6 Fun Things to Do in Springfield, IL With Kids While Attending a Pole Barn Chic Wedding
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Springfield, IL During Your Wedding Weekend at Pole Barn Chic Events
Traveling to Springfield, Illinois, for a wedding at Pole Barn Chic Events is about more than just celebrating the happy couple. Many families turn a wedding weekend into a mini vacation, and Springfield offers plenty of exciting activities for children of all ages.
Whether you have toddlers who need a fun place to play, teenagers looking for adventure, or a family looking for something educational and memorable, Springfield has attractions that make your stay enjoyable before or after the wedding.
Located in Central Illinois, Pole Barn Chic Events provides a beautiful countryside wedding experience while still being close enough to enjoy Springfield’s family attractions. After attending the ceremony, enjoying the luxury venue, and celebrating with loved ones, families can explore the city and create even more memories together.
Here are some of the best kid-friendly places to visit near Pole Barn Chic Events.
Knights Action Park – Outdoor Adventure for the Whole Family
Knights Action Park is one of Springfield’s most popular family attractions and a favorite destination during warmer months. Families visiting for a wedding at Pole Barn Chic Events can enjoy a full day of outdoor fun with water attractions, mini golf, go-karts, batting cages, and more.
For children who need to burn off energy after a long car ride or wedding weekend, Knights Action Park offers plenty of activities for both younger children and older kids.
Highlights include:
Water slides and pools
Lazy river
Mini golf
Go-karts
Arcade games
Family-friendly outdoor activities
Distance from Pole Barn Chic Events: Approximately 1 minute.
Best for: Families looking for a full day of entertainment and ones that want to stay close to their hotels. You can literally see Knight’s Action Park from Pole Barn Chic’s front yard. And, on a clear day, you can even hear the squeals of children going down the water slides. Plus, another great Springfield, IL secret – the Route 66 Drive In! Get done with the wave pool, eat lunch, float down the lazy river, play some mini golf, ride the go carts and end the evening watching a movie at their drive-in! Movies show Spring – Fall and change weekly.
Skateland South – Classic Family Fun on Wheels
Skateland South is a great option for families looking for an affordable and entertaining activity. Roller skating is a timeless favorite that allows kids, parents, and even grandparents to join in the fun.
This indoor attraction is especially convenient if the weather is rainy or chilly during your Springfield wedding weekend.
Families can enjoy:
Roller skating sessions
Music and entertainment
Birthday party-style fun
A classic indoor activity for all ages
Distance from Pole Barn Chic Events: 2 minutes
Best for: Elementary-age children, tweens, and families wanting indoor entertainment and again, anyone wanting to stay close to the hotel. Skateland South is literally next to Knight’s Action Park! This roller rink also has specific adult only night skates, so check out their website or give them a call before heading over.
Illinois State Museum – Learning Through Exploration
Illinois State Museum is a wonderful choice for families who want an educational activity during their visit. Children can explore Illinois history, science, wildlife, fossils, and interactive exhibits while learning about the state they are visiting.
The museum is a great option before a wedding rehearsal dinner, after brunch, or on a slower morning after the celebration.
Families can discover:
Illinois prehistoric history
Native wildlife exhibits
Fossils and geology
Hands-on learning opportunities
Distance from Pole Barn Chic Events: Approximately 10 minutes
Best for: Curious kids, younger school-age children 3-10, and families who enjoy educational experiences.
Museums don’t have to be stuffy and boring, and this one certainly isn’t. The Illinois State Museum in Springfield offers exhibits on natural history, anthropology, history, and art. The museum has permanent and rotating exhibitions.
Henson Robinson Zoo – A Wild Springfield Adventure
Henson Robinson Zoo is a wonderful family attraction featuring animals from around the world in a relaxed setting. It is a perfect way for families to spend a few hours outdoors while visiting Springfield.
Children love seeing animals up close, and the zoo provides a memorable experience that fits easily into a wedding weekend itinerary.
Visitors can enjoy:
Animal exhibits
Walking trails
Family-friendly outdoor exploration
Educational experiences
Distance from Pole Barn Chic Events: Approximately 8 minutes
Best for: Younger children, animal lovers, and families wanting an outdoor activity. Also good for people who are looking for a smaller petting zoo setting with less exotic animals.
Malibu Jack’s Springfield – Indoor Fun for Any Weather
Malibu Jack's Springfield is a great year-round destination for families. If you are visiting Springfield for a wedding and the weather does not cooperate, Malibu Jack’s offers hours of indoor entertainment.
Kids and teens can enjoy attractions such as:
Arcade games
Go-karts
Mini bowling
Laser tag
Indoor rides and activities
It is a convenient choice for families who want a place where children of multiple ages can all have fun.
