11 Best Things to Do in Springfield, Massachusetts That will make you trip Memorable

Are you planning to visit Springfield and looking for tourist places in Springfield? If you have no idea what are the best places to visit in Springfield? This article can help you in finding the best things to do in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Springfield, the county seat of Hampden County, is one of the cities in Massachusetts. The city is situated close to the confluence of four rivers, including the Connecticut River, the Eastern Chicopee River, the Eastern Mill River, and the Western Westfield River. It is situated on the eastern shore of the Connecticut River.

The city’s population was 155,929 at the time of the 2020 census, making it the third-largest city in Massachusetts.

Springfield is also the 12th most populous city in the Northeastern region of the United States and the fourth most populous town in New England (after Boston, Worcester, and Providence).

Because so many groundbreaking discoveries were made in this city, including the First American Gas-Powered Automobile, the first American dictionary, and the first machining lathe for Interchangeable Parts, it has earned many names, including The City of Firsts. One of the top American cities to visit in Springfield.


Is Springfield(MA) Worth Visiting?

Springfield Tourism: Best of Springfield

However, this storied community on the Connecticut River’s banks is well known for a few other things and is unquestionably well for a day trip or weekend getaway.

Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, is a well-known children’s author and artist who was born and raised in Springfield.


List of 11 Best Things to Do in Springfield, Massachusetts

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

  • Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden
  • Paramount Theater
  • Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
  • The Big E Fair
  • Forest Park
  • Forest Park and Education Center Zoo
  • Storrowtown Village Museum
  • Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History
  • Blunt Park
  • George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum
  • Springfield Armory National Historic Site

1. Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden

Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden | Best Things to Do in Springfield Massachusetts

One of the top things to do in Springfield, Massachusetts is to visit the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden.

Many people are unaware that Dr. Seuss, the real name Theodor Seuss Geisel, was born in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Because his father oversaw the Forest park Zoo, Dr. Seuss grew up close to the park. With amazing sculptures like the 14-foot Horton the Elephant with Sam-i-am, Sally, her brother, and Thidwick the big-hearted Moose, this sculpture garden is a beautiful location to visit.

In addition to the sculptures at the memorial garden, the city also has several stunning sculptures, such as Dr. Seuss and the Cat in the Hat next to the Springfield Library.

Author Dr. Seuss was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1904, and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden is one of the city’s most visited sights.


2. Paramount Theater

Paramount Theater | Best Things to Do in Springfield Massachusetts

One of the top things to do in Springfield, Massachusetts, for some movies, is to visit the Paramount Theater. The Paramount Theater in Springfield was constructed in 1926 at an estimated cost of $1,000,000.00.

When it was later restored in 1999, the theater—which had been disorganized in the 1960s—became a nightclub and a venue for live music.

The cost of restoring the building to its original use since 2011 has been close to two million dollars.

The theater was formerly known as The Hippodrome and Julia Sanderson Theater; an organ is also available there; despite being an old organ, it is still playable.

The National Register of Historic Places listed it in 1979. One of Springfield, Massachusetts’s top entertainment venues is the Paramount Theater.

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3. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame | Best Things to Do in Springfield Massachusetts

A sports and history museum, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is named after the inventor of basketball, James Naismith, and basketball is its main sport.

James Naismith is a well-known Canadian-American physician who is credited with inventing basketball.

This museum first opened its doors in 1959, and the hall of fame erected a new structure at Springfield College in 1968. Basketball preservation and promotion are the goals of this museum.

Due to the attraction’s popularity, a new facility along the Connecticut River was constructed in 1985. The Hall of Fame relocated once more to a much larger building in 2002, measuring over 80,000 square feet.

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts has a tonne of entertaining and engaging exhibits, including mini-games and lovely shows.


4. The Big E Fair

The Big E Fair | Best Things to Do in Springfield Massachusetts

The Big E Fair is the sixth-largest fair in the country and the largest agricultural festival on the eastern seaboard. The Eastern States Exposition was the previous name for the Big E Fair.

Some refer to this fair as “New England’s Great State Fair,” and it is generally considered to be more enjoyable between the middle of September and the first few days of October each year.

The Big E Fair features equestrian competitions, livestock contests, and sizable vegetable displays. Six statehouses in the area have full-size models installed each year by the Big E. It’s fun to visit Springfield, Massachusetts, and the Big E Fair.

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5. Forest Park

Forest Park | Best Things to Do in Springfield Massachusetts

One of Springfield’s 19 parks, Forest Park is also one of the most visited areas of the city. A land mass of around 736 acres makes up Forest Park, which is situated along the famed Connecticut River.

One of the largest parks in the nation, this one has a zoo, an outdoor amphitheater, stunning views, a tennis court, a baseball field, a basketball court, charming forest walks, and an aquatic garden. In addition, the park has beautifully maintained flowers.

Christmas decorations and a sophisticated lighting show make Forest Park even more lovely and entertaining. A fun site to visit in Springfield, Massachusetts is Forest Park.


6. Forest Park and Education Center Zoo

Forest Park and Education Center Zoo | Best Things to Do in Springfield Massachusetts

Within the renowned Forest Park and Education Center Zoo, there are over 150 lovely and unusual species. The zoo also offers several kid-friendly educational events and programs.

At this zoo, you can find amphibians, mammals, beavers, and reptiles. The zoo also offers tours, camps, Zoo on the Go, Crew in Training, and many other activities.

