Spring and summer bring a number of outdoor activities to the city. The Old Capitol Art Fair in May attracts artists from around the country, and in June, the International Carillon Festival features musicians from around the world. Summer is also the time for a number of nearby county fairs as well as the Illinois State Fair. The International Ethnic Festival, the LPGA Rail Classic and Springfield Air Rendezvous also highlight Springfield's summer activities. Winter brings First Night Springfield, a New Year's Eve celebration that features a rich blend of arts and entertainment for the family.
Recreational opportunities are many and varied.
A number of fun-filled and educational activities are sponsored by the Springfield Recreation Department. In addition to the local YMCA and YWCA, more than a half dozen health and fitness facilities in Springfield offer a variety of services. Bicyclists and inline skaters enjoy miles of paved trails over abandoned railbeds through the woods. Those same trails provide excellent cross-country skiing conditions in the winter. Families can cool off in the summer in a water park, play miniature golf at several locations, or spend an afternoon at the Springfield Children's Museum, which is open year-round.