Location: Springfield
Top Things to do in Springfield
What to do and see in Springfield, Massachusetts (MA): The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups
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. Springfield Armory National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 297 reviews
The Armory, which manufactured and tested firearms for the U.S. military from 1794 to 1968, houses the country's largest collection of US military small weapons. The displays include rare weapons and the largest collection of confederate weapons anywhere. When it started, the Armory was the first high tech manufacturing to occur in the country, and the advancements in mass production and the ability to create interchangeable parts that started at the Armory, initiated the development of the countries first high tech manufacturing corridor.
Reviewed By oldbonesgenealogy - Chicopee, United States
Incredible collection and history of the Armory which was an integral part of the War for Independence
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. Bounce Trampoline Sports
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
35,000-square-foot of fun.That's a lot of spring in a visitor's step. The indoor bounce house includes play areas and foam pits set aside for children under the age of five, huge swaths of trampolines for adults and older kids, trampolines set up with basketball courts, three trampoline dodge ball courts, another foam pit for older kids and two "extreme" rooms set up with trampoline agility and ob
4. Basketball Hall of Fame
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 676 reviews
Located in the town where basketball was invented, this 48,000-square-foot museum has three levels of exhibits on the history and heroes of the game and gives visitors a chance to participate in skill contests.
Reviewed By alexphillies10
I learned a lot about basketball history and about my favorite players. I was also able to play basketball in the center court during my visit which was a fun thing to do after viewing all of the exhibits. One of my favorite things about the basketball HOF was all of the players spread out across the top of the dome. Finally, the gift shop was a good place to visit and buy souvenirs.
5. 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!
