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How to Have More Fun in Branson, MO with Kids

Home / Vacation Ideas / Midwest Vacation Ideas / How to Have More Fun in Branson, MO with Kids

Connie Pearson, Updated September 30, 2022

Showboat Branson Belle on lake in Branson MO
Catch dinner and a show aboard the Showboat Branson Belle, a fun thing to do with kids. Photo: Cathy Bennett Kopf
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Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • Branson Attractions for Young Children+−
    • Branson Ferris Wheel
    • Branson Dinosaur Museum
    • Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure
    • Promised Land Zoo
    • Worldโ€™s Largest Toy Museum
  • Teenager-Approved Things to Do in Branson+−
    • Silver Dollar City
    • Food at Silver Dollar City
    • White Water at Silver Dollar City
    • Showboat Branson Belle
    • Titanic Museum Attraction
    • College of the Ozarks
    • Sight & Sound Theater
  • Fun for All Ages in Branson+−
    • Branson Scenic Railway
    • Hollywood Wax Museum
    • Branson Coaster
    • Fritzโ€™s Adventure
    • Go Kart Fun Park
  • More Ways to Have Fun in Branson
  • Family-Friendly Branson Restaurants
  • Where to Stay in Branson

Branson, Missouri is a Midwest entertainment destination for all ages, especially for families visiting with children from toddlers to teenagers. The setting in the Ozark Mountains is beautiful year-round, and thrill rides, museums, outdoor adventures, dozens of restaurants, and a full schedule of musicians, acrobats, magicians, and murder mysteries ensure there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.

The writer was hosted.

Branson Attractions for Young Children

Branson Ferris Wheel

The Branson Ferris Wheel has no age limits but does require at least one adult for every two children under 12 years of age. It is in continuous motion but goes slowly enough to easily step on and off.

The Ferris wheel is extremely sturdy and proudly claims to weigh more than 65 space shuttles. It offers a great view of Branson and can be seen from many angles as you drive around town.

Read More: Best Branson Resorts for Families

Branson Dinosaur Museum

The Branson Dinosaur Museum features 45 life-size dinosaurs crafted by specialists who used authentic dinosaur bones to form the molds.

Child with butterfly - the Butterfly Palace is one of branson things to do
Kids love watching the butterflies. Photo credit: Explore Branson

Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure

Here, you will want to plan ahead and wear red or bright colors to attract butterflies in the Exotic Butterfly Aviary.

We love sharing tips and stories with our fellow Traveling Grandparents. Join our private Facebook Group to become part of our community!

In the Living Rainforest Science Center, kids will have fun petting a lizard, and in the Emerald Forest Mirror Maze, adults should go with the youngest visitors to help navigate what could be somewhat disorienting.

This, as well as the vast majority of Branson attractions, is family friendly.

branson things to do - Promised Land Zoo (girl with parakeets)
Parakeets at the Promised Land Zoo. Photo credit: Explore Branson

Promised Land Zoo

This zoo is spread out over 75 acres and is ranked among the Top 25 Zoos in the United States. You can observe the animals during a Foot Safari, a Drive-Thru Safari or in the Parakeet Paradise.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Upgrade your ticket to a VIP+ Experience so your kids have the opportunity to touch and feed several of the animals during the guided tour.

World’s Largest Toy Museum

Over a million toys are on display at the World’s Largest Toy Museum. With so much nostalgia on the shelves, this is a great place to share the toys of your own childhood with your kids or grandkids.

branson things to do - Time Traveler at Silver Dollar City (teens and granddaddy in front of Time Traveler sign)
Granddaddy and teens after riding Time Traveler at Silver Dollar City. Photo credit: Connie Pearson

Teenager-Approved Things to Do in Branson

Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City is a must-visit theme park in Branson suitable for the whole family. There are a number of rides for the younger set, but our teenage grandkids headed straight to the rollercoasters and water rides.

Time Traveler is arguably the most intimidating, but Thunderation, Mighty Galleon, PowderKeg, and Outlaw Run also got two thumbs up from my teenage grands.

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We all rode Mystic River Falls together, and they loved it when I (Grandmomma) got drenched.

The shops, eateries, craftspeople, and live music shows are attractive and fun, but the rides are where the older grandchildren want to spend their time.

