Location: Springfield
Top Things to do in Springfield
Countries
The 10 Best Things to do Good for Kids in Springfield, Massachusetts (MA)
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. Springfield Union Station
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
The story of the rebirth of Springfield’s Union Station was a 40-year saga that began with a promise to save a landmark that was teetering on the brink of extinction. On December 19, 1926, an estimated 30,000 people toured Opening Day of Union Station. The new facility with its gleaming terrazzo floors, had a restaurant, lunch counter, barbershop, shoeshine parlor and small shops to service hundreds of daily passengers who boarded up to 130 trains every 24 hours. The reconstruction of Union Station lasted four years and one month finishing in 2016. The great hall was gutted to the bare walls and rebuilt. The historic clock that hung at the entrance to the tunnel since the building opened, to a wooden train schedule board and 90-year-old baggage carts the original Terrazzo floors were all preserved. In addition to the train station there is an intermodal transportation center with local and long-distance buses, a new parking garage, office, retail and restaurant space.
Reviewed By NohoSteve51
I visited the Union Station in Springfield MA again recently, for the first time since the COVID-19 crisis began. I wanted to update my thoughts and impressions of the place and see how they were handling things. I'm happy to report that the station continues to be convenient and welcoming for all travelers by train, city bus and long-distance bus lines. They are taking appropriate measures to prevent the spread of disease, including requiring masks and allowing only ticketed passengers into the main concourse. They also are blocking off seats so you will not be too close to the other people. Benches are off-limits for now. Dunkin remains open as well as the convenience store where you can get all kinds of snack items. You can also purchase tickets from either ticket counters or machines located on the property. You can now also buy tickets through apps from Amtrak, CTrail and now even PVTA (local bus service) as well as Peter Pan and Greyhound. I recommend this place to all travelers. Clean and safe and taking proper precautions in this time of pandemic.
2. Springfield Armory National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 297 reviews
The Armory, which manufactured and tested firearms for the U.S. military from 1794 to 1968, houses the country's largest collection of US military small weapons. The displays include rare weapons and the largest collection of confederate weapons anywhere. When it started, the Armory was the first high tech manufacturing to occur in the country, and the advancements in mass production and the ability to create interchangeable parts that started at the Armory, initiated the development of the countries first high tech manufacturing corridor.
Reviewed By oldbonesgenealogy - Chicopee, United States
Incredible collection and history of the Armory which was an integral part of the War for Independence
3. Springfield Museums
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 484 reviews
The Springfield Museums, located in the heart of downtown Springfield, Massachusetts, is comprised of four world-class museums covering art, history, and science, plus the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden.
Reviewed By Maxy2011 - Southampton, United States
You really need to plan more than one day to see this gem in the middle of Springfield, Ma. Something for everyone, even the little ones. The Dr.Suess museum is hands on for the kids. Well worth the price but, check online for discounts. Springfield residents are free with proof of residing in the city. I am already planning my next visit. How wonderful to have this right here in our community. Plenty of parking and even a very nice restaurant right on the property.
4. Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 464 reviews
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. Forest Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 279 reviews
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
6. The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By dustythoughts - Manchester, United States
This glorious, fantastic museum is wonderful for both kids and for adults who grew up reading Dr Seuss, who was a native of Springfield. The museum is colorful and interactive, and has exhibits from a lot of Dr Seuss' stories, like the Cat in the Hat and Who-Ville. The first floor is more aimed at younger kids, with interactive exhibits, like rhyming games and fun vocabulary games. The second floor highlights major parts of the author's life, with a recreation of part of his home, family photographs, and other memorabilia.
7. Basketball Hall of Fame
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 676 reviews
Located in the town where basketball was invented, this 48,000-square-foot museum has three levels of exhibits on the history and heroes of the game and gives visitors a chance to participate in skill contests.
Reviewed By alexphillies10
I learned a lot about basketball history and about my favorite players. I was also able to play basketball in the center court during my visit which was a fun thing to do after viewing all of the exhibits. One of my favorite things about the basketball HOF was all of the players spread out across the top of the dome. Finally, the gift shop was a good place to visit and buy souvenirs.
8. The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 123 reviews
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!
9. MassMutual Center
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 70 reviews
The MassMutual Center (formerly Springfield Civic Center) is a multi-purpose arena and convention center located in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts.
Reviewed By kcrl2002 - Springfield, United States
I went there the last most recent time for a game and it was spectacular. I love this place. beautiful, comfortable and the staff is very attentive to keep you safe from the activity that is happening at that time. Bathrooms are clean and food service is fast.
10. Eastfield Mall
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By S7518HKjamesw
Clean and safe. The mall hasn't been updated in quite sometime but is a good place if you are looking for some shopping. There is NO GANGS in the mall or around the mall, people making such comments are basing their opinions on demographics of the area which in Springfield's case is over 51% Caucasian. There is security like every mall and the very good thing about the mall is that is in Boston rd which has many eating options.
