Springfield, Illinois, isn't just a haven for history buffs—it's also a fantastic destination for families seeking fun and educational experiences. If you're staying at The Pasfield House, you're perfectly situated to explore a variety of attractions that will delight children and adults alike.
🦁 Henson Robinson Zoo
Just a short drive from The Pasfield House, the Henson Robinson Zoo is home to over 80 species from around the globe, including lemurs, wallabies, and African penguins. It's a manageable size for young children, making it ideal for a half-day outing. Admission is affordable, with free entry on June 17 to celebrate the City of Springfield’s proclamation of Henson Robinson Zoo Day. Mommy Poppins+2Illinois Local+2Wikipedia+2
🧬 Kidzeum of Health & Science
Located downtown, Kidzeum offers hands-on exhibits that make learning about the human body, health, and science engaging for children. Highlights include a 40-foot-tall "Healthy Alex" model and interactive areas like a kid-sized village and a TinkerSpace for budding engineers. Midwest Nomads+1Mommy Poppins+1
🎢 Malibu Jack's
For indoor entertainment, Malibu Jack's at White Oaks Mall is a tropical-themed fun zone featuring go-karts, bowling, arcade games, miniature golf, laser tag, and a variety of rides. It's perfect for a rainy day or when the kids need to burn off some energy. Mommy Poppins
🌿 Washington Park Botanical Gardens
Just a short drive from The Pasfield House, the Washington Park Botanical Gardens offers a tranquil setting with over 1,200 plant species, including a rose garden and a conservatory with exotic plants. It's a great spot for a leisurely walk and to introduce children to the beauty of nature. Mommy Poppins
🏞️ Southwind Park
Southwind Park is an 80-acre park featuring a pond with fishing piers, multiple playgrounds, a children's garden, picnic areas, bocce ball and horseshoe pits, shuffleboard courts, sensory gardens, a waterfall, butterfly garden, giant solar sunflower, musical arches, and a splash pad. It's an ideal location for a family picnic and outdoor play. Illinois Local
🎬 Route 66 Drive-In Theater
For a unique family experience, consider visiting the Route 66 Drive-In Theater. Open from April through September, it offers a nostalgic movie-watching experience where families can enjoy films from the comfort of their cars, complete with classic concession stand snacks. Illinois Local+3Mommy Poppins+3A Mom Explores+3
🏛️ Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Immerse your family in history with a visit to the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Take a guided tour of the home where Abraham Lincoln lived before becoming president. The site offers a glimpse into 19th-century life and is a short walk from The Pasfield House. A Mom Explores+1Family Traveller+1
🎨 Illinois State Museum
The Illinois State Museum offers exhibits on the state's natural history, including fossils, Native American artifacts, and artistic displays. It's a great place for children to learn about Illinois' rich heritage in an engaging way. Wikipedia
Planning Your Visit
Many of these attractions are within a short drive from The Pasfield House, making it convenient to explore multiple sites in a day. Consider checking the individual websites for hours of operation and any special events or programs that may be available during your visit.
Whether you're interested in wildlife, science, history, or outdoor play, Springfield offers a variety of family-friendly activities that will make your stay memorable.