Branson, MO with the Kids – Seven Attractions for Youngsters

Keeping kids entertained while vacationing is a challenge. But there’s no need for guesswork here. Find out the best things to do in Branson with kids for your next adventure.

Branson, MO, is the live show capital of the world. But you don’t necessarily need to take in a show to vacation there.

Nestled in the middle of the Ozarks, this little town is replete with natural beauty. And when you pair the scenic views with the South’s famous hospitality, what more can you ask for in a family vacation?

Discover what makes Missouri’s Branson the go-to destination for millions of visitors each year.

1. Silver Dollar City

If you’re heading to Branson for the first time, you need to put Silver Dollar City on your itinerary. It’s one of the largest tourist areas in Branson – with rides, shops, and restaurants galore.

And best of all?

It’s all centered around an 1880s theme!

Thrill-seekers will love the Time Traveler, a spinning roller coaster on one of the world’s fastest and steepest tracks. Or for a truly unique experience, how about a ride on the wooden roller coaster that made history? The 2015 Guinness World Records noted it as having the steepest drop, after all.

If you have younger children, don’t miss the Silver Dollar Line Steam Train or take in one of the 100 craftsmen demonstrations throughout the park.

2. Wonderworks

Are you looking for something a little different than your run-of-the-mill theme park experience?

Wonderworks is one of those Branson attractions you have to see to believe.

Venture into Professor Wonder and his upside-down WonderWorks Laboratory. And get ready for a hands-on experience that sparks the imagination and tickles the brain.

The 48,000 sq.ft “edu-tainment” park is home to over 100 interactive exhibits. From the Hurricane Shack to DIG-IT, an interactive sandbox that lets you create the landscape, it’s time to explore the world around you.

3. Promised Land Zoo

You can go to a zoo in most parts of the world. But how often do you get a personalized experience with your visit?

That’s what sets the Promised Land Zoo miles apart from the rest. And it’s why it’s so popular when visiting Branson, MO with kids.

The zoo hosts over 50 exotic species from around the world. It also has 75 acres of walking and driving trails that allow you to get up-close and personal with the animals.

Interact with flying birds or help bottle-feed one of the many exotic animals in the zoo’s care, like zebras and camels. If you’ve always wanted a personal meeting with a sloth or to practice your falconry skills with an owl, this is the place to do it.

You can also upgrade your general admission ticket to the VIP package. It’s because VIP visitors get one-on-one time with their favorite animals in the VIP lounge and an educational tour of the zoo.

Your little animal lovers will love it!

4. Shipwrecked Treasure Museum

Do your children love pirates?

Are they playing The Pirates of the Caribbean non-stop at home?

If they love the idea of looking at priceless treasures and pirate booty, make room on your itinerary for this museum. Here you can check out some real-life artifacts recovered from ships that sailed the Seven Seas at the Shipwrecked Treasure Museum.

Don’t worry about looking at more boring exhibits behind glass cases, though.

This museum specializes in pirate lore and their fates throughout history. Learn about some of your favorite pirates and discover new ones at this special attraction.

You can even test your knot-tying skills or try your hand at recovering coins from the ocean floor at the museum’s interactive exhibits.

This Branson favorite fills up fast, though, so try to order your tickets online in advance.

5. Beyond the Lens!

Beyond the Lens! is another Branson theme park that’s not your average attraction. The entertainment is technology-based, with what the park calls “Techno-Tainment.”

Hop into a new bumper car experience with Flip Zone where your “car” flips a full 360-degrees. Then, jump into the Alien Egg Pit with thousands of translucent eggs and play in this surreal ball pit. Or play Augmented Reality Games using your phone and the park’s special app.

You can even walk the Red Carpet or Search for Bigfoot. Both interactive experiences are well-worth the price of admission.

Just don’t forget to bring your camera… 

You never know what you’ll see when you enter Beyond the Lens!

6. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

If you’re looking for some quick fun for the family, head on down to a self-guided tour at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Ripley’s has an ever-changing collection of artifacts, interactive exhibits, and illusions. You never know what you’ll find on the day of your visit.

Will it be a collection of shrunken heads?

Maybe you’ll get to see an authentic vampire killing kit?

The possibilities are endless because Ripley’s has over 450 unique exhibits that rotate regularly.

Are the oddities that you see too impossible to believe? Only you can decide if you believe it or not.

7. Bigfoot Discovery Expedition at Bigfoot Fun Park

“Quirky” doesn’t even begin to describe the attractions in Branson, MO for families.

So if you’re looking for something outside of the average vacation experience, why not look for Bigfoot?

That’s right, Bigfoot!

Jump right on in and join the Bigfoot Research Team on their search for the famous Bigfoot that’s hosted by the Bigfoot Fun Park. Head out into the Ozarks wilderness and search for this legendary cryptid in a custom safari vehicle. 

But get ready for some twists, turns, and quite a few bumps.

Along the way, you’ll learn about some unique points of interest and take in some incredible sights of the Ozark Mountain.

Did the Native Americans in the region have their own Bigfoot lore?

You’ll get to discover it firsthand on a limestone bluff bearing hieroglyphics that tell the story.

This off-roading experience also includes an interactive storyline and original music. And it all ends with a surprise ending that’s sure to make your vacation unforgettable.

Turn Your Vacation Into an Edu-Cation at Branson

Who says that learning can’t be fun at the same time?

From baby-feeding exotic animals to riding the fastest roller coasters around, you can find it all in Branson, Missouri.

Don’t forget to end your adventure-filled day with a dinner and a show… Branson-style!

Dolly Parton’s Stampede Show and Dinner is an equine extravaganza that you don’t want to miss. But it can get busy during peak seasons, so try to buy your tickets or make your reservations ahead of time.