25 Best & Fun Things to Do in Springfield (MA)

Looking for the best and fun things to do in Springfield, MA?

Springfield is one of the cities in Massachusetts and the county seat of Hampden County. The city is located on the eastern shore of the Connecticut River, near the confluence of four rivers; the Connecticut River, the Eastern Chicopee River, the Eastern Mill River, and the Western Westfield River.

The city was announced as the third-largest city in Massachusetts after the 2020 census because the city’s population was 155,929. Springfield is also the fourth most populated town in New England (following Boston, Worcester, and Providence) and the 12^th most populated city in the Northeastern part of the United States.

This city has many names, including The City of Firsts, because of many inventions made here, like the First American gas-powered automobile, the First American Dictionary, and the First machining lathe for interchangeable parts. Springfield is among the best cities to visit in the United States.

Are you planning a vacation here? Below are some of the best things to do in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Things to do In Springfield, MA

1. Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden

A visit to Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden is one of the best things to do in Springfield, MA. Many don’t know that Theodor Seuss Geisel, popularly known as Dr. Seuss, was born in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Dr. Seuss grew up around Forest park because his dad was actually in charge of Forest park Zoo. This sculpture garden is a lovely place to be, featuring various incredible sculptures like 14-foot Horton the Elephant with Sam-i-am, Sally, her brother, Thidwick the big-hearted Moose.

Apart from the sculptures at the memorial garden, some beautiful sculptures can also be seen in the city, like Dr. Seuss and the Cat in the Hat near the Springfield Library.

Dr. Seuss is a famous author born in 1904 in Springfield, and Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden is one of the most popular attractions in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Address: 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA 01103, United States

2. Paramount Theater

Paramount Theater is a popular attraction in Springfield; this is one of the things to do in Springfield, MA, for some movies. Springfield’s Paramount Theater was built in 1926 and cost approximately a million dollars.

The theater was in disorder in the 1960s; it was later restored in 1999 and became a nightclub and a live music center. Since 2011 almost two million dollars have been spent returning the building to its original purpose.

An Organ is also available at the cinema; though it’s an old Organ, it’s still playable; the theater was formerly known as The Hippodrome and Julia Sanderson Theater. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Paramount Theater is one of the best fun places in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Address: 1676 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103, United States.

3. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is a sports and history museum; this museum’s primary sport is Basketball, that is why it’s named after the founder of Basketball, James Naismith.

James Naismith is a Canadian-American doctor popularly known for introducing basketball. This Museum was opened in 1959, and the hall of fame established a new building in 1968; the building was located at Springfield College. This museum was established for the preservation and promotion of Basketball.

A new facility was built along the Connecticut River in 1985 because of the attraction’s popularity; the Hall of Fame moved again in 2002 to a much larger building measuring over 80,000 square feet.

Lots of fun and interactive exhibits are available at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, including mini-games and lovely shows, and it’s a great place to visit in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Address: 1000 Hall of Fame Avenue, Springfield, MA 01105, United States.

4. The Big E Fair

The Big E Fair is the largest agricultural event on the eastern shoreline and the sixth biggest fair In the United States. The Big E Fair was formerly called the Eastern States Exposition.

This fair is also known to some as “New England’s Great State Fair,” and it’s known to be more fun between mid-September and the early days of October yearly.

You can find livestock competitions, equestrian shows, and large vegetable displays at the Big E Fair. Yearly, the Big E sets up full-size models of six statehouses in the region. Attending the Big E Fair is a fun thing to do in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Address: 1305 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, MA 01089, United States.

5. Forest Park

Forest Park is one of the nineteen parks in Springfield and one of the city’s most popular parks. Forest Park is located on the shores of the famous Connecticut River, and it has a landmass of about 736 acres.

This park is one of the biggest parks in the country, featuring an outdoor amphitheater, a zoo, beautiful views, a tennis court, a baseball field, a Basketball field, quaint forest trails, and an aquatic garden. Well-maintained, stunning flowers can also be found at the park.

Forest Park is more beautiful and fun during the Christmas holidays because of the park’s decorations and high-tech lighting show. Forest Park is another fun place to visit in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Address: 293 Summer Ave, Springfield, MA 01108, United States.

6. Forest Park and Education Center Zoo

Forest Park and Education Center Zoo has over 150 unique and beautiful species inside the famous Forest Park. The zoo also hosts various educational programs and events for children.

Amphibians, mammals, avers, and reptiles are available at this zoo; some of the programs hosted by the zoo include Crew in Training, tours, Zoo Camps, Zoo on the Go, and many more.

