Things to do in Springfield, MA

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Located in the birthplace of basketball, this world-class museum features 80,000 square feet of basketball history with interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and a full regulation court where visitors can shoot hoops. The iconic silver dome is a Springfield landmark visible from miles away.

Basketball Hall of Fame

Phone: 1-877-4HOOPLA

Website: hoophall.com

Springfield Museums

Five world-class museums under one admission including the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, Springfield Science Museum, George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, and Michele & Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts. Features the complete collection of Dr. Seuss memorabilia and original works in his hometown.

Springfield Museums

Phone: (413) 263-6800

Website: springfieldmuseums.org

MGM Springfield

This world-class resort casino features 125,000 square feet of gaming, a 250-room boutique hotel, multiple restaurants, TopGolf swing suites, bowling alley, Regal Cinemas, comedy club, and live entertainment. The casino seamlessly blends new construction with beautifully restored historic buildings in downtown Springfield.

MGM Springfield Casino

Phone: (413) 273-5000

Website: MGM Springfield

Six Flags New England

New England’s premier theme park featuring over 100 rides, games, and attractions including world-class roller coasters and Hurricane Harbor water park. Experience Superman The Ride, Batman The Dark Knight, and the region’s largest water park all in one incredible destination.

Six Flags Roller Coaster

Phone: (413) 786-9300

Website: sixflags.com/newengland

Springfield Armory National Historic Site

Home to the world’s largest historic US military small arms collection, this National Park Service site preserves nearly 200 years of military manufacturing history. The armory started producing weapons in 1777 and played crucial roles in the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and both World Wars.

Springfield Armory Historic Building

Phone: (413) 734-8551

Website: nps.gov/spar

Forest Park

This 735-acre municipal park rivals New York’s Central Park in size and beauty, offering rose gardens, baseball fields, tennis courts, hiking trails, the historic Barney Carriage House, and seasonal activities. The park hosts the famous Bright Nights holiday light display and summer concerts at the amphitheater.

Forest Park Springfield

Phone: (413) 787-6440

Website: springfield-ma.gov/park

The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center

This intimate 4-acre zoo is home to over 225 exotic and native animals representing species from around the world. Special programs include animal encounters, educational workshops, and seasonal events like Spooky Safari and Brew at the Zoo that provide up-close experiences with fascinating creatures.

Zoo Animals

Phone: (413) 733-2251

Website: forestparkzoo.org

Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden

This whimsical outdoor sculpture garden celebrates Springfield’s most famous son, Theodore Seuss Geisel. Bronze sculptures of beloved characters like the Cat in the Hat, the Lorax, and Horton the Elephant come to life alongside a sculpture of Dr. Seuss himself, creating magical photo opportunities.

Dr Seuss Sculpture Garden

Phone: (413) 263-6800

Website: springfieldmuseums.org

MassMutual Center

This premier entertainment venue hosts major concerts, sporting events, family shows, and conventions in its 8,000-seat arena and extensive meeting facilities. Home to the Springfield Thunderbirds hockey team, the center features state-of-the-art acoustics and hosts touring Broadway shows and top musical acts.

Concert Arena

Phone: (413) 787-6610

Website: massmutualcenter.com

Symphony Hall

This historic 1913 venue with Greek Revival architecture features world-class acoustics and serves as home to the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. The 2,600-seat hall hosts classical concerts, popular music performances, and Broadway touring productions in an intimate and elegant setting.

Symphony Hall Interior

Phone: (413) 788-7033

Website: springfieldsymphonyhall.com

The Connecticut River Walk and Bikeway

This scenic 3.7-mile paved trail along the Connecticut River offers stunning views of the Springfield skyline and Memorial Bridge. Perfect for biking, running, walking, or rollerblading, the path connects to downtown attractions and provides access to beautiful riverfront parks.

River Bikeway

Phone: (413) 787-6434

Website: springfield-ma.gov/park

Titanic Museum

Home to the Titanic Historical Society’s extensive collection, this unique museum houses the world’s largest collection of Titanic artifacts and memorabilia. Visitors can explore detailed exhibits about the ship’s construction, passenger stories, and the tragic voyage through authentic artifacts and recreated ship interiors.

Titanic Museum Exhibits

Phone: (413) 543-4770

Website: titanichistoricalsociety.org

Eastern States Exposition (The Big E)

New England’s Great State Fair runs for 17 days each fall, featuring all six New England states under one roof. Visitors enjoy authentic regional foods, agricultural competitions, carnival rides, live entertainment, crafts, and replica statehouses representing each New England state’s unique character and heritage.

