Springfield, MA is an exciting place to live and visit. To prove it to you, here are 10 fun places and events in Springfield:

1. Basketball Hall of Fame

Springfield, MA is the birthplace of basketball and very proud of it. The Basketball Hall of Fame is a testament to the history of the game. Check out the interactive displays and the specially-created shoes to fit the big feet of the greatest players of all time.

2. Michelle and Donald D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts

With exciting exhibits and a varied permanent collection, the Michelle and Donald D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts is The museum is free for Springfield residents, making fine art accessible to all.

3. Red Rose

When an occasion calls for pizza, the best place in town is undoubtedly Red Rose Pizzeria. Delicious and authentic Neapolitan pizza makes Springfield residents so happy.

4. Student Prince Cafe & The Fort Dining Room

"The Fort," with its walls lined with hundreds of German beer steins, has been serving delicious German meals since 1935. Try the German beers and fried cheese.

5. Dr. Seuss

Theodore Geisel, also know as Doctor Seuss, was born in Springfield, MA. His first book, "And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street,"was written about a street in Springfield. The Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden was constructed in 2002 and includes a sculpture where you get inspired by sitting in front of a giant book with the entire text of "Oh The Places You'll Go" written out, graciously held out to you by the Grinch and Max.

6. Parade of Big Balloons

On the day after Thanksgiving, Springfield residents bundle up against the cold and go downtown to watch their favorite characters, such as the Cat in the Hat and Yogi Bear, dodge sky scrapers while they float through the sky.

7. World's Largest Pancake Breakfast

Since 1987, Springfield, MA has been battling with Battle Creek, MI for the the world's longest breakfast table and most breakfast servings. However, when it comes to pancakes for breakfast, Springfield is the champion. Local volunteers serve up to 24,000 pancake eaters and then they dine on a table that lines Main Street in downtown Springfield.

8. Bright Nights

Every year, Forest Park puts on Bright Nights, an wonderland of holiday lights. Visitors drive around the park to look at the elaborate light displays, with themes ranging from Candy Land to dinosaurs. While the display is up, Bright Nights also holds a 5K race where participants run as fast as they can under the arching, glittery lights.

9. Symphony Hall

Come listen to the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, or see a play!

10. Springfield Armory Museum

The Springfield Armory was the primary arsenal during the American Revolutionary War and later the sight of a skirmish during Shay's Rebellion. Gun enthusiasts and history buffs alike will enjoy this national monument's huge collection.