Trying to keep kids busy all summer without spending a fortune? Same.
The good news: Springfield has plenty of free and budget-friendly family fun, from parks and playgrounds to library programs, splash pads, outdoor concerts, local trails, and easy no-spend adventures.
If you’re looking for free things to do with kids in Springfield, cheap summer activities for families, or budget-friendly places to take kids near Springfield, our 2026 guide is a great place to start.
Here are 25+ free and cheap things to do with kids in Springfield this summer.
More Summer Fun in Springfield
- Get a free printable summer fun bucket list
- Find camps in our Summer Camp Guide
- See what’s happening this week on our Events Calendar
Outdoor Adventures
- Visit a park for an easy afternoon outside.
- Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon at Springfield Lake.
- Explore the trails at Sequiota Park.
- Go birdwatching, bug hunting, or nature spotting at Springfield Conservation Nature Center.
- Check out the Springfield Sculpture Walk for some great family selfie opportunities.
Water Fun
- Cool off at Fassnight Pool.
- Spend the day at Fellows Lake.
- Skip rocks, search for shells, or look for treasures at the Joe Crighton Access of the James River.
- Check out the splash pad at Farmers Park during market hours.
- Take a sunset walk at Springfield Lake.
- Set up backyard water play with sprinklers, buckets, or water balloons.
Free Events & Entertainment in Springfield
- Attend a free outdoor concert at Founders Park on Wednesdays at noon.
- Check out Springfield Park Board's free Movies in the Park series.
- Explore the Butterfly Festival at Nathanael Greene Park on June 27 (admission is free!).
- Browse the C-Street City Market and let kids pick one small treat or snack.
- Visit the Missouri Institute of Natural Science (free admission!).
- Plan ahead for the free kids’ events at area libraries - and participate in their summer reading programs!
- Browse our full list of family-friendly events in Springfield.
Quick win for this week: New free and cheap events are added all the time. Check the Macaroni KID Springfield calendar before the weekend so you don’t miss something easy, fun, and close to home.
Library & Learning Fun
- Visit The Library Center for story times, special events, and air conditioning.
- Join the summer reading program at the Greene, Christian, Webster, Lawrence, or Polk County libraries.
- Check out museum passes, activity kits, or other free family resources from the Greene County libraries.
- Make a weekly library visit part of your summer routine.
Cheap Places to Take Kids in Springfield
- Visit the Springfield Conservation Nature Center during a nature talk, storytime or event.
- Check out a family pass to the Discovery Center or History Museum on the Square from the Greene County libraries.
- Sign up for Kids Bowl Free and visit Andy B's, Enterprise Park Lanes, or Sunshine Lanes.
- Use a family membership to the zoo to make repeat visits cheaper.
- Plan a small treat outing to Hurts Donut or Buttermilk Ice Cream.
- Visit the Railroad Historical Museum (free admission!). Better yet, gather a group and call for a tour!
Before You Go
Prices, hours, deals, and free offerings can change, so it’s always smart to double-check details before heading out.
Don’t Lose This List!
Bookmark this page and check back throughout the summer. New free events, cheap activities, and family-friendly ideas pop up all season long in the 417.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter so you don’t miss a thing this summer. We’re always adding new events, free activities, local guides, and family-friendly ideas for Springfield families.
