles of paved trails in the zoo that's organized geographically by the creatures' continent of origin. You can even get face-to-face with giraffes while feeding them snacks! Check out the goats, alpacas and other animals at the petting zoo. 

5. Food Lovers, Unite!

Springfield boasts an impressive locally owned restaurant and brewery scene with something for everyone. Craving a juicy burger? Red’s Giant Hamburg is modeled after the original Red’s which is known as the first drive-thru restaurant in the world. Dinner and a movie, anyone? Check out Alamo Draft House and enjoy your meal (and some excellent brews on tap for the adults) while you catch a flick—perfect when you have some tired kiddos on your hands from all that exploring. For the ultimate hang, head to Andy B’s Social Bowl, where you'll find all kinds of games, bowling and a delicious menu in the full-service restaurant—score!

Want to learn more about Springfield? Click here to order your official Springfield Guide. 

—Jamie Aderski