My Favorite Things to do in Branson, MO

My family has been traveling to Branson, Missouri since before there were any kids. I am the oldest child out of five children ranging in ages from five to twenty, and we have been to Branson with a child of virtually every age. Branson has something for everyone. Our most recent trip was over New Year's last year.

    One of Branson’s most popular attractions is Silver Dollar City, an amusement park themed like an 1880’s mining town. It is the largest family-owned amusement park in the country.I love going here over birthdays, because Silver Dollar City gives away free treats and a birthday button to wear. Another fun thing about this unique amusement park is that Hannah’s Ice Cream Parlor in the park will give you a free mini ice cream cone if your name is Hannah. Silver Dollar City has different areas, some with their own theme. There is Fireman’s Landing, Homestead Ridge, and The Grand Exposition to name a few. My personal favorite ride is Thunderation. It's an old wooden roller coaster. Thunderation is one of the tamer coasters, and there are many others. My sister's love the Time Traveler. It goes upside down three times. I honestly do not like crazy roller coasters like this at all, but miraculously, my sisters persuaded me to ride it. Before actually boarding the ride, I specifically asked my 16 year old sister if it went upside down, because it was dark and impossible to see the track from outside the ride. She told me that it didn't so I agreed to ride. Obviously, she tricked me. I did enjoy it with my eyes squeezed shut and my legs braced on the front of the car, but I won't ever tell her that! Over the Christmas season, they have the most amazing lights display in the middle of the park. There are tons of photo ops. Every time we are in Branson, my family goes to Silver Dollar City. You can’t miss it! 

This is the sign where everyone takes pictures as you walk into the park.

    As for hotels, my family always stays at the Grand Crowne Resort. It has all of the space we need as a large family for a reasonable price. Since we have seven people in our family, we typically get two connecting suites at here. Each suite has a bedroom and living room with a pullout couch, so we use the two beds and pull out one of the couches. There's also a kitchenette in every suite if you want to cook yourself while staying there. The resort also has a large indoor pool and two hot tubs. We have tried other places, but we always go back to the Grand Crowne.

    We recently discovered our new favorite restaurant in Branson. Danna’s BBQ and Burger Stop has amazing food, and apparently everyone else thinks so too. At normal meal times, especially dinner, the place is packed. I suggest, when going to Danna’s, you eat a little earlier or later than normal. There will probably still be many people, but the order line will be much shorter. Even with the large crowds though, you don’t have to wait long for your food. The portion sizes there are fairly large. I try to always share with my mom or a sister, because I could never finish the plate by myself. I like to order either the pork or chicken plate which comes with fries, the best buttered roll you will ever taste, baked beans, and slaw. The staff is super friendly as well. 10/10 would recommend.

Another restaurant we love as a large family is Pizza World. They have a 2 foot (yes! 2 feet!!) wide pizza that feeds all of us with leftovers. I know what you're probably thinking, "Wouldn't a place like that probably not even have good pizza?" That's kinda what we thought at first, but it's really good. Now, going to Pizza World for a 2 ft. pizza is one of our favorite things. 

THE 2 FOOT PIZZA!!!

A couple years ago, we tried a new attraction called Fritz’s Adventure. It is now a must do for my family. Fritz’s Adventure has a laser maze, tunnels to crawl through, things to climb, huge slides, three different sized warp walls, an outdoor rock climbing wall, and an indoor ropes course. There is even a mini ropes course for preschoolers. My then three and five year old siblings loved getting to do the “big kid” ropes course. At first, I was too scared to go on the three story ropes course, but my mom made me try it. Now, I am so glad that I went out of my comfort zone and am excited to go back and do it again.

This is an older picture from my first time on the ropes course.

          Twice now, my family has been to Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede. Dixie Stampede is a dinner and show. One of my favorite parts is the music and dancing in the show. Also, the food is amazing! They serve a traditional Southern meal. Warning: there is no silverware! However, all of the food can be eaten with your hands except for the soup which is served in a bowl with a handle. Funny story: while sitting in the front row during this show, I discovered that I have a horse allergy! I don't remember having that issues the first time I went when we sat in a row farther up. Based on your ticket, the audience is split into two sides, the North and the South. Near the end of the show, they have different competitions between the sides. They invite audience members to participate in these competitions, and at the end they announce a winner. If you don't have anything to do one night during your Branson trip, I highly suggest this dinner show.

Outside Dixie Stampede. We couldn't get my brother to take the picture with us.

My family looks forward to going to Branson whenever we can. The city literally has enough to do to last for months, and there is something for every age. Whether you are traveling to Branson on your own, or with your whole family, you will have a great trip!

Feel free to share this post with your friends, and make sure you follow us on Pinterest! 

PIN ME!

 

PIN ME!