The 10 Best Things to Do in Branson, MO

Dubbed the Live Music Capital of the World, Branson is the go-to destination for many American families. Discover the attractions that keep people coming back for more.

While the music venues are the main highlight, there are many more things to do in Branson. 

You can enjoy shopping at the Entertainment District, ride the giant Ferris wheel, or have a fun family outing in a water park. And if you have in mind a more adventurous holiday, a visit to the Ozark Mountains is a must. 

Don’t know what to add to your itinerary? Here are the top 10 things to do in Branson, MO. 

#1 – Visit Marvel Cave and Silver Dollar City

The discovery of Marvel Cave led to the development of this area and Silver Dollar City. The cave itself is beautiful, though most of the fun actually happens aboveground. 

Silver Dollar City is a giant amusement park with a 19th-century theme and more than 40 attractions. The venue hosts major events and seven festivals every year. Of those, the most prominent is the Harvest Festival. 

Another memorable attraction is a reconstruction of an old mining town. People wearing costumes who are completely in character and specialized rides will take you back to a time when mining was booming in the region. 

#2 – Enjoy the Branson Landing

Off Lake Taneycomo, the landing is among the best places to shop, entertain, eat. There are more than 100 storefronts and a charming promenade that you can’t possibly miss. 

Its fountains shoot 120ft geysers and put on a show with music and pyrotechnics. There are also Crown Jewel displays that begin at noon and repeat every hour until 10 pm. 

#3 – Check out the Talking Rocks Cavern

If you’re interested in some subterranean entertainment, the Talking Rocks Cavern may just be the place for you. 

To get the most out of your visit, take the one-hour guided tour of the venue’s main attraction. You’ll venture deep into the cavern and traverse steep stairs to explore ancient sites that are already thousands of years old. 

The aboveground attractions, meanwhile, include nature trails, gemstone mining, and mini-golf.

Keep in mind that crawling and crouching are not allowed within the cavern, though the tour is suitable for most family members. 

#4 – Have Fun at the Entertainment District

When it comes to family things to do in Branson, MO, the Entertainment District is second to none. You can fly around the go-kart track, play thematic mini-golf, and more. 

Among the many amusement parks, the Track Family Fun Parks, Bigfoot on the Strip, and White Water come highly recommended. This is where you can ride the enormous Ferris wheel for a view of the entire district unlike any other. 

#5 – Go to the Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure

Also within the Entertainment District, the venue has a Rainforest Science Center where you can see many exotic critters. This place famously houses thousands of butterflies from all over the world. 

Butterfly releases are an especially popular attraction that you may not want to miss. The same goes for the Great Banyan Tree Adventure and Emerald Forest Mirror Maze. 

On top of it all, you can also learn more about the majestic creatures and rainforest preservation. 

#6 – Relax at the Table Rock State Park

The park located south of Branson and next to Table Rock Lake is an excellent place for a day spent in nature or a family camping trip. 

There are trails suitable for hiking, walking, and biking. Among them, the Table Rock Lake Shore Trail stands out. Additionally, the State Park Marina offers boat rentals so you can go paddling, too. 

For camping purposes, there are two campgrounds equipped with flushing toilets, showers, and electricity. And for a more premium experience, you can book a two-bedroom yurt that comes with all the modern amenities. 

#7 – Visit the Museums

If you’re looking for kid-friendly things to do in Branson, MO, why not visit the museums? 

They are all in the Entertainment District along Highway 76. The variety ranges from Hollywood-themed Mount Rushmore to a giant Titanic replica.

Particularly interesting are Ripley’s Believe It or Not Branson Odditorium and the Veterans Memorial Museum. The latter is a 10-hall tribute to the 20th-century combats of the U.S. Army. 

#8 – Ride the Branson Scenic Railway

This scenic ride sets off from a depot close to Branson downtown and takes you through breathtaking tunnels and the wild Ozarks. 

The passenger cars are beautifully restored and add to the overall feel of the ride. You might also catch some special events such as the Polar Express Train Ride. 

And if you go on a Sunday during the spring or summer months, you’ll be in luck since the ride also serves dinner. 

#9 – Watch a Musical Performance

The musical shows of Branson are unlike what you find in most other cities. 

You can probably tell from the names alone, as there are shows like Dolly Parton’s Stampede and Presleys’ Country Jubilee. For the stampede, get ready for some comedy and acrobatic horse riding along with the music. 

Other shows include variety acts and magic and acrobatic acts. Interestingly, there’s a religious theater too. 

#10 – Take a Zipline Tour

There’s hardly a better way to get your adrenaline pumping than swooshing down a zipline. Even better, you’ll get to appreciate the Ozarks from a whole other viewpoint. 

The zipline runs 70ft from the ground and you may get up to a speed of 50 mph. And if that’s not enough, try crossing one of the rope bridges far up in the air.

The Fun Never Stops in Branson

What are the best things to do in Branson? 

It’s hard to decide on just one or two attractions, seeing as the area has so much to offer. What you can do is select the most exciting things from the above and plot your Branson vacation right away.