25 Best Things to Do in Branson, Missouri

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Located on Country Boulevard, the Titanic Museum is a two-story museum shaped like the Titanic and anchored in water. Opened in 2006, the museum was built to be half the size of the original ship and is one of the best things to do in Branson, Missouri. Visitors enter the museum through an artificial iceberg and are given a ticket on which appears the name of an actual Titanic passenger.

Lasting one hour, the tour is self-guided and gives visitors the sensation of being a part of the 1912 voyage. There are 20 galleries and exhibits featuring many fascinating artifacts from the Titanic. The museum also offers a variety of education programs in areas such as geography, math, and science.

3235 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, Missouri, 800-381-7670

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Created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1954 and 1958 on the White River, Table Rock Lake is a popular tourist attraction in the Ozarks near the city of Branson. The artificial lake was formed after the construction of Table Rock Dam, which was built in order to protect the area from flooding.

With 800 miles of shoreline, the lake draws boaters, fishermen, campers and day trippers looking for free things to do. Some of the varieties of fish found in Table Rock Lake include bass, bluefish, and catfish. There are marinas and more than 100 resorts around the lake, and boat trips include a full-sized showboat. Campgrounds, picnic areas, and boat launch areas are some of the facilities at the lake.

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Located on Silver Dollar City Parkway, Marvel Cave lies under the Silver Dollar City Theme Park. Local Osage Indians discovered the cave sometime before 1500 AD, and Spanish explorers found it later on. In 1869, Henry T. Blow and other explorers entered the cave looking for minerals.

They thought they saw marble, so the cave was named Marble Cave, later to be changed to Marvel Cave. The cave opened for tours in 1894 and was the first major attraction in the Branson area. Today, with one of the largest cave entry rooms in North America, Marvel Cave is a Registered Natural Landmark. Tours include a traditional one-hour tour and a lantern tour where each visitor is given a lantern.

399 Silver Dollar City Parkway,800-831-4386

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The Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery is located on Hatchery Road below Table Rock Dam six miles southwest of Branson. Established in the late 1950s, the hatchery is the Missouri Department of Conservation’s largest trout-rearing facility and an interesting attraction in Branson, Missouri. Facilities include a nature center, two viewing decks, and picnic areas, among others.

The hatchery’s education program is held at the conservation center where visitors can learn about aquatic life and fishing. If you are wondering what to do in Branson with kids, this is an interesting place to visit. There are many activities including bird watching, hiking, trout fishing, as well as exhibits, displays, and seasonal guided hatchery tours. The three miles of hiking trails provide both fishing access and opportunities to see wildlife.

483 Hatchery Road, 417-334-4865

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Located on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, the Promised Land Zoo is a family owned and operated zoo and a popular Branson attraction. In addition to caring for the animals, the zoo strives to educate visitors about wildlife and provide them with personalized and exclusive zoo encounters.

There are shows throughout the day, including Bottle Feeding Babies, Live Animal Show, and Tug-of-Roar. Some of the animals you will see include antelopes, big cats, kangaroos, zebras, and many more. Foot Safari allows visitors to feed some of the animals on the nine-acre park, while Exclusive Encounters gives them the opportunity to feed and play with certain animals like kangaroos, lemurs, and sloths.

2751 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, 417-337-9453

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Located on Branson Landing Boulevard, the scenic boardwalk along the Lake Taneycomo Lakefront, the Branson Landing Fountain Show is a multi-million dollar extravaganza featuring thrilling displays of fire, light, music, and water. The fountain sits at the foot of the dynamic town square and shoots water 120 feet up into the air combined with vertical blasts of the fire cannons.

The fountain show takes place every hour on the hour from noon until 10:00 pm Monday to Saturday, and from noon until 9:00 pm on Sunday, weather permitting. The show is accompanied by musical favorites such as the Star Spangled Banner, Candle in the Wind, Living on a Prayer, and other popular music selections.

