20 Things To Do In Springfield MA

This city in Massachusetts is on the eastern banks of the Connecticut River and has a small-town vibe, yet there are enough things to do in Springfield to keep you busy. Springfield has unique attractions, parks, and historical sites centered around its famous residents, Dr Seuss and Edward Kamuda (notable Titanic historian). So, check out these attractions in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Springfield, Massachusetts

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20 Things To Do In Springfield MA

1- Wander Around The Dr Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden

You may not know it, but Dr Seuss, Theodor Seuss Geisel, was born in Springfield in 1904.

His father was in charge of Forest Park Zoo (check out our next thing to do in Springfield).

The sculpture park is a great place to visit with kids, with many interesting sculptures to see, including a 14-foot Horton the Elephant with Sam-i-am Sally sculpture.

Kids (and adults) who have read Dr Seuss’s books will love exploring this sculpture park.

The Dr Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden is at 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA 01103.

2- Explore Forest Park

Springfield has several parks to explore, but Forest Park is the city’s largest and most popular.

The park sits next to the Connecticut River and is around 735 acres (297 ha) in size.

Activities in the park include hanging out at the amphitheatre and visiting the zoo.

You’ll also find tennis courts, a baseball field, basketball courts, an aquatic garden and numerous forest trails.

If you are visiting Springfield at Christmas time, then definitely check out Forest Park, as they decorate the park with beautiful lights and put on an awesome light show.

Forest Park is at 302 Sumner Avenue, Springfield, MA 01108.

3- See The Animals At Forest Park Zoo

Forest Park and Education Center Zoo has more than 150 animals to view, from amphibians to mammals and reptiles.

Join the ‘Adopt An Animal’ program, which teaches kids about conservation and animal protection.

Check out their daily schedules for animal feeding times, so you can learn more about the animals and interact with them.

Forest Park and Education Center Zoo is at 293 Sumner Ave, Springfield, MA 01108.

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4- Visit The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Visiting the Basketball Hall of Fame is one of the best things to do in Springfield.

For basketball lovers (or those who aren’t so interested), this is a fascinating way to spend a couple of hours.

It is rumoured that James Naismith (after which the hall of fame is named) invented the sport of basketball in a Springfield YMCA in 1891.

The 40,000-square-foot museum is jampacked with exhibits, shooting contests and challenges.

Some artifacts focus on the best of the NBA, and aspiring basketball players will love this Springfield attraction.

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is at 1000 Hall of Fame Ave, Springfield, MA 01105.

5- Step Back In History At Storrowtown Village Museum

History buffs will love the Storrowtown Village Museum for its displays of the history of New England.

It’s a brilliant place to learn more about Massachusetts and the other New England states.

Within the museum, there is a living history program and tours of the village are available.

In the living museum, you will see various buildings, artifacts, shops and restored houses.

You will also be able to learn about the people who resided in these houses and what life was like during the 19th century in New England.

The Storrowtown Village Museum is at 1305 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, MA.

6- Meet The Farmers At The Big E Fair

The Big E Fair, formerly known as the Eastern States Exposition, is a huge agricultural event.

It’s the largest agricultural fair on the east coast and the sixth largest in the United States.

There are equestrian shows, vegetable displays, livestock judging, games, rides, stalls and entertainment.

This is a fun place to visit if you are travelling to Springfield with kids.

The Big E Fair is at Eastern States Exposition, 1305 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, MA 01089.

7- Discover Secrets At The Titanic Museum

Edward Kamuda founded the Titanic Museum in 2006 and created an impressive collection of exhibits and artifacts relating to the 1912 Titanic voyage.

Many artifacts on display, such as blueprints from the ship and original lifejackets, were donated by survivors of the Titanic sinking.

If you are interested in the actual event or a fan of the movie, then the Titanic Museum is an excellent place to visit.

The Titanic Museum is at 208 Main Street, Indian Orchard, MA 01151.

8- Relax In Blunt Park

Of the many parks in Springfield, Blunt Park is a relaxing place to spend time and a lovely park for a picnic or BBQ.

There are picnic tables, an outdoor grilling spot and many more activities, a football pitch, basketball and tennis courts and a children’s playground.

Spend a fun, family-filled morning or afternoon at Blunt Park, breathing in the fresh air.

Blunt Park is at 1780 Roosevelt Avenue, Springfield, MA, 01109.

9- Learn Something New At Springfield Science Museum

This science museum is one of the oldest museums in Springfield, having been established in 1859.

Explore the Springfield Science Museum’s exhibitions at Dinosaur Hall, Astronomy Hall, Native American Hall and the R.E. Phelon African Hall. 

There is also a planetarium, perfect for stargazing.

The giant T-rex sculpture is also super cool and will fascinate dinosaur lovers.

The Springfield Science Museum is at Edward Street, Springfield, MA 01103.

10- Springfield Armory National Historic Site

This National Historic Site focuses on preserving Springfield’s history, especially the city’s role in providing firearms to the United States army.

The museum sits in the armoury’s original building.