Distance from Pole Barn Chic Events: Approximately 5 minutes
Best for: Families with children of different ages, and for families that like shopping!
With Malibu Jacks being inside White Oaks Mall, it’s the perfect place to kill a few hours with the family.
Play at Malibu Jacks, shop inside the mall and finish off the evening or afternoon with a nice dinner and glass of wine at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant.
Chuck E. Cheese – A Favorite for Younger Kids
Chuck E. Cheese remains a classic choice for families with younger children. With games, prizes, food, and entertainment, it is an easy option for families looking for a simple and fun outing.
For children who may not enjoy longer museum visits or outdoor activities, Chuck E. Cheese provides a familiar environment where they can play and enjoy themselves.
Families can enjoy:
Arcade games
Prize activities
Kid-friendly entertainment
Pizza and snacks
Distance from Pole Barn Chic Events: Approximately 5 minutes
Best for: Toddlers and younger children…..and parents! Yes, I had to put this one in here. Why? Because it is our one big name that people will still recognize. We know what Chuck E Cheese is, but did you know that their games are only 1 token now?
Kid-Friendly Springfield Attractions Near Pole Barn Chic Events
Attraction
Approximate Distance From Pole Barn Chic Events
Website
Hours*
Best For
Knights Action Park
1 minute away
Seasonal hours vary
Water fun, go-karts, mini golf
Skateland South
2 minutes away
https://skateland-south.com
Hours vary by skating schedule
Roller skating and indoor fun
Illinois State Museum
About 10 minutes
https://illinoisstatemuseum.org
Tuesday–Saturday hours vary; closed Mondays
Learning and exploration
Henson Robinson Zoo
About 8 minutes
https://www.hensonrobinsonzoo.org
Seasonal hours vary
Animals and outdoor activities
Malibu Jack’s Springfield
About 5 minutes
Hours vary by day
Indoor entertainment
Chuck E. Cheese Springfield
About 5 minutes
Hours vary by day
Younger children and games
*Hours can change seasonally, especially for outdoor attractions. Families should check current hours before visiting.
Make Your Springfield Wedding Weekend a Family Memory
A wedding at Pole Barn Chic Events is the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy not only a beautiful celebration but also everything Springfield, Illinois has to offer.
From outdoor adventures at Knights Action Park and Henson Robinson Zoo to indoor entertainment at Malibu Jack’s and Skateland South, Springfield provides activities that keep children happy while adults enjoy their wedding weekend.
When guests travel to Central Illinois for a wedding, they can experience the best of both worlds: a breathtaking countryside celebration at Pole Barn Chic Events and unforgettable family adventures throughout Springfield.
Whether your family is staying for one night or making a weekend getaway, Springfield offers plenty of ways to create memories before and after the big day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best things to do in Springfield, IL with kids?
Some of the best family activities in Springfield include Knights Action Park, Henson Robinson Zoo, Illinois State Museum, Malibu Jack’s, Skateland South, and Chuck E. Cheese.
How far are kid-friendly attractions from Pole Barn Chic Events?
Most family attractions in Springfield are approximately 5-10 minutes from Pole Barn Chic Events, making them convenient options for wedding guests.
Is Springfield, IL a good place for a family wedding weekend?
Yes. Springfield offers museums, parks, entertainment centers, restaurants, and attractions that make it easy for families to enjoy their visit.
What can kids do while parents attend a wedding at Pole Barn Chic Events?
Families can plan activities at nearby attractions including museums, zoos, skating rinks, arcades, and outdoor parks.
Are there indoor activities for kids in Springfield, IL?
Yes. Malibu Jack’s, Skateland South, Chuck E. Cheese, and the Illinois State Museum provide great indoor options for children.
How long should families stay in Springfield for a wedding?
Many families enjoy staying an extra day before or after the wedding to explore Springfield attractions and make the trip feel like a vacation.
Are you or someone you know planning a Central Illinois wedding?
If you are in the Midwest and looking for a white barn wedding (or just an awesome one) please consider the PBC Venue.
Pole Barn Chic is a locally owned Springfield, Illinois wedding venue, offering both outdoor and indoor ceremonies and receptions.
From garden weddings and spacious outdoor receptions to small quaint elopements, Pole Barn Chic is the Springfield IL wedding venue that brings it all together.
Pole Barn Chic is a beautiful Illinois hybrid wedding venue that offers the natural beauty of the outdoor country life next to mind blowing photo opportunities. This mix country meets chic Midwest wedding venue is a must for multiple reason!
To learn more about Pole Barn Chic, read our FAQs, schedule a tour, check availability and more, please visit us any of our social media sights:
On our website at: www.pbcvenue.com
On Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/polebarnchic
On Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/PoleBarnChic
On TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/illinois.weddings