Family Fun in Springfield, Illinois
If you’re looking for a great destination that offers a blend of history, outdoor adventure, and family-friendly fun, plan a trip to Springfield, Illinois. Known as the home of Abraham Lincoln, this charming city is packed with activities for all ages. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through some of the top activities and attractions that make Springfield a perfect getaway for families seeking memorable Midwest experiences. Even better, many of the things to see and do are inexpensive or free!
Springfield, Illinois Historic Sites and Museums
The biggest draw in Springfield is the collection of buildings and museums related to Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln made his home in Springfield for 17 years before becoming president of the United States in 1861. The downtown area is full of various sites related to his time in this city.
Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum is truly one of a kind. Opened in 2005, the museum combines cutting-edge technology with historical artifacts to immerse visitors in the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln.
Visitors can view displays about his journey from childhood to the White House. Incredible models of the White House rooms are available to walk through along with actual artifacts from Lincoln and his family. Adults and kids alike will marvel at the Holovision Ghosts of the Library production. There is a children’s area, but it is currently under renovation.
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily
Admission: $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students over 15, $10 for military, $6 for children 5-15, free for 4 and under. Tickets may be purchased online.
Union Station and Union Square Park
Located across the street from the Lincoln Museum, this building and park is a must see for train and history buffs. The building itself first opened in 1898 as a train station. The last train departed the station in 1971.
While the building is not currently open inside, the park in front of the depot is a lovely spot to explore. The park features a gazebo, lovely landscaping, and several Abraham Lincoln statues. The life size Lincoln statue resting on a bench is perhaps the most popular.
Lincoln Depot
Officially known as the Great Western Depot, this is the train depot where Lincoln departed to start his presidency in February of 1861. He gave an impromptu farewell address as he left his home city of 17 years.
The depot was renovated in 2013 and now houses a law office on the second floor. The first floor is a small self guided museum.
Hours: 10 – 4 p.m. Monday-Friday
Admission: Free
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
The Lincoln Home Historic Site is a must see spot downtown. This National Park site preserves the only home the Lincoln family ever owned. The site also has preserved the entire small neighborhood of homes surrounding the Lincoln home.
Walk the streets to imagine life in mid-1800s or take a free tour of the Lincoln home. Other exhibits highlight the history of various neighborhood residents. A Visitor’s Center is located on the site with more information and exhibits. Kids can participate in the Junior Ranger program.
Hours: The neighborhood and outdoor exhibits are open dawn to dusk. The Visitor’s Center is open 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily. Lincoln’s home, the Dean House and Arnold House Exhibit Buildings are open 9:00 – 4:30 daily. You must get a free ticket in the Visitor’s Center to go inside Lincoln’s home. Tickets may only be reserved the day of your visit. Go early to get a ticket if possible.
Admission: Admission to the site and Lincoln’s home are free. Parking in the lot next to the Visitor’s Center is $2 per hour.
Lincoln Tomb
The Lincoln Tomb is a State Historic Site that serves a the final resting place for Lincoln. his wife, and three out of four of his sons. Tours are available for the inside. Outside, you can see a large bronze head of Lincoln. Somewhere along the way it became a tradition to rub Lincoln’s nose when visiting.
Hours: The cemetery is open 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. September through March and 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. April through August. Tours are available 9:00 – 5:00 daily.
Admission: Free. Free parking is available in a lot next to the tomb.
Old State Capitol
The Old State Capitol is an impressive site downtown. It is a reconstruction of Illinois’ statehouse from 1840 to 1876. This is the spot where Lincoln gave his famous “House Divided” speech. The courthouse is normally open for tours inside, but is closed through summer due to renovations. It is still a beautiful building to view from the outside.
Hours: Currently closed to visitors inside due to renovations. Normally, tickets are available online for tours at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m
Admission: Free
Illinois State Capitol
The Illinois State Capitol building is hard to miss downtown. This impressive structure towers over the adjacent buildings. The inside features a grand dome and murals. Even if you can only visit the outside, walk around to admire the intricate architecture. You can also see a statue honoring firemen located behind the building.
Hours: Tours run 8:00 – 4:00 weekdays, 9:00 – 3:00 weekends. Tours normally run on the half hour.
The Visitor’s Center is open weekdays 8:00 – 4:30.