Under General George Washington during the Revolutionary War, this armoury came into being.

It started up in 1794 with the production of muskets, and since then, there have been significant advances in weaponry technologies.

You can choose to take a ranger-guided or self-guided tour of the armoury. This is a fantastic historic place to visit in Springfield.

The Springfield Armory National Historic Site is at 1 Armory Street #2, Springfield, MA 01105.

11- Listen To A Concert At Symphony Hall

Located on Court Street, Symphony Hall was built between 1911 and 1913. The architecture is inspired by the Greek revival movement.

The hall can seat around 2,611 people and has impeccable acoustics.

If you want to check out a performance while you’re in town head to Symphony Hall, as it’s the home of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.

As well as music shows, the hall also hosts lectures, Broadway-style theatre performances and children’s productions.

Symphony Hall is at 34 Court Street, Springfield, MA 01103.

12- Visit George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum

George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum was built in 1895 and opened a year later.

This art museum’s main focus is decorative and fine art, collected mainly by George Smith and his wife.

This art collection primarily focuses on Asian pieces from Japan, China, and the Middle East.

A significant collection of 19th-century American paintings can also be viewed.

You’ll also find the Hasbro Games Art Discovery Center within the museum, which is a brilliant hands-on art centre for kids.

The George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum is at Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01103.

13- Visit Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum

This museum was built in 2005 owing to a donation from Mr M. Allen Swift.

The museum’s main focus is Springfield’s history throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, showcasing permanent and rotating exhibitions.

The Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum also contains the Springfield History Library and Archives.

The Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History is at 85 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01103.

14- Wander Around Springfield College

Heading back to college may not be your idea of what to do on vacation, but Springfield College is well worth visiting.

The college has been around for more than 130 years and is known as the birthplace of basketball because of James Naismith being an alumnus.

Within the grounds of Springfield College is the Springfield College Museum, so take a look around the grounds of this fun and historic college.

Springfield College is at 263 Alden Street, Springfield, MA 01109.

15- Admire Art At The Museum of Fine Arts

Yet another of Springfield’s museums and art galleries is the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts.

The museum features numerous European and American pieces, including works from the renaissance period and late Medieval times.

Artists on display include Pissarro, Monet, Gauguin, O’Keeffe, and Degas.

If you like art or art history, definitely check out this Springfield museum.

The Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts is at 21 Edward Street, Springfield, MA 01103.

16- Ride A 1941 Roller Coaster

Technically Six Flags is situated just a short ride outside of Springfield, but it’s such a good attraction, and super close, so it certainly deserves a place on a list of things to do in Springfield.

Six Flags New England is a well-known amusement park that has been around since 1870.

Chances are you’ve heard of Six Flags even if you haven’t been.

You can still ride the 1941 Thunderbolt, one of the original rollercoasters.

One of the most popular rollercoasters at the park is Superman, a coaster that has a drop of 200 ft (63 m).

The Dark Knight is also super popular because of its five loops and head-spinning 55 miles per hour (89km/hr) speeds.

This is a brilliant place for both kids and adults to lose themselves.

Six Flags is at 1623 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001.

17- Have A Flutter At MGM Springfield

The MGM Springfield is a large 252-room hotel complete with a casino.

It’s one of the most popular hotels in the city and also a place where people come to enjoy 19th and 20th-century-style casino entertainment.

Head to MGM Springfield for a night of slot machines, poker and other table games.

If you’re looking for more family-oriented entertainment, there is a seven-screen cinema, a comedy club and a golf simulator.

MGM Springfield is at One MGM Way, Springfield, MA 01103.

18- Enjoy A Picnic At Van Horn Park

Looking to explore more of Springfield’s parks? Then check out Van Horn Park, the second-largest park in the city.

There’s a picnic area, sports pitches (including tennis, football and baseball), and an outdoor grilling area.

Wander around the grounds of this park and enjoy some time in the fresh air.

Van Horn Park is at 494 Armory Street, Springfield, MA 01104.

19- Find The Fresh Paint Project

The Fresh Paint Project, or Fresh Paint Springfield, is a group that supports the collaboration of local mural artists.

As a result of this unique collaboration, 10 large murals have been erected in the city.

There are murals in Mason Square and North End and four new murals planned for 2024 in Indian Orchard, four in Forest Park, and two Downtown.

Head to these locations, and you are bound to follow the trail of yet more epic murals.

Discovering these murals almost accidentally is an exciting way to discover new art.

The Fresh Paint Project is in downtown Springfield.

20- Have Fun At The Arcade on Wheels

Arcade on Wheels is one of the most unique things to do in Springfield, and it’s super fun.

This unique entertainment centre comes to your door on wheels and offers gaming, eight huge screens, Xbox, PS5 and more.

The Arcade on Wheels is a comfortable and accessible place year-round in winter or summer.

This is a fun activity if you are in Springfield and are looking for a unique spot to celebrate an event.

Arcade on Wheels is at 89 Kane Street, Springfield, MA 01119.