Springfield, Illinois, is a great city to explore with kids. Its diverse offerings make it a great family destination.
Let’s dive right in.
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is a great place to take the family to learn about our 16th president.
The museum features interactive exhibits, films, and artifacts that tell the story of Lincoln’s life. The library has a research center where you can access primary source materials related to Lincoln and his times.
More informationThe Illinois State Capitol is the seat of government for the U.S. state of Illinois and houses the Illinois General Assembly, the bicameral state legislature comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The building is located in Springfield’ capital city, at the eastern end of Springfield’s historic downtown district. The current capitol building is the sixth to serve as the seat of government in Illinois; it was constructed between 1868 and 1888.
More informationThe Lincoln Home National Historic Site is the former home of Abraham Lincoln.
It is located in Springfield. The site includes the four-block area surrounding the home, as well as a Visitor Center and museum. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm, and there is no charge for admission.
More informationThe Old State Capitol State Historic Site is a great place to take kids in Springfield.
The site offers a tour of the old state capitol building, which is a great way to learn about the state’s history. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who are able to answer any questions that kids might have.
More informationThe Springfield Muni Opera is a great place to take kids to see a show.
The Opera house is small and intimate, making it the perfect place to enjoy live music and theater. The staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating, making it easy for families to enjoy the show.
More informationThe Dana-Thomas House is a historic site in Springfield that is great for kids.
The house was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and is a great example of his Prairie Style of architecture. The house is furnished with many original Wright-designed pieces and is set up to look as it did when the Dana family lived there in the early 1900s.
There are also several interactive exhibits for kids, such as a replica of Wright’s studio where they can design their own building, and a scavenger hunt through the house to find all of the hidden animals in the art and furniture.
More informationWashington Park is a beautiful place to take a stroll with your kids.
It has plenty of open space to run around, plus a few playgrounds and picnic areas. The park is also home to a variety of animals, including ducks, geese, and even a few deer.
More informationThe City of Springfield Trolley is a great way to see Springfield with kids.
The trolley is a replica of a historic streetcar and takes passengers on a tour of the city. The trolley makes stops at some of the city’s most popular attractions, including the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Illinois State Capitol, and the Old State Capitol.
More informationThe Henson Robinson Zoo is a great place to take your family for a day of fun and learning.
The zoo has a wide variety of animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, and elephants. There are also many interactive exhibits, such as the African Savannah exhibit where you can feed the animals. The zoo also offers a variety of educational programs for children and adults.
More informationThe Illinois State Fairgrounds is a great place to take kids near Springfield.
There are a variety of activities and attractions for kids of all ages, including a petting zoo, rides, games, and more. The fairgrounds are also home to a variety of events throughout the year, so there is always something new and exciting to see and do.
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