Does your family have diverse tastes? Are some thrill seekers while others prefer a more sedate pace? As I discovered on a recent trip to Branson, the city has a cornucopia of ideas for everyone in the family. Whether your taste runs from thrill rides to history, everyone from grandparents to kids can enjoy these Fun Family Attractions in Branson, Missouri.
I attended a trip hosted by the Branson CVB, but all opinions are my own.
Fun Family Attractions in Branson, Missouri
For the Adventure Seekers
1. Silver Dollar City– If you saw my Dining Guide to Branson, Missouri you know I think Silver Dollar City is a food lovers paradise. You’ll be tempted to stop at all the restaurants and food vendors. In between the dining, be sure to check out all rides and attractions. The youngest members of the family will enjoy Farmer Wilson’s Milk Cow, a hands-on experience that allows kids the chance to “milk” a cow or the Firehouse Play Place, where junior firefighters can race through an obstacle course. Older kids and adults will enjoy Outlaw Run, a coaster with three upside-down twists, or coming in 2018, the Time Traveler, the World’s Fastest, Steepest & Tallest Spinning Roller Coaster. Plus, they have made a Time Traveler’s Ice Cream to celebrate. It’s a bit of ooey-gooey chocolate heaven. The history buffs in the family will enjoy McHaffie’s Homestead, an authentic 1800s hewn-log cabin. Inside the cabin, you can talk to historical reenactors who bring the past to life with demonstrations of common activities in the 1800s. Don’t miss the Homestead Animal Barn with a chance to see animals found on 19th-century farms.
Want even more fun? Check out their Festivals held throughout the year. We attended the National Crafts and Cowboy Festival and found over 125 craftsmen and all sorts of demos. I’m still trying to recreate recipes from the Chuck Wagon cooking! Silver Dollar City opens March 15th and closes January 1st. Be sure to check the website for hours as they change seasonally.
2. Marvel Cave– has a long and storied history. Originally found by the Osage Indians, they were afraid of the cave and avoided the area. It was opened to the public in 1894 by William Henry Lynch and his two daughters, Miriam and Genevieve. The story of Miriam and Genevieve is fascinating. They conducted tours of the cave until well into their seventies climbing down the ladder in the photograph below. Today Silver Dollar City has acquired Marvel Cave and guests no longer have to climb in and out by ladder. An experienced guide will conduct you through an informative one hour tour while explaining an in-depth history of the area. Note: The tour does have 600 steps and goes through some tight squeezes. Admission to the cave is included with a ticket to Silver Dollar City.
3. Bigfoot on The Strip– Have you ever wanted to hunt for the elusive Bigfoot? You can have your chance at Bigfoot on The Strip. On the Bigfoot Discovery Expedition, ™ guests will travel ten minutes outside of Branson to Bigfoot Farms. This approximately one hour and twenty-minute tour takes place in the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains, allowing guests to experience nature while checking for Bigfoot sightings. On our tour, we were surprised to find some “big hairy beasts.” No, it wasn’t Bigfoot. Instead, we got close and personal with adorable Scottish Highland calves. They’re tame enough to walk up to the bus and allow passengers to feed them by hand.
After attempting to find Bigfoot, you’ll want to continue thrill seeking. It’s easy to do at the Attraction Center with rides like The Gravity Bomb, a 200-foot free fall ride, or the Super Sling which launches riders into the air and then brings them tumbling head over heels down. For the more sedate among us (or those who are afraid of heights, like me), try the Bigfoot Adventure Golf or the Bigfoot’s 8Di Action Ride, adventures with all the senses while you attempt to catch bad guys. When you get hungry, take a break and visit one of the Food Trucks on the property. We sampled all of them and I can’t pick a favorite, but the ice cream sandwiches can’t be missed. Bigfoot on the Strip is located at 3608 US Hwy 76 and is open daily from 10 AM until “late.”
For the Musical Family
4. Showboat Branson Belle– Designed exclusively for Table Lake, the Showboat Branson Belle offers a relaxing two-hour cruise complete with a three-course meal and a show. There are three levels of seating; General Seating on the floor, Lieutenant’s Row Seating, with preferred seating and an early boarding time, and Captain’s Club seating, with preferred seating, early boarding time, and special Captain’s Club menu. We enjoyed the Captain’s club menu and had a difficult time deciding between the four entree choices. I chose the Rib Eye Steak but admit I had Chicken envy when one of our party chose the Seared Chicken Breasts. And the Caramel Pecan Cheesecake! Thick, creamy cheesecake with a delicious caramel sauce. I could have gladly taken a few extra slices home with me.
The show is a mix of comedy, classic songs, and dance acts. Christopher James, the host, is a fifth-generation magician, and his children, five-year-old twins, get into the act. During intermission patrons can walk along the deck and sometimes check out the wheelhouse to chat with the captain and crew.
