Springfield · Sangamon County, IL

Where to take visiting family in Springfield

Scout analyzed 57 Springfield places and surfaced the ones that actually fit visiting family.

Places analyzed

Matches

Typical spend

$30

Typical visit

1.4 hr

Scout-verified spots

Food & Drink

Café Moxo

Café Moxo is suitable for a casual breakfast or lunch outing, or a coffee stop. Expect to spend 45-90 minutes and $10-25 per person.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$10–$25 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center

Spend 1-2 hours exploring trails and nature at this free garden and nature center. It's a good standalone outing or can be paired with other local outdoor attractions, costing nothing beyond transportation.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Downtown

Saputo's

Saputo's is a classic Italian spot for a dinner outing, offering pasta, pizza, and family-style meals. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and around $25-50 per person.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$25–$50 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Sangchris Lake State Park

Sangchris Lake State Park offers a half-day or full-day outdoor escape with trails, fishing, and picnicking. It's a low-cost option for families or solo adventurers to enjoy nature.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Lincoln Park Pavilion

Lincoln Park Pavilion is a good spot for a relaxed outdoor stroll or picnic, especially with family. Expect to spend an hour or two enjoying the park, with minimal to no cost unless you pack a picnic or snacks.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$0–$5 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Downtown

Long Nine Junction

Long Nine Junction is an American restaurant suitable for a casual meal. Expect to spend around an hour and $10-30 per person, making it a good stop for lunch or dinner.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$10–$30 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

Custom Cup Coffee

This cafe is good for a quick stop to grab coffee and a light bite, perhaps before starting errands or a work session. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and around $5-$15 per person.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Westwoods Lodge Pub & Grill and Big Timber Bourbon Bar

This is a good spot for a casual meal of American comfort food in a relaxed, lodge-style setting. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and $15-35 per person for a main course and perhaps a drink, suitable for family or a simple outing.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$15–$35 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Joseph's Fine Cuisine

Joseph's Fine Cuisine is an indoor restaurant suitable for a dedicated dinner outing. Expect a two-hour meal with a per-person cost around $70-150.

FoodCocktailsRomantic

$70–$150 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Washington Park Botanical Garden

Washington Park Botanical Garden is a free outing suitable for a 1-2 hour relaxed stroll, offering both outdoor gardens and indoor conservatories. It pairs well with a picnic or a visit to other nearby park attractions.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals

$0 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Indigo Restaurant

Indigo is a fine dining option suitable for special evenings or date nights, focusing on diverse culinary offerings. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $50-100 per person.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$50–$100 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

Maldaner's Restaurant

Maldaner's Restaurant is a classic fine dining spot, good for a special evening meal with adults. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and around $50-100 per person.

FoodHistoryRelaxed

$50–$100 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Family

BounceTag

BounceTag is an indoor amusement center suitable for family outings or birthday parties, typically lasting a couple of hours. Expect to spend $15-40 per person on activities and basic concessions.

FoodSportsAnimals

$15–$40 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Guest House Coffee and Pastries

This coffee shop is suitable for a quick stop for a drink and a pastry, taking about 30 minutes. Expect to spend $5-$15 per person for a casual refreshment.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Pease's at Bunn Gourmet

Pease's at Bunn Gourmet is a coffee shop good for a relaxed solo stop or a quick meet-up, ideal for a morning coffee and pastry. Expect to spend $8-20 per person for an outing of about 45 minutes.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$8–$20 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Old Aristocracy Hill

Obed & Isaac's Microbrewery

Obed & Isaac's is a casual brewpub for a family meal or a laid-back outing with friends, featuring craft beer and pub fare. Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours and expect to spend $25-50 per person, perhaps more if enjoying bocce ball and multiple drinks.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors

$25–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Hae's Bakery & Coffee Shoppe

This bakery and coffee shop is a good stop for a casual morning pastry and coffee, either solo or with family. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and about $5-15 per person.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Bella Milano Springfield

This large Italian restaurant is suitable for a dinner out with family or for a date night, often pairing with an evening show or movie. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and $30-60 per person for a full meal.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$30–$60 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Centennial Park

Centennial Park is a free outdoor space suitable for a 1-2 hour visit. It can be paired with a picnic or a nearby casual meal for a relaxed family outing or solo stroll.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

Cooper's Hawk is a good spot for a dinner out, offering American fare with wine pairings. Plan for a 90-minute visit and expect to spend $30-70 per person.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$30–$70 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Rock Springs Nature Center

Rock Springs Nature Center is a free, family-friendly outing for 2-3 hours, great for a weekend morning walk or pairing with a picnic. Expect minimal cost, mostly walking, and some indoor exhibits.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Mariah's Steakhouse & Pasta

This steakhouse offers American and Italian dishes, suitable for a sit-down dinner with family or for a date night. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $30-70 per person for a meal.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$30–$70 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Southwind Park

Southwind Park is a free outdoor destination perfect for a few hours of walking, playing, or relaxing in nature. It's a good standalone outing for families or individuals, especially on a sunny day.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Chesapeake Seafood House

This is a good spot for a sit-down dinner featuring seafood or steak, suitable for a date or a family meal. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $30-$70 per person.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$30–$70 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking