Things to Do in Branson MO

Rain or shine, there are so many things to do in Branson, Missouri. As a part-time resident and lifelong visitor, I’m sharing the best things Branson attractions for all ages, free things to do in Branson with kids, and tips to make your visit effortless!

We spend a lot of our time at our modern lake house nestled on Table Rock Lake near Branson, Missouri. Branson is a family friendly destination filled to the brim with things to do for a day, week or month all year!

50+ Things to Do in Branson Missouri

Branson boasts a wide array of shows, indoor and outdoor activities, attractions, trails, water recreation and one-of-a-kind experiences. There is something for everyone, every season, and weather.

See Fish

Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery (free) – See the fish ladder and trout pens that raise 400,000 pounds of rainbow and brown trout each year! Inside the education center you’ll find a lot of reptiles, too. Bring quarters to feed the fish.

Aquarium at the Boardwalk – See the sea rays, walk through the water tunnel, enjoy the touch tanks and more! This newer Branson attraction cost a whopping $55 million to build! The exterior of the building is a piece of art.

See Animals Reptiles and Insects

Tiger Sanctuary – Tour and feed big cats or go behind the scenes to learn about their care. They rescue and release animals into wildlife as well.

Promised Land Zoo – Walk through a petting zoo and feed parakeets, donkeys and goats. The zoo boasts over 60 acres of animals, including a tiger and lion rescue. Walk through to see sloths, giraffes, a capybara and more, then take a tram or drive through the 60+ acre park to see bison, elk, and zebras. Don’t miss the ostrich and emu eggs in the incubator at the gift shop as you exit. In November and December, return to enjoy Christmas lights in Branson.

Wild World – Pet a stingray, play with lemurs, feed sharks and otters at this interactive aquarium and zoo.

The Butterfly Palace and Rainforest – The Butterfly Palace provides a uniquely different and enhanced experience from most aviaries. They offer adorable hats, magnifying glasses and binoculars, which makes it feel even more adventurous for small children. Stroll through while listening to the harp and get close up views with complimentary nectar flowers located at the entrance to attract butterflies. The aviary is home to over 1,000 butterflies and 40+ species! Recently hatched butterflies are released throughout the day. Climb through the rainforest, visit the mirror maze and see an array of reptiles in the science center.

Enjoy Rides

Runaway Mountain Coaster or Copperhead Mountain Coaster – If you’re here for the rides, you won’t be disappointed by this roller coaster experience! Both of these coasters wind through the woods and YOU control the speed!

Silver Dollar City – You’ll love this clean, family-friendly amusement park built to provide activities while guests waited to enter Marvel Cave. it’s filled with rides the entire family can enjoy along with glass blowing, blacksmith, and woodcarving demonstrations to name a few. Don’t miss Grandfather’s Mansion.

There is so much to explore including 2 all-ages areas and a few “all ride” rides! Return for the holidays because you don’t want to miss Silver Dollar City Christmas. Bypass the traffic on your way there and stop at the Old Fashioned Dough Company for amazing cinnamon rolls or Donnie’s Diner for a traditional breakfast and friendly smiles every time! 

Ferris Wheel – of the many can’t-miss attractions on Highway 76 lies the ferris wheel, relocated from the Navy Pier in Chicago. It lights up at night and is especially fun to see during the holidays. It is a slow, sight-seeing ride.

Branson Scenic Railway – The classic train departs at the historic depot nestled in downtown Branson and takes you through the Ozark Mountains. During the holidays is transforms into the Polar Express where you enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, a visit from Santa and a ride through a Christmas light park!

Helicopter Tour – One of my favorite childhood memories was taking a helicopter ride overlooking Branson and Table Rock Lake, which you can still do today! There’s no better way to see the Branson strip, lake and the beauty of the Ozarks.

Bear Creek Trails – Take a one hour guided horseback ride by a waterfall.

Pink Jeep Tours – Take a rugged ride through the terrain and enjoy beautiful views of Table Rock Lake in a pink Jeep!

Branson Attractions

As a lifelong visitor and part-time resident, I still have not had the opportunity to see and do them all. This list is compiled with some of our favorites and some we still hope to explore!

