A popular travel destination and a beloved home to approximately 11,000 residents, Branson offers a seemingly endless array of entertaining activities for people of all ages (source). Known as the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World” and containing some of the best schools in the state, it is no wonder that both tourists and relocating families think of this Missouri city as a treasure.
Fun and Fascinating Things to Do in Branson, Missouri
From theme parks and museums to theaters and nature trails, there’s never a boring moment in Branson if you step outside. While this list is by no means a full representation of all the things to do in Branson, it includes some of our favorite activities.
Hughes Brothers Theatre
With more than 50 theater venues in Branson, it’s tough to pick just one to add to our “Things to Do in Branson” list – all are great for their own reasons. But when we narrowed our choices, we couldn’t help but choose the theater that’s home to the world’s largest performing family: the Hughes Brothers Theatre. Originally opened by country music legend Roy Clark in 1983, the Hughes brothers took over the theater in January of 2000. Since moving from Utah to start this new adventure, the performing family has grown to five brothers, five wives, and 36 children between them (source).
Whether you’re hoping see the family’s world-famous “It” performance or a special holiday show, the 50+ musicians, singers, and dancers on stage will surely leave you feeling like you’ve just watched Branson’s best entertainment experience (source).
Address: 3425 W 76 Country Blvd., Branson, Missouri, 65616
College of the Ozarks
If you’re on a tight budget, the College of the Ozarks is a perfect place to spend a day with your family. It’s not just for students – we promise! The pristine and picturesque campus is covered with beautiful landscaping and plenty of walking paths to explore. Within the campus, you’ll find:
- The Missouri Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- The Keeter Center (a fantastic restaurant)
- Williams Memorial Chapel
- The Ralph Foster Museum
- Fruitcake and Jelly Kitchen
- Edwards Mill
- The C of O Greenhouses
- Lake Honor
- Point Lookout View of the Ozarks
- Gaetz Tractor Museum
- And much more!
Address: 1 Opportunity Ave. Point Lookout, Branson, Missouri, 65726
Branson’s Promised Land Zoo
Family owned and operated, Branson’s top-rated animal attraction includes everything from live animal shows and a foot safari to a parakeet paradise and an exhibit where you can bottle-feed baby animals. What’s more, Branson’s Promised Land Zoo has recently become a Feline Conservation Federation accredited facility. Not only is it proud to be one of the few zoos in the nation with this distinction, but it has also received Trip Advisor’s “Certificate of Excellence” and “Travelers’ Choice Award” (source).
Address: 2751 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Branson, Missouri, 65616
Silver Dollar City
What would a “Things to Do in Branson” list be without the city’s famous theme park? In fact, according to Fodor’s Travel, Silver Dollar City is one of America’s “Ten Best Amusement Parks” (source). This 1880s-themed park features more than 40 rides and attractions as well as live shows and concerts. Plus, there is a plethora of restaurants and shops showcasing tasty food and high-quality goods made by talented craftsmen. And during the holidays, Silver Dollar City becomes a special spectacle with more than five million lights during the Old Time Christmas festival.
Address: 399 Silver Dollar City Parkway, Branson, Missouri, 65616
Showboat Branson Belle
After spending a day at Silver Dollar City, there’s nothing better than relaxing on a dinner cruise. After all, who wants to worry about cooking dinner after a thrilling day wandering around an amusement park? With the “Cruise & Play” combo package offered by the park, you can easily – and cheaply – book both attractions. The two-hour cruise aboard the Showboat Branson Belle includes a three-course feast and a variety of entertainment.
Address: 4800 Highway 165, Branson, Missouri, 65616
Table Rock Lake
If enjoy fishing, cast your reel no further than beautiful Table Rock Lake. With more than 800 miles of shoreline, you can partake in just about any water activity you like, from sailing and waterskiing to scuba diving and parasailing. Although there are more than 100 resorts adjacent to the lake, there are also plenty of spots – 1,200, in fact – to pitch a tent and camp with your family for the weekend.
White Water
If jumping into a lake for some fun in the sun isn’t your thing, perhaps you should try visiting White Water with your family or friends. Branson’s only water park features two million gallons of super-soaking fun and 13 acres of riveting and relaxing water rides and attractions (source). These include a wave pool, a lazy river, and a host of thrilling and speedy slides.
Address: 3505 West Highway 76, Branson, Missouri, 65616
Lost Canyon Nature Trail and Cave
For fans of nature and cave dwellers, the Lost Canyon Nature Trail and Cave has plenty of beautiful sights to discover. It opened just a few years ago, in July of 2014 (source). The journey to the “Top of the Rock” starts with a two-and-a-half mile ride in a cart that leads you into an awe-inspiring cave. The four-story cave is home to a cascading waterfall surrounded by viewing balconies on all four levels.
Address: 190 Top of the Rock Road Hollister, Missouri, 65672
Dixie Stampede
Legendary country singer Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, a lively dinner show, is one of the most entertaining dining experiences you can have in Branson. While feasting on some of the most delicious delights around, you’ll watch horses take part in trick riding and competitions, become mesmerized by the cool costumes, and get treated to a grand finale. We won’t spoil the surprise for you, but grand is an understatement.
Address: 1525 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, Missouri, 65616
A Smorgasbord of Museums
Branson is filled with fantastic museums that suit a variety of age groups and budgets. To help you decide which museums to visit, we’ve picked out our favorites:
