Plus the Best Place to Stay when visiting Branson

Years ago, families vacationed to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. They left behind their telephone and disconnected from work, school, and responsibilities. Now it takes a little more planning and consideration to get the same connections that used to come easily. Branson, Mo is one vacation destination that will bring back family time. There are plenty of fun things and family activities in Branson, Missouri. Visiting Branson with your whole family will be a family vacation that everyone enjoys and remembers for years to come.

Disclaimer: My family received free tickets and hotel stay as part of a media event. All thoughts, opinions, and ideas are my own!

Where is Branson, Missouri?

Branson is in the heart of the Ozark Mountains in southwest Missouri. Many people erroneously believe that Branson is only for the older crowd. However, this is not true as it is a popular destination for the entire family and in fact it is the perfect destination for families, couples, friends, and retired individuals to get away from the dreary world. This is God’s country filled with natural beauty and fun adventure. I felt a connection to the people and the land. The sky is blue, the grass is green, and the entertainment is clean!

The Very Best Hotel In Branson, Missouri

The Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center is a unique hotel that is right off the main thoroughfare in Branson. It is just minutes from all the activities you will want to partake in. One of the best things about The Stone Castle Hotel is the full morning breakfasts that are included with your stay.

We stayed in a newly remolded room that is complete with a small refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. Not only is The Stone Castle & Hotel an affordable option but it is a unique facility. When you drive up to this sprawling castle, you will immediately notice the knights guarding the castle.

Make sure to visit, Stone Castle Hotel for more information.

Fun Activities in Branson, Missouri

Track Family Fun Parks

Go-kart tracks, bumper boats, pinball, and video games, rides for the kids, mini golf, and even a massive Ferris wheel awaits you at your choice of three different locations. The Track Family Fun Parks is a great time for the entire family. There is so much to do at each of these locations that you can spend the entire day, or just spend a couple hours. Either way, your family will have so much fun at these outdoor activities that you will put this popular place on your “must-do” list for each and every visit to Branson.

Branson Ferris Wheel at Track Family Fun Park

This massive Ferris wheel has 40 gondolas, can accommodate 240 passengers, sports 16,000 LED lights, and continuously turns. However, the Ferris Wheel can be stopped for guests requiring special assistance. Due to the massive size of this wheel, it was easy to get on and off. And while you are on it, it hardly feels as if it is moving at all. The ride takes approximately 15 minutes.

One fun fact about the Branson Ferris Wheel is that this Ferris Wheel was originally at the Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois. It was moved to the Branson location in 2016. Our family had the opportunity to ride the Ferris Wheel when it was in Chicago. However, it was a cloudy day and we couldn’t see the city. What a contrast to the Branson location. This unique experience in Branson is one of the top attractions in Branson, and you can literally see above the top of everything at Branson! The views of the Branson area are just gorgeous! You are guaranteed to have a good time on this excellent ride.

Beyond the Lens!

My husband, two sons, and myself had the time of our lives at Beyond the Lens! which bills itself as Techno-tainment. This is “where technology and entertainment collide.” There are over 150 unique interactive attractions.

Don’t let the outside of the building convince you that you will be through the building in an hour, but after spending more than 2 1/2 hours at Beyond the Lens! We realized we could have spent much more time. This is so worth the visit. Video games, photo ops, learning encounters and more fill the immense building. Additionally, Beyond the Lens! features Flyride. This immersive flying adventure was fun and engaging.

This is one of those attractions that can’t be explained – it has to be experienced!

Great Shows in Branson, Missouri

Best Branson Area Shows – Live Entertainment for the Entire Family

While we were in Branson we had the opportunity to see excellent live shows. You cannot visit Branson without taking in the shows. There are only a few areas in the country that have quality live shows, but Branson offers clean, wholesome fun for all ages.

Clay Cooper Country Express

Wow! This family-friendly show features Clay Cooper, his wife, and both sons. In addition to the country, rock, and patriotic songs, one of the funniest comedians of all time, Matt Gumm performs slapstick humor and other comedy skits that will have you belly-laughing the entire night. To read a full review, visit HERE!

Legends in Concert

What is Legends in Concert? It is the world’s greatest live tribute. They have multiple locations throughout the United States. The Branson location is housed in the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater. The performers change throughout the year, but the Branson location always has Elvis and The Blues Brothers.

For years, I have wanted to visit a Legends in Concert location, but it never worked out. The following acts were performing for our show:

Waylon Jennings

The Temptations

The Blues Brothers

and Elvis

The show was entertaining and the performers were excellent in their portrayals of the legends. My favorite was Elvis and not only did he look like Elvis, he also sounded like Elvis. I had to keep reminding myself that I wasn’t watching Elvis.

Illusionist Rick Thomas – Mansion of Dreams

While there are many magic shows to choose from along the Branson strip, Illusionist Rick Thomas weaves a story into his magic. Listening to him tell his life story, share his passion for animals, and wow the audience with his illusions, is not only entertaining – you will laugh, but the show is also inspiring.

Thomas works hard the entire show to keep your attention, while simultaneously working to make sure your attention is focused away from the tricks! From the very beginning of the show until your walk out the front door, Thomas is an entertainer. I absolutely loved that he greeted guests in the lobby after the show!

The Hughes Brothers Show

I had the opportunity to see another production from the Hughes Brothers, and honestly, this was the show that I was looking forward to the most. You see, the Hughes Brothers are what I secretly wished my family could be. There is only one problem. When God was handing out musical talent, he gave it all to the Hughes Family and completely skipped over my family.

The Hughes Brothers are four married brothers with 25 children. The entire family performs in some of their shows. But The Hughes Brothers Country Show & BBQ is mostly just the four brothers. While I missed seeing the entire family, I did absolutely love the camaraderie, gentle ribbing, and comedic interactions between the brothers. These men know how to entertain!

The Hughes Brothers Country Show & BBQ came with a free meal. We were treated to BBQ pulled pork, coleslaw, and baked beans. Delicous.

If you only have time for one show, make it The Hughes Brothers!

The Haygoods

The Haygoods are an amazingly talented family featuring 5 brothers and 1 sister. Together they play over 20 instruments. This is a high-energy, action-packed show.

These musicians have melodic voices. They also perform stunts, keep the audience busy, and never stop moving. While most of the shows we attended had available seats, The Haygoods show was packed! My husband, the extrovert, absolutely loved this show.

Warning: While the show was overstimulating for Jack-Jack (our 17-year-old autistic son), he still enjoyed it. There are tons of flashing lights, huge beach balls tossed through the audience, and movement happening at a frenzied pace.

When you are planning your next family vacation, put Branson Missouri on the top of your list. Full of family-friendly attractions, amazing people, and patriotic shows will convince you that Branson Missouri is one of the top destinations in the United States.

Some of the family activities and shows from a previous visit Branson Mo:

The Titanic Museum

Dolly Parton’s Stampede (formerly the Dixie Stampede)

IMAX Entertainment Complex

Other Popular Family Activities & Branson Attractions:

Showboat Branson Belle

Silver Dollar City Theme Park

White Water Water Park – Voted One of the Best Outdoor Water parks in the country

Table Rock Lake & Table Rock State Park

The Butterfly Palace – Amazing butterfly exhibit featuring tropical butterflies

Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park

Branson Scenic Railway – Vintage Passenger Train

World’s Largest Toy Museum

Fritz’s Adventure – Indoor Adventure Park