Experience · Springfield
Zoo Morning & Park Play in North Springfield
Spend your morning at the Dickerson Park Zoo, exploring the exhibits and meeting exotic animals, making it a memorable start for the kids. Afterward, grab a quick and easy breakfast or brunch at La Roux Bistro before heading to Nichols Park for some free play and fresh air.
A 3.5-hour Springfield morning plan for families — Dickerson Park Zoo, La Roux Bistro, Nichols Park.
- Duration
- 3h 30m
- Cost
- $30–$50
- Stops
- 3 stops
- Area
- Commercial Street Historic District + 1 more
- Walking
- Light walking · Total 3.5-mile driving route
- Best time
- 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Ideal for
- Families · Kids
The plan
The plan
- 1Dickerson Park Zoo(2 hrs)→
- 2La Roux Bistro(1 hr)→
- 3Nichols Park(30 min)
Why this plan works
The 3 stops cover about 3.5 miles total, which keeps you in one pocket of Springfield instead of crossing town between them. Dickerson Park Zoo is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Nichols Park — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to families and families with kids who want a planned Springfield outing without improvising between stops.
The story
Overview
Spend your morning at the Dickerson Park Zoo, exploring the exhibits and meeting exotic animals, making it a memorable start for the kids. Afterward, grab a quick and easy breakfast or brunch at La Roux Bistro before heading to Nichols Park for some free play and fresh air.
The itinerary
3 stops, one great day
- 12 hrsDickerson Park Zoo
Family
Wildlife park featuring exotic animal exhibits, a petting zoo, train rides & more
What to do — Arrive early to explore the diverse animal habitats, let the kids interact with friendly animals in the petting zoo, and take a fun ride on the park's train.
Scout Side QuestVote on which animal you spot looks most like it stayed up way too late last night.
1.9 mi · 7 min drive
Then Drive a short distance south to La Roux Bistro.
21 hrLa Roux BistroFood & Drink · Commercial Street Historic District
What to do — Settle in for a casual breakfast or brunch, perfect for refueling the family after your zoo adventure.
1.6 mi · 7 min drive
Then Drive a few minutes west to Nichols Park.
3Optional 30 minNichols ParkOutdoors · Heart of the Westside
What to do — Give the kids some unstructured playtime on the playground, or enjoy a short, relaxing walk through the park before heading home.
Scout Side QuestFind the weirdest-looking stick on the ground and bestow upon it a grand, royal title.
Scout Stories
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The route
On the map
Common questions
Planning this outing
- Is this a good Springfield itinerary for families?
- Yes. It's built for families and families with kids and runs about 3 hr 30 min across 3 stops, starting at Dickerson Park Zoo.
- How long does this outing take?
- Plan on 3 hr 30 min door to door, including time between stops.
- How much does this Springfield itinerary cost?
- Roughly $30–$50 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
- Is this itinerary walkable?
- Not entirely. The stops cover about 3.5 miles, so you'll drive or rideshare between at least one pair.
- Do I need reservations?
- No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.
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