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22 Free And Best Things To Do In Branson (MO) With Kids & Family

Branson, Missouri, has garnered the nickname “Live Music Capital of the World,” with over 50 theaters and numerous shows that attract approximately 9 million visitors a year looking for entertainment that can be found nowhere else.

Wondering where to stay in Branson? Check out the some of the top Branson resorts for family and friends!

But Branson has so much more.

Come visit this small town with big attractions, and you will find unique museum experiences, breathtaking scenic views, and activities the whole family will enjoy.

While Branson has a small population, it is a lively corner of the world, with nearly 100,000 visitors each day enjoying everything this town has to offer, from adventurous zipline excursions to extraordinary amusement parks.

If you’re in Branson for the live music, you’ll find not only classic country music shows but a diverse selection of other music, entertainment, and events.

A small town with a lot going on, we’ve narrowed down the list to the 22 best and free things to do in Branson during your stay.

Table of Contents

Things To Do In Branson:

1. Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Ted PAGEL | Shutterstock

Rating: 4.7★

Entry Ticket: Adults: $54.99, Children: $29.99, Ages 2 and Under: Free

Address: 1525 76 Country Boulevard, Branson, MO 65616

  • Book in advance
  • Family-friendly
  • Allow 1 ½ hours

If you are looking for both a unique and iconic experience while in Branson, you’ll want to attend Dolly Parton’s Stampede, a dinner plus show that is one of the most thrilling and entertaining events in Branson.

While enjoying a delicious 4-course meal, you and your family will be regaled with a show like no other in a 35,000-square-foot arena.

The show includes 32 horses that perform stunts and show off their speed, along with spectacular musical productions and thrilling special effects.

You will even have the opportunity to meet the horses and stroll the grounds, along with seeing other live animals, including a buffalo stampede.

Not to be outdone, the classic Midwest cuisine is a mouthwatering event also, with everything from homemade biscuits to hickory smoked pork loin.

Be sure to take your family to this event of a lifetime, where you will walk away with an unforgettable experience.

2. Branson Mountain Adventure

Branson Convention | Flickr

Rating: 5★

Entry Ticket: Starting at $18.00

Address: 935 Historic State Highway 165, Branson, MO 65616

  • Open Friday through Sunday
  • Family-friendly
  • Must be over 3 years old to ride

Take your family to Branson Mountain Adventure, and you will have a thrilling experience aboard one of the most unique and exciting rides in the United States.

Control the ride yourself as you speed along the rails of this ride that uses the topography of the area to provide climbs, drops, and curves that will delight everyone.

Each cart on the ride has one driver and can have one rider, so take your child for a fun trip on this coaster, controlling how fast you go as you zip through the scenic mountain area, enjoying the dense trees and overhead views.

For a fun-filled visit, be sure to take a trip on this mountain coaster.

3. Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf

LnP images | Shutterstock

Rating: 4.7★

Entry Ticket: Starting at $10.50

Address: 2901 Green Mountain Drive, Branson, MO 65616

  • Open daily, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
  • Family-friendly

A whimsical pirate experience, Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf offers a relaxing and completely entertaining experience, where you will have not only a great time playing miniature golf but be able to immerse yourself in a magical world.

Choose from two 18-hole golf courses and begin a journey that will lead you past exotic plants, waterfalls, pirate-themed buildings, and a full-scale pirate ship.

Make your way over footbridges, through caverns, and over waters that are populated by beautiful koi fish as you unwind and enjoy a game of golf.

Whether you are with family or friends, you will be sure to be entertained every at this extraordinary miniature golf course.

4. Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area

Mohammad-amin asareh | Shutterstock

Rating: 4.7★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 412 Owen Lane, Branson, MO 65616

  • Open daily, 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
  • Pet-friendly

Enjoy the great outdoors near Branson with a trip to Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area, where 140 acres of land offers hiking trails, scenic views of Lake Taneycomo, and facilities that will help you relax and unwind.

