In this day and age, it can be hard to find a way to fill your weekends and vacations without spending a fortune.
Luckily, Springfield is a city filled with free and affordable attractions - the hard part is figuring out where they are.
To help you out, we have put together this guide that is perfect for families, solo travelers, and anyone who is looking to spend a fun day in Springfield without breaking the bank.
We have compiled a list of the five best budget-friendly things to do in Springfield to give you some inspiration for your next adventure.
Let’s get into it!
Image Source: Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park
One of the best budget-friendly things you can do in Springfield is explore the Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park.
This 113-acre park is located just outside of the city center and is the perfect spot for weekend exploration.
Whether you wish to walk, run, cycle, or enjoy a leisurely picnic, Nathanael Greene Park is the right spot for you!
The park’s immense size means it is perfect for all manner of activities and can accommodate many people at once.
The volunteers who help to maintain the park also offer guided tours through the space where you can learn about the different plants and flowers that adorn the area.
The park is also home to several special features. This includes the Springfield Botanical Garden, which is a meticulously landscaped area filled with some of the best flowers from across the globe.
If you want to entertain the children, or simply want to enjoy an educational experience for yourself, you also have the option of visiting the Dr. Bill Roston Butterfly House, the Master Gardener Demonstration Gardens, and the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden.
All of these are free to visit, except for the latter which does require a $5 entry fee.
The Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park is the perfect place to spend a lazy Sunday and reconnect with nature.
The best part is that most aspects of the park are entirely free to enjoy, making it one of the best budget-friendly activities that Springfield offers!
Image Source: Phelps Grove Park
If you’re looking to escape city life without leaving the city, you’re in luck!
Phelps Grove Park, situated right the the center of town is the perfect weekend activity that won’t break the bank.
Phelps Grove Park might be smaller than some of the other parks in Springfield, however, it is one of our favorites!
The park is home to some of the most majestic trees in Springfield, which tower over the space and create a beautiful green canopy that provides the perfect amount of shade in Summer.
The park is the perfect place to take a walk, thanks to its 10-mile walking and fitness track that weaves around the area and lets you see everything that the park has to offer.
The trail is very popular with locals, and you will find many friendly faces also enjoying their area during their morning walks.
If you prefer a slightly more physical activity, Phelps Grove Park also has many other options. It houses a baseball diamond, a tennis court, and a fitness course.
Additionally, the park is also home to a historic pavilion, grills, and picnic areas, making it the ideal spot to enjoy a meal with friends and family.
Plus, entry to the park is entirely free as it is designed to be enjoyed by the citizens of Springfield.
If you’re looking for an affordable outing for your next day off, consider paying Phelps Grove Park a visit.
Image Source: Springfield Art Museum
If you’re looking to add some culture to your life, there is nothing like a visit to an art museum. The Springfield Art Museum is the city’s oldest cultural institution and is a favorite amongst locals and visitors alike.
Founded in 1928, the museum has a permanent collection of over 10,000 objects spanning all corners of the globe.
From exhibits featuring Asian art, textiles, sculpture, and early 19th-century American artwork, there is sure to be something for everyone.
The museum also throws temporary exhibits showcasing new and exciting works from local and international artists.
Unlike many other art galleries across the globe, the Springfield Art Museum is entirely free!
This means it makes the ideal budget-friendly outing for your family or group of friends as it will cost you nothing at all.
If you feel particularly blown away by the museum, you have the option to leave a donation of your choosing when leaving the building.
Additionally, the museum offers classes, workshops, and events at different points throughout the year for a small fee if you’re looking for something extra.
However, the general experience and experience throughout the museum is free of any charge, which is why it is one of our favorite weekend activities to do in Springfield.
Image Source: Lake Springfield Park
Many people do not realize that Missouri is home to some stunning natural wildlife and scenery that can be enjoyed 100% free of charge.
Lake Springfield Park is one of the best spots in Springfield to soak in everything that the local area has to offer, providing scenic views and an abundance of fresh air that is sure to clear the mind.
Lake Springfield is located just southeast of the city, making it very easy to access.
The lake is part of a 153-acre park that features woods, trails, and bluffs that stretch on for miles, as well as the stunning Lake Springfield shoreline.
All of this is surrounded by stunning views of the surrounding area that will be sure to take your breath away.
Wildlife lovers will also love this spot, as the surrounding area is known to be home to an abundance of turkey, waterfowl, and deer.
In the winter time, you can also spot eagles in flight above the lake. The lake is also a great location for keen fishers due to its high population of largemouth bass, carp, and channel catfish.
There is no entrance fee for the park, making it a great choice for a weekend activity that won’t hurt your wallet!
If you do feel like splashing some cash, there is a boat rental store that allows you to hire kayaks to take out onto the lake for a very small fee.
Image Source: Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
Our country is a treasure trove of historical information and secrets, and we are so lucky to have such an important site near Springfield.
The Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield is located a 20-minute’s drive from Springfield city center, making it very easy to take a day trip out.
The area is the site of the Wilson Creek battle, an important early battle in the American Civil War.
Today, the site is a protected area that is popular with history buffs as well as those looking to stretch their legs in a unique environment.
The battlefield can be accessed by a 5-mile-long automobile loop, which allows visitors to self-guide their tour around the area.
Alternatively, there are several walking tracks and trails for those who want to get up close and personal with the various artifacts and monuments.
The site features the renovated and perfectly restored Ray House, the John K. and Ruth Hulston Civil War Research Library, and the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield visitor center which offers extra information and displays about the area and battle that took place there.
All aspects of the battlefield can be accessed free of charge, making this a great option if you are looking for a way to spend your afternoon without needing to break the bank.
Whether you visit by yourself or with the whole family, you will be sure to walk away having learned something new about Springfield’s history!
