Take the family away for the trip of a lifetime to Missouri’s beautiful and scenic Lake of the Ozarks. With more than 1,000 miles of shoreline, chances are good that you’ll be able to find the perfect Lake of the Ozarks vacation rental — right on the water. Settle in, and enjoy all the fun activities in the area. Here are our ten favorite activities in and around Lake of the Ozarks that we recommend putting on your itinerary.
1. Boating
Rent a cabin on the lake, and take the family out for a fun day of boating. Rent a relaxing sailboat, or choose a motor boat that zooms around the lake for more excitement. Lake Toons Boat Rentals offers a variety of boats you can rent for an afternoon or entire day.
2. Golfing
If you enjoy spending time swinging a golf club, there are few better places to go on vacation. Choose from 16 local golf courses when you want to spend an afternoon teeing off. Choose between The Cove, Old Kinderhook Golf Club and others. Many of these golf courses offer 18 holes and provide tee times to the public.
3. Jet Skiing
The thrill seekers in your group can spend a day zipping around the lake on jet skis. There are several boat ramps around the lake, so launch your own jet skis into the water, or rent one from a local retailer. If your vacation rental has a dock, store your jet ski there for easy, repeated access.
4. Explore a Cave
Around the Lake of the Ozarks, there are four caves that give your family the chance to try their hands at exploring. Bridal Cave, Jacob’s Cave, Fantasy World Caverns and Ozark Caverns are open to the public. Jacob’s Cave is the largest cave in the area and it offers accessibility to people with disabilities.
5. Hiking
Spend a day outside enjoying the natural beauty of this area while you hike. Ha Ha Tonka State Park and Lake of the Ozarks State Park offer more than 20 hiking trails between them. There are trails for beginners, family trails and trails designed for dedicated hikers.
6. Big Surf Waterpark
Pack some sunscreen, and head to Big Surf Waterpark for a day of splashing. This 27-acre park offers a variety of slides for people of all ages. After a couple hours of enjoying the park, spend some time relaxing and floating around the lazy river. The park offers a dedicated area for the young members of your family.
7. Jumping
If you need to burn off some energy, visit Get Air Osage Beach. This fun spot is a trampoline park. Make sure to pack a camera to capture all of your family’s cool moves and flips in the air. You can try your hand at climbing up the rope ladder, but don’t worry if you fall — there’s a foam pit below.
8. Shopping
When you need a break from the sun, head into town for a little retail therapy. In town, you can find a variety of locally owned stores with one-of-a-kind items you can take home that remind you of your lake vacation. The Osage Beach Premium Outlets offer some great deals on some of your favorite brands.
9. Enjoy a Spa Day
Take a day for yourself, and completely unwind at a spa. There are three local spas just a short drive from the vacation rentals in the area. Enjoy a relaxing massage or specialty spa treatment. If you want company, bring your spouse along, and enjoy a couple’s massage.
10. Fishing
Buy some bait and grab your fishing poles for a day of fishing. Lake of the Ozarks offers you the chance to catch largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, white bass and much more. Fish off the shoreline or on your vacation rental’s dock. You can also hire a local fishing guide to take you out to the best fishing spots.