Kid's Things to Do in Springfield, MA

Resting on the east bank of the Connecticut River, the city of Springfield, Massachusetts, has many activities for children. According to the 2011 U.S. Census Bureau, Springfield's population is 153,155, making it the most populous city in western New England.

  1. Themed Attractions

    • Springfield is the birthplace of Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. The Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden (catinthehat.org/memorial) is a place for the kids to see life-size sculptures of all their favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including the Grinch, Horton and of course Cat in the Hat. The Zoo in Forest Park (forestparkzoo.org) features live animal exhibits such as lemurs, pygmy goats, alligators, camels, sheep and wolf hybrids. For the kids who love basketball, the Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com) would be worth a visit.

    City Parks

    • Springfield (springfield-ma.gov) maintains many parks perfect for kids to play and be active. Forest Park (no website; Sumner Avenue; 413-787-6440) is a large park that has playgrounds, spray fountains, a pool, playing fields and picnic amenities. Blunt Park (no website; Roosevelt Avenue; 413-787-6440) has playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball diamonds and open fields. Riverfront Park (no website; State Street; 413-787-6440) has a paved path for walking that's perfect for kids to explore and see the river. Picnic tables and benches line the path.

    Dance and Gymnastics Classes

    • Louise Noel's Dance and Gymnastics (louisenoels.com) has dance classes in lyrical, hip-hop, ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, theater and tap. It also has gymnastics classes starting with toddlers intro all the way up to team boys and girls. The Mary Ann Studio of Dance (maryannstudio.com) offers dance classes of all types for all ages emphasizing creative movement and locomotive skills. The Shooting Star Dance Center (shootingstardancecenter.com) features a Broadway jazz class along with tap, ballet, hip-hop, acrobatics, pointe and competition level classes.

    Skating

    • FMC Ice Sports (fmcicesports.com) is an indoor ice skating arena offering open skating with occasional DJ skate events. Lessons are available for all ages, starting with skating basics working up to either hockey or figure skating lessons. The Cyr Arena (no website; 200 Trafton Road; 413-787-6438) is a seasonal public ice arena maintained by the city. It provides changing rooms, skate rentals, concessions and a warming room. The city also runs hockey leagues and figure skating competitions in winter.

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