Planning a trip to the Ozarks? Here are some fun things to do for the whole family in Springfield and Branson. From theme park rides, attractions, and live shows to unique shopping and dining experiences, there’s something for everyone. Save this list for your next kid-friendly trip in Missouri!
Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium
Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Mo., is the largest immersive wildlife attraction in the world! Also known as WOW (how fitting!), the conservation-focused museum features wildlife galleries and a 1.5-million-gallon aquarium. Explore more than a mile and a half of trails winding through exhibits like Great Oceans Hall, Great African Hall, and Penguin Cove to see over 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds representing more than 800 species!
See MoreFantastic Caverns
Fantastic Caverns, North America's only cave that you explore in a Jeep-drawn tram, is the perfect addition to any trip when in Springfield, Mo.! Hop aboard and go underground on this one-of-a-kind ride-through show cave experience. As you travel through the natural cave, you’ll be able to see its beautifully lit geological features, including giant columns, soda straws, cave pearls, and more. You'll also get to learn about Fantastic Caverns' unique geology and interesting history.
See MoreNational Tiger Sanctuary
On your drive to Branson, make sure to stop by the National Tiger Sanctuary in Saddlebrooke. The unique non-profit is dedicated to protecting and providing a home for exotic and domestic animals, including more than 30 tigers, lions, leopards, and other big cats. Choose from several tour options during your visit: Awareness Tours, Feeding Tours, Riding Safari Tours, and Behind the Scenes Tours.
See MoreSight & Sound Theatres
At Sight & Sound Theatres, set in the Ozark Mountains of Branson, Mo., you and your family can watch the Bible come to life right before your eyes! It's truly an immersive experience, with a panoramic stage, massive sets, inspiring music, edge-of-your-seat action, special effects, and live animals. Check the schedule for performance times before you go.
See MoreSilver Dollar City
Dive into this thrilling, 1880s-themed park in Branson, Mo. Voted the #1 Theme Park in America by USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, you won’t be disappointed. With rides like the record-breaking Outlaw Run and Time Traveler, craftsmen demonstrating their skills, and performers showcasing Ozark Mountain music, a visit here is fun for the whole family. You can even conveniently stay at Silver Dollar City Campground. Bring your RV, camp in a tent, or get cozy in a rustic log cabin!
See MoreTitanic Museum Attraction
Visit the Titanic Museum Attraction to see rare artifacts, including actual life jackets, from the “unsinkable” ship. Explore as a “passenger” and experience what it was like to walk the hallways, parlors, cabins, and Grand Staircase of RMS Titanic in an immersive experience. Home to over 400 artifacts directly from the ship and its passengers, this museum offers a unique deep dive into the history of the infamous shipwreck.
See MoreRipley's Believe It or Not!
This real-life museum is based on the work of cartoonist Robert Ripley, who is known for his collection and presentation of bizarre and unusual artifacts from around the world. Challenge your perception of reality, learn new (or even strange) facts, and check out odds and ends in interactive exhibits. The whole family will love the mind-bending illusions and lights in the Vortex Tunnel!
See MoreAquarium at the Boardwalk
You don't want to miss Aquarium at the Boardwalk in Branson, Mo., and chances are you won’t! That’s thanks to the 55-foot-tall stainless steel sculpture of Aquarius, a Giant Pacific Octopus, that sits atop the building and greets arriving guests. This award-winning aquarium gives you and your family plenty of unique ways to explore marine life. Take a 5D submarine adventure to the sea floor, experience a 24-foot-high Kelp Forest, get a stunning 16-foot view of a colorful coral reef, and get a close-up look at more than 7,200 sea animals! Tip: Be sure to make a reservation in advance; tickets do sell out.
See MoreDolly Parton's Stampede
Known as Branson’s most fun place to eat, Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction is a popular four-course family feast and dinner show. Enjoy Southern classics like buttery biscuits and hickory-smoked pulled pork as you watch incredibly talented equestrians show off their trick riding skills combined with musical productions and jaw-dropping special effects! Tip: Arrive before the show so you have time to stroll the Horse Walk and meet all 32 of the four-legged stars up close.
See MorePink Jeep Tours Branson
Explore scenic overlooks, backroads, and off-road trails of the Ozarks ... all in a cute, hot pink Jeep! Pink Jeep Tours Branson will take you on a 4x4 adventure you’ll never forget. Choose from a variety of tours for you and your family. Up to 8 people can ride! Wind through the hills, travel beside beautiful lakes, and ascend to the top of Baird Mountain for sunset views of Table Rock Lake!
See MoreRunaway Mountain Coaster & Flyaway Ziplines at Branson Mountain Adventure
You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced a mountain coaster! This family-friendly yet thrilling ride uses the natural topography of the Ozark Mountains to carry you over 5,000 feet of track, down hills, around corners, and through two 360-degree horizontal loops as you race to the bottom. The longest and fastest alpine mountain coaster in the Ozarks will have you reaching speeds up to 30 mph!
See MoreShepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery
Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery is home to the largest trout-rearing facility operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation. The hatchery produces as many as 400,000 pounds of rainbow and brown trout every year! Head here for hiking, fishing, conservation, and, of course, checking out the trout. You'll also be able to explore local wildlife exhibits and a new 7,500-gallon aquarium on your visit.
See MoreThe Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure
Immerse yourself among 1,000 live butterflies, imported from around the world. Learn about the life cycle and migration pattern of these beautiful creatures before stepping into the Butterfly Aviary. Tip: Wear bright colors to increase the chance of butterflies landing on you! 🦋
See MoreBranson Landing
Branson Landing is a popular waterfront dining and shopping district known for its daily water and fire spectacular in the middle of Town Square. Stroll along the 1.5-mile boardwalk along Lake Taneycomo, get some retail therapy at over 100 local and name-brand shops, grab a bite to eat, and stick around for the fountain show featuring 120-foot geysers, fire, lights, and music!
See MoreDick's 5 & 10
A cornerstone of Downtown Branson, Dick’s 5 & 10 has been around since the 1961! The store was a dream-turned-reality for the late owner Richard L. "Dick" Hartley, and it remains family owned and operated today. This is a must-visit for its enormous variety of unusual souvenirs, vintage toys, and many more odds and ends. Make sure you check out the 1,100 different kinds of candy and snacks, including old-fashioned candies you can’t find anywhere else, and a selection of more than 200 unique and nostalgic sodas! Tip: Locals call it Dick's “five and dime” (not “five and ten”).
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