If you are in the area during November and December, don’t miss out on Pancakes and PJS. Kids can visit activity stations around the boat, have a pancake breakfast, and meet Santa.
5. Raiding the Country Vault– Fans of country music will love this walk down memory lane with some of Country’s greatest hits. The talented cast is composed of performers who have worked with a variety of stars; everyone from George Jones to Dierks Bentley. Melody Hart, who plays the fiddle, does a rendition of The Devil Went Down to Georgia that will have your hands clapping and your toes tapping. While you watch the show, you’ll learn about the history of Country Music and fun facts about the Artists to whom the cast pays tribute. Fun fact: Did you know George Jones was nicknamed “The Possum” because people thought his nose and facial features resembled a possum? Stick around and meet the performers after the show. I left humming Michael Peterson’s Drink, Steal, Swear & Lie.
For the Nostalgics
6. Dick’s 5 & 10– Remember the shopping trips with Grandma when you were young? With the slogan “It’s just like old times,” you know you’re going to find everything you remember from when you were a child. More than twelve different departments include goodies ranging from a Candy Emporium to a Toys and Games section. Those hard to find candies from when you were a child? Dick’s probably has them. We spent an hour wandering through the store exclaiming, “Oh! Paper Dolls! Remember those?” or “I had a set of Lincoln Logs just like these.” Dick’s doesn’t just sell goodies. They are also known for their collections. Dick Hartley, the original owner, wanted his store to stand apart from others in the area. He accomplished this by adding his own personal collections. Look up to see airplanes dangling from the ceiling. The walls are loaded with World War II Aviation Prints and a wall of Baseball memorabilia-filled with autographed prints. You never know what collections might be mounted around the corner. I was amazed to stumble across a collection of washing machines from the 1900s to the 1940s. Dick’s 5 & 10 has been a family-owned business for fifty-five years and they are still going strong. They are located at 103 West Main Street and are open daily.
For Family Fun For All Ages
7. Branson Ferris Wheel– Originally the Chicago Navy Pier Ferris Wheel, the Ferris Wheel was moved to Branson in 2016. At 150 feet tall, the Ferris Wheel provides spectacular views of the Ozark mountains during the day and the city of Branson at night. Be sure not to miss the nightly Electrify Sound Shows held at 8 PM, 9 PM and 10 PM. With hundreds of LED lights set in time with music, it’s a spectacular event. Each gondola is designed to carry up to six people so it can be a fun family attraction or a relaxing, romantic ride.
8. The Track Family Fun– Found in several locations around Branson, the Track Family Fun park has something for all ages. Adrenaline junkies will enjoy the Go-Karts and Bumper rides, while sports lovers enjoy mini-golf and laser tag. If you’re feeling especially brave, try the Skycoaster, a 100-foot tall swing that combines hang-gliding and skydiving. Built to accommodate 1 to 3 people at a time, you’ll experience the thrill of swinging through the air at 70 MPH. There’s also plenty of room for sitting when you get tired and rides, like the train below, for the youngest members of the family. You can save time and money by purchasing a Go-Card. This card can be purchased and recharged at any of the Branson Track locations or online. It will work for any member of the family, is valid at any of the Branson locations, and offers special freebies and discounts for cardholders. They also partner with area attractions to offer discounts on select shows, attractions, and restaurants. You can find Track 4 (with the Branson Ferris wheel) at 3335 W 76 Country Blvd.
9. The Branson IMAX Entertainment Complex– Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex is more than just a place to catch a good movie. It’s complete with fun dining options like McFarland’s Family Restaurant, quaint shops, and live shows. You can easily spend an entire day here. Start off your day with a one-of-a-kind IMAX movie. The theater shows two new features, along with one educational movie, and a classic movie, like Ozarks Legend and Legacy, a story of two orphaned brothers living in 1820 who made a niche for themselves in the mountains. If you want musical theater, The Little Opry Theater in the IMAX Complex features a variety of live country and bluegrass shows. Shops include The Shadow Box, where you’ll find charming collectibles, Ozark Mountain Time Clock, with collectible clocks that anyone would be proud to display, and Legacy and Legends, a cute gift shop with gifts for the hard to buy for people in your life. Before you leave, stop by one of the three restaurants, which cater to all different tastes. Montana Mikes feature steaks, Florentina’s has Italian dishes, and McFarland’s Family restaurant has classic feel-good comfort food. You’ll find the complex at 3562 Shepherd of the Hills.
For the History Buffs
10. Titanic History Museum– The sinking of the “unsinkable” Titanic was a tragedy in 1910. But, what of the passengers and crew who lost their lives during the fatal voyage? The Titanic History Museum seeks to honor these victims, telling their stories in a compassionate and compelling narrative. Upon entering the museum you’ll be welcomed by a Crew Member, dressed in a replica uniform, and given a boarding pass with a name of an actual passenger or crew member. A truly interactive experience, guests can see over 400 exhibits from the ship or belonging to passengers, touch an iceberg and feel the 28-degree water that caused so many people to lose their lives. One of my favorite exhibits is the Grand Staircase, an exact replica of the staircase in First Class. I almost expected to see Jack walking down the steps, just like in the movie. This isn’t just a museum, it is an experience. You’ll leave feeling like you knew the victims. The tour is self-guided, but tour members are available to answer any questions. The museum is open daily except for Christmas and January 16th through 18th. Check the website for times.