Explore the forest, travel across bluffs, and take in the breathtaking views of the man-made reservoir.

As you travel along the trails, you’ll be able to view a waterfall and beautiful grotto, along with native plants and wildlife.

After exploring, have a picnic while letting your kids enjoy the playground, or visit the covered porch swing that was made from the stones used for the original 1911 homestead at the site.

Take the time to get some fresh air in this beautiful outdoor area that will immerse you in the nature of Missouri.

5. Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center

Giant King Kong on Empire State Building in Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center. Meunierd | Shutterstock

Rating: 4.5★

Entry Ticket: Adults: $39.99, Children: $19.99, Ages 3 and Under: Free

Address: 3030 76 Country Road Boulevard, Unit A, Branson, MO 65616

  • Open daily, 8:00 am – midnight
  • Kid-friendly
  • Allow 2 hours

The Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center is more than just a museum of wax figures.

Take your time getting your photo taken with some of your favorite (wax) stars as you visit a western saloon, walk the red carpet, and step into the spotlight.

The museum even provides props for your photo opportunities with Sandra Bullock, Michael Jackson, Bruce Lee, and many more.

Become a star at the Shoot for the Stars mini-golf course offered by the entertainment center, where you will be stalked by paparazzi as you take the 18 steps to fame, immersing yourself in an amusing and fun-filled game of golf.

Visit Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center, where you can escape the world and become a star.

6. Copper Run Distillery

Dustin Holmes | Flickr

Rating: 4.4★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 14720 Business 13, Branson, MO 65737

  • Open Thursday through Saturday, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
  • Allow 30 minutes for tour

Copper Run Distillery will immerse you in a classic Ozark setting, located in the foothills of Missouri near Branson in a rustic cabin.

Take a tour of this distillery, and you will learn the history of the distillery as you sample white rum, whiskey, and, if you’re brave enough, Ozark Mountain moonshine.

Spend some time relaxing at the bar and try one of the distillery’s signature cocktails, such as Apple Pie Moonshine or Espresso rum, while you sample a sausage and cheese plate.

You’ll be delighted with the fine spirits you’ll find at this distillery as you step away from your worries and relax in the natural setting of the Ozarks.

7. Little Opry Theater

@The Carolina Opry Theater

Rating: 4.8★

Entry Ticket: Starting at $32.50

Address: 3562 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Branson, MO 65616

  • Book live shows in advance
  • Family-friendly

One of the top fun things to do in Branson at night, Little Opry Theater offers live shows you won’t see anywhere else.

Catch some of the best live country music acts, along with so much more, such as renowned fiddlers, Christmas shows, and even a musical documentary about the evolution of country music.

The cozy theater is the perfect way to spend an evening in Branson, experiencing one of the town’s iconic venues.

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture of Branson, with great music and an authentic country music atmosphere. 

8. The Butterfly Palace and Rainforest

You can walk through thousands of live tropical butterflies imported from rainforests all over the world. Rosemarie Mosteller | Shutterstock

Rating: 4.7★

Entry Ticket: Adults: $23.95, Children: $15.95, Seniors: $21.95, Ages 3 and Under: Free

Address: 4106 76 Country Boulevard, Branson, MO 65616

  • Open daily, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Kid-friendly
  • Allow 3 hours

Make sure to visit The Butterfly Palace and Rainforest in Branson, and you’ll discover a hidden gem you and your family will be delighted to experience.

The center houses thousands of tropical butterflies, where you will be able to walk among them as they flutter around you, allowing you to view their vibrant colors.

However, this living rainforest center boasts more than breathtaking butterflies.

While visiting, you’ll be able to meet a skink, tree frogs, lizards, and a plethora of birds.

Take your time visiting the various sections of the center, letting yourself unwind as you immerse yourself in the tropical atmosphere that is filled with lush greenery and exotic flowers.

Visit this unique and enchanting center, where the tropics have been brought to the Ozarks.

