Location: Springfield
Top Things to do in Springfield
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Top 10 Things to do in Springfield, United States
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 Armory National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 233 reviews
This Armory, which manufactured and tested firearms for the U.S. military from 1794 to 1968, houses the country's largest collection of small weapons. While the first floor is free, there's a fee for the second floor, which displays rare weapons and the largest collection of Confederate weapons anywhere.
Reviewed By Chipperhigh2 - Okemos, Michigan
Have not been to Springfield Armory Museum in over 30 years. The National Park Service has done a very nice job with the displays. Many of the machine guns on displays were stored for years in the basement. I hope they continue to improve. A valuable tribute to our fighting men and the men who designed weapons for them. Worth stopping to enjoy. Good for the entire family. The museum is free, but a small donation is welcomed.
2. The Big E
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 536 reviews
Reviewed By Jake_MA_11 - Beverly, Massachusetts
Lots of interesting things to see and food everywhere. Went on a weekday and it was busy but not overcrowded. Could not imagine what traffic ans crowds would be on a weekend. Bought some unique items from vendors and the state buildings were great to go through. Spend a full day and enjoy!!
3. Springfield Museums
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 384 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 250crystalp - New York
Out of state visitors pay an inclusive fee to see all 5 museums...for us it was 86 dollars which included the 30 minute planetarium experience ( two adults and two teens). It was well worth it! Friendly staff, beautiful buildings,cool exhibits! Tons of interactive things that younger kids would enjoy. Learned tons about Springfield itself. A must visit!
4. Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 376 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 Richard_Harpum - Doncaster, United Kingdom
My wife and I visited the Dr Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden in Springfield, Massachusetts, during a tour of New England. We decided to go, as it was recommended in our guide book.
There is a small parking lot opposite the museum and the sculpture display consists of a series of bronze sculptures that were made by Dr Seuss’s step-daughter. Some, like the elephant are quite large.
Next to the garden is the Dr Seuss Museum (“The Amazing World of Dr Seuss”). We did not have time to visit that but for Dr Seuss buffs, it is probably essential viewing.
A fun place to visit if you are visiting Springfield.
5. Storrowton Village Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Restored New England village features several buildings (circa 1767-1850), which were dismantled, moved and reassembled to create a living historic museum.
Reviewed By scoutdreams - Estero, FL
Foresight 80 plus years ago brought many historic buildings to a common place to share with the public. I have only been here when the fair is open and this along with the Avenue of States (right across the street) is my favorite parts of the Big E.
Take the time to walk through and read and hear about the history of each of the building making up this "town".
There are plenty of artisans selling their products as well as some working their skills in plain site.
A must see.
6. Forest Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 227 reviews
Reviewed By ramsdesk - Westborough, Massachusetts
A must visit place during Christmas holidays. The entire park is lit up with various types of decorative lights. You can go traverse the park in you car without getting down.
There are various figurines and holiday themes lighting all over the park.
They charge $21 for entry (you could get $3 discount if you could take the printout of the coupon from their website). It's completely worth the money and time.
7. Basketball Hall of Fame
Overall Ratings
4 based on 528 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 LunaWanderlust
We stopped at the Basketball Hall of Fame on our way to Boston. My 9 year old really enjoyed it. The top floor is mainly basketball memorabilia. The second floor had a few interactive stations such as virtual basketball. The first floor was my son’s favorite. They had hoops in all different sizes and a slam dunk station. I would recommend this place to basketball fans, families with tweens and teens. It is a bit on the pricier side at $25 for adults and $15 for older kids. Anyone interested in visiting should check if they can get the groupon deal.
8. The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By Brian R - Northridge, CA
Came to see the sculptures and found this is in addition! Amazing! This place has stuff for all ages. Additionally, it has exhibits that are unrelated to his children's books. There are areas for adults also. A very worthwhile experience, even if my wife wanted to bring home Thing 1 and Thing 2!
9. Zoo in Forest Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 95 reviews
This zoo, featuring over 200 exotic and domestic animals, was the inspiration for Dr. Seuss and his stories. Dedicated to wildlife education, the zoo provides educational programs for children and adults.
Reviewed By GarciaEmelie - Springfield, Massachusetts
It will take you about 2 hrs to see all the animals,the admission is reasonable,the animals are well taken care of.you can't buy anything to eat in there pack a lunch to eat on the playground before entering.They also have a train that takes you around the park for a additional admission which is kool for the little ones.
10. Symphony Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By Daniel J
A party of eight went for the 2016 Basketball Hall of Fame Induction. The building is beautiful, the layout provides a great view no matter the seating location, and the acoustics are great. Unfortunately we had tickets to the upper balcony so we had to climb about 5 flights of very narrow stairs. Two members of our party had to go to the restroom during the induction and they came back sweating and gasping for air because the restrooms are in the lower level. Remember to be semi-dehydrated if you don't have the stamina to go down 5 flights, use the restroom, then walk up the 5 flights hurrying all the way so as to not miss any of the presentation.
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