22 Best Things To Do In Springfield, Massachusetts

things to do in springfield ma
Manjiri
Manjiri 
Updated
| 9 min read

Awash with beautiful parkland and home to several top-class museums, Springfield is a wonderful city in western Massachusetts. With its literacy, safety, and progressive aspects, Springfield is shooting up the list of the favorite places in America to reside and visit. Often, this amazing city is described as the ‘City of Firsts’ due to its several innovations, prominent motorcycles and basketball. You can find Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame next to the Connecticut River and it’s a must-visit attraction for any fan of basketball. Travelers coming here simply can’t miss visiting the Springfield Museums, which include scientific exhibits, American paintings and spectacular sculptures, and Asian art. Besides these, Springfield Armory is known for documenting two centuries of noteworthy military history. So, if you have Springfield on your list to explore, learning some outstanding activities to enjoy and attractions to visit will make your trip memorable. Read on to find some best things to do in Springfield, Massachusetts.

1. Learn about weapon production history at Springfield Armory National Historic Site

things to do in springfield ma | learn about weapon production history at springfield armory national historic site
Source: instagram

The Springfield Armory is a famous place you should visit in this city, as it was the primary center for the manufacture of US military firearms from 1777 till 1968. It earns its fame for being the first federal armory and one of the first factories in the US that is devoted to the manufacture of weapons. As you visit the museum, you get to see one of the USA’s huge collection of vintage guns, which spans two centuries. Also, you get to know about some noteworthy technological leaps which occurred in the armory.

Springfield Armory National Historic Site

Address: 1 Armory St Suite 2, Springfield, MA 01105, USA

Website: Springfield Armory National Historic Site

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: Free

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2. Check out the bronze statues at Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden


Is Dr. Seuss your favorite author? Then, don’t miss visiting Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden when exploring Springfield. Dr. Seuss is one of the world-famous authors and he was born in 1904 in Springfield, Massachusetts. This sculpture garden is developed in his honor. You can find here five big bronze sculptures which were designed by the author’s stepdaughter, Lark Grey Dimond-Cates.

Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden

Address: 21 Edwards St, Springfield, MA 01103, USA

Website: Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden

Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)

Price: 25 USD per adult; 16.5 USD for seniors; 13 USD for children from 3 - 17yrs; Free for kids 2yrs and below

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3. Unwind at the lovely Forest Park

things to do in springfield ma | unwind at the lovely forest park
Source: instagram

Famous as the crown jewel of Springfield, Forest Park is a great place to spend leisure time in this city. This sprawling 736-acre (297.84-hectare) open space offers you numerous recreation options to have a pleasant time with your whole family. Explore various walking trails which run through the woodland, beautiful promenades, a rose garden, lakes, and ponds. Kids will love the zoo here. Also, you can play tennis in the tennis courts and baseball and basketball in respective areas.

Forest Park

Address: Sumner Avenue, Springfield, MA 01108-2364

Website: Forest Park

Price: 3 - 28 USD

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4. Learn about baseball history at Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame


Are you a big fan of basketball? If yes, make sure you visit Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame when touring through Springfield. Situated at 1000 Hall of Fame Avenue in this city, it’s an outstanding American history museum and hall of fame. It is home to the most complete library of basketball and it preserves and promotes the rich history of this popular sport. You can find here hands-on mini-games and amazing shows with live skills exhibitions.

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Address: 1000 Hall of Fame Ave, Springfield, MA 01105, USA

Website: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 16 - 25 USD

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5. Attend The Big E fair

The Big E 1
Source: Photo by Flickr user Massachusetts Off... used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Formerly known as The Eastern States Exposition, The Big E is the biggest agricultural event on the eastern coastline and the sixth biggest fair in the country. It is also famous as ‘New England’s Great State Fair’. Plan to visit it between mid-September and the beginning of October. Annually, the Big E sets up Avenue of the States which features full-size models of six statehouses in the region. Visit the agricultural space, where you can find equestrian shows, competitions of livestock, and giant vegetable displays.

