It's a kid's world too! This is why the Springfield Preservation Alliance offers numerous activities and programs to encourage a lifelong connection to and appreciation for Springfield's rich history and architecture. Learn more about our programs through our Clark Community Cultural Consortium program guide.
 
Youth Tours
Designed especially for youth, the Alliance's youth walking tours explore the architecture and history of Springfield, Ohio, as our trained and knowledgeable guides share rich and fascinating stories about our community. Each tour lasts 45-60 minutes. Contact Kevin Rose (see About Us) for more information.
 
Downtown Safari
Join us to explore the hidden treasures of downtown Springfield. From curious monkeys on Warder Literacy Center to massive eagles on the U.S. Post Office, students will discover the rich environment that surrounds them and gain an appreciation for what architecture tells us about our community through this interactive tour. Grades 3-5.
 
Upstairs, Downstairs
Explore daily life in a Victorian household on a tour of the grand John L. Bushnell House in the East High Street Historic District. See how a wealthy nineteenth-century Springfield family lived and hear the stories of the servants who toiled to make their luxurious lifestyle possible. Grades 3-5.
 
Neighborhood Sketches
Explore the beautiful South Fountain Historic District on this interactive youth tour and discover the hidden elements of its magnificent mansions. With pencil and paper (and some simple instruction from local art teacher Barbara Walker) we will learn how to sketch the street's architectural details and beautiful streetscape. Materials provided. Grades 3-8.
 
Design Detectives: Architecture Summer Camp
 Lights, Cameras, Architecture... The Springfield Preservation Alliance and the Westcott House Foundation recently presented an architecture summer camp experience for children ages 7-11. Through hands-on activities, photography, theater, and play, children learned about Springfield’s amazing architectural and historic treasures and how preservation is vital to our community’s future success. Children enjoyed amazing settings for their activities – Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House, the Infusion Campus, historic neighborhoods, and the amazing architecture of downtown Springfield.
 
Discovery Journal
Our Youth Education Team is developing the Discovery Journal to guide third and forth grade students in learning about their local community. Through participatory learning experiences based in the local community, this student journal will:
● encourage personal connections to and appreciation for Springfield
● increase and develop awareness of the local history in Springfield
● introduce concepts in architecture
● introduce concepts in historic preservation
● increase and extend opportunities for critical thinking and problem solving through visual and language arts.
 
Historic Houses of Springfield Coloring Book
This collection of ready-to-color illustrations serves as a wonderful introduction to Springfield's many distinctive architectural styles.