After polling some dads in my life — and then digging through countless Father’s Day discussions online — it turns out that men really don’t want extravagant plans or gifts to celebrate Father’s Day in Springfield. They want a day with less responsibility. A day to relax and be appreciated.
Many men report wanting to be outside, as long as they don’t have to do the work or the planning.
For many men, the ideal Father’s Day begins with a nice family breakfast, and then some time, chore-free, and maybe even alone to do things he enjoys, like fishing, golfing, reading a book or walking a trail. Others want a low-key excursion with the family, either outdoors or with good food and recreation.
So in this article, I’ll cover:
- Great trails
- Easy water outings near Springfield
- Rainy day backup plans
- At home plans
- Local events on Father’s Day weekend
- Food or restaurant specials for Father’s Day weekend
I send a “things to do” email every Sunday night to tons of moms in the Springfield, Mo. area. It’s full of free, often outdoorsy ideas that always match the season we’re in.
Great trails in or near Springfield
Here are some of my favorite walking trails for a quick Father’s Day excursion, either with the family or solo.
- Trail of Honor: This one-mile section of the James River Greenway is clean and freshly paved, bending around some gentle slopes and bordering the James River. The trail passes by water where kayaks and canoes are often seen floating by, along with rolling open land with hay bales, and tree-canopied sections later on. It’s also the site of the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, marked by massive rock markers.
- Valley Water Mill: In north Springfield, just a few miles away from city blocks and highway noise, there’s a 1.5-mile loop walk that feels like a sample-size serving of our unique Ozarks ecosystems. The park is part paved, part rugged. The trail circles a 13-acre lake, crosses a creek, and wends through forest, prairie, wetland, and glade terrain, keeping kids engaged as they encounter new sights at every turn of the path.
- Audubon Trail at Lake Springfield: This is a great spot for a short or long hike. The views may not be as expansive now that the summer foliage is in full effect, but there are still lots of rocks and bluffs to clamber over. Or rent a kayak or canoe at the boathouse.
- Two Rivers Bike Trail: Just south of Nixa, this spot offers a rare sense of openness. The kind I miss from our hikes in San Diego County, where the sun is rarely obstructed by green canopies. The terrain at Two Rivers rolls gently, the paths stretch out ahead of you, and the purplish treeline in the far distance gives you a sense of real depth. Despite the name, this place is not just for cyclists! A huge chunk of visitors are hiking on foot.
Easy water options near Springfield
- A family-friendly float on the Niangua River: Just 1 hour north of here, the river is spring-fed and wonderfully cold, winding through a tree-lined corridor. Be sure to check water levels before planning a float!
- Visit a local swimming hole or lake beach: Check out my full guide with map of Springfield wading spots, swimming holes and more.
Rainy day backup plan
- BigShots Golf Springfield: Rent a covered bay at BigShots if your husband enjoys golfing or just whacking the ball at a driving range. It’s outside(ish), but protected from the elements. It’s also a restaurant and has outdoor couches and kid-friendly games the whole family can enjoy.
- Big Slice Golf & Games: Part arcade, part indoor golf, part restaurant. This spot is a great rainy day option for a dad who wants to play.
At-home plans for Father’s Day
Plan a low-key BBQ for all the fathers in your life — husband, brother, uncles, grandpas — and let them just show up and enjoy themselves. You could grill, but often that’s a chore that falls to men. So I love to pick up a big tray of pulled pork from a local BBQ joint, then have every family bring a side. Then my main chore is to organize fun beverages, get the house ready, and provide a comfortable place for guests to relax.
Events that are perfect for Father’s Day week in Springfield
Wednesday, June 17 — A Father’s Day week throwback for movie-loving dads. The Gillioz continues its classic film series with the 1987 comedy Three Men and a Baby, starring Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg and Ted Danson. It’s the kind of movie many dads remember from the VHS era, making this a fun excuse to enjoy a little nostalgia inside one of Springfield’s most beautiful historic theaters. Trivia begins at 1:50 p.m.; movie starts at 2 p.m. (Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central E.). Event details.
