20+ Fun Things To See And Do In Branson, MO
Is Branson, Missouri good for kids?
Thankfully, Branson Missouri is incredibly kid-friendly. With numerous theme parks, zoos, and other attractions designed for younger visitors, there are plenty of things to do in Branson, MO. In fact, Branson may be the best vacation spot in Missouri for young families.
Most attractions in Branson offer reduced admission for children under 12 years of age. This is good news for budget travelers, or anyone looking to save money.
There are a LOT of things to do in Branson so the cost does add up. My recommendation is to choose one or two attractions to visit each day rather than cramming as much as possible into the travel schedule.
This allows one to thoroughly enjoy each place before moving on. Additionally, the slower pace will end up saving you money over the course of your vacation in Branson, Missouri.
The following are our recommendations for the best things to do in Branson, MO. We’ve broken them down according to category – not by importance!
Let us know what you think is the best attraction in Branson!
If you’re on a Missouri road trip you may enjoy visiting Columbia, MO, and Springfield, MO!
Theme Parks & Attractions
1 – Beyond The Lens
Beyond The Lense is exactly what you expect when you come to a town like Branson, Missouri. It’s an over-the-top experience that caters to the whole family – from young children to fun-loving adults.
Take the time to snap some photos with realistic sets from Hollywood, history, or even the extra-terrestrial! Expect to head home with hundreds of realistic photos to remember your time in Branson, MO.
Once you’ve satisfied the photo urge, check out some of the other attractions at Beyond The Lense.
2 – Branson Zipline at Wolfe Mountain
Branson Zipline is located just 15 minutes north of Branson off Highway 65. If you’re in Branson for adventure, a guided zipline tour may be exactly what you’re looking for.
The main draw is the zipline tour which lasts between 1-2 hours. The tour takes guests along 7 ziplines and 10 suspension bridges. Those who want the added adrenaline can partake in the optional 40-foot freefall at the end of the tour.
The company also hosts an outdoor tubing run named Snowflex Park. The 400-foot hill is covered with Snowflex, a synthetic material that mimics snow. Tickets to Snowflex park allow for 1-hour of unlimited rides up and down the hill.
3 – Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure
The Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure is located at the base of the White River Balds near Treasure Lake Resort and other attractions.
Visitors to the butterfly aviary will be transported into a lush tropical world alive with beautiful butterflies. In total, there are approximately 50 species of butterflies in the aviary.
Visitors are given a vial of nectar which can be used to feed the butterflies. This is a good way to interact with these living insects and ensure good photos can be had.
The rainforest adventure section showcases some additional creatures that make the rainforest their home. Some of these include dart frogs, chameleons, and even giant cockroaches.
Best of all, admission tickets allow visitors three days of unlimited admission! Overall, this is one of the best things to do in Branson, MO.
4 – The Track Family Fun Center
The Tracks at Branson are unlike anything you’ve seen before. Each of the company’s 14 go-kart tracks pushes things to the next level.
Heavy Metal High Rise is a 1200-foot steel track with a 4-story climb and challenging turns. Meanwhile, The LumberJack and Wild Woody are two wooden tracks with thrilling corkscrews, elevation changes, and blind peaks.
Visitors can pay for tracks individually, or purchase wristbands that offer multiple attractions. This flexibility makes the Track Family Fun Center a great place to spend an hour – or the whole day!
In addition to go-karts, there are numerous rides and attractions available. Some of these include the Ferris Wheel, bumper boats, laser tag, and mini-golf.
5 – Promised Land Zoo
Branson’s Promised Land Zoo showcases a unique collection of animals both large and small. The diverse range of animals includes animals found across various continents such as kangaroos, giraffes, camels, lions, and tigers.
The zoo offers basic admission as well as VIP tickets and offroad RTV tours. The VIP tickets are highly worth it as they allow guests to have a closer connection to the animals.
With a VIP ticket, one is able to hold and feed various animals like baby kangaroos and two-toed sloths.
6 – Branson’s Wild World
Branson’s Wild World is an animal adventure center plus so much more!
The center’s main feature is its animal exhibits which let visitors get up close and personal with over 160 species of animals.
Most exciting is the Wolf Woods exhibit which houses a family of grey wolves. Visitors are able to watch the wolves interacting from several viewing areas.
If you’re looking to upgrade your experience there are opportunities to feed alligators and sharks. However, this will cost extra.
