Get off the tourist track and relax
Haven’t you seen enough sights? How about some fun? Take it from the locals – here are many ways to have a good time in the capital city that don’t involve learning anything at all. Just enjoy.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ENTERTAINMENT
Amazing Xscapes
1650 Wabash Ave.
217-679-6396
amazingxscapes.com
Choose from several different escape room themes and book your private adventure online.
B’s Creative Studio
1305 Wabash Ave., Suite F
217-726-6523
Bscreative.studio
The studio hosts craft events and workshops for both adults and kids, plus the retail store specializes in personal and creative gift Items made by local artists.
Bounce Tag
3720 Hollis Dr.
217-288-4386
bouncetag.com
An indoor play park for kids and teens. Bounce houses, activity areas, arcade and laser tag.
China Towne
4007 Yucan Dr.
217-698-8198
chinatowneceramics.com
A pottery-painted-by-you studio with a large selection of pottery and all the supplies that you need.
Dabble
1704 E. Sangamon Ave.
217-687-1904
A do-it-yourself arts and crafts studio offering a variety of projects including acrylic painting, fairy gardens, terrariums, beads and resins.
Ergadoozy Creative Play Center
1320 S. State St.
217-544-9477
ergadoozy.com
An indoor play center for kids under 12. Seven play spaces offer unique ways to run, crawl and slide, no matter the weather.
Henson Robinson Zoo
1100 E. Lake Shore Dr.
217-585-1821
springfieldparks.org
Just south of town near Lake Springfield, Henson Robinson Zoo features more than 90 species of animals from Africa, Asia, Australia and North and South America. Parking is free, and food is available for purchase or you can bring your own and have a picnic in the pavilion.
Kidzeum of Health and Science
412 E. Adams St.
217-971-4435
Kidzeum.org
Admission
Interactive exhibits where kids are encouraged to touch, jump, climb, play, create, be active and explore. Through state-of-the-art exhibits and programs, kids learn while they play.
King Pin Lanes Bowling Center
3115 E. Sangamon Ave.
217-544-0838
kingpinusa.com
This family-owned and operated bowling center can host your party or special event, or just a night out with the family.
Knight’s Action Park and Route 66 Twin Drive In
1700 Recreation Dr.
217-546-8881
knightsactionpark.com
route66-drivein.com
Prepare to get wet and wild at Knight’s Action Park. In addition to pedal boats and water slides – including the four-story Devil Ray and the popular Splash Kingdom – this perennial local favorite also offers mini-golf, a driving range, batting cages, kiddie rides, go-karts, an arcade and more. After dark, have a nostalgic family movie night in the car. Route 66 features two screens, each showing double features that begin shortly after dusk on the weekends April through October and seven nights a week between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend.
Malibu Jack’s
2501 W. Wabash Ave. (inside White Oaks Mall)
217-280-4787
Malibujacksspringfield.com
Indoor theme park with go-karts, bowling, miniature golf, arcade games laser tag and more. Restaurant and bar on site.
Mowie’s Cue
1277 Toronto Road
217-529-7616
Pool, darts, foosball, video games and live music every Saturday with a full-service bar.
Nelson Center
1601 N. Fifth St.
217-753-2800
springfieldparks.org
In the heart of Lincoln Park sits the Nelson Center, home to an ice rink that features year-round public ice skating sessions. Nelson Center also has an outdoor pool that includes a diving board, slide and separate kiddie pool. Open between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend.
Real Ax
2920 S. MacArthur Blvd.
217-622-8553
Realaxthrowing.com
A BYOB ax throwing facility where you can put your skills to the test. Five pits hold up to eight players per pit and can be reserved for parties or group outings.
Riverside Stables
2310 Chinchilla Rd.
217-522-7702
riversidestable.com
Take a scenic trail ride along the Sangamon River. You can also rent a canoe or kayak for a half day or full day excursion.
SCHEELS
3801 S. MacArthur Blvd.
217-726-6330
scheels.com
This destination shopping experience has a large selection of sporting gear and fashion, but also features a 16,000-gallon salt water aquarium, a 65-foot-tall Ferris wheel, putting greens, golf stimulators and Walk of Presidents. Ginna’s Café and Fuzziwig Candy Shop are located inside.
Skateland South
1500 Recreation Dr.
217-546-4543
skatelandofspringfield.com
Whether you’re looking for an afternoon of fun or a venue for a celebration, Skateland is a family-friendly roller skating rink.
SkyZone Trampoline Park
3454 Liberty Dr.
217-331-6600
skyzone.com/springfieldil
This all-walled trampoline playing court features an array of fun activities ranging from fit to low-impact.
Springfield Walks
217-502-8687
springfieldwalkstours.com
Springfield’s premiere and first tour company bringing you all the history and mystery that Lincoln’s Springfield has to offer.
Starship Billiards Parlor
2301 Stevenson Dr.
217-585-8888
Pool, darts, arcade games, and video gaming. Full service bar serves lunch and dinner plus pizza, wings and appetizers.
SPECIAL EVENT AND CONCERT VENUES
Boondocks
2909 N. Dirksen Pkwy.
217-679-0145
boondockspub.com
Both national and local talent perform at this live music venue, which won the Academy of Country Music’s “Nightclub of the Year’ award in 2016. It is primarily a standing, general admission venue.
Donnie B’s Comedy Club
2200 Meadowbrook Lane
217-391-5653
donniebs.com
Donnie B’s is the premier comedy club in the Midwest, offering everything from nationally touring acts to open mic nights. The club, now in its 25th season, hosts comedy shows at Casey’s Pub inside the Knights of Columbus Hall.
Illinois State Fairgrounds
801 E. Sangamon Ave.
217-782-1698
agr.state.il.us/spacerental/calendar-of-events/
If you happen to be visiting the capital city between Aug. 8-18, we recommend the spectacular Illinois State Fair, featuring all the animals, rides, tractors, concerts and attractions you can imagine. But nearly every weekend of the year there is something special happening on the fairgrounds, which is just a couple of miles north of downtown Springfield. Events run the gamut from horse shows and a giant flea market, to a weekly farmers market (spring through fall) and craft sales. Other weekend-long events include a home show, garden sale, motorcycle races and coin show, among many others. Visit the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s calendar of non-fair events.
The BOS Center
One Convention Center Plaza
217-788-8800
TheBOSCenter.com
Located in the heart of downtown Springfield, this multi-purpose facility hosts many events open to the public including concerts, circuses, sports tournaments and much more. Check their calendar for upcoming events.
UIS Performing Arts Center
One University Plaza
217-206-6160
uispac.com
This auditorium located on the campus of University of Illinois Springfield hosts national tours for musicians, comedians, Broadway shows and more. Check their calendar for upcoming events.
SPORTS
MidState Mayhem Roller Derby
Skateland South
1500 Recreation Dr.
midstatemayhemrollerderby.com
This all-female, amateur roller derby team promotes and supports local athletics, charities, civic organizations and businesses.
Springfield Jr. Blues
1601 N. Fifth St.
Nelson Center
217-525-2589
jrblues.com
The season for this North American Hockey League team runs from September-March. All tickets are general admission.
Springfield Lucky Horseshoes
1415 N. Grand Ave.
Robin Roberts Stadium
217-679-3511
shoesbaseball.com
The Springfield Lucky Horseshoes are members of the Prospect League, a wood bat experience similar to most minor league parks around the country. All tickets are general admission, although party rooms are available for rent.
Springfield FC Soccer Semi-Pro Soccer
4600 11th St.
SASA Fields
spfldfc.com
Springfield FC is now a member of the United Premier Soccer League.