Wonderworks – An all ages, “upside down” amusement park filled with science, technology, math and engineering fun, rides, activities and more! It’s your chance to relive the movie “Big” and dance on the piano, test the strength of your mind, body, play in bubbles, ride the Wonder Coaster, experience a hurricane and so much more! We have visited several times with kids and teens and it’s always a hit! Wear close toed shoes for the 360 ride.

Dicks 5 & 10 – Dick’s 5 and dime is a favorite of kids and adults alike and a staple in downtown Branson. The store is filled with TikTok trends teens and tweens go crazy over, nostalgic toys, old fashioned candy, crafts, collectibles, books, amazing games, pranks, quirky laughs, sodas, licensed favorites, cooking gadgets, hardware and so much more! You’ll find everything you never knew you wanted, all under one roof.

Adventure Seekers formerly Beyond the Lens – This interactive attraction was a pleasant surprise that entertained us for hours. They have a Flyride, classic and Gen X games, lots of fun photo ops, and exhibits. Have your photo taken by paparazzi, dance through the decades, walk through a kaleidoscope and much, much more! You’ll have a ball!

Immersive Disney Animation is an interactive light and sound show that is getting great reviews – if you love Disney movies you’ll love this one!

Hollywood Wax Museum – See the Hollywood sign, Mount Rushmore (updated version) and King Kong all in one stop! There are several outdoor photo opportunities that are worth the stop! Step inside for even more celebrity fun.

Just across the street, you can stand beneath a gigantic meatball at Pasghetti’s. Stick a fork in me, I’m done!

Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors – This is interactive fairytale experience with hallways full of mirrors and a chance to see who can be the hero next to the Wax Museum.

Bigfoot Fun Park – this is a newer Branson attraction filled with so much to do! You’ll find an arcade, mini golf, rides, and of course the main attraction, which is a Bigfoot Discovery Expedition! It’s a cool, fully immersive safari style adventure through the Ozark Hills for the whole family.

Fun Mountain – Fun Mountain is an indoor / outdoor activity at Big Cedar and offers a unique bowling experience, arcade, playground (free), laser tag and golf simulators indoors. Outdoors you’ll find sloooooow go karts and an incredible ropes course over a few gators, with a zipline!

Branson Landing – Visit the fountains at Branson Landing (free) for a water, fire, light and music show that starts on the hour from noon to 10pm daily (9 on Sundays). Find a spot in the plaza or grab a drink on the patio at Cantina Laredo to enjoy. Branson Landing has a variety of stores including Bass Pro, restaurants and activities. Bring quarters to feed the fish as you walk along Taneycomo.

Adventurous Activities

Wolfe Mountain Snowflex – Throw on some close toed shoes and hop on a tube! Hit the slick slopes, without enduring cold snow and enjoy year round fun! The slick surface is Enjoy year round “snow” tubing without the cold!

Fritz’s Adventure – An indoor adventure park perfect for rainy days. Climb through tunnels, a plane, up to high flying slides and up a brick wall! They offer three indoor rope courses – one for children, one for adults and a treetops course for those who really want to fly high.

Ziplining

Zipline USA – We are fortunate to have so many amazing zip-lining experiences in the area. We have tried them all and it’s clear – Zipline USA takes you to new heights! It is far and away the best Branson zipline thanks to it’s remote location, breathtaking views, vast landscapes, and some of the highest and longest runs in the United States! They are committed to safety, maintain an intimate group size and have a seamless check-in, gear and transfer process with experienced guides.

Ozark Explorer at Wolfe Mountain – Choose between 4 and 7 runs at this canopy tour with 10 sky bridges.

Adventure Ziplines – This roadside alternative at Shepherd of the Hills is short and sweet. Ticket purchase, registration, check-in and gear is a little clunky, but the location is quick and convenient to squeeze into your trip. The runs and views are a little underwhelming, but it is an easy introduction for newbies.

Vigilante Extreme ZipRider – Take a seat and leap off of the Shepherd of the Hills tower! This experience is ticketed in 10 minute increments and is only available when winds are minimal. It’s an exhilarating ride that takes you over an equestrian area and ends with a soft landing. The ticketing and check-in experience is clunky, but worth it.

Parakeet Petes Zipline – No experience required! This two-seated experience zips you across the lake up to the cliff and back – twice! We have done this over and over again and still enjoy it!

