6 Ways to Enjoy Springtime in Springfield

After a long winter, you may be looking for spots to visit to get outside and soak up the springtime vibes. From farmer’s markets to nature sites and everything in between, Springfield has plenty of ways to enjoy the new season.

Hidden Pond Nature Center

The Hidden Pond Nature Center is a tranquil site you can visit to ring in the spring season. The park has several miles of undisturbed landscapes and designated hiking trails so that visitors don’t damage the woodlands. As you hike the trails, you’ll encounter calming streams, an expansive pond, and plenty of natural greenery. You’re also likely to see plenty of species of birds, turtles, foxes, and deer. Be sure to also check out the park’s butterfly garden to see a colorful assortment of these creatures.

If you need a break but still want to entertain your kids, you can take them to the playground at the Hidden Pond Nature Center. This nature-themed playground has fascinating aesthetics, such as play equipment that’s designed to look like it’s made of tree trunks. Feel free to visit this playground anytime from dawn until dusk.

Lake Accotink Park

Lake Accotink Park is a massive park that’s almost 500 acres in size. The park provides visitors with endless opportunities to relax and enjoy the warmer weather as the spring season arrives. You can plan your trip here however you’d like, but you can consider starting on the trails. Visitors can also bring their furry friends with them on the trails as long as they keep them on a leash at all times.

As you hike or bike along these multi-purpose trails, you’ll likely see fascinating wildlife thriving in their natural habitats, like Eastern painted turtles and gray squirrels. No worries if you want to bike but forgot to bring yours. The park offers affordable rentals, and each rental comes with a helmet for your peace of mind.

Once you’ve gotten your wanderlust out of the way, you can retreat to the marina to cool off with water-based activities. Lake Accotink Park offers rentals for pedal boats and kayaks. Visitors can also bring their own watercraft to launch into the beautiful Lake Accotink.

If water-based activities aren’t your thing, Lake Accotink Park still offers plenty for you to explore. You can hop on the park’s carousel, which only charges a small fee per ride. You can also play a round or two at the park’s mini-golf course. If you have a lot of little ones with you, be sure to check out the course’s discounted rate for groups of eight or more. You can also enjoy a relaxing outdoor picnic by reserving one of the park’s designated picnic areas that come with a grill and the option of electricity.

McLean Farmer’s Market

McLean Farmer’s Market is only a 20-minute drive from Springfield and offers visitors the chance to walk around outside and purchase some goodies. McLean Farmer’s Market has beloved vendors like Grace’s Pastries, Metropolitan Bakery, Mt. Olympus Berry Farm, and Sharkawi Farm on its vendor list. Shoppers can purchase tasty treats like homemade pies and fresh fruit.

They can also expand their palates by purchasing specialty foods from vendors like House of Empanadas. If you prefer to do your shopping online, you can order from certain vendors online and pick up your order in person. This saves you the hassle of shopping and allows you to wander around and enjoy the refreshing springtime weather.

Lee District Family Recreation Area

The Lee District Family Recreation Area is the perfect place to take your child who has a desire for adventure. Once Springfield starts to heat up, they can find solace in Our Special Harbor, which is a Chesapeake-Bay-themed water playground. Some of this playground’s most notable features include the lighthouse, misting sunflowers, and structures that resemble a sea serpent and an osprey nest. Younger children can have a more calming experience in the beach area as they play with the interactive water tables and bubblers.

Once your kids are done splashing around, they can walk along Chessie’s Trail. This 2,160-foot long trail has fun features that cater to several senses. For example, kids can take a trip to the sound garden, marvel at the wildlife figures, or relax in the nesting area. You and your family can also explore the area from above by making your way up to the park’s tree house. Once you all come back down, you can let your kids explore the area’s playground and carousel.

Huntley Meadows Park

Huntley Meadows Park contains luscious meadows, mesmerizing forests, and a remarkable historic house that helps you understand the area’s history. You can begin your visit by stopping by the Historic Huntley, which is a Federal period villa that was built in 1825. Throughout its history, this house had multiple purposes, including as a Civil War encampment and summer retreat for past owners. Owners also previously used the surrounding land for grain and dairy farming. Since then, Huntley Meadows Park has restored it and now hosts scheduled tours and programs.

During your visit, you may also stop by the Norma Hoffman Visitor Center. This spot is a great place to gain information on the park’s trails and wetlands so you can safely and respectfully explore them on your own.

Burke Lake Park

Burke Lake Park spans nearly 900 acres and has something for every visitor to enjoy. If you’re looking for more active activities, you can test out your skills on the disc golf and mini-golf courses or take a walk on the five-mile trail to appreciate the fresh air and sunlight. Many visitors enjoy the relaxing carousel and train rides, and they never miss an opportunity to visit the park’s ice cream parlor for a sweet treat. Visitors can also enjoy boating and fishing out on the lake. 

Have you discovered another spot to visit to bask in the new springtime weather? Get in touch today to let us know what it is, and we’ll be sure to check it out.

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Image via Flickr by Emmett Tullos  | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

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