The Forest Park and Education Center Zoo in Springfield, Massachusetts, is another enjoyable attraction worth visiting. It’s well-known Adopt an Animal program focuses primarily on educating kids about conservation and animals.


7. Storrowtown Village Museum

Storrowtown Village Museum | Best Things to Do in Springfield Massachusetts

Another historical museum in Springfield is Storrowtown Village Museum, where you can find out more about life in New England in the past. This site is a well-liked tourist destination and is friendly to guests.

This museum offers engaging activities and living history programs, and village visits are also available. Staff members who are knowledgeable and helpful frequently provide tours of the town.

At the village, you may observe reconstructed homes and businesses while learning about the history of numerous objects, structures, and the people who once inhabited there.

Because this community still maintains a 19th-century manner of life, this visit is always enjoyable for history buffs. One of the top things to do in Springfield, Massachusetts is a trip to this museum and village.

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8. Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History

Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History | Best Things to Do in Springfield Massachusetts

The Springfield Museum’s neighbor, the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, was constructed thanks to a 2005 gift from Mr. M. Allen Swift.

The museum’s land area is roughly 40,000 square feet, and it mostly concentrates on Springfield’s recent past (the 19th and 20th centuries). There are both temporary and ongoing exhibits at this museum.

In addition to housing the Springfield History Library and Archives, which contain books, manuscripts, digital databases, and images, is the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History.

In Springfield, Massachusetts, there is yet another charming museum worth seeing.


9. Blunt Park

Blunt Park | Best Things to Do in Springfield Massachusetts

The city’s Blunt Park is a lovely area to relax and enjoy various outdoor activities. The park is the ideal location for family outings and picnics.

To ensure guests enjoy their time there, Blunt Park has a great picnic area, outdoor grilling, a magnificent water fountain, a 90-foot diamond, a children’s playground, a tennis court, and many more amenities.

You can engage in your preferred sport, such as tennis, soccer, football, basketball, or any other, at this park. Visitors have the chance to have a good time with their kids at this park. The ideal location to visit in Springfield, Massachusetts, is Blunt Park.


10. George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum

George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum | Best Things to Do in Springfield Massachusetts

Art Gallery of George Walter Vincent Smith The George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum is one of many outstanding institutions in Springfield.

The museum was constructed in 1895 with an Italian villa motif and opened to the public in 1896.

Mr. Smith was a well-known art collector who specialized primarily in Asian artworks, including artworks from Japan, China, and the Middle East; this museum primarily concentrates on decorative and fine arts.

Additionally, Mr. Smith amassed a sizable collection of paintings from the 19th century, most of which were landscapes akin to those created by Hudson River School artists.

This museum features a variety of exhibitions, as well as a Hasbro Games Art Discovery Center, and a Hands-on Center for kids.

One of the enjoyable things to do in Springfield, Massachusetts is to visit the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum.

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11. Springfield Armory National Historic Site

Springfield Armory National Historic Site | Best Things to Do in Springfield Massachusetts

The Springfield Armory National Historic Site is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the city’s history, including its colorful and turbulent periods, as well as the crucial role that the Springfield Armory played in supplying the US Armed Forces with high-quality weapons.

This museum is housed in the armory’s original structure and is brimming with intriguing exhibits, free events, programming for the general public, noteworthy collections, and online resources.

During the Revolutionary War, General George Washington established this armory.

The earliest federal armory and pioneer in the production of firearms in the United States are Springfield Armory.

In 1794, the Armory in Springfield began producing muskets. It was reopened as a national historic site in 1978.

This facility is well-known for housing the largest collection of American historic firearms anywhere on earth.

The National Historic Site at Springfield Armory offers a wide range of activities, exhibitions, and events.

There are self-guided and ranger-led tours of the grounds available. Visit this historical and entertaining location in Springfield, Massachusetts.


FAQs For Things to Do in Springfield, Massachusetts

There are so many questions that come to mind while traveling Springfield some of the commonly asked questions are answered below.

Q.1 What is Springfield Mass famous for?

The birthplace of basketball

As a result of its long history of invention, including the first American Armory and military arsenal and the first American-made vehicle, it has come to be regarded as the “City of Firsts.” Springfield is perhaps most known as the birthplace of basketball and “Dr. Seuss” himself, Theodor Geisel.

Q.2 What is West Springfield known for?

A small collection of historic structures known as Storrowton Village, fair vendors, a small circus, musical performers, agricultural exhibits and competitions, carnival games and rides, and state buildings for each of the New England states with local goods and vendors are among the attractions.

Q.3 What is the most beautiful town in Massachusetts?

Rockport, Massachusetts, is one of the most picturesque communities in Massachusetts that is worth visiting. Rockport, a charming coastal town on Cape Ann about 30 miles north of Boston, is well-liked by vacationers, beachgoers, and scuba divers. Rockport is renowned for its unparalleled beauty, rugged coastline, and distinctive Bear Skin Neck region.

Q.4 Is Springfield MA walkable?

Springfield is one of the Northeast’s most walkable cities, which is good news for tourists.


Tell Us In The Comments As per You Which One is the Best Thing to Do in Springfield, Massachusetts?

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Avatar of Tushar Chaudhary

He has a diverse educational background with expertise in travel content creation and digital marketing. His self-motivated learning approach has made him a well-rounded professional in the field. Read More

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