Steller: Create Beautiful Social Media Stories

Springfield: Best Accessible Family Things to Do in WinterMake the most of winter in Springfield! This guide showcases fun and accessible things to do in winter for the whole family, including ideas that will get everyone out of the house to experience new places together. From indoor places to the great outdoors—save these ideas for a chilly winter day.AuthorsSteller
DestinationsSpringfieldItinerary

Fun & Accessible Indoor Activities

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Abraham Lincoln’s world comes alive through immersive exhibits, rare artifacts, and more at the nationally renowned Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Experience history up close at this world-class museum featuring immersive galleries, multimedia exhibits, and artifacts that tell Lincoln’s story. Highlights include a full-scale replica of Lincoln’s boyhood home, the “Ghosts of the Library” holographic show, and rare items like a Gettysburg Address copy and Lincoln family artifacts. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is fully accessible, with ramps, elevators, wide pathways, and accessible restrooms throughout. Visitors can request wheelchairs, assisted listening devices, captioned videos, and sensory-friendly accommodations, making it a welcoming experience for families and guests with diverse accessibility needs.
See More
Illinois State Museum
Discover Illinois’ rich history, art, and culture at the Illinois State Museum! Interactive exhibits, fascinating artifacts, and hands-on learning. It’s a perfect indoor adventure in the winter for families, history lovers, and curious minds...at any age! The museum is fully accessible, featuring elevators, ramps, and wide pathways for mobility devices. Interactive displays and seating throughout the galleries make it comfortable for longer visits with kids.
See More
Hoogland Center For The Arts
Get ready to be entertained and inspired as you experience the magic of a live performance at Hoogland Center for the Arts. Housed inside a historic Masonic Temple, the Hoogland Center hosts live theater, music, and family-friendly performances year-round. The venue offers accessible seating, elevators, and restrooms, as well as assistive listening devices for select performances. Staff are available to help guests navigate the building, making live arts more accessible to families.
See More
Kidzeum of Health and Science
Play, discover, and explore at Kidzeum! The Kidzeum of Health and Science in downtown Springfield is a hands-on children’s museum designed for kids roughly between the ages of 2 and 10, with interactive exhibits focused on health, science, and community wellness. Popular areas include a kid-sized grocery store, vet clinic, human body exhibits, and activity stations that encourage movement, problem-solving, and imaginative play. The museum is especially well-suited for younger kids who learn best by touching and doing. The Kidzeum is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring wide pathways, elevator access between floors, and accessible restrooms. Many exhibits are hands-on at varying heights, making them usable for children with mobility devices, and the museum offers sensory-friendly events with reduced noise and lighting.
See More
The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space
The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space is a contemporary art venue housed in a restored historic pharmacy building in downtown Springfield. It features rotating exhibitions from local and regional artists, along with creative community events and workshops. The space is a smaller size, making it an easy, low-sensory stop for families interested in art. Even though the space is compact, it is wheelchair accessible, with a level entry and open gallery layouts.
See More
Scheels
SCHEELS is a large sporting goods store known for being an attraction in itself, especially for families. The Springfield location features interactive elements like a 65-foot-high indoor Ferris wheel, a massive 16,000-gallon aquarium, and hands-on displays alongside its massive selection of sports gear, toys, and apparel. There are also arcade games, rollerball, bowling simulators, and more! It’s a popular stop for both shopping and entertainment, especially on cold or rainy days. The store has wide aisles, elevators, and accessible restrooms, making it easy to explore with strollers or mobility devices.
See More
UIS Performing Arts Center
The University of Illinois Springfield Performing Arts Center delivers big-stage magic, like soaring musicals, powerhouse concerts, and inspiring speakers—all under one roof with concerts, touring Broadway productions, lectures, and community performances year-round. The venue is located on the UIS campus and is designed to accommodate large audiences comfortably. The UIS Performing Arts Center has accessible parking, wheelchair-accessible seating, assistive listening devices, large print and Braille programs, as well as ASL interpretation and sensory kits. The staff here can also accommodate additional accessibility needs with advance notice.
See More
Ace Sign Co
Ace Sign Co. is a classic Route 66 landmark in Springfield, famous for its large neon and hand-painted signs visible from historic Stevenson Drive. Established in 1932, the company played a key role in shaping roadside advertising along The Mother Road. Today, its vintage signs and nostalgic appeal make it a popular photo stop for Route 66 travelers. The storefront is wheelchair accessible, with an open layout that allows visitors to browse comfortably.
See More

Accessible Outdoor Experiences

Henson Robinson Zoo
Henson Robinson Zoo is home to animals from around the world, including big cats, primates, and native North American species. It makes for a fun winter-friendly outing thanks to fewer crowds. The zoo features paved, mostly level pathways that are wheelchair- and stroller-friendly. Accessible restrooms and parking are available on-site, and indoor animal buildings offer warm spaces to explore during colder days. They also offer sensory bags, quiet areas, and social stories for those who need them. For a few weeks only every winter, Henson Robinson Zoo Lights turns the night into a sparkling wonderland with glowing animals, twinkling paths, and cozy holiday vibes everywhere. Check dates and times before you go and consider purchasing tickets to this special event in advance.
See More
Illinois Route 66 Experience at Illinois State Fairground
Cruise back in time at the Illinois Route 66 Experience! Explore classic cars, vintage memorabilia, and roadside attractions celebrating the iconic Mother Road. This is perfect for history buffs, car lovers, and anyone ready for a nostalgic adventure down America’s legendary highway. The Route 66 Experience exhibit space is wheelchair accessible, with wide aisles, level entry, and accessible restrooms nearby. Service animals are also allowed to join you on your adventure here.
See More

Cozy Cafes

Custom Cup Coffee
Locally owned Custom Cup Coffee is a cozy stop on a winter day. Enjoy everything from expertly brewed espresso to specialty drinks and fresh pastries. The café has a level entry, ramps, wide doorways, space for mobility devices, and seating available for wheelchair users. Service animals are also welcome.
See More
Incredibly Delicious
Treat your taste buds at Incredibly Delicious with scrumptious desserts from creamy ice cream and rich sundaes to warm drinks, shakes, and sweet treats. This popular Springfield bakery and café is known for scratch-made pastries, breads, and comforting meals. The restaurant offers accessible parking, an accessible entry and seating, as well as wide walkways throughout the dining area.
See More
Whimsy Tea Company
Warm up at Whimsy Tea Company serves up a large selection of teas, pastries, and kid-friendly treats. From soothing blends to sweet treats, this cozy spot invites you and the whole fam to relax and connect with one another. There is accessible parking near the Whimsy Tea Company, and inside, the space is wheelchair accessible with open seating areas that accommodate mobility devices.
See More
Mel-O-Cream Donuts
A Springfield classic since 1932! Crafting donuts for nearly a century, Mel-O-Cream is famous for its handmade donuts and casual atmosphere. It’s a sweet, low-key treat that appeals to all ages. The shop provides level entry and accessible seating, making it easy for families to stop in together.
See More