9. Ralph Foster Museum

Dustin Holmes | Flickr

Rating: 4.7★

Entry Ticket: Adults: $8.00, Seniors: $6.00, Veterans: $5.00, Students and Children: Free

Address: 237 Christian Street, Point Lookout, MO 65726

  • Open Wednesday through Saturday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Allow 3 hours

If you’re searching for a fun and educational museum near and around Branson, look no further than Ralph Foster Museum, named after a pioneer of radio who donated his large collection of artifacts to the College of the Ozarks.

This collection is now displayed for all to enjoy, where you will be able to immerse yourself in the history, culture, and heritage of the Ozarks.

Visit whimsical exhibits, such as the Beverly Hillbillies truck or the antique popcorn machine that once stood in the Jewell Theater in Springfield, MO.

Discover historical displays, where you can see first-hand a cabin made from logs shaped by an adze or peruse vibrantly colorful western show costumes.

Visit this museum, and you’ll find yourself truly appreciating the Ozark area and its community.

10. White Water (Water Park)

Big blue | Shutterstock

Rating: 4.4★

Entry Ticket: Starting at $48.00

Address: 3505 West Highway 76, Branson, MO 65616

  • Open May through August
  • Kid-friendly

Cool off and have a fantastic time with one of the best things to do in Branson in the summer, White Water, a 13-acre water park that boasts water rides, slides, and wave pools.

Transport yourself to the jungles of the South Pacific at the park’s longest ride, Aloha River, where you can relax and glide along the serene waters that pass by lush island landscapes.

For your kids, there is Coconut Grove, where younger children can take advantage of the hose jet and tipping buckets or splash in the fountains.

With numerous waterslides, you and your family will be thrilled as you speed down 75-feet drops or body surf across the water.

A great day of amusement awaits you at this fantastic water park in Branson.

11. Main Street Lake Cruises

Alaettin YILDIRIM | Shutterstock

Rating: 4.6★

Entry Ticket: Starting at $26.99

Address: 9 South, North Boardwalk, Branson, MO 65616

  • Reservation required
  • Allow 1 ½ hours
  • Family-friendly

For a romantic outing with your significant other or a unique sightseeing tour with your family, Main Street Lake Cruises is a wonderful way to see Branson.

Choose a dinner cruise aboard the luxury yacht offered, and you will be delighted with the scenic views as you glide across Lake Taneycomo.

Experience the beauty of vibrant bluffs, dense tree lines, and rolling hills while enjoying a cocktail and delicious cuisines, such as beef tenderloin and bruschetta with crostini.

If you decide to take a riverboat luncheon ride instead, you can discover the history of Branson as your captain provides facts and trivia during the cruise.

A cruise with Main Street Lake Cruises is just the thing to give you an unforgettable experience in Branson.

12. Ripley’s Believe it or Not!

@Ripley’s Believe it or Not!

Rating: 4.4★

Entry Ticket: Starting at: Adults: $24.99, Children: $14.99

Address: 3326 76 Country Boulevard, Branson, MO 65616

  • Open daily
  • Kid-friendly

An experience like no other, Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museum in Branson will make you feel as though you’ve stepped onto the set of the iconic television show.

Boasting eight galleries, you and your family will be amazed, amused, and stupefied by the curiosities found in the museum.

See shrunken heads, a vampire killing kit, a vortex tunnel, and strange pieces of art, among other extraordinary and exotic artifacts that have been collected for more than a century.

Have a great time exploring this museum in Branson that is unlike any other.

13. Table Rock State Park

Chad Robertson Media | Shutterstock

Rating: 4.7★

Entry Ticket: Adults: $6.00, Seniors: $3.75, Children: $3.50, Ages 5 and Under: Free

Address: 5272 Historic State Highway 165, Branson, MO 65616

With numerous activities and beautiful scenery, Table Rock State Park is a fantastic outdoor experience for visitors to Branson.

Spend a day fishing, hiking, or bicycling as you take in the breathtaking views of Table Rock Lake, surrounded by trees, and dotted with boats.