Admission: Free. Limited free parking is available off Edwards stree. Additional metered street parking is available. (Meters are free on weekends.)
Illinois State Museum
The Illinois State Museum is a hidden gem. I had not heard of this museum before and it was wonderful and free! There are three floors of galleries including both permanent and temporary exhibits. The Changes gallery explores Illinois’s natural history. The exhibit was designed to be highly interactive. Our family especially enjoyed the intricate animal dioramas.
Another gallery features the history of the people who have made Illinois home over the years. Visitors can view the dramatic changes in homes and lifestyles over the pass 300 years.
Our kid’s favorite area was the The Mary Ann MacLean Play Museum. This area features a variety of engaging activities for children to learn about history. They can drive a Jeep, build a mastodon skeleton, and explore items under a microscope.
Hours: The museum is temporarily closed for a few months for plumbing and other repairs.
Normal hours are Tue-Sat: 9:00 – 4:30, Sunday noon – 4:30. The Play Museum xloses each day one hour before the rest of the museum closes.
Admission: Free. Free parking in the lot one block away on Edwards St. metered street parking available. (Free on weekends.)
Outdoor Adventures in Springfield, Illinois
Springfield, Illinois offers several great ways to explore and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you are looking for a historic outdoor exhibit related to Route 66 or wish to explore nature or learn about animals, consider these great attractions that are primarily outdoors.
Route 66 Experience
The Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience is a newer exhibit developed on the State Fairgrounds. This educations, self-guided tour is open 365 days a year inside Gate 2 on the corner of Route 66 & Sangamon Avenue.
The experience highlights businesses, communities, and landmarks along the stretch of Route 66 in Illinois. You can cross a model Chain or Rocks Bridge, watch a movie clip in a drive-in theater, see a giant muffler man, and view vintage billboards and signs.
As neat as the experience is during the day, be sure to view the site at night to get the full effect of the glowing neon signs.
Hours: Open daily, lights come on at dusk
Admission: Free
Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center
The Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center is a great place to explore along Lake Springfield. This 100-acre site features over 6 miles of scenic trails that wind through restored prairies, woodlands and wetlands. There are several beautiful bridges and views of Lake Springfield.
Kids will love viewing the giant wooden troll sculptures as well as the large nature play area. The play area has several different areas including climbing logs, musical instruments, and a water play area. All ages can enjoy the Nature Center and gift shop.
Hours: The garden is open year round sunrise to sunset.
The nature center is open Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Henson Robinson Zoo
The Henson Robinson Zoo first opened its doors in 1970. Over 80 species of native and exotic animals now live here among naturalistic exhibits. The zoo participates in scientific research studies and conservation efforts in addition to providing a fun and educational environment for people of all ages.
While the zoo isn’t huge, it’s smaller size makes it better walking for little legs and easier to view the animals. Our kids especially enjoyed the big cats, red wolves, penguins, and small primates. There is also a nice playground and fun mini train ride.
Hours: April – October 31 10 a.m-5 p.m. daily. November: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends.
Admission: Adults $7.50, Children 3-12 and Seniors: $5.50, Children under 3 are Free
Washington Park Botanical Gardens & Carillon
The Botanical Gardens in Springfield are another hidden gem. Located in historic Washington Park, the gardens include both indoor and outdoor displays. The park features more than 1800 species of plants over 20 acres.
The parks also features the Rees Memorial Carillon. This unique structure features an instrument consisting of 67 cast bronze bells range in weight from 22 pounds to 7½ tons with a total bell weight of ~85,000 pounds. The bell creates a musical concert several days a week.
Hours: The park and outdoor gardens are open dawn to dusk. The indoor tropical gardens are open Monday through Friday Noon – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday Noon – 5:00 p.m.
Admission: Free for botanical gardens and conservatory.
Southwind Park
This newer and beautiful park features a variety of things to see for all ages. The park features 2.5 miles of trails, a lake for fishing, five sensory gardens, and an event building. There is also a unique giant sunflower and two arches that create a light show in the evenings.
Kids will love the two playgrounds, one of which is designed to be fully accessible to children of all abilities. A splash pad is located right next to the accessible playground.
Hours: Dawn – 10:30 p.m.
