Location: Springfield
Top Things to do in Springfield
10 Nature & Parks in Springfield That You Shouldn't Miss
Springfield is perhaps best known as the birthplace of basketball and home of the Basketball Hall of Fame. (The story goes that local physical education teacher James Naismith invented the sport to fill the gaps between football and baseball seasons.) But this historic town on the shores of the Connecticut River is famous for a few other reasons and definitely worth a quick jaunt or weekend away. Springfield was the birthplace and home of beloved children's author and illustrator, Theodore Geisel, Dr. Seuss. In fact, the Zoo in Forest Park, a sure hit with the kids, is said to be the inspiration for many of his wild and wacky tales. Wander through the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, at the Quadrangle, for a look at the Cat in the Hat and Yertle the Turtle cast in bronze. The city served as a major arsenal during the Revolutionary War, a role that is commemorated at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, which displays an enormous collection of small pistols. History buffs will also enjoy the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum, a tribute to the ordinary people of the region who, during various periods in time, did extraordinary things.
Restaurants in Springfield
1. Watershops Pond
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Beautiful lake in the heart of Springfield, ma 7 miles of shore line. people can go fishing or canoeing. The are is border by Springfield college who uses the lake for their athletic program. There seats and a good amount of side walk around the lake.
2. Forest Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 279 reviews
Reviewed By Getaway607022 - Henrico, United States
Oh I missed this!! I used to live in Springfield and we went every year since my son was born until I moved. I lived in NJ and VA since then and none compared to Bright Nights . The deer dancing overhead.. .the Horse Drawn Carriage.. etc etc. Anyone that leaves a bad review? Is the Grinch... Make it a point to see....worth it. I am an adult and loved it just as much as my son
3. Chuck E. Cheese's
4. Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 464 reviews
Bring the kids to this outdoor sculpture garden where the Cat in the Hat, the Grinch, and other beloved Dr. Seuss characters are immortalized in bronze, life-size statues all designed by Geisel's step-daughter, sculptor Lark Grey Dimond-Cates.
Reviewed By RogueTrippers - Guelph, Canada
The Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden has been a must-stop destination on every single one of our Roadtrips through Massachusetts for years. We never miss an opportunity to visit, and take photos with some of our favourite characters from the beloved books of Dr Seuss. This a beautiful place to spend some time. the sculptures are perfectly created in the exact likeness you would expect. You will find Thing 1 & 2, Horton, Thidwick the big-hearted moose, Sam I Am, The grinch & his dog max, The Cat in the hat, and Maizy la bird. You can pose for photos with your favourite characters, but be warned - on a hot day, the sculptures get hot as well, and can burn bear skin. We learned this the hard way. The Museum has taken to cordoning off the sculptures with warnings about this. Since June 2017, there is even more of a reason to visit the sculpture garden, as now there is the Amazing World of Dr Seuss museum - which is an absolute must for everyone to see. If you are on a road trip through MA, make sure you stop in the Springfield and visit the Dr Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, and Dr Seuss Museum.
5. North Riverfront Park
6. The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 123 reviews
The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center is a non-profit organization governed by the Forest Park Zoological Society. Situated in Forest Park, a 735 acre woodland park in Springfield, The Zoo features exotic and indigenous animals representing a large variety of species found throughout the world and in North America. The Zoo is dedicated to wildlife education, offers a variety of educational programs and special events for children and adults. Zoo On The Go, Guided Tours and Discovery Programs can be adapted to all age groups and interests. With different events almost every weekend, The Zoo allows guests of all ages to explore multiple aspects of science while having fun. Zoo Camp, during both winter and summer school vacations all children ages 6-13 to explore nature, discover wildlife and meet exotic creatures.
Reviewed By BTompkins1 - Springfield, United States
What an adorable zoo! From the sweet camels that eat from your hand to the monkeys who swing and play to the wolves who run around their yard. It is so perfect for a day trip! I come here every year and every year it gets better! They just opened a new beaver exhibit with a baby beaver and an orphaned beaver. They take in animals that otherwise wouldnt have a home. Their signage explains everything. Not too expensive to get in either!
7. 5 Mile Pond
8. The Connecticut River Walk and Bikeway
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 14 reviews
Beautiful Park in Downtown Springfield. Awesome for biking leads you to the North End River Front Park and from there you can cross the bridge into West Springfield. The Basketball Hall of Fame is in he front of the pakrk.
9. Van Horn Park
10. Blunt Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 22 reviews
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