Ropes Courses

• Fritz’s
• Fun Mountain
• Shepherd of the Hills

Water Parks

White Water – This childhood favorite is a local outdoor waterpark with a wave pool, water slides, lazy river, family rides and so much more! Go for a few hours or for a full day of fun in the sun!

Splash Country – An indoor / outdoor water park with a lazy river, huge slides, toddler pool and more! This is the perfect place to make a splash rain or shine, even in winter time!

Still Waters – Still Waters has an outdoor water park with slides available to overnight guests.

Miniature Golf

Branson is loaded with miniature golf courses to test your skills. Choose your theme or try them all!

Outdoor Mini Golf

• Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf
• Lost Treasure Golf
• Greatest Adventures Miniature Golf
• Dinosaur Canyon
• Shoot for the Stars
• Brookside
• BigFoot Fun Park
• Grand Country

Indoor Mini Golf

• Coral Reef
• Grand Country
• World of Wizards

Indoor Golf Simulator

• The Social Birdy
• Stix Lounge nearby Kimberling City

Pickleball

• The Social Birdy

Go Karts

• Xtreme Racing
• The Track
• Fun Mountain
• Grand Country Resort 

Bumper Boats

• Bumper Boat Amusement Center
• The Track

Bumper Cars 

• Fun Mountain (Flip Zone – upside down, Spin Zone – spin)
• The Track
• Grand Country
• Bumper Boat Amusement Center

Arcades

• 1984 Arcade at Branson Meadows
• Andy B’s Bowl Social
• Arcade City at Branson Landing
• Bigfoot Arcade
• Fun Mountain
• Grand Country
• Pizza Ranch Fun Zone Arcade
• Track Arcades (Tracks 3, 4, 5)

The Social Birdy –

See a Show

There are so many shows in Branson MO and they’re constantly changing. 

• Acrobats of Shanghai – A truly amazing show filled with incredible stunts (and really slow music). The kids absolutely loved this show.
• Dolly Parton’s Stampede – Purchase tickets in advance for this popular show that includes a pre-show and dinner you eat with your hands! Come early to see the horses.
• Sight and Sound Theatre – This popular show brings the bible to life with theatrics and live animals.

Branson Museums

Toy Museum – Revisit your childhood favorites and a million others!

Dinosaur Museum – We haven’t visited, but I imagine this museum makes some little kids very happy.

Celebrity Car Museum – See an ever changing array of cars from movies and TV shows including the Fast and the Furious, Back to the Future, Cars and more.

Branson Auto and Farm Museum – Over 90,000 square feet of classic cars and farm equipment.

Titanic Museum – You only thought the Titanic was 12,600 below sea level. It’s actually located in Branson, Missouri. Step inside the sunken ship to see what went down. View artifacts, step onto the replica stairway, touch an iceberg, shovel coal and so much more. This attraction is interesting for kids, teens and adults.

Ripley’s Believe it or Not – Ripley’s is known for it’s oddities and intriguing activities. Perfect for a cold or rainy day.

Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum – This museum is a must for history buffs! It’s thoughtfully curated and beautifully decorated. This expansive museum is filled with prehistoric creatures, civil war relics, Native American artifacts and rich in midwest history.

Branson Area Caves

Talking Rocks is a beautiful walking cave tour that utilizes light and sound to show off the curtain formations. Once outside of the cave kids can enjoy a fun play area complete with a playground, observation tower, maze, gemstone panning and more.

Marvel Cave – this National Landmark is really fascinating to see, however, it requires entry into Silver Dollar City. It was Branson’s first attraction bringing tourists from all over. Take a walk down and ride the tram back up for a unique experience.

Wineries

Lindwedel – Local, family owned winery with wine flights and snacks. They offer juice for children.

Ozark Hills – Wine and whiskey tastings and flights accompanied with charcuterie. Juice is offered for children and those who do not wish to partake and beer and whiskey is served by the glass as well.

St. James – Wine tastings, full bar, and a limited menu including brick oven pizza, charcuterie and salads.

Curling Vine Winery – Wine and juice tastings.

Things to Do on Table Rock Lake

Branson is home to two lakes – Taneycomo (activities easily accessible at Branson Landing) and Table Rock! Enhance your Branson trip with a visit.

