Updated for 2026. Looking for the best things to do with kids in Springfield, Illinois? This family‑friendly guide highlights 17 fun, affordable, and locally loved places and activities across the capital city — from hands‑on learning at Kidzeum to outdoor adventures at Lincoln Memorial Garden, Southwind Park, and the Henson Robinson Zoo. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing, exploring Springfield for the first time, or searching for kid‑approved attractions near you, these top picks make it easy to enjoy everything Springfield, IL has to offer.
Top Kid‑Friendly Attractions in Springfield
One of the Trolls at Lincoln Memorial Gardens, Springfield Illinois.
Stroll through Lincoln Memorial Gardens
This scenic nature preserve features miles of walking trails, native Illinois plants, and stunning views of Lake Springfield. It's a favorite destination for families who enjoy hiking and exploring the outdoors. The Fall Festival is a highlight in the year, but the magic doesn’t end there: three giant trolls adorn the woodland flanked by a fairy garden and fairy rings. The gardens are filled with native flowers in the spring and summer. The children’s garden boasts water features and a dry creek, and the play area is a mix of man-made and natural opportunities for exploration. This truly is a child’s dream.
Little Lincoln's Toy Shop
This independent toy store offers educational toys, games, books, and gifts that inspire kids to learn and use their imagination. Little Lincoln’s Toy Shop has quickly become a favorite spot in town for its carefully selected, high-quality toys that both parents and children enjoy. The shop encourages hands-on, creative play and features unique items you won’t see in big-box stores, all in a warm setting that makes each visit memorable.
People are discovering the store, both in person and online. Its lively social media shows off new toys, staff picks, and fun demonstrations that families love. Known for having the best toys in Central Illinois and an active online community, Little Lincoln’s Toy Shop is now the top choice for families, gift shoppers, and anyone looking for something special. And yes, they offer free gift wrapping!
Kidzeum
Kidzeum is a hands‑on children’s museum in downtown Springfield, Illinois, designed to inspire learning through play. Kids can explore interactive exhibits focused on science, health, technology, and creativity, making it one of the city’s top kid‑friendly attractions. The museum also features a Route 66‑themed exhibit that offers children a fun, engaging way to learn about the history and culture of the iconic highway through colorful, interactive displays.
Kid‑Friendly Local Eats
Café Moxo
Café Moxo is a beloved Springfield staple — and Illinois Local is officially declaring it a Springfield institution. If you haven’t been to Moxo, can you really say you’ve been to Springfield? It’s known for its welcoming atmosphere, scratch-made food, and hospitality that keeps families coming back. Kids love the relaxed, no-stress vibe, while adults appreciate the full coffee bar — dare we say, the longest coffee bar in the entire state — serving expertly crafted espresso drinks, freshly brewed coffee, and seasonal favorites.
They’re known for their signature pot pies, homemade soups, hearty breakfasts, sandwiches, and baked goods including cookies, muffins, and pastries. Regulars grab a few extras to go — a smart move if you want a treat for later, or if the kids find out you went to Moxo without them!
With both indoor and outdoor seating, it’s an easy, comfortable stop whether you’re grabbing breakfast, meeting a friend, or fueling up for the day. It’s also one of Springfield’s go‑to spots for business meetings — casual enough to feel comfortable, but polished enough to get real work done over great coffee.
Café Moxo is the kind of place that’s worth a visit for anyone in town — a true local favorite that feels welcoming and easy to return to. And if you need catering, it’s as worry‑free as it gets: you order, and it simply shows up — fresh, reliable, and done right.
Incredibly Delicious
Incredibly Delicious is a beloved bakery and café located in a charming historic mansion in downtown Springfield, Illinois, known for producing some of the most authentic French‑style pastries in the region. From flaky croissants and delicate tarts to handmade breads and seasonal holiday baked goods, everything is crafted using traditional techniques, making each bite feel like a true Parisian experience. The café also serves a standout lunch menu featuring fresh quiche, soups, and sandwiches, making it a perfect midday stop for families exploring the city.
Kids especially love visiting Incredibly Delicious because it feels like stepping into a storybook. The outdoor garden offers winding paths, flowers, and whimsical corners to explore, along with the famous garden swings that make the visit especially fun for children. Whether you’re stopping in for a special pastry, a cozy lunch, or a holiday tradition, this Springfield favorite offers a warm, magical experience that families can enjoy year-round.
Doc's Just Off 66
Located just south of Springfield in Girard, Doc’s Just Off 66 is a restored Route 66 landmark. Inside a historic 1884 building, you’ll find a restaurant, vintage soda fountain, pharmacy museum, and bar. Visitors can enjoy handcrafted sodas, classic milkshakes, burgers, and comfort food while taking in the original fixtures and memorabilia. The setting feels like stepping back in time and offers families a fun way to experience the history of America’s Mother Road.
