Family events in Springfield, IL

Settle in for a solo acoustic performance at The Railyard on 66. This open air food court in Springfield, IL brings together several local food vendors housed in remodeled shipping containers, along with a full bar and an outdoor stage for live entertainment. Enjoy options like barbecue, Mexican fare, and baked treats while you listen. The venue highlights hometown businesses and offers a relaxed, family friendly setting with plenty of outdoor seating.

Springfield Gymnastics Center hosts an Open Gym for ages 5 to 13. Admission is $20 for members and nonmembers. Participants can bring a friend and enjoy a night in the gym.

Run Your Bundts Off brings a sweet twist to a community race at Lincoln Park with a 5K run or a 2‑mile walk designed for all ages and paces, including families and stroller users. This charity event directs proceeds to Girls on the Run of Central Illinois and True North Running to support confidence, character, and a love of movement, with no profits kept. Participants can look forward to Bundtinis at the finish, a custom finisher medal, a race T‑shirt while supplies last, free professional photos, and chip‑timed results for the 5K. The start and finish are positioned by the Lincoln Park pavilion, with race‑day packet pickup inside the pavilion. Parking is available nearby in the Nelson Center lot, and signage will point the way to the Start and Finish arch. Runners are asked to stage toward the front and walkers toward the back. Packet pickup is also offered the day before at Nothing Bundt Cakes, and registration QR codes are requested for pickup. The field is capped at 500 participants, and finisher medals are guaranteed for all who register. Awards for the 5K include the top three overall women and men, along with the top three in each age and gender division. Overall winners take home a full‑size Bundt cake. New enhancements this year include a larger race village with additional vendors, updated medals from Ashworth Awards, more restrooms, refreshed shirts from Impressions Design, a clockwise route around the park path, and an expanded start and finish area. The event takes place rain or shine, the course may be adjusted if needed, and refunds are not offered. Volunteer opportunities are available and include a race shirt.

This distribution offers free clothing and food with no obligations. It is intended for individuals in need of clothing or food and for people who know someone who could benefit. To receive free food, bring your ID and be ready to complete some paperwork.

Presented in partnership with The Cats' Pyjamas Cafe, this monthly storytime welcomes families and young children for playful tales and peaceful time with rescue cats. Sessions are free and open to the public, offering a calm setting where guests and feline residents can relax together. Look forward to heartwarming stories, quiet companionship, and a touch of feline charm.

Caturday Storytime is a monthly collaboration with the Lincoln Library that welcomes families and young children to enjoy stories alongside rescue cats. These free public sessions create a calm setting for quiet companionship, offering a gentle space where visitors and resident felines can relax together with cozy snuggles and plenty of feline charm.

This new program welcomes youth ages 5 to 15 with a parent or guardian for a hands-on exploration of the Dana-Thomas House. Participants will start with a brief guided look at Frank Lloyd Wright’s art glass, then move to the courtyard where youth can choose favorite art glass colors and tie-dye their own “Everyone Belongs” shirt. All supplies and instructions are provided. Available shirt sizes include children’s medium, adult small, and adult medium. A parent or guardian must stay with their child throughout the program, and adults may help as needed, though only youth will make shirts. The program is free, and reservations are recommended.

Lauren Alaina is performing at the Logan County Fair in Lincoln. The show starts in the evening at 7:30 PM.

Rochester Library Farmers Market returns with support from Gregurich Beef Company. Browse farm fresh produce, delicious baked goods, and unique creations from local artisans, with activities for kids as well. The market takes place in the library parking lot, creating a welcoming spot to connect with growers and makers from the community.

Enjoy a Monday perk at Knight’s Action Park, where moms receive complimentary admission with a paid regular admission. This runs every Monday and cannot be combined with other discounts.

Settle into a calm, creative evening at the Dana-Thomas House. Bring a book for quiet reading, a journal or sketchbook for reflection, or your current craft project to keep working on. If you would like to try something new, materials will be available for a featured craft activity. You are welcome to bring light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Individuals, families, and small groups are invited. Admission is free, and all ages are welcome, with children accompanied by a responsible adult. Reservations are recommended. Please note that Wi-Fi and electrical outlets are not available. The house spans 12,600 square feet across 16 levels connected by stairs, so keep this in mind when planning or requesting accommodations. If you are unsure whether your project is appropriate for the setting, contact the organizers with your question in advance. Photography, video, and other recording are permitted outdoors only, and are not allowed inside.

Bring a valid County Market receipt to the box office to receive a free additional admission of equal or lesser value with the purchase of a full-price ticket. This deal must be redeemed in person and applies only to the Action Splash pass. It cannot be combined with other discounts.

Experience a family-friendly storytime and pop-up library in Lindbergh Park that brings books, read-alouds, and playful learning to the outdoors. Children can listen to engaging stories and take part in simple activities designed for young readers. It is a chance to celebrate reading, connect with other families, and enjoy a fun morning in the park.

Enjoy an after-hours exploration of the Lincoln Tomb with a newly introduced guided tour that focuses on the upper deck. Several tour times are available, and reservations are recommended. Access to the upper deck is limited to participants in the guided tour. For those who prefer to avoid stairs, an interpretive presentation inside the Tomb Rotunda highlights the statues featured on the upper level.

Pack a favorite board game and gather family or friends for a relaxed game night at the Dana-Thomas House. A table in one of the historic rooms will be reserved for your group so you can play together in a unique setting. Non-alcoholic drinks and light snacks are welcome. This free, all-ages event requires reservations due to limited space.

Knight’s Action Park is offering special admission for the community. Eligible heroes, including members of the military, veterans, police, firefighters, EMTs, nurses, and teachers, can enter for $25 with a valid professional ID. Dads and grandparents receive free admission when a full price child ticket is purchased. These offers are available in person only and cannot be combined with other discounts.

Six Gun Sally is taking the stage at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield. The show kicks off at 2:00 PM.

Whether you are learning to play or already a seasoned gym member, enjoy a night of Pokémon. Professors will be on hand.