The good news is Branson’s Wild World is very affordable. Tickets start at $16.95 for adults and $11.95 for children. Two-day passes, which include rounds of mini-golf, come to just $24.95 for adults, and $17.95 for children.
Possibly one of the best values for money in Branson!
7 – White Water at Branson
White Water Branson is the place to go if you’re looking to spend some time in the water. The water park covers 13 acres and has enough rides and attractions to keep the whole family busy.
The 500,000-gallon wave pool and the lazy river are where you can expect to spend most of your time. Although, the water slides may be more appealing to teenage visitors.
White Water also offers cabana and lounge rentals at an added cost. This is great if you’re looking to relax while other members of your group enjoy the water. A must-visit for those looking for things to do in Branson, MO with kids!
8 – Bigfoot Fun Park
Another of Branson’s many attractions, the Bigfoot Fun Park, is located just a short walk north of White Water.
Bigfoot Fun Park has plenty of things to do and keep children busy. Some highlights include a full 18-hole mini-golf course, an expansive arcade, and amusement park rides.
Of these, the Bigfoot Action Tower is by far the most thrilling. The 200-foot tall tower lets riders choose between a freefall ride or the slingshot. Both are equally worth trying. However, if you’re with younger children you may opt to try the bounce house or cattle tour instead.
9 – Silver Dollar City
Silver Dollar City is Branson’s premier theme park with a collection of rides that can rival top parks around the country.
The 1880s themed park is packed with 40 different rides and attractions. From thrilling wooden roller coasters to relaxing wagon rides, Silver Dollar City has something for all types of visitors.
In addition, the park employs a wide variety of craftsmen who can be found working throughout the park. This makes for a great educational experience for young visitors who can learn how traditional glassblowing and metalwork are done.
Unfortunately, Silver Dollar City admission is rather expensive. Prices start at $74 for adults and $64 for children under 12 years of age. For a better value consider planning a multi-day trip. Two-day tickets can be had for $94/$84, and three-day tickets are $104/$94.
Do note that the park is closed during the months of January and February. You can check the full schedule here before buying tickets.
Theaters
10 – Sight & Sound Theatres
Sight & Sound Theaters is something that I didn’t know I was missing out on until I paid a visit to Branson! This theater focuses on dramatic renditions of popular stories from the Bible.
For the rest of 2020, you can expect to see the story of Noah – easily one of the most memorable biblical stories. You can catch a glimpse of the spectacular show and its well-designed sets in the video above. If your visit is coming in 2021, prepare to experience the life of Jesus – as a musical of course! It will undoubtedly be performed in spectacular Sight & Sound fashion and will be something to look forward to.
The costumes, props, sets, and use of live animals come together in the awe-inspiring performances held at Sight & Sound. If you’re only in Branson, Missouri for a day and looking for things to do, I’d make this stop a priority!
11 – The Haygoods
Look no further than The Haygoods if you’re looking for an over-the-top audio-visual experience. This really is a show that you experience with both your eyes and ears. The engaging family of entertainers has crafted an entertaining and engaging concert that spans decades of top hits. It’s sure to please everyone from young to old.
The group, which consists of five brothers and one sister, list itself as Branson, Missouri’s most popular show. It’s hard to argue when their show has sold over 6-million tickets! Expect to see a wide range of instruments incorporated into the performance. The use of everything, from harps to guitars, demonstrates the talent on display.
12 – Shepherd of the Hills
The Shepherd of the Hills is a must-see theater performance sitting just north of Branson. You might recognize the name as that of the book written by Harold Bell Wright. If so, then good for you! This outdoor theater holds dramatic shows 3-4 days per week in the exact homestead where Wright’s 1907 novel was written.
While multiple movie adaptations have brought the book to life, none inspire awe like the live performances at Shepherd of the Hills in Branson, Missouri. There is no better way to experience the town than with real Ozark drama!
Nature / Parks
13 – Table Rock Lake
This massive lake was built over 50 years ago by the US army when they created a dam on the white river. The resulting Table Rock Lake has quickly become Branson’s premier attraction.
And, with 800 miles of shoreline and smooth, clear water it is not hard to see why!
Visitors can enjoy the beaches, take a boat out on the water, and try fishing for local crappie and bluegill. Those who prefer getting in the water can try a variety of watersports, or even take a scuba diving trip to explore the depths of the lake.
Additionally, Table Rock Lake makes a great location for campers. There are numerous camping spots around Table Rock Lake where visitors can pitch a tent, or park an RV, and enjoy some time with nature.