The Zoo’s popular Adopt an Animal program is focused mainly on helping children understand conservation and animals; the Forest Park and Education Center Zoo is another fun place to visit in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Address: 293 Summer Avenue, Springfield, MA 01108, United States.

7. Storrowtown Village Museum

Storrowtown Village Museum is another historical museum in Springfield; at this museum, you can learn about New England life in the past eras. This is a popular tourist attraction and a welcoming place for visitors.

This museum features living history programs and exciting programs; tours of the village are also available. Knowledgeable and helpful staff members usually lead tours of the village.

You’ll see restored houses and shops at the village and listen to the history behind various artifacts, buildings, and the people who resided in these historical buildings.

This tour is always fun for history enthusiasts because of the 19^th-century lifestyle of this village. A visit to this Museum and Village are one of the best things to do in Springfield, MA.

Address: 1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA 01089, United States.

8. Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History

The Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History is located next to the Springfield Museum; the building resulted from a donation in 2005 from Mr. M. Allen Swift.

The museum has a landmass of about 40,000 square feet, and it focuses mainly on the recent (19^th and 20^th Centuries) history of Springfield. Temporary and Permanent exhibits are featured at this Museum.

Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History also houses the Springfield History Library and Archives, which are books, manuscripts, computer databases, and photographs. This is another lovely museum to visit in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Address: 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA 01103, United States.

Also, check out our list of things to do in Falmouth, and things to do in Lenox,  for a fun time in these cities of Massachusetts.

9. Blunt Park

Blunt Park is a beautiful place to spend time in the city; this park offers various outdoor activities. The park is a perfect place for picnicking and other family fun activities.

Blunt Park features a lovely picnic area, outdoor grilling, a beautiful water fountain, soccer field, football field, basketball field, 90’ diamond, Children playground, tennis court, and many more to ensure visitors enjoy their visit.

You can also play your favorite sports at this park like tennis, soccer, football, basketball, and any other. This park offers visitors the opportunity to spend fun time with their children. Blunt Park is a perfect place to visit in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Address: 1780 Roosevelt Avenue, Springfield, MA 01109, United States.

10. George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum

Springfield is filled with fantastic museums, and George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum is one. This museum was built in 1895 in an Italian villa theme; the museum was officially opened in 1896.

This museum focuses mainly on decorative and Fine Arts; Mr. Smith was a famous art collector who focused mainly on Asian artworks, including artworks from Japan, China, and the Middle East.

Mr. Smith also collected a large collection of 19th-century paintings; most of the American Paintings were landscapes like those made by artists in Hudson River School.

Various exhibits are available for viewing at this museum; the Museum also houses a Hands-on Center for children, Hasbro Games Art Discovery Center. A trip to George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum is one of the fun things to do in Springfield, MA.

Address: 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA 01103, United States.

11. Springfield Armory National Historic Site

Springfield Armory National Historic Site focuses on the preservation and interpretation of the City’s History (both the colorful and the turbulent) and the role the Springfield Armory played in providing superior firearms to the US Armed Forces.

This museum can be found in the armory’s original building; the museum is filled with various exciting exhibits, public programs, activities, notable collections, and online resources. This armory started during the Revolutionary War under General George Washington.

Springfield Armory is the first federal armory and one of the first manufacturers of weapons in the United States.

The Armory started production of Muskets in 1794, and in 1978 the armory was reopened as a National Historic site in Springfield. This center is popularly known to house the most extensive collection of American Historic Firearms globally.

Springfield Armory National Historic site features various programs, events, and spectacular exhibits. Ranger-guided or Self-guided tours of the grounds Are available. This site is a fun and Historical place to visit in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Address: 1 Armory Street #2, Springfield, MA 01105, United States.

12. Max’s Tavern

Max’s Tavern is one of the most preferred dining locations in Springfield, it is located at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, and it’s a popular destination for sports fans in the area.

This restaurant has a comfortable atmosphere, tasty food, and beautiful views. The diner mainly features American dishes and other delicious classic meals.

The house specials often served at this restaurant are impressive, like grilled re-onion, Caribbean Jerk Chicken sandwich with Pineapple aioli, sweet potato fries, arugula, and fried cherry peppers.

They also have excellent wine and craft beer selections; if you want to eat at one of the best fun diners in Springfield, Max’s Tavern is your destination.

Address: 1000 Hall of Fame Avenue, Springfield, MA 01105, United States.

13. Springfield Museums

Springfield Museums is the main center of cultural life and one of the most popular attractions in the City. This complex is located downtown of the city, and it comprises five unique, world-class Museums.

The Museums are the Springfield Science Museum, the George Walter Vincent Smith art Museum, the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, and the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History.

Each of the museums has something to offer depending on visitors’ interests. Temporary exhibit galleries, Permanent Collections, Travelling exhibitions of arts, science, history, and various special events can all be found at these museums. This museum complex is a great place to visit in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Address: 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA 01103, United States.

14. Red Rose Pizzeria

Red Rose Pizzeria is another excellent dining location in the city; this restaurant was established in 1963 and expanded four times since its establishment. The restaurant was founded by Mama Edda Caputo and managed by the Caputo family since.

This Restaurant is currently managed by the fourth generation of the Caputos family, and their pizza is still popular among visitors and locals. They have a simple recipe of green and red peppers, pepperoni, and lots of mozzarella cheese; toppings can be added according to your preferences.

Red Rose Pizzeria has a pleasant, comfy atmosphere in the dining room, the dining room has a lovely crystal chandelier, gleaming wood paneling, and Italian dishes are available on the menu.

Red Rose Pizzeria is one of the best fun places to dine in Springfield, do add to your list of things to do in Springfield, MA.

Address: 1060 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103, United States.

15. Springfield College

During your vacation, a visit to Springfield College is one of the best fun things to do in Springfield, MA. The college also houses the Springfield college museum, featuring various displays, exhibits, historical information, and more.

This College is another historic site in the city and has been around for over 130 years; the college also has a great athletics section known as the Birthplace of Basketball because James Naismith (the founder of Basketball) was an alumnus of the school.

At the Springfield museum, you can see the handwritten application letter of James Naismith to the college; this college is a famous, private tertiary institution that offers undergraduate, post-graduate, and doctoral degrees.

In 1885, the college was founded as a section of the School for Christian Workers, and by 1895, several buildings had already been constructed. The college was first called “the International YMCA College” before being changed to Springfield College in 1954.

Springfield College has nine regional campuses apart from the main campus and offers 40 BA majors, several doctoral programs, and 12 master’s degree fields. Visiting this historical college and museum is one of the best fun things to do in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Address: 263 Alden Street, Springfield, MA 01109, United States.

16. Titanic Museum

Titanic Museum is a history museum located on Main Street and is home to the Titanic Historical Society Collection. Edward S. Kamuda founded this museum.

Edward S. Kamuda is the president of the Titanic Historical Society Collection; this museum features different exhibits and artifacts related to the 1912 Titanic voyage.

Many of the artifacts were donated by the survivors of the ship’s sinking, including the ship’s blueprints, lifejackets worn by Mrs. John Jacob Astor, and many others.

This is a great museum and a fun place to visit in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Address: 208 Main Street, Indian Orchard, MA 01151, United States.

17. Symphony Hall

Symphony Hall is a venue situated on Court Street; it is mainly used for concerts and was initially named “The Auditorium.” This concert venue was built around 1911 and 1913 in a Greek revival flair; it was named the Symphony Hall in the 1940s.

The Symphony Hall can comfortably seat about 2,611 and is famous for its outstanding acoustics; this is a popular place to watch Springfield shows. This hall also houses the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.

Symphony Hall hosts various events like lectures, Children’s Productions, Broadway-style theater productions, and more. Many public schools in the area rent this hall for graduation ceremonies, and the yearly Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is held at this venue.

Symphony Hall is the most significant symphony outside Boston in Massachusetts and is amongst the best things to do in Springfield, MA

Address: 34 Court Street, Springfield, MA 01103, United States.

18. Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts

The Michele and D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts is an art museum established in 1934; the opening of the museum was made possible by art donations and funds donation by Mr. and Mrs. Philip Gray.

The Museum features various American and European artworks like the works of these famous artists; Pissarro, Monet, Degas, John Singleton Copley, Gauguin, and O’Keeffe.

The artworks at this museum date as far back as the late Medieval and Renaissance times. An extensive collection of Currier and Ives Lithographs are available at the museum; one of the galleries at the museum is also known to hold temporary exhibits.

The Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts is another lovely place to visit in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Address: 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA 01103, United States.

19. Six Flags New England

Six Flags New England is a historical amusement park in Springfield dating as far back as 1870; this park has been open since its establishment during the Great Depression.

A roller coaster from the park’s early days is still available; the Thunderbolt was introduced into the park in 1941 and is currently the oldest ride in any six flags park in the country.

