After a long winter indoors, spring is the perfect time to get outside and reconnect with nature. Around Springfield, families don’t have to travel far to meet farm animals, see wildlife, or explore working farms in the Ozarks.

From petting goats and feeding giraffes to picking fresh berries straight from the field, these local farms, zoos, and animal experiences make it easy to turn a beautiful spring day into a family adventure.

Grab the kids, put on some boots, and get ready to explore!

🐄 Farms & Farm Parks

Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park
3825 W Farm Rd 146, Springfield

A favorite for Springfield families, Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park offers a free way to experience farm life right in the city. The park includes barns with farm animals, walking trails, fishing ponds, and playground areas that make it easy to spend an entire afternoon outdoors. 

Kids can often see cows, goats, chickens, and other farm animals while learning about agriculture in the Ozarks.

Why families love it:

• Free admission
• Playground and walking trails
• Farm animals to see up close
• Seasonal events and educational programs

It’s a great starter farm experience for younger kids.

Millsap Farms
6593 Emu Ln, Springfield

Located just north of Springfield, Millsap Farms is a small diversified family farm that focuses on sustainable agriculture and community connection. 

Families can shop their farm stand, attend farm-to-table dinners and Pizza Clubs, or participate in seasonal events that highlight local food and farming.

Good for:
Families interested in learning where their food comes from.

Fassnight Creek Farm
1366 S Fort Ave, Springfield

Right in the middle of Springfield, Fassnight Creek Farm is a small urban farm that grows vegetables, flowers, and fruits. 

Families can stop by the farm stand to pick up fresh flowers and support local agriculture. 

Tip: Visiting local farm stands is a great way to introduce kids to seasonal produce.

Finley Farms
802 Finley Farms Ln, Ozark

Finley Farms blends agriculture, nature, and community events on a beautiful historic property in nearby Ozark. The farm features flower fields, gardens, and workshops that help families connect with the land. 

It’s also home to farm-to-table dining and seasonal classes.

🐐 Zoos & Animal Encounters

Dickerson Park Zoo
1401 W Norton Rd, Springfield

Springfield’s zoo has been a local attraction for more than a century and is home to 500+ animals representing about 160 species. 

Families can explore animal habitats from around the world, including Africa, Asia, and South America, while also learning about conservation. 

Highlights include:

• Giraffe feeding experiences
• A children’s petting zoo
• Playground and splash areas
• Educational programs and events

It’s one of the most popular family destinations in the region.

Wild Animal Safari
124 Jungle Road, Strafford 

This huge drive-through park features over 650 animals! Bus tours, walk-through zoo, petting zoo, and special up-close animals encounters are available.

Families can purchase animal feed and interact with animals right from their car window. 

🌸 Pick-Your-Own Farms & Seasonal Experiences

One of the best ways to celebrate spring and summer in the Ozarks is visiting a pick-your-own farm. Kids love the chance to harvest fruit themselves, and it’s a great way to support local agriculture.

Black & Blue Berry Farm
5313 S. Farm Rd. 241, Rogersville

This urban farm offers seasonal u-pick blueberries and lavender along with a barn café and mercantile shop. 

It’s a beautiful spot for family photos and a sweet summer outing.

Gooseberry Bridge Farm
177 Elm Grove Rd., Rogersville

This "you-pick" flower farm and homestead offers seasonal encounters with baby animals! Visit them on Facebook to find out about making appointments and reserving your spot.

Gardener's Orchard
4455 W. Farm Rd. 2, Brighton

Just 15 minutes north of Springfield, this farm features large seasonal festivals like the Tulips and Baby Animals festival in the spring and the Memorial Day Strawberry Festival to kick off summer. 

Why Visiting Local Farms Matters

Missouri has roughly 95,000 farms, many of them family-owned operations that help feed communities across the state. 

When families visit farms, attend markets, or join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), they’re supporting local farmers while teaching kids where their food comes from.

Know a Great Farm We Should Add?

We love highlighting local farms, CSAs, and pick-your-own experiences for Springfield families.

📩 Farm owners: Want to be featured in this guide? Contact Macaroni KID Springfield to learn about sponsored listings and seasonal advertising opportunities.