14 – Marvel Cave
Marvel Cave is located at the entrance to the amusement park Silver Dollar City. This is convenient as Silver Dollar City is likely already on your Branson Itinerary.
The cave was at one time searched by the Spanish who believed it contained the fountain of youth. And later, miners searched for lead and marble in the cave. However, they came up empty-handed.
The cave has served as a tourist attraction for over 100 years. It isn’t hard to see why once you see how massive this cave is. It is one of the largest caves in Missouri and has the largest entry rooms of any cave in the USA.
Tours of the cave are free with an admission ticket to Silver Dollar City. Expect to tour to last roughly 60 minutes. Visitors are shown through a series of chambers and passageways that contain developing limestone formations.
15 – Branson Scenic Railway
Visitors are transported back in time with the Branson Scenic Railway. Rides start at the Branson Depot which first opened in 1905.
The railcars date from the 1930s to the 1960s and have been beautifully restored. The trains take riders on a 40-mile journey around Branson that highlights the area’s natural beauty.
Regular tickets cost $29.99 for adults and $18.50 for children. Tickets for those under 2 years of age are $2 but require children to ride on their parent’s lap.
16 – Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery
This fish hatchery is the largest in Missouri with roughly 400,000 pounds of trout being produced each year. Both Rainbow Trout and Brown trout are raised at Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery.
The cold water lake created by the Table Rock Dam provided ideal conditions for trout. The center has an educational facility that teaches visitors about trout raising and conservation.
The hatchery is surrounded by 3 miles of hiking trails that offer wildlife and bird-watching opportunities. Additionally, there are several good fishing spots located along the trail.
Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery is a great place for those looking for free things to do in Branson.
17 – Branson Landing
Branson Landing is the largest shopping center in Branson, MO. It spans over 95 acres and has more than 100 shops and restaurants that cater to both locals and visitors.
The landing stretches along 1.5 miles of the Taneycomo River. The boardwalk allows for relaxing strolls along the water – especially nice once the sun has gone down.
This is a great place to stop if you’re looking for a place to get lunch or an afternoon coffee.
Also, there are a number of activities like bowling and arcades that can be fun for younger audiences.
Museums
18 – Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum
The Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum is located at the Big Cedar Lodge – a short drive south of Bandon. The museum is a must-visit if you’re passionate about Ozark history, or just want to learn more about the area.
The Natural History Museum showcases the personal collection of Pro Bass founder Johnny Morris. In total, there are over 75,000 Ozark artifacts on display.
Native American culture is one of the major themes of the museum. A great deal of effort has been made to showcase the region’s first inhabitants and preserve their history.
The Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum also showcases the wildlife which once roamed the area. There are many taxidermied animals and skeletons on display. These include a mix of animals from prehistoric to modern including wooly mammoth, bison, and sabertooth cats.
Best of all the museum is relatively inexpensive. Admission costs $12 for adults and just $5 for children under 12.
19 – Ralph Foster Museum @ College of the Ozarks
The Ralph Foster Museum houses an eclectic collection of Ozark history. The museum is located on the College of the Ozarks campus, where it is on permanent display.
The wide variety of exhibit material means there will be something for everyone. Some of the highlights include a number of taxidermied animals, displays containing artifacts from various historical figures, and the original car from the Beverly Hills Hillbillies TV series.
It is not as crowded as other museums in Branson, which has led to it being described as a hidden gem of Branson. Overall, the museum is well worth the $8 adult admission price. Better yet, children are able to enter for free.
20 – Titanic Museum
The Titanic museum in Branson is owned by John Joslyn, the co-leader of the expedition to the titanic in 1986. Many of the artifacts on display were recovered during the expedition, while other artifacts once belonged to survivors of the voyage.
The museum sits in a massive replica of the Titanic – an unmistakable sight in Branson. Visitors are able to interact with the ship and get a sense of what it might have been like on board.
The Titanic Museum in Branson does a good job of giving respect to those who passed away on the Titanic. The shows and exhibits are displayed in a tasteful manner while at the same time educating guests on the ship’s history. Tickets for the experience start at $28 for adults.
21 – World’s Largest Toy Museum
Calling this the World’s Largest Toy Museum is not an exaggeration. The museum houses an uncountable collection of toys dating from the 1800s to modern times. Many of the toys on display will be recognizable to visitors, but other rare toys can be found nowhere else but here!
In total, there are three buildings of toys to explore. Once finished, the on-site toy shop has a large number of rare and classic toys for sale. This is a good place for visitors to repurchase childhood toys.
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