10 Nature & Parks in Springfield That You Shouldn't Miss

August 24, 2021 Enriqueta Cusson

Springfield is perhaps best known as the birthplace of basketball and home of the Basketball Hall of Fame. (The story goes that local physical education teacher James Naismith invented the sport to fill the gaps between football and baseball seasons.) But this historic town on the shores of the Connecticut River is famous for a few other reasons and definitely worth a quick jaunt or weekend away. Springfield was the birthplace and home of beloved children's author and illustrator, Theodore Geisel, Dr. Seuss. In fact, the Zoo in Forest Park, a sure hit with the kids, is said to be the inspiration for many of his wild and wacky tales. Wander through the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, at the Quadrangle, for a look at the Cat in the Hat and Yertle the Turtle cast in bronze. The city served as a major arsenal during the Revolutionary War, a role that is commemorated at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, which displays an enormous collection of small pistols. History buffs will also enjoy the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum, a tribute to the ordinary people of the region who, during various periods in time, did extraordinary things.
Restaurants in Springfield

1. Watershops Pond

Springfield, MA 01108
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Watershops Pond

Beautiful lake in the heart of Springfield, ma 7 miles of shore line. people can go fishing or canoeing. The are is border by Springfield college who uses the lake for their athletic program. There seats and a good amount of side walk around the lake.

2. Forest Park

Sumner Avenue, Springfield, MA 01108-2364 +1 413-787-6000 http://springfieldcityhall.com
Excellent
60%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 279 reviews

Forest Park

Reviewed By Getaway607022 - Henrico, United States

Oh I missed this!! I used to live in Springfield and we went every year since my son was born until I moved. I lived in NJ and VA since then and none compared to Bright Nights . The deer dancing overhead.. .the Horse Drawn Carriage.. etc etc. Anyone that leaves a bad review? Is the Grinch... Make it a point to see....worth it. I am an adult and loved it just as much as my son

3. Chuck E. Cheese's

1716 Boston Rd, Springfield, MA 01129-1153
Excellent
50%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8 reviews

Chuck E. Cheese's

4. Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden

21 Edwards St, Springfield, MA 01103-1548 +1 413-263-6800 http://springfieldmuseums.org/about/dr-seuss-sculpture-garden/
Excellent
56%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 464 reviews

Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden

Bring the kids to this outdoor sculpture garden where the Cat in the Hat, the Grinch, and other beloved Dr. Seuss characters are immortalized in bronze, life-size statues all designed by Geisel's step-daughter, sculptor Lark Grey Dimond-Cates.

Reviewed By RogueTrippers - Guelph, Canada

The Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden has been a must-stop destination on every single one of our Roadtrips through Massachusetts for years. We never miss an opportunity to visit, and take photos with some of our favourite characters from the beloved books of Dr Seuss. This a beautiful place to spend some time. the sculptures are perfectly created in the exact likeness you would expect. You will find Thing 1 & 2, Horton, Thidwick the big-hearted moose, Sam I Am, The grinch & his dog max, The Cat in the hat, and Maizy la bird. You can pose for photos with your favourite characters, but be warned - on a hot day, the sculptures get hot as well, and can burn bear skin. We learned this the hard way. The Museum has taken to cordoning off the sculptures with warnings about this. Since June 2017, there is even more of a reason to visit the sculpture garden, as now there is the Amazing World of Dr Seuss museum - which is an absolute must for everyone to see. If you are on a road trip through MA, make sure you stop in the Springfield and visit the Dr Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, and Dr Seuss Museum.

5. North Riverfront Park

West Street, Springfield, MA 01104
Excellent
67%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
11%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9 reviews

North Riverfront Park

6. The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center

293 Sumner Ave Located inside Forest Park, Springfield, MA 01108-2307 +1 413-733-2251 [email protected] http://www.forestparkzoo.org/
Excellent
39%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 123 reviews

The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center

The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center is a non-profit organization governed by the Forest Park Zoological Society. Situated in Forest Park, a 735 acre woodland park in Springfield, The Zoo features exotic and indigenous animals representing a large variety of species found throughout the world and in North America. The Zoo is dedicated to wildlife education, offers a variety of educational programs and special events for children and adults. Zoo On The Go, Guided Tours and Discovery Programs can be adapted to all age groups and interests. With different events almost every weekend, The Zoo allows guests of all ages to explore multiple aspects of science while having fun. Zoo Camp, during both winter and summer school vacations all children ages 6-13 to explore nature, discover wildlife and meet exotic creatures.

Reviewed By BTompkins1 - Springfield, United States

What an adorable zoo! From the sweet camels that eat from your hand to the monkeys who swing and play to the wolves who run around their yard. It is so perfect for a day trip! I come here every year and every year it gets better! They just opened a new beaver exhibit with a baby beaver and an orphaned beaver. They take in animals that otherwise wouldnt have a home. Their signage explains everything. Not too expensive to get in either!

7. 5 Mile Pond

990 Boston Rd, Springfield, MA 01119-1306
Excellent
71%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
29%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 7 reviews

5 Mile Pond

Very nice lake to take the kids fishing or Swimming. The area is easy to get to and has other things to do around.

8. The Connecticut River Walk and Bikeway

Hall of Fame Ave., Springfield, MA 01115
Excellent
43%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
7%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 14 reviews

The Connecticut River Walk and Bikeway

Beautiful Park in Downtown Springfield. Awesome for biking leads you to the North End River Front Park and from there you can cross the bridge into West Springfield. The Basketball Hall of Fame is in he front of the pakrk.

9. Van Horn Park

Hungry Hill, Springfield, MA 01107
Excellent
44%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
0%
Terrible
12%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 9 reviews

Van Horn Park

A very good park to walk around. It has tennis courts, trails, bike trails and big field to play football or soccer.

10. Blunt Park

Blunt Park Road, Springfield, MA +1 413-787-6434
Excellent
45%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
23%
Poor
0%
Terrible
27%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 22 reviews

Blunt Park

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