This amusement park has an 1880s theme, there’s lots of shade, and it provides a great multigenerational getaway. It is the undisputed top attraction.

Traveling Mom Tip: Be sure to take advantage of the lockers near the water rides for keeping purses, wallets, and cell phones safe. Also, once you are soaking wet, you’ll be happy to spend $5 for several minutes of intense, warm air blowing from the dryers where you stand and happily begin to recover from the hilarious ride.

Food at Silver Dollar City

The World Famous Cinnamon Bread at Clara Bell’s is incredible. Devour a loaf on the spot and take another back to your condo for later. You’ll thank me for this suggestion.

branson things to do - White Water slide
If you’ve got a hat, hold onto it, when whooshing down the water slides at White Water! Photo credit: Heidi Gollub

White Water at Silver Dollar City

SheBuysTravel Heidi Gollub says her kids burned off steam running from water slides to wave pool to lazy river at White Water, Silver Dollar City’s 13-acre water park.

Three-day passes are available, allowing you to squeeze in a few hours of tubing, racing or splashing, whenever you have time to spare.

branson things to do - Showboat Branson Belle (grandma and two teens before the show)
Grandmomma and 2 teens before the show on the Showboat Branson Belle. Photo credit: Connie Pearson

Showboat Branson Belle

This charming experience can best be enjoyed by adults and grandchildren at least 12 and older. It is a wonderful way to spend an evening.

For one price, you are served a three-course dinner and two and a half hours of world class entertainment in a professional quality live show. The boat itself is beautiful, as is the scenery on Table Rock Lake.

Check the website for cruises. Some seasons offer lunch cruises or two different dinner schedules.

Traveling Mom Tip: Upgrade to the Captain’s Club tickets for early boarding, prime seating in the balcony, and a menu to choose the dishes for your three-course meal. We had those tickets and appreciated feeling pampered and special.

branson things to do - Titanic Museum (teens in front of museum)
Teen grandkids outside the Titanic Museum. Photo credit: Connie Pearson

Titanic Museum Attraction

This museum is full of artifacts salvaged from the wreckage of the Titanic, as well as many informative displays and exhibits. Headphones allow you to move through the museum at your own pace.

The passengers on board and the events of that fateful night come to life in this moving, educational, interactive experience. The gift shop in this museum has many items that are perfect souvenirs of your visit.

College of the Ozarks

The college is a short drive from Branson. If your teens are beginning to think about choosing a college, a tour of the campus and lunch at the Keeter Center could well steer them in this direction. Our teen grandchildren declared their meal at the center to be the best of the trip.

It is a small but very impressive place, and the students on campus are friendly and eager to answer questions. The Ralph Foster Museum on campus is a treasure trove of information about the Ozarks region.

Traveling Mom Tip: Order ice cream for dessert. Cows are grown and milked on campus, and the resulting ice cream is exceptional.

branson things to do - Sight & Sound Theater (teens in front of theater)
Teens outside the Sight & Sound Theater. Photo credit: Connie Pearson

Sight & Sound Theater

There are not enough superlatives to describe a production at Sight & Sound Theater. The focus is on bringing Bible stories to life, and the sets, costumes, staging, acting, lighting and special effects top even the grandest show on Broadway.

The entire audience sat spellbound for the entire performance. It is an absolute must-go experience when you’re in Branson.

branson things to do - Branson Scenic Railway (train)
Branson Scenic Railway. Photo credit: Explore Branson

Fun for All Ages in Branson

If you travel to Branson with children ranging from toddlers to teenagers and even have a grandparent or two in your group, there are still other places to visit that cater to multiple ages.

Branson Scenic Railway

The Branson Scenic Railway is a great way to spend a couple of hours. You will begin at the depot near Lake Taneycomo.

The scenery outside is captivating but wandering through each of the refurbished cars on the train is equally entertaining. Be sure to check the website for schedules, which vary by season.

branson things to do - Hollywood Wax Museum (child with Clint Eastwood's wax figure)
Hanging out with Clint Eastwood’s wax figure. Photo credit: Explore Branson

Hollywood Wax Museum

This museum provides a great backdrop for photos with figures who look remarkably like famous people.