State Fair Big E

Phone: (413) 737-2443

Website: thebige.com

Springfield College

This historic campus is famous as the birthplace of basketball and volleyball, both invented here in the 1890s. Visitors can tour the beautiful campus, explore the Naismith Basketball Court replica, and learn about the college’s role in developing modern sports and physical education programs.

College Campus

Phone: (413) 748-3000

Website: springfieldcollege.edu

Deacon Samuel Chapin Statue (The Puritan)

This iconic bronze statue by Augustus Saint-Gaudens depicts Springfield’s founding father, Deacon Samuel Chapin, striding purposefully with cape flowing in the wind. Located in Merrick Park, this masterpiece of American sculpture has been a Springfield landmark since 1887.

Historic Statue

Phone: (413) 787-6434

Website: springfield-ma.gov

Paramount Theater

This beautifully restored 1926 theater showcases live performances, concerts, comedy shows, and community events in an intimate 1,500-seat venue. The ornate interior features original architectural details and modern amenities, creating the perfect atmosphere for world-class entertainment.

Theater Interior

Phone: (413) 734-6879

Website: springfieldparamount.com

Bright Nights at Forest Park

One of New England’s largest and most spectacular holiday light displays transforms Forest Park into a winter wonderland each December. Drive or walk through millions of twinkling lights, animated displays, and holiday scenes that have delighted families for over three decades.

Holiday Light Display

Phone: (413) 787-6440

Website: brightnights.org

Everett Hosmer Barney Family Mausoleum

This elaborate sphinx-adorned mausoleum in Forest Park honors the wealthy landowner who donated the land to create the park. The gothic structure represents one of Springfield’s most prominent citizens and offers insight into the city’s Gilded Age history and architectural heritage.

Historic Mausoleum

Phone: (413) 787-6440

Website: springfield-ma.gov/park

Mason Park Basketball Monument

This commemorative site marks the exact location where Dr. James Naismith invented basketball in December 1891. A 15-foot sculpture and historical markers tell the story of how this revolutionary game came to be, transforming from a YMCA exercise into the world’s most popular sport.

Basketball Monument

Phone: (413) 787-6434

Website: springfield-ma.gov

Fresh Paint Springfield Mural Tours

Explore Springfield’s vibrant street art scene through guided or self-guided tours of over 50 murals throughout the city. This urban art initiative has transformed buildings into canvases, showcasing local and international artists while revitalizing neighborhoods with colorful, meaningful public art.

Street Art Murals

Phone: (413) 203-0121

Website: freshpaintspringfield.org

Regal MGM Springfield Cinema

This luxury 7-screen movie theater features recliner seating, state-of-the-art projection and sound systems, and premium concessions. Located within MGM Springfield, moviegoers enjoy first-run films in comfort with reserved seating and the latest in cinema technology.

Movie Theater

Phone: (844) 462-7342

Website: regmovies.com

Springfield Central Library

This architectural gem houses an extensive collection of books, digital resources, and community programming. The Seuss Reading Room celebrates the city’s famous author, while the building itself features beautiful murals, reading gardens, and spaces designed for learning, working, and community gatherings.

Public Library

Phone: (413) 263-6828

Website: springfieldlibrary.org

Riverfront Park

This scenic waterfront park offers beautiful views of the Connecticut River and downtown Springfield skyline. Features include walking paths, playground equipment, picnic areas, and boat launch facilities. The park serves as a gateway to the Connecticut River Walk and hosts outdoor festivals and events.

Riverfront Park

Phone: (413) 787-6434

Website: springfield-ma.gov/park

Tower Square

This downtown entertainment and shopping complex features restaurants, retail stores, office spaces, and the Marriott Springfield Hotel. The distinctive tower serves as a downtown landmark, while the plaza level hosts events, farmers markets, and provides a central meeting place in the heart of the city.

Tower Square Building

Phone: (413) 781-3434

Website: towersquarespringfield.com

Francine Wheeler Trail

This peaceful walking and biking trail connects neighborhoods while honoring the memory of Sandy Hook Elementary shooting victim Francine Wheeler. The scenic route passes through parks, residential areas, and natural spaces, providing a safe and beautiful path for recreation and reflection.

Walking Trail

Phone: (413) 787-6434

Website: springfield-ma.gov/park

Nathan Bill Park

This neighborhood park offers baseball fields, basketball courts, playground equipment, and open green spaces perfect for family recreation and community gatherings. The park provides a peaceful escape within the city with mature trees, walking paths, and facilities for both organized and casual activities.

