Key:

$ = Inexpensive, usually $10 and under.

$$ = Moderately expensive, usually between $10-$25.

$$$ = Expensive, usually between $25-$45.

$$$$ = Very expensive, usually $50 and up.

☐ A Walk – Free

Walking is not only a fantastic and easy form of physical exercise, but it also helps to clear your head and recharge. Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene, Sequiota Park, or the Springfield Conservation Nature Center are perfect places to go for a nice long summer walk. 

☐ Go to the River – Free/$ 

The two largest rivers in Springfield are the James River or the Sac River. You could swim, tan, kayak, fish, raft or just chill on the bank. Take advantage of the free, natural water spots in town! 

☐ Stargazing – Free/$

You don’t need binoculars or telescopes to simply look at the stars, despite astronomy being an expensive hobby. Wait for a night that is clear and dark. Just set up a spot either in the back of a car, the ground or in chairs and look up at the sky.

☐ A Drive-In – $

The Aurora Sunset Drive In Theater, located in Aurora, is an old-fashioned drive-in theater that has been showing double features since 1951. It is a 40 minute drive from Springfield. A drive-in is a style of movie theater made up of plenty of parking space for cars, a projection booth, a concession stand, and a large outdoor movie screen. Customers can view movies from the privacy and comfort of their cars. Admission is $10.00 per car space. 

☐ A Picnic – $$

There are plenty of open, private places to have a picnic around town. You should bring a blanket, something to do, food you can pick up easily (charcuterie board ingredients), bug repellent, and of course, your favorite person. 

☐ Pottery Painting – $$

Everyone is always welcome at Firehouse Pottery and Art Studio. You’re able to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy while you paint. Prices range $8 & up; however, the average painter spends $25. You pay the day you paint and pick up your piece after one week.  

☐ Go Camping – $$$

Some people just don’t enjoy disconnecting from technology and spending time in nature. Even if you enjoy being outdoors, camping successfully requires a lot of knowledge. Don’t give up right away if you’ve tried camping but hated it. Many of the issues that make people dislike camping, are actually quite simple to resolve. The price just depends on how prepared you want to come, but sleeping bags and a tent are usually the most costly part of the trip. 

☐ White Water – $$$

White Water is in Branson, so it is almost an hour drive. With 2 million fun-filled gallons and 13 acres of water slides, rides, and waves, you’re guaranteed a good time. Enjoy the 500,000 gallon Surf’s Up Wave Pool at high tide, let your worries float away on the Aloha River, or splash around in Coconut Cove with the little ones. For one day, each person costs $48.00. White Water is a Silver Dollar City attraction, and they offer different types of tickets. You can save money with one, two or a three day admission ticket. Go to their website to determine which ticket is the best for you. 

☐ Silver Dollar City – $$$$

Silver Dollar City (SDC) is also in Branson, so it is about an hour drive as well. With 40 rides & attractions, SDC offers adventure for every age. They also offer the same, one, two or three day ticket options. For one day, each person is $85.00. Go to their website to determine which ticket is the best for you. 

☐ Take a Road Trip to Fugitive Beach – $$$$

Fugitive Beach is about two hours away. It is located in Rolla and has been transformed into a popular tourist destination. You can leap off 10 or 15 foot cliffs or zoom down a 65 foot slide. On the sand beach, you could play volleyball, build sandcastles or bury someone in the sand. In the water, you can swing on the inflatable swing, go swimming, or float. The price is relatively cheap to get in, $15.00 for adults and $12.00 for kids, but you also have to consider gas round trip and food throughout your day of fun.