Best Things to Do in Branson, Missouri This Summer

Located deep in the scenic Ozarks, Branson is the perfect place to visit during summer—especially for families that are looking for some good, quality fun. Aside from over 57,000 theater seats, Branson has so much more to offer. Here’s a list of what we think you must see on your next visit.

See Titanic Like You’ve Never Seen It Before

Relive the luxury and grandeur of one of the world's most famous ocean liners at the Titanic Museum. Visitors can listen to stories told by real survivors, use the ship’s messaging system to send messages, and imagine what it was like to be the captain as they grasp hold of the wheel.

Go Ziplining Through Wolfe Creek Preserve

See the Ozark Mountains from above by going ziplining at the Wolfe Creek Preserve. Swing like a monkey from the eight ziplines and carefully walk across the ten suspension bridges on this three-hour experience—all of it culminating in a thrilling climb down a 100-foot exit tower. Only the bravest visitors will step off the 100-foot tower and complete the only freefall attraction in North America.

Fly With Butterflies in the Emerald Forest

The Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure is a great way to reconnect with nature during your vacation. How do the butterflies ever keep from getting lost after completing the Emerald Forest Mirror Maze? Follow them to the Living Rainforest Adventure area for close encounters with poison dart frogs, chameleons, salamanders and giant cockroaches. Of course, the main attractions at the Butterfly Palace are the amazing butterflies from all around the world.

Get Up Close And Personal With Tigers

Go behind the scenes at the National Tiger Sanctuary on one of its renowned feeding tours. Help the caretakers drop meat into the cages and listen as the tigers, lions, and leopards feast. Along the way, you’ll learn the amazing stories of these animals, which have been rescued from abusive situations, all while supporting their protection in the wild.

Bumper Boats, Laser Tag, and More

Your children will smile wide when you allow them to enjoy the family fun at The Track. Choose the courses from five different locations around the city. Cool off in the bumper boat area, run wild in the laser tag arena, and see who can drive their go-kart the fastest. For the courageous and brave, try the fast-moving, ever-twisting Skycoaster. And don’t miss the view from atop the giant Ferris wheel.

Experience Silver Dollar City, The Authentic American Adventure

Silver Dollar City is a true American adventure perfect for any summer trip. See the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters perform their original show for the last time during Moonlight Madness. Listen to incredible entertainment at the Echo Hollow Amphitheater during the Summer Concert Series. While dining has always been a treat at Silver Dollar City, the park will introduce over 200 new foods this year. And when it gets hot, you can cool off in the cave after riding the almost forty rides at this iconic amusement park.

Smile Wide and Laugh Out Loud

Laughing is good for you in so many different ways. It helps lower stress, supports the body’s natural antibodies and increases the feeling of wellbeing through the release of endorphins. Now that’s a prescription for summer! We have just the thing: Presley's Country Jubilee. Since 1967, this one-of-a-kind mix of country, gospel and bluegrass music has been a show the whole family can enjoy. Make sure to buy your tickets early for this show and others located along Highway 76.

Tap Into Your Inner Shopaholic

No trip to Branson would be complete without dipping in and out of all the fine shops. Branson Landing offers over 100 specialty shops filled with local treasures, all at the foot of $7.5 million, fire-shooting water fountain. Discount shoppers will love Tanger Outlet, home to 22 jewelry stores, 48 apparel stores, 21 shoe stores and a host of other merchants. And be sure to check out Dick’s 5 & 10, where shoppers have been finding a host of bargains for over fifty years, including novelties, gags and pranks.

Indulge Your Taste Buds

Home-grown fun tops the menu at Dixie Stampede, where you can dine on rotisserie chicken, pork loin, vegetable soup, corn on the cob and potatoes before enjoying the show. Choose your side and root on as 32 horses move in synchronization in the 35,000 square-foot arena. Alternatively, grab a quick burger or some barbecue at Danna’s Bar-B-Que & Burger, or a steak at Level 2 Steakhouse. Every day of vacation should start with a great breakfast, so make sure to get a cinnamon roll from Grandma Ruth’s, or the famous full breakfast at Billy Gail’s Café.

Be a Kid Again

No matter your age, a trip to the World’s Largest Toy Museum will have you playing like a kid again. Over one million toys can be found in this expansive museum, featuring playthings from many different eras. If you are ready to take a stroll down memory lane, do not miss this museum.

There are many reasons to come to the live entertainment capital of the world, but seeing the shows is only part of the fun to be had. Shopping, attractions, nature preserves—Branson has it all. Start planning your getaway today by contacting the great staff at The Lodges at Timber Ridge, where you’ll find all the amenities of home and more!