The Best Things to Do in Branson With Kids

Neil Sawford • November 16, 2022

Kids love exciting activities, and they want to spend more time on them, especially when they enjoy them.

Taking a thrilling ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO may be one of the activities that most kids want to experience. And if you’re looking for some activities that can make your kids smile and laugh all day long, you should check out some of the best things to do in Branson as listed below.

Ruanway Mountain Coaster

The whole family will love the longest, tallest & fastest mountain coaster in the Midwest! Whether you're a roller coaster expert or a little unsure, you control the speed so you control the adventure!

Have a scenic, 5 minute ride uphill as you take in the beauty of the natural Ozarks forest & hills. Then at the top you will get let loose for a 2 minute thrill ride as you race down the hill around turns, over dips and through dual helixes before you finally race over picturesque Fall Creek to have the adventure of a lifetime.

White Water

White Water is the perfect place to take your kids when you need to cool down after a thrilling ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO. Do kids always have a great time at water parks? This is a great place to explore the 13-acre water park and experience ocean paradise in the Midwest! The perfect mixture of relaxation and adventure is waiting for you.

Beyond the Lens

If you’re looking for a fun-filled family activity, you should visit Beyond The Lens! This unique museum features rides and interactive exhibits that will complete your vacation in Branson. You’ll get to enjoy many activities here, including bumper cars, Bigfoot, escape rooms, and selfies.

Beyond The Lens is open every day at 10 a.m. Depending on the day of the week, the store may close at 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. Combo tickets for the museum and FlyRide, one of the museum's newest attractions, are available. If you don't have time to tour the entire museum, you should consider purchasing a single valid ticket for the FlyRide only.

The Branson Ferris Wheel

There is nothing more thrilling in Branson than a ride on the Branson Ferris Wheel. You can travel up to 150 feet in height after boarding a gondola! Whether it's day or night, you'll enjoy the beauty of the Ozarks from atop what was once Chicago's Navy Pier Ferris Wheel!

The Butterfly Pavilion

If you want to learn things about the butterfly, the Butterfly Palace is the place to go. There are many things to explore at the Butterfly Palace. You can take the challenge and find your way out of a mirror maze, hide in the trees, or walk around the butterfly. You can witness a butterfly release for the first time here. It will surely amaze your kids.

Shepherd of the Hills Lil’ Pete’s Playland

If your kids are adventurous, why not bring them to Shepherd of the Hills Lil’ Pete’s Playland? Your children will spend the entire day at Lil' Pete's Playland adventuring, exploring, and cultivating their imagination and creativity! You could spend all day here with an American Ninja Warrior Course, rope-bridge linked treehouses, a custom putt-putt course, a petting zoo, gem sifting, and more!

Amazing Pets

Amazing Pets is a fantastic show for animal lovers of all ages. During the performance, trained cats, dogs, and birds perform solo and group acts. The animals will entertain you by dancing to music, driving scooters, and flying through hoops while wearing colorful costumes and frilly collars. During the show, look up to see the parrots flying above you!

The Amazing Pets shows are held at the Grand Country Music Hall in Branson on various dates throughout the year. There is a restaurant and a gift shop on the premises. The show lasts about two hours and has special seating for guests with disabilities.

Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Dolly Parton's Stampede is the ideal setting for a four-course meal! After the feast, it will be followed by the Stampede of the Buffalo, Canine Capers, and other attractions. Not only that, but if you arrive 50 minutes early, you can enjoy The White River Wranglers' pre-show in the Carriage Room and hear some fantastic acoustics and melodies.

Even if your kids aren't very adventurous, you shouldn't be afraid to take them to the above-mentioned places, especially after they've been on one of the roller coasters in Branson, MO.