Inside the museum, the Castle of Chaos is fun for ages 4 and up, Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors will help you find your best side, and Shoot for the Stars mini-golf will bring out your competitive spirit.

branson things to do - Branson Coaster (women laughing on roller coaster)
Fun on a sled at Branson Coaster. Photo credit: Explore Branson

Branson Coaster

Branson’s Alpine mountain coaster is a thrill ride where you can have two in one sled, such as an adult and a child, or choose to go solo as you careen through the forest, somewhat in control of your own speed.

branson things to do - Fritz's Adventure (boy about to climb)
About to climb at Fritz’s Adventure. Photo credit: Explore Branson

Fritz’s Adventure

This indoor adventure park offers a ropes course, a climbing wall, and scavenger hunt, and much more. In fact, 19 of the areas are specifically geared to young children, while others have a height requirement of at least 48 inches.

Go Kart Fun Park

The Track Family Fun Parks offer go-karts, arcade games, laser tag, bumper cars and more depending on which of the tracks you visit.

Check the website to find the one that has activities your group will most enjoy.

Traveling Mom tip: Fuel Fresh American Grill at Track 4 has great kid-friendly food. The burgers are exceptional.

More Ways to Have Fun in Branson

Other possibilities for fun and entertainment include:

  • Dinner and live entertainment at Dolly Parton’s Stampede
  • The Shepherd of the Hills outdoor drama and Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery
  • Outdoor activities such as biking and hiking at Table Rock State Park and Lake Taneycomo
  • Hitting the links at a golf course
  • Exploring Marvel Cave and Talking Rocks Cavern,
  • Checking out Ripley’s Believe It or Not
  • Window-shopping and sightseeing in downtown Branson
  • Cooling off at one of Branson’s seven water parks
  • Playing hard at Bigfoot Fun Park on Highway 76
  • Hiking a nature trail to the spectacular waterfalls
  • Kayaking the white water rivers and streams
  • Determining what‘s inside the Wonderworks Upside Down Museum
  • Delving into history at the Veterans Memorial Museum.

Shopping and many restaurant options are also available at Branson Landing, which is in itself a notable Branson attraction.

branson things to do - Fall Creek Steak & Seafood (teen grandkids eating rolls)
Teen grandkids digging into the rolls they just caught at Fall Creek Steak & Seafood House. Photo credit – Connie Pearson

Family-Friendly Branson Restaurants

If you want someone else to do the cooking, Branson has plenty of great restaurants that cater to families. My grandchildren especially liked catching (and devouring) rolls at Fall Creek Steak & Catfish House, also known as the “home of the tossed rolls.” Every 10 minutes or so, a server comes out with a large bowl of rolls, hot out of the oven. Patrons raise their hands to get the server’s attention and prepare to catch their delicious prizes.

At Grandma’s Café on West 76 Country Boulevard, pancakes are the size of dinner plates. On Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, Grandma’s is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., but on the remaining four days, the restaurant closes at 3 p.m.

entrance to billy gail's cafe in branson, mo
Be prepared to wait outside Billy Gail’s for breakfast…but it’s worth it! Photo credit: Cathy Bennett Kopf

Billy Gail’s Cafe was Heidi’s family’s go-to restaurant while in Branson. Her kids begged to go back each morning and she was happy to oblige. The portions are humongous—the pancakes are so huge they don’t fit on your plate—and the coffee is flowing. There’s almost always a wait, but it’s worth it. The restaurant is only open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where to Stay in Branson

Accommodation options in Branson range from resorts to standard hotel rooms to cabins, condos, B & Bs, and vacation homes. Whatever the size and the preferences of your family, Branson has what you need, but be sure to make your reservations as early as possible for the best selection.

My husband and I visited Branson with two teenage grandchildren. It was great to find a condo that had enough bedrooms and bathrooms to give all of us space and privacy. I can enthusiastically recommend Pointe Royale Resort. You can book accommodations and rentals through the website or by going to Airbnb.com or Vrbo.com.

Feeding hungry kids is also a primary consideration. By booking a condo, cabin, or house, you can bring groceries from home or buy them in Branson, eat without having to dress up and save some money in the process.

My grandchildren and I only had three days in Branson but could have easily been happily entertained for a week or more. I highly recommend this city for a wonderful family vacation.

Use this interactive map to help you find a place to stay in the area.

Booking.com

Filed Under: Midwest Vacation Ideas, Traveling Grandparents Tagged With: Missouri, teens, tweens

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