Things to do in Branson with Kids
If your trip to Branson includes exploring and visiting Silver Dollar City in Branson, getting wild at Springfield’s Dickerson Park Zoo, splashing into some fun at White Water, or riding the rails along Branson’s Scenic Railway, we’ll provide you with the information you will need to plan your trip.
Branson, Missouri. Even if you haven’t been there, bet you have heard of it and we’d even bet you know somebody who has already visited! Well, why haven’t you?
Maybe you thought Branson was hard to get to. Nope! There’s a practically brand new airport, Branson Airport (BKG), located just minutes from Hwy 76. It’s one of the prettiest airports you have ever seen, very cool and woodsy feeling. A number of airlines serve this airport, including Frontier, airTran and Branson AirExpress with direct flights to cities such as Denver, Austin, Dallas, Atlanta, Houston, Chicago, Orlando and Washington DC. Would you rather drive? Branson is within easy driving distance of many cities including Kansas City, St. Louis, Little Rock, Memphis and Tulsa. I-44 is a major interstate, and if you hit US 65 South at Springfield it’s just about 30 minutes more and you are there!
Maybe you thought the traffic was crazy. Years ago, it used to be crazy. Granted, everybody wants to drive down Country Music Blvd. (76 Hwy) at least once, just to see all the theatres, hotels, restaurants and attractions, kind of like in Vegas. But these days there are so many new highways and byways encircling Branson, you hardly have to drive along 76 at all if you don’t want to! We have Branson, Missouri hotels located near every attraction you might like to see; just click on the Attractions below.
Maybe you thought all the shows were country music shows, really hokey and boring. Not even close! Branson is definitely known for having old-time music shows, with characters in overalls, Hee-Haw type comedy and down-home country music. Venerable shows like The Baldknobbers and Presleys’ Country Jubilee have entertained people for literally generations and they are well-attended because they are fun. But today’s Branson is so much more than that! 
You will certainly find a fair share of country and gospel music, but you can see shows which feature other genres as well and plenty of music from the ‘60’s, ‘70’s along with more current tunes as well. You can also see a professional magician, a show with amazing acrobats and even a musical starring Noah.
Maybe you thought there were only all-you-can-eat-buffets or country-style restaurants. Sure, you can find those kinds of establishments, some really good and others, eh. But for those of you who consider yourself “foodies”, never fear, Branson has a plethora of really cool eateries, some lakeside with great views. You can get almost any kind of food you can imagine, with lots of national chains represented. But oh boy, the local joints are really great! Your tastebuds are going to be tempted by cheesy pizzas, delectable burgers, mouthwatering bbq and unique, gourmet specialties.
Maybe you thought there was nothing to do besides go to shows. Hardly! Branson is smack dab right next to a couple of the finest lakes you’ve ever seen, Taneycomo and Table Rock. The best bass fishing, jet skiing and boating are all available, making summer times in Branson the most memorable ever. Excellent marinas, where you can dock your ski boat or rent a pontoon for a party on the lake, are available. And we haven’t even mentioned the dinner lake cruises yet!
Maybe you thought you could only buy corn cob pipes or pink taffy at the local five and dime? Think again! Shopping abounds in Branson, from Tanger Outlet Center which is priced right to an amazing array of unique boutiques at The Grand Village Shops. The newest addition to Branson is The Landing, right on the water, which offers al fresco dining, many popular chain and local stores, plus major hotels for your convenience.
Maybe you thought the golf courses were just hayfields full of rocks? It’s just the opposite! These days, Branson’s courses are considered some of the best in the country. Do the names Payne Stewart, John Daly or Troon mean anything to you? Courses and amenities are world-class, so bring your clubs and enjoy a round or two!
Other outdoor adventures are plentiful. You can fly along a heart-pounding zipline for another view of the beautiful Ozarks countryside, go spelunking in ages-old caves, ride awesome go-karts, cool off on exciting rides at a waterpark, visit a real trout hatchery and last but not least, did we mention that Branson is home to world-renowned Silver Dollar City theme park? Add historic Shepherd of the Hills where you can experience the area’s true past, and you just might have the time of your life.
Maybe it’s time you booked your vacation to Branson today.
Branson Missouri Attractions
- Andy Williams
- Branson Creek Golf Club
- Branson Landing Cruises
- Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours
- Cape Fair Marina
- College of the Ozarks: Ralph Foster Museum
- IMAX Entertainment Complex
- Indian Point Marina
- Noah the Musical
- Payne Stewart Golf Club
- Port of Kimberling Marina
- Presleys Country Jubilee
- Reeds Spring Pizza Co
- Ride the Ducks
- Ripleys Believe It or Not Branson
- Shepherd of the Hills
- Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery
- Silver Dollar City
- Six
- Table Rock State Park
- Talking Rocks Cavern
- The Baldknobbers
- The Haygoods
- The Mansion Theatre
- The Track Family Fun Parks
- White Water
