10 Things to Do with Kids This August in Springfield
Spice up your 2026 summer plans this August by keeping the kids entertained and trying new things or reviving old favorites.
1. Take a Swim at Splash
This summer, the waves are running every day, the inner tubes are available, the concession stand is open, and food vendors are posting up outside regularly. Plus, now each time you visit the waterpark, a special stuffy surprise will be hidden at the pool. Finders keepers!
2. Play a Round at Camp Putt
Camp Putt was recently upgraded, and the new greens do not disappoint! Come by for a round at Thunder Falls or Cascade Springs. Play for fun, or keep score and get competitive with your crew!
3. Go to a Drifters Game
The Springfield Drifters are Springfield’s hometown baseball team, and they are making waves this year! Plus, kids 12 and under get in FREE to most home games. There are also inflatable slides and obstacle courses for kids, activities after each inning, and lots of entertainment to go around! The season stretches into the first week of August, so this is your last chance to make it to a game this year.
4. Enjoy Concerts in the Park
Kids will have a blast dancing and doing cartwheels as you all enjoy live music under the trees! The Concerts in the Park series at Island Park features a new band each night across a variety of genres. Bring along blankets or chairs to enjoy the music, with food trucks at each concert.
5. Spend the Day at a Playground
There are 27 Willamalane playgrounds to visit in Springfield, and five offer sand playscapes! For little ones with active imaginations and a fascination with textures, they'll be occupied for HOURS.
- Jasper Meadows Park: The sand pit at Jasper Meadows Park includes a totally tricked-out sensory table, complete with a water spout for cooling and mixing sand. The table includes multiple levels and overhead shade. Tucked into a southeast Springfield neighborhood, this park feels like a well-kept secret.
- Lively Park: This giant playground has the biggest sand pit of them all, including boulders for climbing and a sensory table with a water feature. Plus, this pit is surrounded by shady trees with a bathroom and designated parking nearby.
- Pacific Park: Sift, sort, and study your sand pit treasures on the sensory table at this sand play area. Pacific Park also has picnic tables, a playground, a full basketball court, and plenty of open green space.
- Quartz Park: This spacious sand pit is perfect for fun in the sun. BYOS (bring your own shade) to enjoy sweeping meadow views and warm sand between your toes. Quartz Park has its own designated parking, a drinking fountain, a full basketball court, and a playground.
- Robin Park: Stanley Yelnats wishes he had a sand digger like the one at Robin Park. You can dig holes and move sand faster than you can say "Kissin' Kate Barlow!"
6. Check Out the Springfield Library
Who doesn’t love the library? This summer, the Springfield library offers family storytime, an awesome summer reading program, and some really fun arts and cultural events. See what’s happening next!
7. Keep Them Busy with Sports or Swim Lessons
Elementary and middle schoolers can build athletic skills in partial-day camps focused on their favorite sports. Coming up this August: basketball, soccer, climbing, volleyball, and tennis! Sign up for skills camps.
There are also plenty of openings for swim lessons, across a variety of levels and schedules. Hop in the pool once, twice, or four times a week. A session of eight lessons starts at $48. Sign up for swim lessons.
8. Join Springfield’s Second Friday Art Walk
Did you know Springfield offers an art walk once a month? The Second Friday Art Walk in downtown Springfield is hosted by the Emerald Art Center and has several official stops, including Emerald Art Center, City Hall, Willamalane Adult Activity Center, and so much more! It’s a great way for kids to see where local art is displayed and appreciated in our community. The second Friday in August is Aug. 14.
9. Use Your 1Pass
If you haven’t seen it, check out the 1Pass Destination Guide. Get a breakdown of what there is to do at each of the 17 destinations, and get a direct link to the hours of each facility. Most popular this year so far: Get Air, Amazon Pool, Camp Putt, Echo Hollow Pool, and Emerald Lanes.
10. Catch the Last Dive-in Movie
On Aug. 28, throw it back to the original animated The Lion King movie from 1994 at this Dive-In Movie held at Splash’s outdoor sundeck. You can move freely between the indoor pool and the movie outside. The movie starts playing after dark, at 9 p.m. Doors open at 8 p.m. Regular admission rates apply.