The six Flags brand obtained this park in 1999 and has improved it by adding more rides and attractions; some of the most popular rides include Superman (a mega coaster that drops from about 63 meters), The Dark Knight (which has five loops and a maximum speed of 89km/hr.).

This six flag is one among the sixteen available in the country; this attraction covers over 235 acres of land; this is another place to have fun in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Address: 1623 Main Street, Agawam, MA 010001, United States.

20. Springfield Science Museum

One of the unique things to do in Springfield, MA, is a visit to Springfield Science Museum

Springfield Science Museum features exhibits from the natural and physical sciences; this museum was established in 1859 and was named Springfield Ethnological and Natural History Museum.

Before constructing this building in 1899, several of its exhibits were housed in different locations, including the City Library and the City Hall. This is one of the best attractions to see with children.

The museum’s name was changed in 1961 after the inaugural of the Seymour Planetarium in 1937; some of the more popular exhibits at this museum include the R.E. Phelon African Hall, Dinosaur Hall, Astronomy Hall, Native American Hall, and more.

Education programs are also held at this museum for children; the Springfield Science Museum is a great location to visit in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Address: 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA 01103, United States.

21. MGM Springfield

MGM Springfield is a 252-room hotel and casino and one of Springfield’s most noble attractions; this place features slot machines, table games, and more. The building was designed in a 19^th and 20^th-century style.

MGM Springfield has various entertainment options like a seven-screen cinema with recliner seats, indoor and outdoor concert venues, a comedy club, and Top golf Swing Suites for Simulated play.

You can also shop at this location where the famous Kringle Emporium is located; Kringle Emporium offers all types of scented candles. MGM Springfield is one of the best fun places to visit in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Address: One MGM Way, Springfield, MA 01103, United States.

22. Student Prince Authentic German Foods

Student Prince is another one of the best dining options in Springfield; this restaurant is a great place to have German meals like Bratwurst, Spätzle, or schnitzel with noodles.

This restaurant was established in 1935, and it has German meals and beers available. This diner has the most extensive stein collection in the United States, and they also serve desserts.

The Student Prince restaurant is also known as “The Fort” by locals; it is situated on the site of a fort built in 1660. Some of their unique desserts options include Black Forest Cake and Apple Strudel.

This is another lovely and fun dining establishment to visit in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Address: 8 Fort Street, Springfield, MA 01103, United States.

23. Van Horn Park

If you’re looking for a place to have fun, Van Horn Park is one of the best fun places in Springfield. This park is the second biggest park and one of the most popular parks in the city.

Van Horn Park features a picnic area, playground, beautiful views, water fountain, outdoor grilling, football field, tennis court, soccer field, 60’ Diamond, 90’ Diamond, and many fun facilities to ensure visitors have a lovely experience.

No matter what you’re interested in, this park always has something for everyone; this park is a famous destination for outdoor sport and recreational activities. Add The Van Horn Park to your bucket list of things to do in Springfield, MA.

Address: 494 Armory Street, Springfield, MA 01104, United States.

24. The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum

It is a museum dedicated to a native of Springfield, Theodor Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss. Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum has nearly all its corners filled with exhibits.

The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum’s first floor consists of family-friendly and intriguing exhibits showcasing the origin of Dr. Seuss in Springfield.

The exhibits on the first floor also talk about the roots of Dr. Seuss in Springfield, offering opportunities to try out new vocabulary & sounds, play rhyming games and create new stories.

The second floor was curated by the two stepdaughters of Geisel and the great nephew, who also recreated Geisel’s living room and studio with the original art and furniture materials.

Address: 21 Edwards St, Springfield, MA 01103, United States

25. City Stage

If you’re interested in live, high-quality theatre, City Stage is the top destination if you’re visiting Springfield.

City Stage shows a series of comedies and off-broadway musicals, while at Symphony Hall, you can enjoy amazing broadway musicals, educational series, and concerts.

The two halls host about two hundred and fifty events from September up until June, including various shows.

Shows available include magic shows, wrestling events, dramas, concerts, graduations, educational series, dance recitals, and more.

Address: One Columbus Center, 150 Bridge St, Springfield, MA 01103, United States

Have more time in Massachusetts, check out our list of things to do in Rogers, things to do in Worcester, and things to do in Hyannis for a fun time in these cities of Massachusetts.

Plan a Trip to Springfield

Springfield, Massachusetts is a lovely city with many museums, parks, and other attractions; the city is also filled with various fun activities.

Above are some of the best and most fun places to visit in Springfield, Massachusetts; the items  listed above offers assurances of fun. So do plan your trip

Happy Travels