You can also take to the water, renting a boat for skiing, or going for a trip around the lake on a paddleboard.

If you prefer to make your stay longer, the park offers pristine campsites for tents, along with yurts that are available to rent.

Take the time to visit this gorgeous state park, where you can relax, play, and connect with nature.

14. Titanic Museum Attraction

Exterior of the Titanic Museum complete with iceberg on the strip. Ehrlif | Shutterstock

Rating: 4.6★

Entry Ticket: Adults: $39.50, Children: $15.00

Address: 3235 76 Country Boulevard, Branson, MO 65616

  • Open daily
  • Family-friendly
  • Allow 2 hours

Step back in time at the Titanic Museum Attraction, one of the top things to do in Branson.

As you make your way through the replicated iceberg that is the entrance to the museum, you will be given a ticket that has the name of an actual passenger or crew member that was on board the Titanic.

During your self-guided tour, you will view 400 artifacts as you learn the personal stories of several passengers.

Make your way up the infamous grand staircase of the ship, shovel coal in the boiler room, and learn how to send a distress signal, all while being immersed in the experience of being aboard what is perhaps the most famous passenger ship of all time.

At the end of your tour, you will enter the memorial room and learn the fate of your “passenger” that is on your ticket.

15. Beyond the Lens! Branson

@Beyond The Lens – Branson

Rating: 4.6★

Entry Ticket: Starting at $14.99

Address: 3115 76 Country Boulevard, Branson, MO 65616

  • Open daily
  • Family-friendly
  • Allow 3 hours

Make a visit to Beyond the Lens! Branson and you will have an experience like no other with over 150 interactive exhibits that use technology to immerse visitors in worlds of action, adventure, and magic.

Walk with dinosaurs, meet bigfoot, challenge yourself in a 2-minute escape room, or flip and spin in the most unique bumper car ride you’ve ever seen.

You’ll also want to check out FlyRide, where you will be transported to a world of natural beauty as you soar through the sky.

Spend some time being thrilled at Beyond the Lens! Branson.

16. Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum

Big Cedar | Flickr

Rating: 4.8★

Entry Ticket: Adults: $12.00, Children: $5.00

Address: 150 Top of the Rock Road, Ridgedale, MO 65739

  • Open daily, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
  • Allow 3 hours

Located only 15 minutes from Branson, the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum boasts a large collection of Native American artifacts, civil war relics, skeletal remains from large animals that once roamed the area, along with much more.

Learn about the history and culture of Native Americans, the heritage of the American West, and the wildlife that has lived in the area for centuries, many now extinct.

You will even be able to view a locket that contains Abraham Lincoln’s hair and peruse photographs and information about infamous figures from western histories, such as Buffalo Bill.

Take the time to visit this museum that educates and immerses visitors in a time long ago.

17. Escape Reality Magic – Garry and Janine Carson

Hugh Trainer | Flickr

Rating: 4.9★

Entry Ticket: Adults: $59.00, Children: $45.00, Ages 3 and Under: Free

Address: 3425 76 Country Boulevard, Branson, MO 65616

  • Reservation required
  • Family-friendly
  • Allow 2 hours

Enjoy a night out with a delicious 3-course dinner and magic show provided by Escape Reality Magic – Garry and Janine Carson.

Be astounded by mind-boggling illusions and entertained as audience members are asked to participate in the spectacular show put on by the Carsons at the Hughes Theater in Branson.

A great option for some nighttime fun with the family, this world-renowned duo puts on a show like no other, with Las Vegas-style tricks and showmanship.

Don’t miss the show of a lifetime – put this magic show at the top of your list for live shows to see in Branson.

18. Branson Auto and Farm Museum

Branson Convention | Flickr

Rating: 4.5★

Entry Ticket: Adults: $23.00, Seniors: $21.00, Military, First Responders, and Educators: $19.00, Students: $13.00, Ages 5 and Under: Free

Address: 1335 State Highway 76, Branson, MO 65616

  • Open daily, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
  • Family-friendly
  • Bring camera

Located on a 2-acre lot, the Branson Auto and Farm Museum is a great way to take a step back in time and see beautiful vintage cars and some amazing tractors dating back to the early 1900s.