Doc’s is famous for its Route 66 memorabilia and pharmacy museum, which displays antique bottles and tools. Its location near historic Route 66 makes it a popular stop for travelers, history lovers, and kids seeking something unique and tasty. If you’re exploring Central Illinois or planning a weekend drive, Doc’s Just Off 66 is a great place to enjoy history and small-town charm.
For hours, menus, and updates, visit Doc’s Just Off Route 66.
Illinois State Museum
One of Illinois' premier museums, featuring exhibits on natural history, art, science, and the state's rich cultural heritage. The Mary Ann MacLean Play Museum is a hands-on children's area designed for kids ages 3-10. Children can roleplay as museum scientists by crawling through a cave, digging for Ice Age fossils, and loading an expedition jeep. Admission is free, making it an affordable family outing.
Outdoor Activities, Parks & Nature Adventures
Henson Robinson Zoo
Henson Robinson Zoo, close to Lake Springfield, has animals from Australia, Africa, Asia, and North and South America, including spider monkeys, wallabies, African penguins, American Black Bears, and lemurs. The zoo is open daily from mid-April through October 31, 10 am to 5 pm, and on weekends in early November, 10 am to 4 pm. Two and under are free, adults $7.50, children three to 12 years $5.50, and seniors $5.50.
Parking is free, and the zoo train is $2 a ride. Check the Springfield Park District site for current hours before you go.
Lewis Memorial Park and Trail
Lewis Memorial Park and Trail sign with map of trails.
A hot spot for local photographers, the trail is housed in a wooded area and prairie covering 40 acres of land. It is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and nature walks. The Sangamon Valley Trail runs parallel to the west boundary. The park boasts a fire pit, grill, picnic benches (covered), and a playground for children. Lewis Park and Trail is the perfect spot to let the children run, play, and eat for FREE.
Waterfalls, Reflecting Pond and Native Plants In Downtown Springfield at the Horace Mann Ecosystem Gardens
Horace Mann Ecosystem Gardens -Downtown Springfield Illinois
The Horace Mann Ecosystem Gardens in downtown Springfield, Illinois, offer a peaceful, family‑friendly outdoor attraction where kids can explore nature right in the heart of the city. Designed and built by Knob Hill Landscape Company, this 160,000‑gallon self‑sustaining ecosystem features waterfalls, a reflecting pond, and native plant life, creating an engaging outdoor classroom perfect for children who love hands‑on learning. Families can discover water, wildlife, and ecology together in a visually exciting space that showcases the natural beauty of Springfield, IL.
Solar panel flower at Southwind Park, Springfield Illinois.
Southwind Park Splash Pad
Southwind Park is an 80-acre park with pond and fishing piers, a large logwood gazebo, multiple playgrounds with a focus on accessibility, a children’s garden, picnic tables with shelter, bocce ball, horseshoe pits, shuffleboard courts, sensory gardens, and waterfall, butterfly garden, giant solar sunflower, musical arches, and splash pad. Southwind Park is the perfect spot to spend the morning or afternoon with children of all ages.
SYPG Performers backstage at Rock the Conservatory.
Springfield Youth Performance Group — Annual Nutcracker Ballet and More
If you time your visit to Springfield just right, you can catch a Springfield Youth Performance Group production — one of the city’s most beloved arts experiences for families. The company presents four to five performances each year, including its signature holiday tradition: the annual Nutcracker Ballet, a festive favorite that draws audiences from across Central Illinois.
Children of all ages are welcome, with opportunities to meet the cast before and after each show, plus FREE arts and crafts activities that make every performance feel special. Whether you’re visiting during the holidays or any other season, SYPG offers an unforgettable introduction to Springfield’s vibrant youth arts community.
Lincoln’s Home Springfield Illinois.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Step back in time and explore the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned. Visitors can tour the beautifully restored house and the surrounding historic neighborhood, gaining a vivid sense of Lincoln’s life in Springfield. Located just off historic Route 66 in downtown Springfield, the site offers an immersive look at the community Lincoln knew and loved. The preserved four‑block neighborhood lets you walk the same streets Lincoln traveled daily. For hours, history, and visitor information, visit the Lincoln Home.
Local Shopping, Markets & Seasonal Events
Illinois Local Holiday Market 2022. Doors ready to open.
Illinois Local Holiday Market
SYPG performance of the Nutcracker at Illinois Local Holiday Market 2022.
The Illinois Local Holiday Market happens every year on Small Business Saturday (this year, Saturday, November 28, 2026) and features local businesses, artisans, makers, food vendors, and activities for the whole family. Kids can get photos with Santa (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), meet Bluey and Bingo (all day), make free holiday crafts, play in the Children’s Play Area hosted by Little Lincoln’s Toy Shop, and watch local performers like Springfield Youth Performance Group and Dayna’s Dance Revolution. The festive setting celebrates Central Illinois creativity. As an official American Express Neighborhood Champion event, the Holiday Market invites everyone to shop small, find unique gifts, handmade items, and seasonal treats. Come visit, shop small, and enjoy the Market.
