Branson, Missouri

For decades families have flocked to Branson for a brand of hometown family fun that is unique.  Amusement parks, shows, and boating are some of the reasons families return over and over.  It seems each trip offers a new experience and wonderful memories.   Branson is also home to great shopping, including three outlet malls! 

Branson offers a variety of lodging, from condos on the lake to traditional hotels on the strip.  While lodging is plentiful it can be difficult to find family rooms available during the peak seasons.  Plan in advance if you require a larger room.

Branson's climate is comfortable with moderate winters and humid summers.  Expect some snow fall in the winter and quite a bit of rain during the spring.  Temperatures in the summer usually range from 70s - 80s though the humidity often makes it seem hotter than it is. 

Whether you are looking for the glitz and excitement of the Strip or some quiet family time on the lake, you are sure to make memories in Branson!
Please be sure to call and verify times and rates as they are subject to change

BRANSON-  AMERICAN PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM
Majestic Building on Gretna at Rourke Rd, Branson   417.334.8683
www.americanpresidentialmuseum.com
COST:  $10 Adult / $9 Age 55 and over / Age 16 or younger Free with parent/ guardian
HOURS:  Call for times (they differ based on seasons)
Educational and fun!  Learn about America's history in the National Freedom Shrine which has 28 of the most powerful documents in US history.  Walk through the Hall of First Ladies to see replicas of beautiful gowns and other First Lady memorabilia.    The kids will love to tour the authentic Air Force One 707 aircraft that was used during President Nixon's presidency.  Don't forget to stop by the Oval Office and have your photo taken!
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-  The children especially loved sitting in Air Force One and the Oval Office.   There were some hands-on hand activities.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS-  There are no photos allowed in the museum so if you want a photo of your child in the Oval Office or on Air Force One you have to have one taken by the museum staff for which there is an additional charge.

BRANSON-  DIXIE STAMPEDE
1525 SR 76 W, Branson   417.336.3000
www.dixiestampede.com
COST:  Call for cost
HOURS:  Call for show times
Pair an amazing show with good home cooking for an evening enjoyed by the whole family.  The show features horseback riding, dancing and singing.  The audience even gets into the act.  All the fun while enjoying a scrumptious meal eaten with no silverware.   Get to the show early to see the opening act in the Carriage Room.  Don't forget to visit the open air stables to see the beautiful horses.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-   The children loved it all;  the horses, singing, dancing, and the competition between the audience area designated North and the audience area designated South.  They were thrilled at being able to eat their entire meal with their hands as well.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS-  Not very many bathroom facilities so there were some long lines.   Traffic leaving the shows if very heavy so expect for it to take you quite a long time to even get out of your parking spot.
 

BRANSON-  GRAND COUNTRY INDOOR MINI GOLF
1945 SR 76 W, Branson   417.335.3535
www.grandcountry.com
COST: $6.50 Adult (over age 12) / $5.50 Age 5 - 12 / Under age 4 Free with paying adult
HOURS:  Daily 7 am - 11 pm (last admission is about 10:30 pm)
Climate controlled, indoor mini-golf.  36 hole course surrounded by streams and waterfalls.  Great for a hot or rainy day!
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-   Many of the holes were fairly easy;  even the 4 year old got a 'hole in one'.   Nice break on a hot day when everyone needs to get out of the sun.

BRANSON-  HOLLYWOOD WAX MUSEUM
3030 SR 76 W, Branson   417.337.8277
www.hollywoodwax.com
COST:  $12.95 Adult / $6.95 Child ages 4 - 11 / $11.95 over age 65 / Under age 3 Free
HOURS:  Open daily at 8 am
Walk amongst likenesses of some of your favorite celebrities.  There are over 170 figures.   They are so lifelike!  Displays include favorites from Titanic and Wizard of Oz.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-   The museum is toured at your own pace (no guide) so it's easy to take your time or rush through as dictated by your children.   The children were amazed at how realistic the faces are!
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS-  There were a couple of displays (from some movies) that scared the younger children but we were able to move through those areas quickly.

BRANSON-  IMAX
3562 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Branson   800.419.4832
www.bransonimax.com
COST:  $8.75 Adult / $5.25 Child ages 4 - 12 / Under age 4 Free w/ paid adult / Family Pass $29.99 (husband, wife, and children under age 18 from one family)
HOURS:  Call for show hours
Enjoy a favorite movie on the enormous screen.  They have a good variety of different shows playing daily.  Shopping in the mall area and restaurants besides the usual movie fare.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-  Good variety of movies so there should be something to suit any age range.  Comfortable seating. 


BRANSON-  RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT
On Hwy 76 W, Branson   417.337.5300
www.ripleysbranson.com
COST:  $14.95 Adult / $7.95 Child ages 4 - 12 /  Under age 4 Free
HOURS:  Mar 15 - Dec 15- 9 am - 11 pm, Dec 16 - Mar 14-  9 am - 7 pm
A museum of the strange and unusual.  Walk through themed rooms that will amaze you.   The kids will be talking about all of the neat stuff they see for a long time!
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-   The children were talking about all of the oddities for months after.   Self guided so you can move at your own pace.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS-  Some of the displays (and the reading involved) were boring for the younger children so they wanted to rush through areas that parents and older children would have liked to have had more time in.
 

                
BRANSON-  SHOWBOAT BRANSON BELLE
Located on SR 165   800.227.8587
www.showboatbransonbelle.com
COST:  Visit website or call for pricing
HOURS:  Visit website or call for show times;  depending on the day there are lunch and dinner cruises available
Take a cruise a paddle boat on Table Rock Lake.  Enjoy lunch or dinner and an entertaining show full of singing, dancing, comedy and magic.      The cruise is about two hours long. 
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-   All ages were entertained by the performance.  There is only one meal served for children but it had a good variety of food and plenty was served.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS-  Watch the little ones near the railing.

BRANSON-  SILVER DOLLAR CITY
On SR 76 W, Branson   800.831.4381
www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com
COST:  Call for cost
HOURS:  Call for times
Theme park centered around an 1880s Ozark theme.  Fun roller coasters, rides, water rides, music and comedy shows, and Splash Harbor water play area.  Throughout are shops, restaurants and artisans who show their skills in traditional crafts. 
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-   Rides for all ages plus many rides that a family of varied ages can ride together.   Splash Harbor was a favorite because it wasn't overly busy and the kids loved shooting the water cannons.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- Some ride lines are very long during the busy season.

BRANSON-  HARD LUCK DINER
2800 W Hwy 76, Branson   417.336.7217
50's style diner conveniently located on the Strip.   Menu has good variety of diner fare and a children's menu.  There is a soda fountain and ice cream available.  The wait staff are all aspiring musicians, actors or such who will often begin singing while they fill your order.  Great fun for the whole family and the food is tasty!
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-   The children's menu has a good variety and the food was enjoyed by everyone.  The children thought it was great when the waitress started singing.  This is one of their all time favorite places in Branson.

BRANSON-  INDIAN POINT LODGE
71 Dogwood Park Trail, Branson   800.888.1891
www.indianpointresort.com
This lodge is divided into three sections on beautiful Table Rock Lake.  Lodging choices include condos, cabins and cottages.  The units range in size from 1 - 4 bedrooms and many include kitchens.  The facility includes 3 pools, a gameroom, playground and a marina to rent boats.  We rented one of the new condo units in the Eagle View Cottages area.  This area is a little further from the water (though still within view) but the condo was beautiful and spacious. 
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-   A variety of room types to fit all sizes of families.  The room was clean and well cared for.