View automobiles such as the breathtaking 1958 Cadillac Biarritz, a Ferrari 360 Spider F1, and a 1942 Harley Davidson, just to name a few.

You’ll also have the opportunity to peruse vintage tractors, such as John Deere and Allis-Chalmers.

So, take a look at this museum that is charming and houses unique and rare automobiles.

19. Talking Rocks Cavern

J Dyer | Shutterstock

Rating: 4.7★

Entry Ticket: Adults: $22.95, Children: $13.95, Ages 3 and Under: Free

Address: 423 Fairy Cave Lane, Branson, MO 65737

  • Open daily, 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
  • Kid-friendly
  • Allow 3 hours
  • Bring a light jacket

Talking Rocks Cavern is not only an unusual and fascinating place to visit but also a destination full of activities that will delight you and your family.

Take a guided tour through this cavern, and you will view amazing formations of stalagmites and stalactites, along with “The Cathedral,” which is a mineral deposit that creates a remarkable formation.

While at the cavern, you and your kids will also want to take advantage of the crawl maze, children’s play area, miniature golf course, gemstone sluice, and the oversized outdoor checkerboard.

One of the fun things to do in Branson with family, Talking Rocks Cavern, is an experience that will not only cater to geology enthusiasts but anyone looking for a fun time.

20. Silver Dollar City

Claudia | Flickr

Rating: 4.6★

Entry Ticket: Starting at $48.00

Address: 399 Silver Dollar City Parkway, Branson, MO 65616

  • Open Wednesday through Sunday, 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
  • Family-friendly

You and your family will be charmed by Silver Dollar City, an amusement park created to give visitors an 1880’s-themed experience as they enjoy the eleven sections that are housed in the 61-acre area.

Go on fast-paced and thrilling water rides, ride the fire wagon, and experience the thrill of being a fireman in the late 19th century, or take a trip on the elaborately designed roller coaster that will please both young and old.

You’ll also want to check out the live music while at the park, along with enjoying some of the delicious barbecue on offer before heading over to view a blacksmith demonstration or see a glassblower at work.

A one-of-a-kind amusement park, you won’t want to miss a visit to Silver Dollar City.

21. Aquarium at the Boardwalk

Rosemarie Mosteller | Shutterstock

Rating: 4.4★

Entry Ticket: Adults: Starting at $44.99, Children: Starting at $19.99, Ages 3 and Under: Free

Address: 2700 76 Country Boulevard, Unit A, Branson, MO 65616

  • Open daily
  • Kid-friendly

The Aquarium at the Boardwalk is one of the best things to do in Branson with kids, with an extraordinary aquarium experience you won’t get anywhere else.

View tropical marine life, such as sharks, rays, and tropical fish, as they glide through a vibrant coral reef.

Have a magical time visiting the Jelly Infinity Room, where you will be able to view the breathtaking beauty of moon jelly, their bioluminescence surrounding you in an interactive environment.

For a fun and fantastic time in Branson, be sure to make time for the Aquarium at the Boardwalk.

22. Fritz’s Adventure

Branson Convention | Flickr

Rating: 4.5★

Entry Ticket: Starting at $24.95

Address: 1425 76 Country Boulevard, Branson, MO 65616

  • Open daily
  • Kid-friendly

If you’re looking for some physical activities while in Branson, you’ll want to head over to Fritz’s Adventure, where 19 attractions are offered to give you a thrill and challenge.

Take a zipline course before heading off to try out the 17 ziplines housed in this complex, or try out the speleo box, where you will crawl your way through a maze.

You’ll also want to check out the extreme slides, including the 32-foot spiral that will have you spinning or the laser maze, where you will be challenged to avoid capture by winding your way around multiple laser beams.

Have a great time and enjoy some first-class activities at Fritz’s Adventure in Branson.