Curator’s statement
Branson has become my family's go to place when we need a quick trip! We fell in love with the laid-back atmosphere the first time we went. We now visit Branson at least three times a year, as every season is unique there. We love the beautiful scenery as well as the many places to visit. We call it a kid's Las Vegas! From museums, hiking trails, Table Rock Lake and even Silver Dollar City (a huge theme park, complete with awesome roller coasters), there is something for everyone! Christmas time at Branson is also very unique and special as the whole city decorates and puts you in the holiday mood! You could visit Branson multiple times and never run out of things to do.
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Where to stay in Branson, Missouri
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Things to do in Branson, Missouri
Silver Dollar City - An amazing 1880s style theme park with award winning roller coasters, live shows and delicious food.
Showboat Branson Belle - Live entertainment aboard a paddle-wheeler boat on Table Rock Lake.
The Butterfly Palace - Experience over 1,000 live butterflies, so cool for the little ones.
Top of the Rock Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail at Big Cedar Lodge - Drive your own golf cart on a beautiful trail that has views of Table Rock Lake, waterfalls and caves - one of our favorite things to do!
Ripley's Believe It or Not - A fun tourist trap, but my kids loved it!
Titanic Museum - The Titanic comes to life as you board a replica of the ship complete with artifacts and items from the actual ship.
Aquarium at the Boardwalk - A new aquarium that we were pleasantly surprised with, and it even had fun photo ops.
Dixie Stampede- A dinner theater with an amazing show and your own four-course feast (have to eat with your hands!)
Fun Mountain at Big Cedar Lodge - A super large arcade complete with a restaurant and play structures inside.
Branson Landing - A lakeside mall with live shows and several stores and outdoor dining.
Retromania - An 80s themed museum, indoor putt, haunted house and arcade (such a hoot and a blast from the past!)
Branson's Wild World - Discover over 400 species of mammals, fish, reptiles, birds and more (there's even a lemur playground where you can play/hold them!)
Whitewater - 13 acres of water slides and pools at Branson's only outdoor water park
Places to eat & drink in Branson, Missouri
Gettin' Basted - Delicious BBQ with big portions at a decent price.
Pasghetti's - yummy Italian restaurant with a ferris wheel inside and a huge meatball play structure out front.
Mel's Hard Luck Diner - Singing waitresses and the best / biggest ice cream sundaes.
Outback Steak and Oyster Bar - The best seafood we've found, and they offer patio seating.
Ozark Mountain Pizza - A low-key family restaurant with delicious pizza.
Billy Gail's Cafe - The best breakfast in town (huge pancakes the size of your plate), but go early to avoid the lines.
Cakes-n-Creams 50's Diner - My kids loved the little arcade in this burger joint.
McFarlain's Restaurant - Located inside the IMAX, has yummy pies and typical Ozark cuisine.
Flaming Margaritas American Kitchen - Great Mexican food with margaritas that light on fire.
Grand Country Buffet - Your typical buffet, but for some reason my kiddos love it (probably because of the all you can eat soft serve ice cream).
New Wave Cafe - An 80s themed restaurant attached to Retromania that has delicious burgers.
Travel Advisor
Veronica Bird
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Missouri. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Tim Watson's itinerary, Family-Friendly Things to Do in Branson, Missouri