I recently took a weekend trip to Springfield, Missouri. The city is full of life and there's something for everyone to enjoy. Home to the Missouri State Bears, it's a vibrant college town and a great community for families.

Check out what I did while I was there, and see some of the amazing places Springfield has to offer!

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Discovery Center of Springfield

The Discovery Center is perfect for any age. Gather the whole family and head to this interactive hands-on museum to learn more about yourself, and the world around us. With numerous exhibits that are often updated, there's always something new to see at the Discovery Center.

 438 E St Louis St, Springfield, MO 65806 | Website

Fantastic Caverns

Springfield is your destination to experience America's only ride thru cave. Tour in jeep-drawn trams and ride all the way through the cave to see its splendor and beauty. Discovered in 1862, it is a still a Springfield favorite that hundreds of thousands visit each year.

 4872 N Farm Rd 125, Springfield, MO 65803 | Website

Dickerson Park Zoo

Play your part in the conservation of animals by visiting the Dickerson Park Zoo. Connect with over 500 animals over the 100 acre park for an experience of a lifetime. With scavenger hunts and fun activity sheets, kids will love engaging with their favorite animals.

1401 W Norton Rd, Springfield, MO 65803 | Website

Itty Bitty City

All the kids go crazy over Itty Bitty City. It's the perfect place for them to play, interact with other children, and most importantly, learn. Parents can watch their children build an invention, put on a performance, create art, or even role play in the village. Let their imaginations wander at the Itty Bitty City.

3640 S Campbell Ave, Springfield, MO 65807 | Website

Askinosie Chocolate

One of Forbes' 25 Best Small Companies In America, Askinosie Chocolate brings some of the highest quality and best tasting chocolate possible. Learn about their cocoa origins, community engagement, and the path they took to success. Plus, satisfy your sweet tooth!

514 E Commercial St, Springfield, MO 65803 | Website

Gillioz Theatre

The Gillioz Theatre is the perfect venue to catch one of your favorite events. From a Broadway production, to a concert, you can even rent out the theatre yourself to host an event. Recently renovated in 2006, it's a beautiful venue that seats over 1,000.

325 Park Central E, Springfield, MO 65806 | Website

Creative Escape Glass

Learn how to make your own fused glass pieces at Creative Escape Glass. Join a class and learn the basics of glass cutting, or check out the Studio Calendar for upcoming group projects. Your creation makes a perfect decor item, and is something you'll always treasure.

1700 S Campbell Ave Suite H, Springfield, MO 65807 | Website

Gilardi's Ristorante 

Enjoy authentic Italian cuisines with fresh, local ingredients at Gilardi's Ristorante. A Springfield favorite for over 15 years, they stay true to Chef Nicola's tradition of excellence. Perfect for date night or family events!

820 E Walnut St, Springfield, MO 65806 | Website

The Trolley Bike

It's always a pedal powered party on The Trolley Bike! Take a tour of Springfield or stop for drinks for on the 14-passenger quadricycle. Perfect for bar crawls, bachelor parties and more, capture the best memories on The Trolley Bike.

606 W McDaniel St, Springfield, MO 65806 | Website

National Tiger Sanctuary

For all the animal lovers, National Tiger Sanctuary is a must visit. A permanent home for exotic and domestic animals, the sanctuary provides a safe and friendly environment with unique educational programs for visitors. Take a tour for a behind the scenes look, and even feed the big cats yourself!

518, State Hwy BB, Saddlebrooke, MO 65630 | Website

Lambert's Cafe

Home of the throwed rolls, Lambert's Cafe amazes thousands with their generous portion sizes and homestyle cooking. Once featured on Food Network, Lambert's Cafe is a memorable experience the whole family will love. Be sure to try their Chicken Fried Steak!

1800 W State Hwy J, Ozark, MO 65721 | Website

Springfield Botanical Gardens

With several gardens boasting over a 114-acre site, it's perfect for those wanting to get in touch with nature and admire its beauty. Visit the butterfly house while there, which offers plant demonstration and education. The gardens also host special events, classes, and exhibits all year long.

 2400 S Scenic Ave, Springfield, MO 65807 | Website

Andy B's

Andy B's is Springfield's only Restaurant and Entertainment center. With bowling lanes, underground laser tag, an arcade room, and a full service restaurant and bar, who wouldn't want to join in on the fun at Andy B's? Plan your next party or event, or take the family out for some friendly competition!

1127 East Battlefield Street, Springfield, MO 65807 | Website

Hurts Donut Company

People go crazy over Hurts Donut, and we're not surprised why. They're the most delicious donuts in all of Springfield. From their Maple Bacon Long John to a good old fashioned glazed donut, it's the perfect destination to satisfy your sweet tooth.

320 Park Central W, Springfield, MO 65806 | Website

Route 66 Car Museum

Route 66 Car Museum is all about sharing a passion with the public. With over 70 classic cars, they range from early brass eras to vehicles used in cinema. There's a vehicle for every museum goer's taste, so you won't want to miss out on this!  

1634 W College St, Springfield, MO 65806 | Website

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World

Find all your needs for fishing, boating, and outdoor activities! With over 500,000 square feet of space dedicated to the outdoors, it also features waterfalls, a firing range, boat showroom, aquarium, and the NRA Museum and Archery Hall of Fame. Afterwards, relax over coffee at their cafe.

1935 S Campbell Ave, Springfield, MO 65807 | Website

Relics Antique Mall

At over 90,00 square feet, Relics Antique Mall is the largest antique mall in Missouri. Wander through the rows of antiques, and find the perfect piece for your home. Afterwards, stop by their old world tea room for a flaky pastry quiche.

2015 W Battlefield Rd, Springfield, MO 65807 | Website

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

Take a step back in history and learn about the fate of Missouri. Wilson's Creek National Battlefield is known as one of the three best preserved and most pristine Civil War battlefields in the National Park System. Take a tour, visit the Hulston Library, or gaze at all the Civil War artifacts to bring history to life.

6424 W Farm Rd 182, Republic, MO 65738 | Website

Mother's Brewing Company

A locally-owned brewery in downtown Springfield, Mother's Brewing Company produces a range of craft beers. Visitors can tour the brewery, and learn the processes of beer making, bottling, and distribution, and participate in a tasting session in the Tasting Room afterwards.