Friday–Saturday, June 19–20 — One of the biggest summer festivals in the Ozarks returns to downtown Ozark. The Sertoma Duck Race Festival packs an entire weekend with carnival rides, food trucks, live music, fireworks, a car show, more than 200 craft vendors, and the beloved Hot Air Balloon Glow. The balloons don’t launch, but watching dozens of giant balloons inflate and light up against the evening sky is a pretty magical sight for kids and adults alike. If you’re looking for a classic summer festival experience with plenty to do beyond the headlining attraction, this is it. Festival activities take place throughout the weekend; Hot Air Balloon Glow begins around dusk Friday evening. (Finley River Park, Ozark). Many activities are free; some attractions and parking fees may apply. Event details.
Friday–Saturday, June 19–20 — Give Dad a night off from responsibility and a reason to laugh. If Father’s Day weekend feels packed with kid-focused activities, this adults-only comedy show offers a chance for parents to sneak away for a date night instead. Gabriel Rutledge’s stand-up often draws from marriage, parenting and the absurd realities of family life, making him especially relatable for moms and dads navigating the chaos of raising kids. Pair it with dinner downtown. Showtimes vary. (Blue Room Comedy Club, 420 W. College St., Springfield). Tickets required. Ages 18 and up only. Two-item minimum purchase per guest. Event details.
Saturday, June 20 — A summer concert where the kids don’t have to sit still. Pops in the Park pairs live music, food trucks, and hands-on art activities with a performance celebrating the biggest hits of the 1980s. Parents can spread out a blanket, grab dinner from a food truck, and enjoy an evening outdoors while kids have room to move around instead of being expected to stay quietly in their seats. Bring lawn chairs, pack a picnic if you’d like, and settle in for one of those classic summer park nights that feels a little nostalgic in the best way. Seating begins at 6 p.m.; concert at 7 p.m. (Phelps Grove Park, 1371 S. Virginia Ave.). Free. Event details.
Saturday–Sunday, June 20–21 — A delightfully weird outing for curious families. The World Oddities Expo brings together taxidermy, unusual art, science exhibits, live performers, workshops, odd collectibles, and hands-on activities celebrating the strange and fascinating corners of the world. Older kids who love creepy creatures, unusual museums, natural history, Halloween, or simply asking “what is that?” will probably think they’ve died and gone to heaven. It’s definitely not your typical family festival, which is exactly why it stands out. General admission 11 a.m.–7 p.m. both days (Springfield Expo Center, 635 E. St. Louis St.). Ticketed event. Children 12 and under free. Event details.
Sunday, June 21 — A slow summer afternoon with live music in the park. Porch Pickin’ returns for another season of neighborhood concerts, kicking off with a free performance at Lafayette Park featuring Uke 66 and Jesse Owsley. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, settle into the shade, and enjoy the kind of laid-back community gathering that feels increasingly rare. The concert series continues monthly through October, moving to different porches throughout Woodland Heights. 3–5 p.m. (Lafayette Park, 202 E. Atlantic St.). Free. Event details.
Sunday, June 21 — Let Dad admire classic cars while the kids enjoy a free afternoon out. This Father’s Day car show brings together classic cars, trucks and motorcycles for a laid-back family event that’s tailor-made for dads who love anything with an engine. Kids will enjoy getting an up-close look at vehicles they don’t see every day, while parents can browse the show, grab free food and spend time together without spending a dime. The event is free to attend and features local car owners from around the Ozarks, making it an easy, budget-friendly addition to a Father’s Day celebration. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. (Graceway Baptist Church, 5010 S. Farm Road 135, Springfield). Free admission and free food. Vehicle registration available for participants. Event details.
Restaurant specials on Father’s Day weekend
Note: I could only find one official Father’s Day restaurant event at time of publication. However, if you know of any other specials, email me at brittany@dearspringfieldmama.com and I’ll add more to the list.
Sunday, June 21 — A Father’s Day feast that’s worth the drive to Ozark. If Dad appreciates a good meal, The Ozark Mill’s Father’s Day buffet delivers far more than the standard brunch spread. Families can enjoy an all-you-can-eat menu featuring a carving station, chicken and waffles, customizable mac and cheese, soups, sides and desserts in one of the Ozarks’ most beautiful historic settings. The restored mill overlooking Finley Farms feels like a special occasion without requiring a full weekend getaway, and younger kids will enjoy exploring the grounds before or after the meal. Reservations are required and likely to fill quickly. 10 a.m.–9 p.m. (The Ozark Mill at Finley Farms, 802 Finley Farms Lane, Ozark). $72 adults; $25 ages 4–12; free for ages 3 and under. Event details.
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