Stroll Through The 114-Acre Springfield Botanical Gardens In Missouri For A Late Summer Adventure

Summer's slowly fading away, which means we have precious little time to get outdoors and to enjoy all that the warm weather has to offer. If it's been a whirlwind summer and you just need a low key day out, make your way to Springfield Botanical Gardens in Missouri. The sprawling botanical gardens provide the perfect backdrop for a little alone time or for a family outing.

Stop by the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center when you first arrive at the gardens, where you can...

View the center's exhibits, shop in the gift shop, or learn more about the gardens. The center also hosts a variety of events and classes throughout the year.

However, if you're itching to spend time among nature, start meandering through the 114-acre gardens that promise an abundance of natural beauty.

A large assortment of flowers - from peonies to roses - dot the lush green landscape, and you'll even stumble upon several themed gardens.

If you're a fan of butterflies, stop by the Roston Native Butterfly House. Get an up-close view of butterflies at all stages of life. Private tours of the butterfly house are available.

Enjoy some quiet time sitting by Lake Drummond, where you can...

Watch the local wildlife, like a mama swan and her babies.

The kiddos will love the Play Trail, which features a playground. Follow the trail, too, where you'll discover five different themed "Playpods."

Stroll through the Springfield Botanical Gardens, open daily from sunrise to sunset. The Botanical Center welcomes guests Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Learn more on the official website of Springfield Botanical Gardens. Or, go here for Facebook.

Have you been to Springfield Botanical Gardens in Missouri? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! Don't forget to save time to visit Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden while you're are the botanical gardens.