The Holiday Market takes place in the heated Orr Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, just off Route 66, with lots of free parking. The large indoor space makes it a comfortable and weather-proof holiday tradition for families. Sponsored by the Illinois SBDC for Central Illinois and Bailey Family Insurance, the event supports local entrepreneurs and brings together a variety of vendors and activities for a day of holiday fun.
For event details, vendor information, and the latest updates, visit Illinois Local to plan your trip. Admission is $5 for ages 13 and up, and kids 12 and under get in free.
Springfield Lucky Horseshoes
The Springfield Lucky Horseshoes are a family‑friendly collegiate summer baseball team that brings high‑energy, affordable entertainment to Springfield, Illinois all season long. Games at Robin Roberts Stadium offer a relaxed, kid‑friendly atmosphere with fun between‑inning activities, themed nights, and community events that make it more than just baseball — it’s a full family experience. The Shoes are a local favorite for parents looking for an easy, engaging, and budget‑friendly outing with kids.
Old Capitol Farmers Market
Located on Adams Street in downtown Springfield, the Old Capitol Farmers Market is a favorite seasonal event in the city. The outdoor market runs Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8 am to 12:30 pm, from mid-May through October, and the Winter Old Capitol Farmers Market runs from November 7, 2026, through April 17, 2027. Every week, visitors can find fresh local produce, baked goods, artisan products, flowers, handmade crafts, and small-batch specialties from Central Illinois growers and makers. The market is full of energy with live entertainment, cooking demos, and activities for families, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. It is also known for some of the area’s best treats, like the famous smoothies and gourmet toast from Genius Mango Smoothie, which are highly recommended for anyone stopping by.
There is a lot for adults to enjoy too, including unique handcrafted ceramics from Ceramics Made by Rosie, specialty foods, local art, and pop-up vendors that change throughout the season. Whether you are shopping for the week, having breakfast downtown, or just enjoying the community feel, the Old Capitol Farmers Market gives you a real sense of Springfield’s lively local culture. For hours, vendor lists, and updates, check out Old Capitol Farmers Market.
Nearby Community Parks (Just Outside Springfield)
Rochester Community Park
A safe, inclusive park featuring a fenced toddler playground with a single entry point, wheelchair‑accessible equipment, sports fields, picnic areas, restrooms, and access to bike trails. A great option for families seeking a quieter, small‑town outing.
Springfield, Illinois, is full of kid-friendly activities, local experiences, and family-focused destinations that make exploring our region easy and enjoyable for all ages. Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure or discovering new favorites close to home, these 17 places highlight the creativity, history, and community spirit that make the Capital City such a special place to raise a family. Explore more local businesses, events, and experiences through Illinois Local to keep discovering and supporting the people and places that make our communities strong.
Things to do with kids in Springfield, IL: FAQs
What are free things to do with kids in Springfield, IL?
Plenty. The Illinois State Museum and its hands-on Mary Ann MacLean Play Museum (designed for ages 3 to 10) are free. So are the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Lincoln Memorial Garden’s trails, the Horace Mann Ecosystem Gardens, Lewis Memorial Park, Rochester Community Park, and the Southwind Park splash pad and playgrounds. The Old Capitol Farmers Market is free to browse, too.
What can kids do indoors in Springfield in the winter?
Kidzeum and the Illinois State Museum are both indoors and open year-round. The Winter Old Capitol Farmers Market runs from November 7, 2026, through April 17, 2027. For the holidays, catch Springfield Youth Performance Group’s Nutcracker or spend Small Business Saturday, November 28, 2026, at the Illinois Local Holiday Market in the heated Orr Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
Is Henson Robinson Zoo open year-round?
No. The zoo is open daily from mid-April through October 31, 10 am to 5 pm, and on weekends in early November. Admission is $7.50 for adults, $5.50 for kids 3 to 12 and seniors, and free for kids 2 and under.
How much does Kidzeum cost?
Kidzeum admission is $12 for ages 2 and up and $9 for seniors 65 and over, and kids under 2 are free. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm, and every day in the summer. Check kidzeum.org before you go.
Where can I find more kid-friendly local businesses in Springfield?
Browse the Illinois Local Member Directory to find independent, Illinois-owned toy shops, cafés, bakeries, photographers, party services, and more. Little Lincoln’s Toy Shop, Café Moxo, Incredibly Delicious, Ceramics Made by Rosie, and Springfield Youth Performance Group are all part of the Illinois Local community.
Own a family-friendly business in Illinois?
Illinois Local members get a Member Directory listing and the chance to be featured in local guides like this one, which families find on Google every week. See why businesses join Illinois Local →