This post was written early in the summer before COVID cases spiked. We encourage all families to research their travel destinations and take every possible precaution to travel safely at this time.
Looking for a last-minute getaway before school starts or a quick weekend adventure? Branson is a short drive from St. Louis, and an easy drive for a weekend getaway. Here are some of our favorite spots!
Grand Country Inn
1945 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616
This is a mini-version of The Great Wolf Lodge but budget-friendly. Staying somewhere else? You can still rent a day pass to their waterpark. Their indoor and outdoor waterparks include multiple slides, a lazy river, two hot tubs, and an action treehouse. (Great for a rainy day!) Other attractions on-site include Live Shows, Indoor Go-Karts, Laser Tag, Black Light Mini-Golf, Indoor and Outdoor Mini-Golf, Arcade, Mini-Bowling, and Bumper Cars.
Silver Dollar City
399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy, Branson, MO 65616
Silver Dollar City is definitely a day trip, so pack the stroller accordingly! Head to Fireman’s Landing or The Grand Exposition for rides for younger children. Plan on getting wet at Fireman’s Landing.
Titanic Museum
3235 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616
Expected tour time: 1.5 hours
This one was for mom! I love me some Jack and Rose. But I’m also a fan of history. Four hundred artifacts within the 20 galleries, it’s a must-see for the Titanic lover.
Talking Rocks Cavern
423 Fairy Cave Lane, Branson West, MO 65737
Expected tour time: 1 hour (plus any additional attractions)
This vertical cave has a lot to discover. Additional attractions on-site include mini-golf, gemstone mining, and nature trails.
Note: You must be able to do stairs for this attraction, wear tennis shoes.
Aquarium at the Boardwalk
2700 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616
Expected tour time: 1-1.5 hours
Take a dive into this fantastic aquarium. From a submarine to the Jellyfish Infinity Room to Water Tunnels to Touch Pools, there’s something for everyone to “sea.”
Dinosaur Museum
3619 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616
Expected tour time: 1 hour
Do you have a dinosaur lover? From life-size dinosaurs to fossils— this is the place to see. Make sure to find all the gold fossils for a discount at the gift shop!
Branson’s Wild World
2020 76 Country Blvd #2100, Branson, MO 65616
Expected tour time: 1-1.5 hours
Wild World has a little bit of everything but is still very different from the new aquarium in town. Make sure to come feed Koi, Sharks, Turtles, Alligators, and Sting Rays!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
3326 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616
Expected tour time: 1-1.5 hours
From two-headed cows to the world’s largest toilet paper, there’s something strange or bizarre for everyone of all ages.
The Track
Track 5: The Lumber Jack 3525 West 76 Country Blvd
Track 4: Heavymetal Highrise 3345 West 76 Country Blvd
Track 3: Wild Woody 2505 West 76 Country Blvd
From bumper boats to go-karts, you’ll find your adventure at The Track. During our stay, we visited Track 3- Wild Woody location. The Wild Woody has Kids Kountry, which is ideal for toddlers and younger children.
Table Rock Lake
Looking for some peace and quiet away from the strip? A quick 20-minute drive to Table Rock Lake will bring you to a place of tranquility. During our most recent Branson visit, we stayed at Still Waters Resort. While you can rent boats and Jet Ski’s throughout Table Rock Lake, we rented our lake adventures through the Resort.
National Tiger Sanctuary
518 State Hwy BB, Saddlebrooke, MO 65630
On your way in or out of Branson, I highly recommend visiting the Tiger Sanctuary. We did the feed tour, and it did not disappoint!
What about food?
Our favorite restaurant is Cakes & Cream Fifties Diner & Drive In: 2805 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616
Additional Tips
1. Make sure to check all websites regarding prices, additional coupons, hours, closures, reservations, and ticket information.
2. Check Groupon. We found random deals to attractions during our stay.
3. Need food/supplies at the local Walmart? Avoid the Walmart on the strip (2050 76 Country Blvd). Drive a little farther to another Walmart for fewer tourists, quicker lines, and more stocked items. (Recommend: The Branson West Walmart).
What is your favorite Branson or Table Rock Lake adventure?