Admission: free
Lake Springfield
Lake Springfield is a 4,200 acre reservoir. The lake features several parks and a marina with boats, canoes, and kayaks available for rent. Following Lakeshore Drive around the lake offers a short and scenic drive. Watch out for deer, we spotted over a dozen one evening.
Center Park is near the bridge over the lake and across from the zoo. It features a great nature inspired playground and lake views.
On the northeast corner of the lake is Tom Madonia Park East and West. Both sides have small and older playgrounds. A nice wooden boardwalk connects the two parks across the water. Geese were present in large numbers in these parks when we visited.
Kid-Friendly Attractions in Springfield, Illinois
Springfield has a great variety of activities for kids of all ages. There are several places that offer family fun both indoors and out.
Kidzeum Health and Science
Kidzeum offers a unique learning experience for kids with interactive exhibits all about health and science. The mission of Kidzeum is to create experiences of learning and discovery through play for children of all backgrounds and abilities.
This museum offers several floors of exhibits and everything is very well done. The Healthy Earth exhibit is designed around ecology with a water, farm, and agricultural play area. My kids loved the Healthy Body exhibit which includes a 40 foot tall “Healthy Alex” where kids can climb through and learn all about the body.
The upper levels have the Healthy Community exhibit with a kid-sized village including a vet’s office, ambulance, dentist office, and more. The top floor currently has the Wheels of Flight exhibit. Kids can discover the science behind the phenomenon of flight from birds to planes.
Hours: Kidzeum is currently operating on school hours where they are open Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday, 9 AM to 4 PM. Check their website for extended hours and events.
Admission: Ages 2+ are $12, seniors $9, military $8, children under 2 and members are free.
Ergadoozy
Ergadoozy in Springfield is a locally owned creative indoor play area with 7 different play zones. There is a large climbing structure, pretend play areas, jumping pillow, interactive games, ride on pedal train, and more. This location also has a large toy store with many great gift items.
Hours: Mon. – Sat. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Admission: Infant $3, ages 1-12 $12, adults 13+ $3
Scheels
You may not normally consider a sportings good store a kid-friendly destination, but Scheels is not your normal outdoor goods store. When you first enter Scheels, you are greeted by a 16,000 gallon aquarium. Not only that, but there is an indoor kids play area, arcade, mini bowling, candy shop, cafe, and a large kids toy area. You can’t miss the 65 foot tall Ferris wheel right in the middle of the store. A ride only cost $1!
More to See in Springfield
If you would like to enjoy a great bakery, gift shop, and seasonal produce and garden items, check out the Apple Barn. We attended their fall festival and picked up some pumpkins, mums, and goodies from the bakery.
Don’t miss the Illinois State Fair held each August in Springfield. This great event is filled with rides, entertainment, and so many amazing attractions all for a low admission price.
Other spots we have yet to visit but hope to soon include Knights Action Amusement Park and Water Park which has been entertaining families for 90 years. The historic Route 66 Drive-In looks like a great and unique spot to catch a movie. If you are up for a drive, check out Lincoln’s New Salem Historic Site 20 miles away from Springfield.
Where to Eat in Springfield, Illinois
Springfield offers a great mix of dining from casual breakfast spots to upscale options. We enjoyed meals at several kid-friendly locations.
The Cozy Dog Drive In has been feeding Route 66 travelers since 1949. This restaurant is home to the original hot dog on a stick, dipped in batter and fried. The menu features not only cozy dogs, but burgers, sandwiches, and even breakfast, all at great prices.
Springfield has several great breakfast spots. We enjoyed a casual diner breakfast at Charlie Parker’s Diner. I also can’t stop thinking about the amazing stuffed french toast and vibe of Wm. Van’s Cafe.
Engrained was a nice spot for dinner and is located right next to Scheels.
Where to Stay in Springfield, Illinois
Springfield offers an array of lodging choices. We had a wonderful stay at the Residence Inn. We had a huge suites with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a living area and full kitchen. The hotel also has a pool and a daily hot breakfast buffet.
Why you should plan a trip to Springfield, Illinois
Springfield, Illinois offers a great mix of historic attractions, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly locations to visit. Follow the steps of one of the nation’s greatest presidents while enjoying Midwest hospitality in Springfield.
Have you visited Illinois’s state capital before? If so, what was your favorite stop?
Happy Exploring!