Where to Stay
Hilton Branson Convention Center located across the street from the lovely Branson landing and within easy walking distance of historic downtown, the Hilton Branson Convention Center is the perfect place to be near the action. The hotel is decorated with a soothing river theme paying homage to the scenery and all rooms offer views of either Branson Landing, Lake Taneycomo, downtown or the Ozark Mountains. A personal favorite, complimentary wi-fi, is included in the room. Note: Parking is an additional charge of $13 per night for self-parking in the garage or Valet parking is available for $16.
Have you visited Branson with your family? Have you visited any of these attractions? Which were your favorites?
I’ve never been. The food sounds right up my alley!
I have noticed of late that in my travels I would much rather have a more relaxed trip than thrill seeking. It seems Branson Missouri caters for all
This looks like a great place to visit! I bet my family would love it there!
I have never been to Branson Missouri. I had no idea there where so many fun things to do for families! I need to visit!
Wow looks like a great list of things to do in Missouri. I am a nostalgic so I would go to Dicks and Bransons.
My brother in law is from Missouri (I got my sister a Missouri Loves Company shirt with the outline of the state one year for Christmas) and I am pretty sure they went through here with their fam on a recent trip! I had never see Missouri and I can’t believe how gorgeous it is!
These look so much fun to visit! Need to add this to our bucket list!
Oh my, I want to see the Titanic Museum. That would truly be an experience to treasure. I did not know there were so many awesome places to visit in Branson. I will have to include that in our next year’s travel list.
We have never been to Branson, but it sounds like a fun place to explore. We are always looking for fun and unique options for road trips from Chicago.
I would love to check out all of these places. I would start with Silver Dollar City. Looks like fun for the whole family.
I would love to discover so many of these places around Branson. The Titanic History Museum would be my first stop as I am a history buff.
I have a friend who lives in Missouri just about 45 minutes from Branson! A fun spot and memorable for sure!
There really are many choices when it comes to Branson! I’ve never traveled there before but hopefully one day will be able to!
I’ve never been to Branson before. This is really lovely, I like that you can do a lot of things while you’re there that the kids will enjoy as well.
Now this looks like a nice place to take your family. I’m sure my neices and nephew would live this!
I would love to take a ride on the the Showboat Branson Belle. That sounds like a lot of fun!
Branson seems like a really good place to bring your family! I like the sound of the Bigfoot Discovery Expedition!
Branson is always so fun to explore. We love Silver Dollar City and this time of year it is always decked out for Christmas.
What some amazing sounding things to do in Branson, Marvel Cave’s are calling my name there is something that always draws me to caves.
Branson seems like a fabulous place to explore as a family, since there is truly something for everyone. We would have a blast for sure!
It sounds like there is a lot to see and do in Branson. I would love to visit this destination with the family. It looks lovely.
I had no idea Branson had so much to offer. It does look like a great place to put on a travel bucket list. I’d have so much fun in the TItanic museum. So cool that they make it interactive!
I don’t even know where I would start, so many attractions here. It seems Branson is a great place to travel with the family!
There is one blogger that I’ve been reading her blog for a really long time. She and her family go to Branson every year a few times, and there are so many things to see and do. Her kids always look like they are having a blast.
For some reason I was not Branson Missouri was more for older people. I’m glad to see there’s a lot more to do there than what I expected. My family loves to travel so we will have to check out this place. I would love to go in that cave.
There is so much to do in Branson. Doesn’t matter the age everyone will have fun.
We were in Branson years ago! We actually renewed our vows in the Titanic museum. It was pretty neat. I remember really liking the area.
We haven’t been to the state of Missouri but it looks fun! We would definitely be visiting that cave.
We have never visited Branson and would love to go one of these days. I didn’t realize how much fun stuff there is to do with the kids. I’d love to visit the five and dime.
Would love to visit Branson. I thought it was more of an adult place. Glad to learn it’s not and it’s something we can do with the kiddos.
Silver Dollar City would be the first place my family went. I love to explore history, and my husband and kids are all about stage coaches and the wild west (even though it’s in Branson).
I would love to travel to Branson some day. My folks have been and they raved about the trip and all the things there are to do, especially the music!
I knew Branson had some amazing attractions, but I didn’t know about all of these. I’d love to see Marvel Caves!
Same here. That would be my first stop now that I know about them. So cool.
Branson is on my bucket list. I have mentioned it to my husband a few times, but I actually need to plan a trip there one day soon.