Community Park

Phone: (413) 787-6434

Website: springfield-ma.gov/park

Van Horn Park

This popular recreational facility features multiple baseball and softball diamonds, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a playground. The park hosts youth leagues, adult recreational sports, and community events throughout the year, making it a hub of athletic activity in the Pine Point neighborhood.

Sports Fields Park

Phone: (413) 787-6434

Website: springfield-ma.gov/park

Blunt Park

This expansive park offers swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball fields, and large open spaces for various recreational activities. The park’s community center hosts programs and events year-round, while the outdoor facilities provide space for both organized sports and family recreation.

Recreation Center Park

Phone: (413) 787-6434

Website: springfield-ma.gov/park

Cyr Arena at Forest Park

This indoor ice skating facility offers public skating sessions, hockey leagues, figure skating programs, and ice skating lessons for all ages. The arena provides year-round ice sports opportunities in a climate-controlled environment with skate rentals and concessions available.

Ice Skating Rink

Phone: (413) 787-6438

Website: springfield-ma.gov/park

Franconia Golf Course

This 18-hole public golf course offers challenging play with beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The course features a full driving range, pro shop, and clubhouse restaurant. Players of all skill levels enjoy the well-maintained fairways and greens in a scenic setting just minutes from downtown.

Golf Course

Phone: (413) 734-9334

Website: springfield-ma.gov/park

Veterans Memorial Golf Course

This scenic 18-hole public course honors local veterans while providing challenging golf in a beautiful natural setting. The course features rolling hills, mature trees, water hazards, and well-maintained greens. The clubhouse offers dining and event space with panoramic views of the Pioneer Valley.

Veterans Golf Course

Phone: (413) 787-6449

Website: springfield-ma.gov/park

Quadrangle Historic District

This historic area encompasses the Springfield Museums campus and surrounding neighborhood, featuring beautiful Victorian architecture and tree-lined streets. Walking tours reveal the stories behind the elegant homes, churches, and institutional buildings that showcase Springfield’s prosperous 19th-century development.

Historic Architecture

Phone: (413) 263-6800

Website: springfieldmuseums.org

King Philip’s Stockade

This historical site commemorates the location of a Pocumtuck village and later colonial fortification during King Philip’s War in 1675-1676. Archaeological findings and interpretive displays help visitors understand the area’s Native American history and the complex colonial period conflicts that shaped the region.

Historical Site

Phone: (413) 787-6440

Website: springfield-ma.gov/park

Hasbro Gaming Exhibit

Located within the Springfield Museums complex, this interactive exhibit celebrates the toys and games that have brought joy to children worldwide. Visitors can explore the history of iconic products like G.I. Joe, Transformers, My Little Pony, and board game classics while trying hands-on activities and displays.

Toy Exhibit

Phone: (413) 263-6800

Website: springfieldmuseums.org

Springfield Thunderbirds Hockey

Experience professional ice hockey with the Springfield Thunderbirds, the AHL affiliate of the St. Louis Blues. Games at MassMutual Center feature fast-paced action, family-friendly entertainment, mascot appearances, and promotional nights that make every game an exciting event for hockey fans of all ages.

Hockey Game

Phone: (413) 739-3344

Website: springfieldthunderbirds.com

Community Music School of Springfield

This renowned music education institution offers concerts, recitals, and musical performances throughout the year in an intimate setting. The school hosts visiting artists, student showcases, and community concerts that highlight classical, jazz, and contemporary music in a welcoming environment for music lovers.

Music School Performance

Phone: (413) 734-2495

Website: community-music.net

Springfield Preservation Trust Walking Tours

Discover Springfield’s rich architectural and cultural heritage through guided walking tours that explore historic neighborhoods, significant buildings, and hidden gems. Learn about the city’s industrial past, famous residents, and architectural styles while exploring downtown and residential areas with knowledgeable local guides.

Historic Walking Tour

Phone: (413) 747-0117

Website: springfieldpreservationtrust.org

Holyoke Mall

Just minutes from Springfield, this massive shopping destination features over 140 stores including major department stores, specialty shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The mall offers everything from fashion and electronics to dining and movies, making it a popular destination for shopping enthusiasts and families.

Shopping Mall

Phone: (413) 536-1440

Website: holyokemall.com

Things to do in Springfield, MAThings to do in Springfield, MAThings to do in Springfield, MA