Family Travel Forum: All you need to know before you go

Branson, Missouri See & Do
by Sandy Ng

Prepare to be blown away with what Branson, Missouri has to offer families -- in addition to its famous music shows.

Branson, Missouri isn’t just for the older folks, or the Country Western music lovers. It’s a great family vacation destination. For more general information, visit these tourism office websites: www.bransontourismcenter.com, www.downtownbranson.org/, and www.explorebranson.com/.

Great Fun for the Kids

(Toddlers to Age 10)

National Kids Festival
Silver Dollar City Theme Park
399 Indian Point Road,
Branson, MO 65616
800/475-9370
Calling all Kids! From early June to mid-August each year, it's National Kids Festival at Silver Dollar City Theme Park. This is one of the largest child-focused festivals in America, and it’s a summer full of adventure. Experience the Giant Swing that will send you soaring at 45mph and seven stories into the sky. Take a break from the summer heat by seeing the Circus on Ice show. The kids will be entertained by funny clowns and playful animals. Kids can satisfy their sweet tooth by participating in the Banana- Split Eating Contest.

Kirby VanBurch Show
2353 St Hwy 248
Branson, MO 65616
417/337-7140
Award-winning magician Kirby VanBurch is the “Prince of Magic.” In Branson he has been awarded with the distinction of being the #1 Show of the Year and Best Family Show, which has won over visitors, especially families. The Kirby VanBurch Show promises never-before-seen illusions; past illusions have included “The Secret of the Pharaohs," "Levitation on Water," and "The Unbelievable Appearing Helicopter.” Watch Kirby and his wife Bambi make a helicopter appear right before your eyes. Kirby VanBurch also presents live animals including his rare Royal White Bengal Tiger named Branson.

Amazing Pets Show
1945 W. Hwy. 76
Branson MO 65616
888/514-1088
The Amazing Pets Show is great for kids and pet lovers. The show features new acts and tricks from skilled dogs and trained house cats. Ringleader Sean Paul and his sidekick monkey Frankie have pulled together an event full of ‘furry’ acts that will capture the heart of the audiences. Other animals include birds, and several surprises. Ask about the Family Pass for great savings.

 The Track Family Fun Parks
3388 Green Mountain Dr.
Branson, MO 65616
417/ 334-1612
This park features big fun for the little ones. Go-Karts are one of the more popular attractions in which the tracks are arranged by different age levels, and each go-kart is double-seated so you and your child can experience the excitement right next to each other. Kids Kountry is the reason why this is a true family fun park. This ‘mini’ park offers a variety of amusement rides for kids ages 2 and up. Other attractions include bumper boats, mini golf, an IMAX theatre and the new Skycoaster. Ask about the "Go Card" and special packages.

Fun for Older Children

(Up to Age 18)

Silver Dollar City Theme Park:
399 Indian Point Road
Branson, MO 65616
800/475-9370
Silver Dollar Theme Park is one of the most popular family vacation destinations. This park is one-of-a-kind in the country, and attractions ranging from the presentation of over 100 crafts, thrill rides, family attractions, festivals, and more. There’s always a major festival going on between the months of April and December, such as World Fest (America's largest international festival) and The Southern Gospel Picnic. Every visitor must experience at least one of the 30 fun-filled rides. The Powder Keg will send riders into thrill zone, going from 0 to 53mph in just 2.8 seconds. If the Powder Keg isn’t intense enough, try Wildfire which sends riders flying at 66mph. After all the thrilling excitement stop by the many restaurants and shops for a unique style of country and home-style cooking.

Marvel Cave
399 Indian Point Road
Branson, MO 65616
800/475-9370
Silver Dollar City Theme Park evolved around the entrance of Missouri’s deepest cave, Marvel Cave, a tour of which is always included with your Silver Dollar City ticket. You will travel 300 feet below the surface to the Cathedral Room entrance, and discover formations that are still alive and growing. The tour will last for about an hour and as it requires a lot of stair climbing, it is not recommended for visitors with little kids, heart or lung conditions or weak backs, knees and ankles.

Celebration City Theme Park
1383 State Hwy. 376
Branson, MO 65616
800/475-9370
 Sister of Silver Dollar City, Celebration City is the biggest nighttime family fun attraction. Along with the fun thrill rides such as the Stinger and the new Roaring Falls, there are a variety of shows and much to do here. The Celebration Streets are filled with unique shops and stores so there’s a little something for everyone in the family. For the kids, there’s a LEGO store and for the whole family, visit Dr. Smiley’s Candy to satisfy that sweet tooth. When hunger calls, fuel up by going to the many restaurants for an All-American meal from burgers to pizza to a refreshing milkshake. This is a perfect way for families to gather around the table to re-energize. Finish the evening off with the spectacular Ignite the Night Show. It’s the ultimate party with fireworks, colorful lasers, music and water illusions. What better way to watch fireworks than with the people you love? Ask about the "Family Meal Deal." The park is open 3pm-10pm.

Talking Rocks
423 Fairy Cave Lane
Reeds Spring, MO 65737
417/272-3366 or 800/600-CAVE
Get ready for a family adventure at the Talking Rock Cavern. Take the 45-minute tour and experience the beautiful underground wonderland. As you explore the cave, discover thousands of beautiful living crystal cave formations of many kinds of colors and textures growing closely together. In addition to the tour, there are other activities both under and above ground such as the Speleo Box Maze. This is a perfect activity for the kids, in which the little ones are able to step into the shoes of cavers as they crawl 150 feet of winding and twisting passage ways to experience and practice safe caving through techniques. 

Fun for the Whole Family

Dixie Stampede
1525 West Highway 76
Branson, MO 65616
800/520-5544
Enjoy a fun-filled family dinner and show at the Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede. Visitors and locals of Branson, Missouri agree that it’s an extravaganza that everyone should experience. Each ticket includes the special opening act, the main show, and a four-course dinner with dessert. Imagine eating delicious Hickory Smoked Barbecued Pork Loin while enjoying live entertainment. Thirty-two magnificent horses, hilarious ostrich races and live buffalo are the stars of the show. Please take precaution because live shows do involve live animals, dramatic sounds and lighting.

Shoji Tabuchi Family Show
3260 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway
Branson, MO 65616
417/334-7469
The Tabuchi family sings, dances, and plays different instruments on stage and bringing true family entertainment to Branson, Missouri. Shoji, his wife Dorothy, and daughter Christina each has a unique talent to bring to the stage, and will capture the hearts of fans of all ages. This performance includes ballads from the 50’s and 60’s and professional choreography. All shows are performed at the Shoji Tabuchi Theater.

Legends in Concert
3216 West Highway 76
Branson, MO 65616
417/339-3003 or 800/374-SHOW
This show features performers impersonating famous acts such as The Blues Brothers, Britney Spears, Stevie Wonder, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and many more. This original celebrity impersonator show is known as the world’s greatest live tribute show.

Table Rock Lake
5272 State Highway 165
Branson, MO 65616
417/ 334-4704
Table Rock, one of the largest lakes in the state, is located about 6 miles southwest of Branson, Missouri. It is great for rafting, canoeing, jet skiing, and many other water activities, so families can enjoy a cool day by the water. Boat and equipment rentals are available. Table Lake is nationally known as a top bass fishing lake. Many national and regional fishing tournaments are held here throughout the year. Please Note: Areas of the park are temporarily closed due to flood damage.




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