Things to Do in Springfield

What was once primarily used by the military has now become a popular—and adrenaline-inducing—sport. Ozarks Skydive Center takes the fear out of skydiving with expert instruction and supportive tandem jumps. Harnessed to instructors, new and seasoned jumpers alike experience the thrilling feeling of falling from nearly 2 miles. Ozarks Skydive Center also offers solo-flying options for more experienced divers, as well as licensing courses that teach adventure junkies how to exit planes, fall into the fetal position, and react to an emergency.

The guides at Adventure Ziplines of Branson show how to navigate the treetop canopies year-round. While zipping between platforms at speeds up to 50 miles per hour, guests get unique views of the surrounding Ozarks and the unsung puppeteers that control them. The secure lines use a backup-cable system that prevents accidents, ensuring trips along the 2-mile tracks occur without snags.

Kids of all ages descend excitedly upon Jumpin' Joey's seven Australia-themed bounce houses, flooding every inch of the 8,000-sqaure-foot indoor space with a symphony of giggles and delighted squeals. Intent on helping kids let loose while maintaining high standards of safety and cleanliness, Jumpin' Joey's crew of Safe Inflatable Operators Training Organization (SIOTO)–certified lifeguards keep their eagle eyes and whistles trained upon playing youngsters at all times. A toddler unit affords tykes aged 2 and under a controlled place to play, and the inflatable pirate ship grants big kids a chance to hone their swashbucking skills, as long as neither of their hands are hooks. The onsite arcade, replete with shuffleboard and air hockey, bustles with cheering game winners, and the concession stand sates post-play appetites.

Though the instructors and music selections rotate at My Hot Yoga, guests can bank on a steady temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit. This warmth is less cloying than it is liberating, loosening muscles so that students can ease into more pronounced poses during class. It also encourages a cleansing sweat, clears the mind, and boosts heart rates, providing a more focused substitute for traditional cardio workouts such as running or blinking very fast. Sessions range from the Vinyasa flow sequences of Hot 60 to the long holds of Deep Stretch, and they’re suited for all ages and fitness levels. This flexibility is what fuels the staff's overarching mission: to turn a hobby into a personalized lifestyle choice. Instructors further promote a comfortable, custom atmosphere by modifying poses and even allowing guests to submit song requests.

Equipped with likenesses of military-issue firearms, masked marksmen maneuver throughout a 10,000-square-foot warehouse, pelting each another with plastic BBs as they strafe down halls and overtake rooms. This is the home base of So Go Airsoft, where team members welcome combatants of all skill levels into 20- to 25-minute games that range from classics such as Capture the Flag to scenario matches such as VIP Escort, Hostage Rescue, and Car-Key Find. The facility also organizes at least one scenario event each month—designed for beginners, but challenging for experienced players as well—plus a twice-monthly pistol and shotgun night. So Go Airsoft also engages large groups by opening up their spacious arena to private parties.