Beat the Heat in Downtown Springfield!
July 12, 2024
Take a break from the sun and cool off with these indoor activities for kids and families in Springfield, Missouri!
Explore the History Museum on the Square
Explore eight interactive galleries to learn how Springfield, Missouri and this region shaped American history at the History Museum on the Square. The rich and vast collection of artifacts, photographs and “voices of history” are combined, using innovative technologies that are fun for all ages. Plus, for the rest of the summer you can see their special, limited time exhibit Checking In: Iconic Hotels & Motels of Greene County. Discover the stories of iconic lodgings along Route 66, from charming cabins to landmark hotels.
154 Park Central Square, Springfield, MO 65806
Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
Admission is $16 for adults (12+), $13 for seniors, military and students, $10 for Children 4-12 and FREE for kids 3 & under. Family Passes can also be checked out for free from the Park Central Branch Library, just across the square from the museum.
Learn something new at the Discovery Center
Learn, discover and play around floors of interactive, hands-on adventures for all ages at the Discovery Center! Stroll through the inner workings of a giant eyeball, dig for a dinosaur in the largest gallery of giant animatronic dinosaurs in the Midwest, experience the only LU Digital Interactive Playground accessible to the public in North America and more all while developing and fostering a life-long love of learning. You can also enjoy special events like weekly story times on Wednesday’s at 10:30 a.m. and Mess Fest happening on Saturday, June 13 inviting kids to make a mess with more than 100 gallons of oobleck, a community canvas, kid-safe paints, LEGO printmaking, a foam cannon, a human car wash and a special demonstration from a local spray paint artist.
438 E. St. Louis, Springfield, MO 65806
Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission is $15 for adults (16+), $10 for Children 3-15 and FREE for kids 2 & under. Family Passes can also be checked out for free from the Park Central Branch Library on Park Central Square.
Game on at 1984
Step back in time and play more than 70 video games and 16+ pinball machines at 1984 Arcade. Their collection of games focuses on all the ones teens loved in the ’80s, plus some games from the 1970’s. All the video games have a credit button installed (the blue button) near the coin slot on the front of the game. It just costs $10 to get in and then all the video games are free to play for as long as you want and the pinball machines take quarters. Enjoy classic games like Spy Hunter, Space Invaders, Asteroids, Crystal Castles and more!
400 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806
Wednesday-Saturday, 4-11 p.m.
Admission is $10 for adults
Hit the books with the library’s Summer Reading Program
Readers of all ages are invited to go on a literature adventure by taking part in the Springfield-Greene County’s Library‘s Summer Reading Program. Pick up a game board or log on to thelibrary.org/summerreading and follow the links to register for the reading program that fits you. Start logging reading minutes and complete activities to earn great prizes. A great selection of books can be found at the Park Central Library branch on Park Central Square. You can also attend library programs like the free FilmStubs movies at Moxie Cinema, the Downtown Book Club on the second Thursdays of the month and Downtown Game Night on the second Friday of the month to complete your challenge!
128 Park Central Square, Springfield, MO 65806
Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Work on your aim at Craft Axe Throwing
Experience the thrill of axe throwing at Craft Axe Throwing! Try your hand in one of 12 targeted lanes, with several ways to play and multiple throwing items to choose from, it’s a fun activity for the whole group. Top it off craft brews for the adults and multiple TVs throughout, this will create a memorable experience for everyone.
431 E. Jefferson, Suite 132 A, Springfield, MO 65806
Monday-Thursday, 4-9 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, noon-11 p.m.
Sunday, 2-9 p.m.
Admission is $19 for 45 minutes, $21-$23 for one hour and $30-$33 for one and a half hours
Catch a movie at the Moxie Cinema or the Gillioz!
Take a load off for a couple hours and enjoy a flick at in one of Downtown Springfield’s great theaters! In addition to seeing the newest indie films of the summer at the Moxie Cinema, once a month you can catch The Essentials (films everyone should see on the big scree), free FilmStubs showings and MoxieFlix (films for kids to see before they turn 13). You can also catch the classics like Fiddler on the Roof and It Came From Outer Space at The Gillioz’s Midweek Matinees every two weeks on Wednesdays at 2 p.m.
Moxie Cinema
305 S. Campbell, Suite 101, Springfield, MO 65806
Times vary, visit www.moxiecinema.com/ to see the schedule of showings
The Gillioz
325 Park Central East, Springfield, MO 65806
Every other Wednesday 2 p.m.
Chill out at Jordan Valley Ice Park
Escape the summer heat for the chill of Jordan Valley Ice Park‘s two indoor NHL-size ice rinks. Enjoy open ice skating, figure skating or join a hockey team (lessons and leagues available for all ages). For some extra fun, come to the rink on the fourth Friday of the month for themed public skate nights. Dress the part and enjoy games, prizes and music featuring each theme. July 26’s theme is Elf/Christmas and August 23’s theme is Back to School.