Moonshine Beach free – Kick back on a hot summer day and let the kids play in the sand and swim at the beach on Table Rock Lake.

Dewey Short Visitor Center free – Take a break on a cold or rainy day and enjoy the view and activities at the visitor center. Build a dam, read a book or enjoy one of the interactive activities while learning about the hydroelectric dam. You can visit the Dewey Short Visitor Center and get a close up view of Table Rock Dam by car or boat! It’s connected to several trails that are perfect for an easy walk or bike ride!

Table Rock Lakeshore Trail – Enjoy an easy, shaded 2.2 mile stroll between the Visitor’s Center along the lake and see the Branson Showboat. The trail concludes at State Park Marina.

Table Rock Lake Dam – Just across from the Dewey Short Visitor’s Center, you can catch a glimpse of water being released from the lake. Check to see if there is a spillway release before you go.

Feed the Fish – Step out over the water to feed carp, blue gill, minnows and turtles at State Park Marina. Food can be purchased inside for just $1.

Rent a Boat, Wave Runner, Kayak, or Paddle Boat – Rentals are available at State Park and Indian Point Marina.

Spirit of America – Cool off and onto one of the catamaran’s daily cruises with inflatable swim toys like a trampoline and obstacle course.

The Showboat – Take a cruise on the lake and enjoy the Main Show, Sunset Cruise, Summer Fireworks Cruise seasonal or pancakes and pajamas for Christmas.

Table Rock Lake Restaurants – Enjoy a bite to eat on the water or with a view.

Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock is located in nearby Ridgedale. An entry fee applies in addition to dining and activities.

Lost Canyon Trail and Cave Golf Cart Tour – Take in scenic views of the Ozarks and see table rock, man-made waterfalls that flow over winding paths that lead into a cave. Bring your ID and credit card for a stop at the Bat Bar before you continue your drive on Amish built bridges that take you to a breathtaking view of Table Rock Lake.

Sunset Ceremony – Each evening at Top of the Rock a sunset ceremony takes place with bagpipes to celebrate the end of another beautiful day (during daylight savings). Book a table on the patio at Osage or enjoy at the Buffalo Bar, walk through the wine cave to the patio overlooking the “End of the Trail” statue or on the lawn near the chapel (very limited space due to construction). When the bagpipes conclude, a civil war canon fires.

Museum – See details under museums above. Plan to peruse for a minimum of 2 hours.

Par 3 Golf – This short course overlooking the lake was host to the Legends golf tournament. It is currently open while being expanded.

Day at the Spa

Looking to relax? Take a little reprieve at the spa.

• Chateau on the Lake
• Big Cedar

And just a short drive from Branson, you’ll find Dogwood Canyon! You can go behind the scenes to see all it has to offer in our YouTube video!

Where to Eat in Branson

Some of our favorite local Branson Missouri restaurants are:

• Mr. G’s Pizza – Chicago style deep dish pizza in a quaint family friendly pub style restaurant in downtown Branson. The salads, sandwiches and toasted raviolis are all delish, too!
• Little Hacienda – Amazing Mexican for brunch, lunch and dinner.
• Danna’s BBQ – Brisket, burgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs, nachos and all of your favorite sides.
• Old Fashioned Dough Co – Tucked in Branson West just past Silver Dollar City you’ll find rolls as high as the coasters you are about to ride! Say hi for me!
• Laketime Bistro – In nearby Kimberling City, it’s my go to for appetizers, salads, seafood and steaks.
• Cantina Laredo – This chain offers great tex mex and serves incredible views of Taneycomo and The Landing Fountain show.
• Top of the Rock – Visit Osage or the Buffalo Bar for a memorable sunset ceremony, beautiful views, and upscale dining.

Branson at Christmas

For one of the most special celebrations you can imagine, come to Branson at Christmas time! There’s so much to see and do, for every age and stage of life. They really know how to do it right around here!

• As I’ve already shared, Silver Dollar City Christmas is unforgettable!
• Ride the Polar Express Train to see beautiful Christmas lights and get a visit from Santa himself!
• Holiday Light Tour on a tram at Big Cedar.
• Big Cedar Lodge ice skating
• Pancakes and Pajamas with Santa on the Branson Belle

Frequently Asked Questions