Branson, Missouri, often referred to as “The Family Vacation Destination,” is a welcoming city with an abundance of attractions, many of which are located on the famous 76 Country Boulevard Strip and within close proximity to many Branson vacation rentals. Amusement parks, unique museums, and dinner theaters are just some of the many family-friendly activities in Branson, making it a great place to vacation with your kids. If you’re putting a list of activities together for your upcoming holiday in this fabulous city, here are 10 possibilities that are sure to keep everyone on their toes.
1. Spend the Day at Silver Dollar City Amusement Park
Silver Dollar City Amusement Park is definitely one of Branson’s treasures, complete with rides, live music, delicious food, and overall fun for the whole family. If you’re visiting during the holidays, you’ll love the twinkling lights throughout the park. During the summer months, be sure to hop on the American Plunge water ride to cool off during its five-story splashdown.
2. Camp Out at Table Rock State Park
If you’re looking to spend a few nights in nature away from your vacation rental, pack up a family-sized tent and some camping gear, and head over to Table Rock State Park. The campgrounds are fully equipped with showers and picnic tables, and you can also rent a cabin for the night if you’d rather sleep indoors. Join fellow campers and tell ghost stories around the campfire, or head down to the Lake Oolenoy and watch the moonlight dance on the water.
3. Ride the Waves at Splash Country
If you enjoy water activities, take the kids to Splash Country water park. Float down the lazy river or soak in the melting pot hot tubs while your kids tackle the indoor and outdoor slides. Head to the on-site concession grill, and finish the day off with a hot dog or burger.
4. Have a Grand Old Time at Dixie Stampede Family Dinner Theater
Referred to as “The Most Fun Place to Eat in Branson,” Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Family Dinner Theater is a must-see on your vacation itinerary. Featuring a massive stage area that’s large enough for horses to roam around freely, this place is the top of the line when it comes to dinner theater. Settle into your seats and enjoy a four-course feast of chicken, potatoes, corn on the cob and a specialty dessert, and watch in amazement as performers keep the crowd entertained with singing, dancing, horse riding tricks, and much more.
5. Visit the Animals at Branson’s Promised Land Zoo
For a little quality time with some of nature’s most beautiful animals, pay a visit to Branson’s Promised Land Zoo. Take in a live animal show, or sign up for an “Ultimate Excursion,” where you and your family can take a private tour through the zoo on an RTV and hand-feed the animals.
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6. Visit the World’s Largest Toy Museum Complex
For a day your kids won’t ever forget, pop over to the World’s Largest Toy Museum Complex. With over a million toy attractions and exhibits, the fun never ends. Browse the collections of antique toys, Barbies, and classic cars. You’re sure to feel a bit of nostalgia as your kids check out the toys of yesteryear. From old-fashioned Western cowboys to classic board games and Hot Wheels complete with race tracks, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
7. Get Some Beach Time in at Moonshine Beach Park
For a relaxing day near the water, head over to Moonshine Beach Park. This popular recreation area sits along 779 miles of shoreline along Table Rock Lake, where you can go for a swim, do a little inshore fishing, or pass some time in a canoe or kayak. Enjoy a family picnic beneath the shaded picnic shelter, then sit on the shoreline and watch the sunset as the day turns into night.
8. Check Out Marvel Cave
Beneath Silver Dollar City theme park sits Marvel Cave, the fifth-largest tour cave in the world. The cave opened for tourists in 1894, and it’s just as popular today as it was over 100 years ago. It descends down nearly 500 feet beneath the park, and visitors reach the bottom via a 600-step staircase. After the tour, a cable train takes you back up. Sign up for a standard tour, or brave it in the dark with a lantern tour to view the cave in the same fashion as some of its early explorers.
9. Visit the History of Fishing Museum
If you’ve got a junior fisherman in the family, spend some time at t he History of Fishing Museum. Owned by famous locals Karl and Beverly White, the museum features the largest collection of antique reels, boats, and rods, all collected by Karl Himself. Take a tour and view over 40,000 pieces, some dating back to the 1700s. When you’re finished, walk a few blocks down Wildwood Drive for a Bubba Steak Burger at the Lone Star Steakhouse.
10. Play Some Mini-Golf at Shoot for the Stars
Take a trip into the heart of Hollywood without leaving Missouri when you spend the day at Shoot for the Stars Mini-Golf Course. Located in Branson’s Hollywood Entertainment Center, the course features 18 holes of movie-themed magic, complete with a talent agent cracking jokes over the loudspeaker as you play. Every hole offers tips on how to become a movie star, and the course is peppered with replicas of popular landmarks, including the Beverly Hills Hotel and Grauman’s Chinese Theater.
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