Think you need a plane ticket to make memories? Think again. Whether you're saving money, avoiding travel chaos, or just looking for easy ways to say “yes” to more fun, a Springfield staycation can be just as memorable as a big trip.

The best part? You can mix classic family favorites with brand-new adventures without ever packing a suitcase.

This guide is sponsored by Dickerson Park Zoo, where animals and people connect. Families can explore the outdoors while discovering wildlife from around the world, enjoy keeper chats and seasonal events, and get up close with animals at the giraffe feeding deck and petting zoo. With rides on the Titus Express train, conservation programs through Wildlife Zooniversity, and season passes for year-round visits, the zoo offers unforgettable experiences for animal lovers of all ages.

Here’s your go-to guide for planning the ultimate family staycation in Springfield, MO 👇

🎢 Classic Springfield Staycation Hits

Because some favorites never get old

This section of our Staycation Guide is sponsored by Discovery Center. 

Discovery Center has something for everyone: families, school groups, adults, and children. We provide a playground of hands-on, interactive exhibits that elicit a surprising, delightful, and inspiring educational experience to make learning science, technology, engineering, and math more accessible and relevant to everyday life.

Thank you to Discovery Center for sponsoring this section of our Staycation Guide!

When you want a guaranteed win, start with the places kids already love (and parents know are worth it):

• Explore underwater worlds and wildlife at Wonders of Wildlife
• Spend a day meeting animals at Dickerson Park Zoo
• Bounce, climb, and burn energy at local trampoline parks
• Catch a movie and make it feel special with popcorn + candy
• Go bowling, play arcade games, and stay for dinner

👉 Pro tip: Let each child pick one “must-do” activity for the week. You’ll avoid arguments and build excitement.

🌊 Beat the Heat: Splash & Swim Days

The easiest way to win summer

Nothing says “summer staycation” like water days. Keep it simple or make it feel like a mini resort experience:

• Visit local pools and splash pads
• Plan a lake or river day (pack snacks + floats!)
• Book a hotel for a night… or just enjoy the pool if day passes are available
• Set up a backyard water day with sprinklers, slip-n-slides, and water balloons

👉 Out-of-the-box idea: Pack a “hotel-style” pool bag (towels, snacks, drinks, sunscreen) and treat a regular pool day like a vacation.

🧪 Creative & Curiosity Days

For kids who love to make, build, and explore

This section of our Staycation Guide is sponsored by Bricks and Minifigs. 

Discover the ultimate LEGO® adventure at Bricks & Minifigs, your go-to LEGO® resale store in Springfield, MO. Our shop offers an unmatched selection of LEGO® products—it’s the perfect place to find LEGO® sets in Springfield. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a creative newcomer, our vast inventory promises something for every LEGO® enthusiast.

Thank you to Bricks and Minifigs for sponsoring this section of our Staycation guide!

Slow things down with hands-on fun that sparks creativity:

• Try a pottery painting or art studio
• Visit the library for free programs and reading challenges
• Explore STEM activities or science-based play
• Create your own “camp day” at home with themed crafts and experiments

👉 Fun challenge: Give your child a small budget and let them plan the entire day’s activities.

🍦 Treat Yourself: Family Foodie Fun

Because snacks are half the fun anyway

Turn mealtime into an adventure:

• Go on an ice cream run (or two… we won’t judge)
• Try a donut shop you’ve never visited before
• Let the kids choose dinner for a night
• Pack a picnic and eat somewhere new

👉 Staycation favorite: Create your own Springfield Dessert Crawl: hit 2–3 sweet spots in one evening and let everyone vote on their favorite.

🏕️ Backyard & At-Home Staycation Magic

Low cost, high memory-making

You don’t even have to leave home to make it special:

• Set up a backyard campout (tent, flashlights, s’mores!)
• Host a family movie night under the stars
• Have a water balloon battle or “backyard Olympics”
• Plan a DIY spa day with face masks and relaxing music

👉 Out-of-the-box idea: Pick a destination theme and plan a full day around it: Hawaii Day, New York City Day, or even “Cruise Day” at home.

🗺️ Mini Day Trips (No Hotel Required)

Adventure is closer than you think

This section of the Staycation Guide is sponsored by Springfield Little Theatre. 

Springfield Little Theatre, founded in 1934, is a vibrant, community-driven organization dedicated to producing outstanding theatrical experiences, inspiring creativity, and fostering a love for the performing arts in people of all ages. Serving as the region’s largest civic theatre, Springfield Little Theatre presents a diverse lineup of productions each season on the stage of the historic Landers Theatre, while offering year-round education and training opportunities at The Judith Enyeart Reynolds School of the Performing Arts.

Thanks to Springfield Little Theatre for sponsoring this section of the Staycation Guide.

If you’re itching to get out of town (without the hassle of overnight travel) plan a quick day trip:

• Explore nearby small towns
• Visit nature spots and hiking trails
• Attend a live show
• Find a new playground or park worth the drive

👉 Make it fun: Let your child point to a spot on the map and build a day around exploring it.

🎟️ The Springfield Staycation Challenge

Ready to make it official?

Thanks to Springfield Ballet for sponsoring this section of the Staycation Guide! 

Springfield Ballet is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the art of ballet through premier education, performance, outreach and collaboration. Our home is in The Creamery Arts Center, offering state of the art dance facilities including Harlequin sprung floors. Our classes are not recital driven; all classroom time is spent on dance instruction. Performance opportunities are offered each semester, and all performances take place at the historic Landers Theatre.

Thanks to Springfield Ballet for sponsoring this section of the Staycation Guide!

Turn your staycation into a game! How many can your family check off?

✔ Try a new dessert spot
✔ Visit a splash pad or pool
✔ Have a backyard campout
✔ Let your child plan a full day
✔ Try something you’ve never done before
✔ Take a spontaneous day trip

👉 Snap photos along the way and share your adventures. You might inspire another family’s next outing!

💛 Make This Your Best Summer Yet

A staycation isn’t about doing everything; it’s about being intentional with your time together. Whether you go big with outings or keep it simple at home, these are the moments your kids will remember.

So grab your calendar, pick a few ideas, and start planning your family’s Springfield staycation today.

Because the best memories? They’re closer than you think. ✨