100 Branson Landing Boulevard, Branson, Missouri, 417-239-3002

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Table Rock State Park is located on the eastern side of Table Rock Lake on the southern side of Branson. The state park consists of a little over 356 acres of pleasant landscapes covered with hickory and oak trees. It is an especially popular place to camp because the campsites feature easy access to the lake. Other park facilities include picnic areas, a marina, and a mountain bike trail.

The marina rents out equipment like fishing boats, ski boats, and WaveRunners, and scuba diving lessons and trips are also available. There is a paved ramp to launch boats, and the marina store sells fishing equipment as well as other camping necessities.

5272 MO-165, Branson, Missouri, 417-334-47043

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Located on Country Boulevard, The World’s Largest Toy Museum contains more than one million toys. The museum appeals to both children and adults because many of the toys from the past bring back memories for older visitors. The Tin Toy Collection has many Marx toys, named after the early 20th century toy enthusiast, Louis Marx.

The Train Collection contains much more than just trains; it also displays toy cars, fire engines, planes, and several full-sized cars including a 1927 Cadillac and a 1959 Rolls Royce. Other collections include Action Figures, Pull Toys, Roy Rogers, Sports, and many more.

3609 W 76 Country Boulevard, Branson, MO, 417-332-1499

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The Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure, a unique and popular destination for visitors, is located on Country Boulevard. Housed in a white building sitting on a hill, it is a walk-through butterfly exhibit and the home of more than one thousand tropical butterflies. The self-guided tour begins with a short film about butterflies followed by a walk through the 7,000 square foot butterfly exhibit with its butterflies, birds, and tropical plants.

The attraction also includes the Great Banyan Tree Adventure and the Emerald Forest Mirror Maze. Live amphibians and reptiles from the rainforest can be seen in The Living Rainforest Science Center. There are also interactive activities for children like feeding and petting.

4106 W 76 Country Boulevard, Branson, MO, 417-332-2231

© Ralph Foster Museum

The Ralph Foster Museum is located on Opportunity Avenue on the campus of the College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout south of Branson. It is a wing of the College of the Ozarks and focuses on the culture and history of the Ozarks area. Foster collected Native American and Western artifacts, and during the 1960s, he donated his large collection as well as necessary funds to help establish the museum.

Antiques, dolls, weapons, and many other objects are displayed in the museum. The hands-on Children’s Discovery Room is a popular education program, and the Brownell Research Library contains over 6,000 books and periodicals.

100 Opportunity Avenue, Hollister, 417-334-6411

© Ripley’s Believe It or Not

Dedicated to all those who love things weird and wacky, Ripley’s Believe It or Not is filled to the brim with some of the most bizarre exhibits you can find. As you step inside the 8-gallery Odditorium, prepare to be amazed. The facility includes an ever-changing collection of more than 450 oddities, mind-bending art, crazy illusions and fun inter-actives. Visitors are invited to spend as much time as they like enjoying all the exhibits at their own pace. Exhibits in the Odditorium include a careful mix of clever, weird and fascinating objects and artifacts; you will see art installations made from household waste, strange and mysterious scientific phenomenon and odd natural freaks.

2320 W. 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616, 417-337- 5300

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Located right next door to Ripley’s Believe It or Not you will find Ripley’s Super Fun Zone where the whole family can participate in a variety of energetic fun activities. You can start your adventure in the Laser Tag Arena where you can take on your family and friends in a fast-paced game of tag. From there you can move on to the outdoor, interactive Maze; here you need to stay vigilant as there are surprises around every corner. Other fun activities include the high energy Laserace, the fun Smash Dash and the Ozarks’ themed Shooting Gallery, where you can show off your shooting skills.

2320 W. 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616, 417-337-5300

© The Track Family Fun Parks

Offering all the fun of the fair in a single family entertainment venue, the Tracks Family Fun Park will keep your family happily occupied for hours. It all starts with the 12 unique tracks which ensure that every member of the family can have high-speed fun. Adults can get their kicks on the 4-storey high-rise tracks while younger drivers can have fun on the Kiddies and Rookie Go Karts. After your karting adventure you can move on to the giant Ferris wheel, followed by a variety of other rides for adults and children. There are also bumper cars, laser tag games, batting cages, mini-golf and a games arcade.

