(SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI) — Both Rachel and I’s college town, Springfield is a very special place to us. Many of our friends and family members live there to this day, and we enjoy seeing them when we go.
We visit multiple times a year (twice so far in 2026!), and each time we visit new places, finding family-friendly spots to explore.
If you’re looking to visit The Ozarks in the near future, use this article as a guide for you and your family! All the activities below were broken up into the two weekends we visited earlier this year. Let’s dive in.
Where to stay:
1: The Cherry St. House by Home Away Springfield
This is the perfect place for families traveling through Springfield, Missouri. Whether visiting someone at Missouri State University, or if you’re just in town – this is the perfect place to be.
It’s in a great location, and has four sleeping areas, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, laundry room, dining room, living space AND an adorable “imagination area” upstairs (with a reading nook!!!), Cherry St. has it all.
The commitment to detail here is beautiful, and it’s the most kid-friendly rental I’ve ever seen!
2: University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center
It’s a familiar place to me, taking me back to my college days where friends would stay for conferences and visits.
Being on the 9th floor looking down 
sure feels like you’re wayyyyy up high. It’s fantastic.
With The Terrace restaurant and Q-Street Perk coffee shop, you’re set on food and drinks.
There’s also an indoor pool (and outdoor pool when it’s warmer) and workout area in the main level.
Where to eat:
1: The Hill (all-you-can-eat Italian buffet!)
If you love The Hill in St. Louis, you have to check out The Hill Italian Restaurant in Springfield, Missouri 
Same inspiration, same cozy Italian comfort — but in an all-you-can-eat format (which feels almost impossible to find these days ).
We’re talking pasta, pizza, classic Italian favorites, PLUS cakes, a crepe station, ice cream, and more 
And the best part? The prices are shockingly affordable and it’s one of those rare spots that’s perfect for kids.
Come hungry. Leave happy… AND very full.
This one’s a win for the whole family.
YES – the rolls are still THROWED here at Lambert’s. A classic tradition at the world-famous restaurant. We love visiting the Ozark location just outside Springfield, Missouri.
Aside from the throwed rolls – the pass arounds are my favorite part! Servers will come around the restaurant with specialty sides like fried okra, fried potatoes, black eyed peas and more.
As a huge fried okra fan – this is a huge plus for me!
If you haven’t stopped by Lambert’s in a long time, here’s your sign!
A classic Midwestern staple with legendary Jackhammers. My go-to? The cookie dough Jackhammer with hot fudge in the middle. Rachel’s is heath with hot fudge in the middle. Can’t go wrong here at Andy’s!
Delicious hot & cold coffees plus frappuccinos, Dancing Mule was a fantastic place for us to visit. The star of the show was the cheese and sausage scone! Big hit with both the kids and adults.
5: Springfield Brewing Company
A go-to downtown Springfield destination. We visited when there was a Christmas pop-up bar which was a nice surprise. I’m a huge cashew chicken fan. Which did you know, Springfield is the birthplace of cashew chicken? There are so many options in the city and I’ve probably been to most of them, but recently I visited Springfield Brew Co. and absolutely loved the cashew chicken here. There’s plenty of other apps, main menu items and the beer here is fantastic.
What to do:
1: Stop by Wild Animal Safari (Strafford)
If you’re heading down I-44 to Springfield, stop off the interstate for this drive-thru safari experience you wouldn’t expect to see in Missouri. See bison, cows, zebras and more through a multi-mile experience, but park the car and stop by the main area before heading out. There you’ll find a walk-thru section that you can see lions, tigers, cows, pigs – and even feed giraffes! Perfect for kids and a great way to break up a long drive.
2: Explore Wonders of Wildlife!
Voted the best aquarium in America by USA Today readers seven consecutive times, you won’t want to miss Wonders of Wildlife. Located at the Bass Pro Shops HQ, Wonders of Wildlife has both an aquarium and nature center area. This is a must-visit for us every time we’re in Springfield. The perfect place for kids to explore for hours.
3: See a Missouri State Bears basketball game!
We’ve got to cheer on our alma mater! Let’s hear it for the Bears! We saw a victory when we visited against Jacksonville State. It was also great to see my nephew run in the toddler run at half-time. They also let kids 12 and under play on the court after the game. I’m not sure if this was a special game for this, or if they do it every game. But either way, our kids had so much fun!
4: Play games & eat at Incredible Food & Fun
Recently rebranded from Incredible Pizza Co., Incredible Food & Fun has a buffet, arcade games, trampoline park, bumper cars and go karts for the whole family to enjoy. We had a blast there. It was like stepping back in time, as I hadn’t been to one since I was a kid. The food at the buffet was really good! There’s so much to choose from. Get a salad, nachos, pizza, chicken and dessert of course.
5: Explore the Bass Pro Shops HQ
When you’re done exploring Wonders of Wildlife, stick around the Bass Pro Shops HQ. There’s a free race car museum, a free fly fishing museum, plenty of boats and ATVs your kiddos will want to explore. Around Christmas time, there is an outdoor ice skating rink and carousel inside.
6: Check out some dinosaurs at the Missouri Institute of Natural Science
This free museum is a blast for those dinosaur-loving kids. The largest triceratops ever discovered is there, too! Take your picture in front of it before you go. There’s a kids’ section with books and dinosaur toys on the right side of the building which can keep your kiddos busy for awhile. See plenty of fossils and rocks during your adventure there.
7: Stop by Buc-ees before and/or after leaving town!
The famous gas station chain has arrived in Southwest Missouri. Just before you get to Springfield, fill up with gas and explore the store. It’s full of food and snacks, plus fun gifts you can buy your loved one. It’s a whole experience to enjoy that most gas stations don’t offer.
What places did we miss? Comment your favorite Springfield, Missouri stops below and let me know!
Matt Sheehan Official 