19 Fun Things to Do in Joplin, Missouri, With Kids
Joplin, MO, is a great place to raise a family. It’s safe, close-knit and full of activities for all ages. Whether you are visiting with family or considering a move here, check out our list of things to do in Joplin, MO, with kids!
In This Article
1. Tee Time
Tee Time in Webb City is a Top Golf-style facility, with a giant turf driving range that has multiple bays. Additionally, guests can play pickleball and enjoy the full-service bar and restaurant, indoor and outdoor seating, and yard games like cornhole.
2. Carl Richard’s 4th Street Bowl
Carl Richard’s 4th Street Bowl has been open since 1946 and is a cornerstone of Joplin entertainment. The Joplin, MO, bowling alley has plenty of things to do in addition to bowling. It boasts an arcade, a billiards table and a snack bar.
“4th Street Bowl is a nostalgic one for me,” says Melissa Thompson-Holt, local resident and director of alumni and donor relations for Missouri Southern State University. She and her wife have a 10-year-old daughter and a 7-year-old son. “We used to bowl there growing up. They have neon night bowling, which is fun for the kids, and that I did as a kid myself.”
3. Journey Through Slime
When it comes to things to do in Joplin, MO, kids won’t turn down a chance to play with slime. At Journey Through Slime, kids can make their own stretchy creation. The shop also has rolled ice cream and a selection of toys.
4. Diamond Grove Adventures
This spacious park in Diamond, MO, has a half-mile railroad loop, a “gold-mining” sluice, a natural playground, farm animals, frisbee golf and much more.
5. G3 Entertainment
G3 Entertainment in Carthage has 24 bowling lanes, an arcade with classic and modern games, a ninja tag arena and an indoor playground.
“It’s fun for all ages; they have stuff for adults and kids,” says Thompson-Holt. “You can really spend a whole afternoon there. It’s one of our favorite places to go.”
6. Spiva Center for the Arts
Spiva Center for the Arts in Joplin, MO, offers plenty of things to do that center on creativity. It has exhibitions, arts classes and camps, workshops and arts-related events. Weekly Mini Makers is a class for littlest artists, while Creation Station is a class for kids ages 6-11. Youth summer camps are available for kids in grade school through high school.
7. Joplin Public Library
An easy option when you’re looking for things to do in Joplin, MO, is taking a trip to Joplin Public Library. In addition to being a great place for books, it hosts lots of events geared toward kids, like singalongs, story times, craft sessions, Lego buildathons and more.
8. House of Bounce
Joplin’s largest indoor bouncing facility is full of inflatables and an indoor playground that lets younger kids burn off energy.
“They’re super friendly, and it’s a great place for a birthday party, because it’s climate controlled,” Thompson-Holt says. “So, if it’s sweltering hot outside or if it’s the middle of winter, kids have an option.”
9. Roller City Entertainment
This family-owned skating rink is fun for all ages. Join an open skate session and start rolling while jamming to today’s hits. They also have laser tag, a snack bar and an arcade.
10. Rooted Action Park
Adrenaline junkies need look no further for things to do in Joplin, MO, than Rooted Action Park. This indoor facility includes a skate park, a bike park, a pump track, BMX ramps, a mountain bike park, a climbing wall, a climbing gym and other activities.
11. Firehouse Pottery
Locals love to get creative at this paint-your-own pottery studio, which has a huge selection of items to paint and a variety of glazes.
12. George Washington Carver National Monument
At the birthplace and childhood home of George Washington Carver, an African American scientist, educator and humanitarian, guests can explore exhibits at the visitor center and a 1-mile hike featuring woodlands, streams and prairie. It’s located in Diamond, MO.
13. Joplin Freedom of Flight Museum
Aviation enthusiasts will find plenty of things to do at Joplin Freedom of Flight Museum in Webb City, MO. The museum has varied air and space exhibits as well as aircraft, spacecraft and various artifacts on display.
14. Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center
Celebrating Missouri’s fish, forests and wildlife, the center features exhibits, hosts nature programs and is a starting point for area hikes.
15. Ocean Adventures Indoor Playground
There are several things to do at Ocean Adventures Indoor Playground in Joplin, MO. It features three levels of ocean-themed playgrounds.
“They have slides, a ropes course and ball pits,” says Thompson-Holt. “You can go and play for a couple of hours at any given time of day, and they have great birthday packages.”
16. Soar Trampoline Park
Soar is an indoor trampoline park in Webb City that has several trampolines, a ninja course and dodgeball.
“Soar is great for kids and adults. They have high impact, super action-packed sections of the trampolines and the ninja course,” Thompson-Holt says.
17. Tilt Studio
Tilt Studio in Joplin is a family-friendly entertainment center that offers arcade games, laser tag, mini golf and more. You and your family can spend hours at this Joplin, MO, amusement center, given the many things to do.
18. Schroeder Family Exploreum
Schroeder Family Exploreum is a new STEAM-based science center under construction in Joplin. During the construction phase, the center is offering numerous pop-up events to engage the community.
“We’re renovating a former library right now and building a hands-on, all ages STEAM-based science center,” says Neely Myers, executive director of Schroeder Family Exploreum. “The Exploreum will be an informal educational facility that will also be a lot of fun. It will serve our region in critical skills, like innovation and creativity, that kids in our area will need in the future.”
The Exploreum has partnered with local organizations and centers, like the Downtown Joplin Alliance, Spiva Center for the Arts, George Washington Carver National Monument and local schools to put on its hugely popular pop-up events. They’re using Exploreum’s lawn on the third Thursday of the month for the hands-on activities, and they’re planning a multiday STEAM event in November.
19. Rangeline Golf
Rangeline features batting cages, a driving range, a 9-hole golf course and a mini-golf course. This year, it’s adding a Top Golf-style facility, updating its golf courses and bringing back night golf.
This article is sponsored by Choose Joplin, which is actively supported by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Joplin.