3345 W. 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616, 417-334-1612

© Beyond the Lens!

Another of Branson’s many family entertainment hubs, Beyond the Lens! will fascinate you with intriguing exhibits, interactive games and dramatic selfie backdrops. Exhibits and rides include the amazing 360 degree Flip Zone Bumper cars, the totally immersive Fly Ride simulator which will take you on a journey across the nation and the Virtual Reality Games and Escape Room. There is something for everyone to enjoy and great memories to be made. Children will love the Augmented Reality Games and the fun Alien Egg Pit. Combo tickets for adults and children are available online.

3115 W. 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616, 417-337-9333

© Hollywood Wax Museum

A great attraction for all ages, the Hollywood Wax Museum in Branson is the place to go to get up close and personal with all your favorite celebrities and big-screen movie stars. Not only can you snap some brilliant selfies alongside your wax heroes, you can even get into character using a variety of costumes. You can live out your fantasies of walking down the red carpet, marrying a movie star or attending a celebrity event. If you are not into dressing up and selfies, you will still have a great time learning all about your favorite stars and about how the museum goes about making each of these very realistic sculptures.

3030 W. 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616, 417-337-8700

© Branson Mountain Adventure Park

Branson Mountain Adventure will get your adrenalin pumping as you fly down the thrilling Coaster or Zip Lines. The park is home to the one-and-only Branson Runaway Mountain Coaster, which operates all year round, weather permitting. The coaster offers a thrilling high-speed adventure ride for all ages, from 3 year up. First the driver and passenger will board their cart at the bottom of the coaster and will enjoy a slow and scenic journey up to the top. Now the fun begins as you cart is set free and you are in charge of your exciting downhill ride, which can reach speeds of 30mph if you are brave enough. The park also features a high-flying, hair-raising quad zipline where you can race your friends to the finish line.

935 Highway 165, Branson, MO 65616, 417-334-7337

© Shepherd’s Adventure Park

Shepherd’s Adventure Park offers hours of outdoor fun for the whole family, set against the scenic backdrop of the Ozark Mountains. There are activities suitable for just about all ages. The Zipline Canopy Tour is great for anyone over the age of 3 years and includes 8 individual zip lines through a scenic wooded area. For the dare devils, the park offers their Vigilante Extreme ZipLiner, which flies off the top of the Inspiration Tower, the tallest structure in South Missouri. You can also try your hand at the outdoor SkyTrek Ropes course and enjoy a ride on the Copperhead Mountain Coaster.

6021 W. 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616, 417-334-4191

© Shepherd's Historic Farm and Playland

Located alongside Shepherd’s Adventure Park, Shepherd’s Historic Farm and Playland is the original setting for the novel Shepherd of the Hills. The farm is a delight to visit with children who will love meeting some of the farm animals in the Petting Zoo and enjoying all the activities on offer. Youngsters can have unlimited fun playing mini-golf, exploring the rope-bridge linked tree houses or playing corn hole. Visitors can join a guided tour of the 160-acre historic farm on an open-top jeep-drawn tram. After your tour you and your family can enjoy some tradition Ozark cuisine at the Shepherd’s Mill Restaurant.

6021 W. 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616, 417-334-4191

© Silver Dollar City

In a city which is bursting at the seams with family entertainment, it would be a mistake to leave out a visit to Silver Dollar City, which has been voted in the top 5 theme parks in America. This seasonal theme park, set in the 1880’s, will delight the whole family with a wide choice of fun rides and activities. There are more than 40 rides to get your adrenaline pumping; some of the wildest rides include the American Plunge, the Electro Spin and the Fire Fall. While these are not suitable for younger visitors, the Elephant March, Grand Exposition Coaster and Hugo and Mary’s Carousel are idea for children. There are also dozens of craftsmen offering live craft demonstrations.