The Big E

Address: 1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA 01089, USA

Website: The Big E

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: 8 - 40 USD

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6. Enjoy live performances by Springfield Symphony Orchestra


If symphony orchestra fascinates you, visiting Springfield Symphony Orchestra when holidaying in Springfield can gift you a wonderful musical experience. It is the biggest Massachusetts symphony outside the popular Boston. More than 80 musicians from the NE of the US and Canada form this orchestra. It holds several outstanding musical performances pleasing music lovers and followers. So, make it a point to visit it and listen to amazing music played at the orchestra.

Springfield Symphony Orchestra

Address: 1441 Main St, Springfield, MA 01103, USA

Website: Springfield Symphony Orchestra

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 4:30pm; Concert Sat: 1pm - 3:30pm; Sun: 9am - 5pm

Price: 75 - 425 USD

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7. Check out the exhibits at George Walter Vincent Smith Museum


Are you an art lover? If yes, plan to visit George Walter Vincent Smith Museum when traveling to Springfield. It’s an eye-catching Italian palazzo-style structure founded in 1896 and it is home to eclectic collections of George Walter Vincent Smith and his wife. You get to see here one of the biggest collections of Chinese cloisonné outside the continent of Asia, Japanese lacquer, ceramics and bronzes, arms and armor, Chinese jade and an outstanding collection of amazing 19th-century Middle Eastern carpets.

George Walter Vincent Smith Museum

Address: Chestnut St, Springfield, MA 01103, USA

Website: George Walter Vincent Smith Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm

Price: 25 USD per adult; 16.5 USD for seniors & college students; 13 USD for youths from 3 -17 yrs; free for children age 3 and under

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8. Learn about the local history at Lyman And Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History

things to do in springfield ma | learn about the local history at lyman and merrie wood museum of springfield history
Source: instagram

Well known for its local history research facilities, diverse education offerings, an outstanding program of changing exhibitions, and extensive collections focusing on the history of the Connecticut River Valley, Lyman And Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History is a great attraction in the city. Watch the biggest collection of Indian cycles and memorabilia here. Also, it is home to a firearms collection which includes over 1,600 firearms. You also get to view the world’s biggest collection of Smith & Wesson guns.

Lyman And Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History

Address: 85 Chestnut St, Springfield, MA 01103, USA

Website: Lyman And Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm

Price: 25 USD per adult; 16.5 USD for seniors & college students; 13 USD for youths 3 -17 yrs; free for children age 3 and below

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9. Catch live performances and movies at Paramount Theater

Posted by Hippodrome/ Paramount Theater on Tuesday, 24 February 2015

Spend an entertaining time watching live performances and great movies at the Paramount Theater during your holidays in Springfield. This historic theater was constructed in 1926 and it was regarded as the most outstanding picture palace in Western Massachusetts. Relive the golden age by watching praiseworthy performances at this heritage cinema.

Paramount Theater

Address: 1700 Main St, Springfield, MA 01103, USA

Website: Paramount Theater

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10. Explore the fascinating Springfield Science Museum


Established in 1859 in City Hall, expanded in 1932 with Art Deco, and re-expanded with Tolman addition in 1970, Springfield Science Museum is an amazing place to visit. It is home to permanent collections of anthropology, natural science, and physical science. Seymour Planetarium of this museum has historic Korkosz Starball, which is currently the oldest functioning star-projector in the US. Tour various galleries displaying scientific exhibits here. You can also find an animal center which recreates fragile eco-systems, such as coral reefs, mangroves, and rainforests. Your kids will marvel at spectacular life-size models present in the Dinosaur Hall.

Springfield Science Museum

Address: 21 Edwards St, Springfield, MA 01103, USA

Website: Springfield Science Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm

Price: 25 USD per adult; 16.5 USD for seniors & college students; 13 USD for youths 3 -17 yrs; free for children age 3 and below

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11. Spend an eventful day at MGM Springfield


Located in the heart of the Metro Center in Springfield, MGM Springfield is an amazing hotel and casino complex. It is managed and owned by MGM Resorts International. It offers you great facilities and recreation options to spend an eventful day. Enjoy a fine-dining experience in one of the best restaurants here. The presence of Symphony Hall, MassMutual Center, and many other entertainment facilities help you have a quality time. Have a wonderful time by booking a room and staying in this hotel.

