You’d never know it on a dreary January day in 2026, but serene Doling Park in north Springfield used to be a colorful and loud destination, packed with children, teenagers and neighbors of all ages.
Like many parks of yesteryear, this gorgeous old lot was studded with bandstands, an amusement park with carnival rides, a skating rink, and a dance hall. People even rode flat-bottomed boats down a multi-story outdoor slide that crashed into Doling Lake.
I like to imagine the life that this park once held, because now it beckons differently. It’s a peaceful place you can stretch your legs with plenty of breathing room, where little ones can wander without fear of roads or cars. In winter, it shines, with a steely gray lake and paths that wander into wide dark caves.
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This vast property has a playground for toddlers, and a bigger one for older kids, swings (including baby swings), benches and picnic tables galore, very smooth paved paths for stroller walks, and an epic cave with a spring running through it that trumps Sequiota in my book.
Add a stop: On a winter day, pair it with a trip to the Library Station (only 6 minutes away) to warm up. This branch is especially appealing to children, with lots of toys, games, rugs, big soft blocks, and a train structure they can climb on. Bonus: A Panera next door to the library is the perfect spot for a hot soup lunch on a cold day, or a cup of coffee for mom.
Location
Address: 301 E Talmage St, Springfield, MO 65803
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