399 Silver Dollar City Parkway, Branson, MO 65616, 417-366-7100

© Dinosaur Museum

Boasting 45 life-size dinosaur replicas, the Branson Dinosaur Museum is sure to be a hit with all dino enthusiasts. Designed to be both fun and educational, the Dinosaur Museum allows children of all ages to get up close and personal with dinosaurs great and small. To ensure that all the replicas are as true to life as possible, actual dinosaur skeletons were used to mold the full-size creatures. The dinosaurs are displayed in life-like settings and visitors can learn all about each creature from an interpretive panel. In addition to admiring all the dinosaurs, visitors can join a scavenger hunt, see a fossil exhibit and stock up on all things Jurassic at the shop.

3619 W. 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616, 417-239-0733

© Shipwrecked Treasure Museum

Revealing the secrets of the deepest corners of the oceans, the Shipwrecked Treasure Museum is chock-full of authentic salvaged treasures from shipwrecks all over the world. Visitors can learn about the causes of several of the world’s most famous shipwrecks by watching documentaries from National Geographic and the Discovery Channel before setting off to view the salvaged items, which span several centuries from the Roman Empire through to WWII. There are numerous hands-on touch screens, simulators, games and other interactive activities to explore. A few of the key exhibits include ancient coins, arrowheads and beads, vintage weaponry, priceless porcelain and silver ingots from WWII.

505 Branson Landing Blvd, Branson, MO 65616, 417-635-5041

© Aquarium at the Boardwalk

Combining education and fun, the Aquarium at the Boardwalk is a must-visit family attraction in Branson. Visitors are greeted at the door by a massive mosaic octopus modeled after Aquarius, a Giant Pacific Octopus. As you enter the aquarium you can walk along the boardwalk which leads you to ten fishy zones. You will take a journey through a watery tunnel to a sunken ancient city – here you will be surrounded by sharks and many species of fish. Then it’s on to the fabulous Coral Reef to see thousands of reef fish in their natural environment. There is a touch/petting pool for the children and a magical underwater Mermaid Palace.

2700 W. 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616, 417-335-3476

© Fun Mountain at Big Cedar Lodge

Fun Mountain at Big Cedar Lodge is one of those amazing attractions that offer an exceptional experience for all members of the family. Look forward to non-stop fun and games in this remarkable indoor family entertainment facility at the Big Cedar Lodge resort in the Ozark Mountains. Regardless of the weather, children and adults can have loads of fun playing Underwater-themed bowling, riding bumper cars, playing laser tag or climbing the rock wall. There is also a brilliant games arcade to keep you entertained for hours. Outdoor activities at the resort include golf, fishing, shooting, lake cruises, water sports, horse-back riding and much more.

190 Top of the Rock Road, Ridgedale, MO 65739, 800-225-6343

© Branson Auto and Farm Museum

The Branson Auto and Farm Museum invites you to step back in time as you admire a huge collection of vintage cars and farm equipment which span 120 years. The massive museum covers 90,000 square feet; one half is dedicated to preserving classic and antique vehicles which document automotive history, while the other half showcases vintage farm implements and equipment. All the vehicles and equipment has been lovingly restored to its former glory. Taking a tour of the museum is a great nostalgic experience for the whole family, as you can admire all the old cars from your childhood days and show them off to the grandkids.

1335 West Highway 76, Branson, MO 65616, 417-335-2600

© Celebrity Car Museum

Calling all dedicated petrol heads and movie fans - the Celebrity Car Museum in Branson invites you to step this way and spend a fun hour or two admiring a collection of vehicles which have “starred” in various block-buster movies. The collection changes regularly as more celebrity cars are acquired and other are sold on. At any time you will be able to admire at least 100 vehicles, including several which will be instantly recognizable. If you want a more immersive experience you can get kitted out in one of their costumes and take some memorable selfies in one of your favorite cars.

1600 State Highway 76, Branson, MO 65616, 417-239-1644