MGM Springfield

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

Website: MGM Springfield

Opening hours: 12am - 11:59pm (daily)

Price: From 22 USD

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12. Go shopping at Kringle Emporium


Are you a shopaholic and vacationing in Springfield, Massachusetts? Then, do not miss the wonderful opportunity to shop for lovely items at Kringle Emporium, an amazing home goods store. Shop for fresh aromatic candles, exquisite home décor, gourmet food items, and many more. Adorn your home with rich and authentic fragrances by shopping for fabulous home décor products from here. Once you are done with the shopping, have a cup of coffee and relish fresh baked goods by relaxing in the outdoor seating here.

Kringle Emporium

Address: One MGM Way, Springfield, MA 01103, USA

Website: Kringle Emporium

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 10pm

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13. Visit Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts

Posted by Crafty Madre on Wednesday, 7 August 2019

Plan to visit Michele and Donald D’Armour Museum of Fine Arts during your holiday in Springfield, Massachusetts. This art deco museum was founded in 1933 and it houses a comprehensive collection of Asian, European, and American paintings, watercolors, prints, and sculptures. Watch an incredible collection of European Art here. Also, this museum of fine arts is home to the Currier & Ives Collection, which is famous for being the biggest holdings of lithographs in the country.

Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts

Address: 21 Edwards St, Springfield, MA 01103, USA

Website: Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm

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14. Tour Storrowtown Village Museum


Learn about New England life in the bygone era by visiting Storrowtown Village Museum when you are vacationing in Springfield. This attraction offers you living history programs and interesting events. Go for the amazing village tour which is guided by costumed docents. Watch restored houses and shops, learn about the stories of the artifacts and the buildings and the people who stayed in these buildings and their 19th-century lifestyle. History buffs are sure to love this village museum tour.

Storrowtown Village Museum

Address: 1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA 01089, USA

Website: Storrowtown Village Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat: 11am - 4pm (closed on Sun)

Price: From 8 USD

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15. Travel back in time at Titanic Historical Society


Founded in 1963, the Titanic Historical Society is a non-profit establishment which strives to preserve the history of popular ocean liner RMS Titanic, which sank in 1912, one of the biggest maritime disasters in history. Peep back in the time by going through its noteworthy publications, annual themed events, and the Titanic Museum. Watch the outstanding collection of rare Titanic artifacts and documents which were donated by the survivors at the Titanic Museum. Shop for your choice of items at the Museum Shop.

Titanic Historical Society

Address: 208 Main St, Indian Orchard, Springfield, MA 01151, USA

Website: Titanic Historical Society

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm; Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun)

Price: 4 USD for adults; 2 USD for children

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16. Enjoy a meal at Max's Tavern and Red Rose Pizzeria


If you are a foodie keen on tasting a variety of scrumptious delicacies, make sure you visit Max’s Tavern and Red Rose Pizzeria. Max’s Tavern is an amazing American restaurant comprising wood-trimmed space beside the charming Connecticut River & well-known Basketball Hall of Fame. It serves delicious sandwiches, fresh salads, burgers, and many more American delicacies. If you are fond of eating Italian cuisines, do not miss visiting Red Rose Pizzeria, which is a fabulous Italian restaurant. Enjoy eating tasty soups, appetizers, salads, Italian pasta, and other Italian delicacies here.

Max's Tavern

Address: Max’s Tavern, 1000 W Columbus Ave, Springfield, MA 01105, USA

Website: Max’s Tavern

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 12am; Sun: 11am - 10pm

Red Rose Pizzeria

Address: 1060 Main St, Springfield, MA 01103, USA

Website: Red Rose Pizzeria

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 9pm (closed on Mon)

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17. Enjoy a night out at Aquarius Nightclub


Planning a night out with your friends in Springfield, Massachusetts? Then visit Aquarius Nightclub to have a great time. It is known for an unmatched ambiance, positive vibes, and the finest nightlife. Listen to the great music played here and hit the dance floor by dancing to the tunes of amazing music.

Aquarius Nightclub

Address: 1217 State St, Springfield, MA 01109, USA

Website: Aquarius Nightclub

Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 9pm - 2am; Sun: 2pm - 2am (closed from Mon - Wed)

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18. Visit the impressive Zoo in Forest Park and Education Center

Posted by ZOO in Forest Park and Education Center on Tuesday, 18 June 2019

Located in a 735-acre (297.44-hectare) woodland park in Springfield, the Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center is a worth-visiting attraction with your kids. It is home to indigenous and exotic animals representing a vast variety of species in North America and across the world. Your little ones will find Zoo Camp here to be fun, as it lets them explore nature, meet exotic creatures, and discover wildlife.

Zoo in Forest Park and Education Center

Address: 293 Sumner Ave, Springfield, MA 01108, USA

Website: Zoo in Forest Park and Education Center

Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)

Price: 10 USD per adult; 5 USD for children of age 1 - 12; Free for children below 1 year

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19. Embark on an informative tour at Springfield Museums


Enrich your knowledge by going for an informative and interesting Springfield Museums tour when holidaying in Springfield. The cluster of cultural institutions and museums here are known by the common name i.e. the Quadrangle. You can tour the museums here, which include Springfield Science Museum, George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, and many more. Watch and learn about the various artifacts, exhibits, and displays.

Springfield Museums

Address: 21 Edwards St, Springfield, MA 01103, USA

Website: Springfield Museums

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm

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20. Go biking along the paved paths of Connecticut River Walk And Bikeway

Posted by Sarilyn Castro on Saturday, 16 March 2019

A refreshing 3.7-mile (5.95-kilometer) stretch along the charming Springfield riverfront, the Connecticut River Walk and Bikeway is a wonderful destination for enjoying the fun of biking and hiking. Hire a bike and explore this stretch and check out spectacular vistas of lovely Connecticut River. Walking on the paved paths will please your mind and refresh you.

Connecticut River Walk And Bikeway

Address: Springfield, MA 01105, United States

Website: Connecticut River Walk And Bikeway

Opening hours: Daylight hours (daily)

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21. Enjoy a picnic at Blunt Park


Go for a fun-filled picnic with your family and kids at Blunt Park when touring Springfield. This charming park features a scenic water fountain, picnic area, playground, outdoor grilling, 90’ Diamond, 60’ Diamond, tennis court, football field, basketball field, and soccer field to help have a great time here. Play your favorite sport such as tennis, basketball, or any other, and enjoy a great playtime. Spend quality time with your kids and watch them play on the fabulous playground.

Blunt Park

Address: 1780 Roosevelt Ave, Springfield, MA 01109, USA

Website: Blunt Park

Price: 3 - 28 USD

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22. Play tennis or baseball at Van Horn Park


Visit Van Horn Park, the second biggest park in the fascinating city of Springfield. It not only features a playground, picnic area, outdoor grilling, and water fountain, but also offers you a tennis court, 60’ Diamond, 90’ Diamond, football field, and soccer field. So, if you are a tennis player or baseball fan, do not miss the wonderful opportunity to play tennis and baseball in this pleasant park.

Van Horn Park

Address: 494 Armory St, Springfield, MA 01104, USA

Website: Van Horn Park

Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)

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Have a wonderful time in Springfield

Barney Mausoleum in Forest Park - Springfield MA
Source: Photo by Flickr user Rusty Clark ~ 100... used under CC BY 2.0

Springfield in Massachusetts is a fascinating city with several museums, great parks, and several amazing attractions which let you enjoy exciting activities. As you now know about the fun-filled things to do in Springfield, Massachusetts, make sure you enjoy each one of them during your sabbatical in this wonderful city. Make the best of your time in Springfield and get pleasant memories for a lifetime.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Manjiri Kochrekar is a travel blogger from India. She loves exploring and learning various destinations, their history, culture, and peculiarities. Writing is her passion, which means she enjoys...Read more

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