It’s no secret that we’ve been to Branson MANY times! When you love visiting somewhere, you return right?! I still find myself fighting the stigma that Branson is where the retired folks go, so I thought I’d share 6 reasons that Branson is for families!
*Please note that due to COVID-19 not all places may be open or operating at full capacity. It is best to call ahead when making plans. Please also keep in mind all recommendations of local and federal governments while traveling and exploring. Please only travel when you feel it is comfortable for you and your family.
Go-Karts & Mini Golf
Go-Karts
If your kiddos are anything like ours were when they were younger, any vacation that included go-karting and mini golf was a hit! Branson does not have shortage of either of these features! Branson is home to the Track Family Fun Parks. We’ve visited several of these during our visits and while the lines may be long at certain times, they are definitely worth it! 2 and 3 story go-kart tracks like the Heavy Metal High Rise, The Wild Woody, or even the Rookie Go-Karts, your family of all ages are bound to have a great time!
Mini Golf
There are a variety of options when you’re ready for a little putt-putt golf too! We’ve loved playing a few rounds at Lost Treasure Golf, Dinosaur Canyon, and Shoot for the Stars Mini Golf. Each one has unique features like a fire blowing volcano, a train ride to start your round, and a celebrity experience! I can’t say that we can pick a favorite, so whichever you pick, you’ll have a great time!
Great Stay Options
Branson is full of great lodging options for families. Hotels like the Grand Plaza offer great location (centrally located) along with a complimentary breakfast with great views of the city. Families also will love the theme of the Stone Castle Hotel. If hotels are not your thing or want more space to spread out, there are a lot of VRBO and Air BNB options! We’ve stayed at hotels as well as in condos and have enjoyed them each for different reasons.
Variety of Food
When searching for places to eat in Branson with family, you’ll find EVERYTHING! Barbecue, Mexican, American, seafood, Chinese, and more are all options that you’ll find in this area.
Not only does Branson offer a large variety of options for eating, they also offer a lot of experience dining options! Fun places like Pasghettis, Mel’s Hard Luck, and Branson Center Stage not only offers delicious meals, but the utmost in atmosphere and full experiences including entertainment.
Some of our favorites are:
- White River Fish House – 5 Bass Pro Drive
- Pancho Villa – 2819 W 76 Country Blvd
- Danna’s BBQ & Burger Shop – 963 MO-165
- Andy’s Frozen Custard – 3415 W 76 Country Blvd
- Cantina Laredo – 1001 Branson Landing Blvd
Nature Experiences
While Branson is centered around the lights, the sounds, the glitz, and the glam of shows and entertainment, there are a lot of options to explore in nature too!
Ruth & Paul Henning Conservation Area
Located Northwest of downtown Branson, you’ll find the Ruth & Paul Henning Conservation Area. There is a great lookout area with lots of parking along with a couple trails, one of which leads to a lookout tour that provides amazing views of Branson! The trail leading to the tower is a paved route and is a little over a mile, which makes it great for families!
Lakeshore Trail
Located along Table Rock Lake, you’ll find Lakeshore Trail. This 1.5 mile trail is paved and follows the coast of the lake connecting the Showboat Branson Belle dock and Dewy Short Visitors Center. It’s a great way to burn some energy and enjoy nature.
Top of the Rock
Head South of Branson for some unique nature experiences! At Top of the Rock, rent a golf cart with your family and enjoy the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail! This paved trail takes you among the rock formations, into a cave, and around waterfalls! This has definitely been a highlight of one of our many trips!
Spend Time on the Water
Whether you want to rent a boat and water ski, tube, or float for relaxation, there are a couple different water options! Lake Taneycomo (below the Dam) is great for boating, floating, and trout fishing! You can also take a cruise on the Lake Queen which travels North on Lake Taneycomo and back with a tour guide pointing out unique and fun things!
Table Rock Lake is also great for bass fishing, boating, or even parasailing. Parasailing is a great way to see the entire lake and can be done by starting at State Park Marina!
National Tiger Sanctuary
Head a little bit north of Branson to the National Tiger Sanctuary! Here, see rescued lions, tigers, and other big cats in a more natural atmosphere. The crew at the Sanctuary rescue big cats from private owners, old theatre shows, and others that cannot care for the cats the way they need to! It’s a great experience for kids and adults. They offer a basic tour along with more behind the scenes tours and feeding tours.
Family Friendly Shows
Whether you’re looking for magic (Reza), music (SIX), or something else, there is a theatre show for your family. One of the most popular shows in Branson (for families) is Dolly Parton’s Stampede. It’s a dinner and a show which will always amaze. We recently saw Reza, the illusionist, and it was amazing! Kids and adults of all kinds enjoyed the show! If music is your thing head to The Haygoods, Six, or Legends in Concert at the Dick Clark Theatre.
FREE Activities
If you’ve ever traveled or gone on a vacation with kiddos, you know it can get spendy! Thankfully, Branson has a large variety of things to do that are FREE!
- Dewey Short Visitors Center – This visitors center located on the shores of Table Rock Lake has great views and is very educational about the history of the dam and the lake!
- Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery – Learn about the history of the dam along with how the Missouri Department of Conservation stocks Lake Taneycomo with trout!
- Veterans Memorial Garden – Located along Highway 65, “The Strip” you’ll find these beautiful gardens, which are maintained 100% by volunteers. There are several spots to stop and enjoy nature, memorials to veterans, and beautiful vegetation to enjoy!
- Sparky the Trolley – In historic downtown Branson, you’ll find a lot of shops and restaurants to explore and you can walk from shop to shop or you can enjoy taking the free trolley! We’ve ridden it around before just to explore downtown before deciding where to visit!
- Branson Landing Fountain Show – We love catching the fountains at the Branson Landing! Each hour enjoy a water and fire show to music! We catch it several times each trip!
Traveling to Branson
If you’re traveling to Branson by car…
- Des Moines, IA – 5 hours, 45 minutes drive time
- Minneapolis, MN – 9 hours drive time
- Kansas City, MO – 3 hours, 10 minutes drive time
- Chicago, IL – 8 hours, 30 minutes drive time
If you want to travel by air, you can fly directly into the Branson airport and rent a car to use while exploring the area!
Take the Family to Branson
Don’t be fooled into thinking that Branson is only for the older generation! There are many reasons that makes Branson perfect for families!
Grab the family and plan a trip to enjoy great accommodations, nature experiences, go-karts, miniature golf, restaurants, and free things to do! You’ll make great memories!