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Close-up of a souvenir t-shirt featuring a mountain coaster design

Shop & Adventure in Branson

By Neil Sawford • August 29, 2025

When you visit Branson with your family to enjoy a wonderful vacation, don't pass up the opportunity to shop at some of the best shopping locations. Branson shoppers will find everything on their shopping lists, from specialty shops to department stores. If you've had an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO, the next thing you should do is go shopping at some of the shopping malls listed below. Branson Landing Branson Landing, the Midwest's shoppers' paradise, is one of the most visited shopping destinations, offering almost everything you need for your holiday shopping in Branson. This fantastic shopping destination is home to the famous Belk Department Store, which provides a wide range of clothing and accessories. It also has Bass Pro Shop, which has everything you need for outdoor adventures. Branson Landing, a center for great shopping and dining opportunities located between Lake Taneycomo and historic downtown Branson, is one of the most visited attractions in town. The easily walkable Branson Landing is less than a mile long. It features a lakeside boardwalk, an open-air promenade, and more than 100 retail shops and fine restaurants. Shopping is the ideal activity after a thrilling adventure ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO. Historic Downtown Branson Historic Downtown Branson's famous shopping destination is a short walk from Branson Landing. Shopping in Historic Downtown Branson can undoubtedly relieve the stress of visitors who are having a great time touring the many exciting places in this vacation paradise. You will enjoy what Branson offers as you walk through the beautiful streets, old buildings, and nostalgic themed shops in downtown Branson. You can see the beginnings of Branson in the Ozarks in Historic Downtown Branson. But there's more to Branson than just reminiscing. With many shops and dozens of exciting attractions for people of all ages, this neighborhood transforms into a thriving complex full of exciting activities. Whether you're looking for gourmet foods, baked goods, or original art, the historic downtown Branson has it all. There are many fine restaurants and eateries in the historic downtown Branson, a time-enhanced exciting location. Branson Craft Mall Visit the Branson Craft Mall for a retail market that focuses on the unique and original. The Branson Craft Mall, lined with vendors and specialty craft goods, is also home to the famous Pickin' Porch Grill. You won't leave hungry with a diverse menu that includes House-Smoked BBQ, sandwiches, wings, and even tacos. For an after-meal treat, take a stroll down the candy aisle. Branson Craft Mall is a fantastic shopping destination where you can buy unique arts and crafts and enjoy a delicious dining experience at some of the finest restaurants. This expansive 160,000-square-foot craft mall offers visitors one-stop shopping from over 200 vendors, artists, and crafters. Many of these vendors sell clothing, quilts, leather goods, jewelry, rugs, baskets, pottery, and other items. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows The Shoppes at Branson Meadows provides a wide range of shopping experiences. Shepherd Hills Cutlery, Tuesday Morning, Neil's Home Store, the Consignment Clothing Exchange, Touch of Class Boutique, Made in the USA, and more are all worth a visit! Visit Branson's 1984 Arcade for a nostalgic and rejuvenating break. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows offers discounted local brands, chic home goods, and one-of-a-kind clothing. This shopping spot is a treasure trove of housewares and other household goods. Grand Village Shops Over 25 distinguished novelty stores can be found at Grand Village Shops. With each offering its distinct originality, you're sure to leave with a perfect memory of your time in Branson. The Grand Village Shops are an excellent place to find a meaningful gift for everyone on your list. With the diversity of shops, there is something for everyone in this great shopping spot in Branson. While shopping in this fascinating place, you'll see singing waiters entertain shoppers. At the same time, they enjoy diner-style food and tasty ice cream from the soda fountain at Mel's Hard Luck Diner. Tanger Outlet Mall No shopping spree in Branson is complete without a trip to Tanger Outlets. You will find well-known brands at a discounted price at this unique shopping location. Tanger Outlets is located inside Branson's Entertainment District and offers extended shopping hours and great discounts to reward members. Tanger Outlets have everything that you need and even hard-to-find items. Conveniently located on Highway 76 West, the fully stocked mall offers discounts for favorite name brands such as Gap, Levi's, Polo Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, and much more. When looking for great shopping spots to shop and adventure after an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO , don't forget to check out the shopping malls listed above.