Spring Break Getaway: Branson, Missouri

Branson is a favorite family destination from Kansas City. Many families love visiting Silver Dollar City and taking in family fun on the strip. However, Branson also offers hidden gems of adventures Best of all, each of these experiences can be enjoyed by children, teens, parents and grandparents—ideal for multigenerational trips to Branson.

The Clydesdale Experience at Good Shepherd Ranch

At Good Shepherd Ranch, guides James and Tiffany share their passion for horses with visitors of all ages. The Clydesdale Experience, a unique encounter, gives visitors the chance to get to know and interact with the horses. Families are invited to hold a Clydesdale hoof (you’ll be amazed at the sheer size) and pet, brush and even lead the horses. On our visit, my daughters learned how to help hook up the horse wagon then enjoyed a wagon ride through the woods, some in the front seat, others in the back. That excursion was followed by a ride on a Clydesdale in the corral. Good Shepherd Ranch offers a variety of packages and can customize to fit the needs of your group. You can choose trail rides or wagon rides, all affordably priced. TheGoodShepherdRanchMo.com

Stained Water Bowfishing

For a truly unique adventure, we can’t recommend Stained Water Bowfishing enough. Guides with Stained Water Bowfishing took our family on a nighttime adventure on Bull Shoals Lake. Their wide-bottom Legend SS Jet boats are equipped with Evinrude outboard motors and lights to be able to see in the shallow waters of the lake. Each boat is fully equipped with compound bows designed for big fish and a 15- to 40-pound draw weight range, which worked well for my teen daughters. Bryan, the company owner and lead guide, loves the outdoors and loves fishing ... he has over two decades of experience on the water, and you can tell. Before we began, they taught us how to use the bows and how to aim at fish. On our trip, my 16-year-old daughter, Kayla, caught a 21-pound buffalo fish, and Uncle Jeff caught a 12-pound drum. Stained Water Bowfishing offers truly unforgettable experiences for all ages and skill levels, from novices to experienced anglers. StainedWaterBowfishingCharters.com

Shows

Branson is famous for its shows. This year, our family highly recommends Sight & Sound Theatre’s musical production Queen Esther. Queen Esther is a truly captivating story of a brave Jewish girl who becomes the Queen of Persia. Throughout the story, the people wrestle with the apparent hardships, trials and struggles they face, asking why the Lord is allowing these things and whether he cares. Esther must find the courage to trust God’s plan, knowing that she is made for such a time as this. Sight-Sound.com

Runaway Mountain Coaster

Runaway Mountain Coaster was the very first mountain coaster in the Ozarks, and it’s our favorite. Mountain or alpine coasters are incredible thrill rides where you control your speed as you barrel down mountains, through the woods, experiencing your natural surroundings all from the seat of a toboggan-style coaster. Runaway Mountain Coaster, at 4,900 feet long (1,900 feet up and a 3,000 feet down), can speed up to 30 mph and is the fastest, longest and most exciting alpine coaster in Branson. Runaway Mountain Coaster offers daytime and nighttime rides with a fully lit colorful track to enjoy at night. BransonAlpineCoaster.com

37 North Expeditions: Trail Ride

37 North Expeditions is a locally-owned business serving southern Missouri and northern Arkansas. The company offers adventure tours for people of all skill levels to experience the great outdoors. Visitors may select from a variety of adventures in Missouri and Arkansas, including horseback riding, yoga, hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, camping, wineries and breweries, goat hiking, fly fishing, zip-lining, kayaking, train rides and more! Adventures range from half-day to multi-day treks. 

Our family participated in horseback riding, barnyard pets and wine tasting at Twin Willows Stables and Whistling Springs Brewing Company. The tour began with an introduction to the horses, all of whom were gentle giants perfectly trained for trail rides. The staff partnered riders in our group with the horse best suited to each person’s size and disposition. Children and adults who wanted one were outfitted with riding helmets. Then, we each received riding instructions. On the 90-minute trail ride, we wound through the Ozark mountains and prairie. Our friendly guide was great at instructing our group and leading us along the way. After the ride, we enjoyed a delicious soup and corndog lunch at Whistling Springs, the small brewery and restaurant on the Twin Willows property. This family-owned business is known for delicious wood-fired pizza on Saturdays and soups and other goods on Fridays and Sundays. They are a small-batch brewery with a variety of beers and hard ciders—the mango habanero hard cider was my personal favorite. Additionally, they offer craft soda for the kids, including root beer and grape. The owners pay homage to local veterans with a wall of honor for each branch of service. The food and hospitality were truly outstanding, making this eatery a great destination on an Arkansas getaway. 37NorthExpeditions.com

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, straddling the Missouri/Arkansas border, is a beautiful 10,000-acre oasis in the Ozarks. At Dogwood Canyon, the first stop is the water-powered mill, where families may watch live demonstrations, tour the small museum showcasing Native American artifacts or savor a delicious meal at the restaurant that offers breathtaking views of the waterfall. We were very impressed with the staff’s hospitality and helpfulness. Next, you may explore the park—rent bicycles or Segways or walk the trails. The attraction also offers amazing tram tours, a favorite experience for all ages. Knowledgeable guides are passionate about the wildlife at the park and provide many opportunities to take photos along the way. We loved watching the beautiful elk, longhorns and bison on our tour. The tram tour is one of the most popular attractions at the park, and slots fill quickly, so make your reservations early. DogwoodCanyon.org

Top of the Rock

The evening light tour at Top of the Rock’s Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail, Nature at Night, is a new offering Spring 2024. Our family loved the Christmas light tour, and the Spring tour promises to be just as magical. Beginning March 9 through April, guests can journey through the lights and sounds of the North American wilderness. A new, revamped version of this inspirational illuminated event takes visitors on a journey through the wonders of the woods. Guests are surrounded by twinkling lights and awe-inspiring displays while they venture on a golf cart along a 2.5-mile trail. Stories are told throughout this evening light tour to help enhance their experience, encouraging them to look through the lens of conservation and why our lands should be carefully preserved. Reserve your tickets now - this limited world-class event is only available for the spring season! 

Silver Anvil Metal Craft

Silver Anvil Metal Craft is one of the most unique experiences we’ve enjoyed in Branson. This locally-owned shop offers knife-making lessons. We made reservations as a family, and each of us learned how to forge and make a knife from either a pony horseshoe or a railroad spike. Each completed knife comes with a sheath. During the class, each person hammers out the blade and shapes it on the anvil. For fans of Forged in Fire, this was a truly terrific multigenerational experience. 

Appointments are required for the classes offered for ages 5 and up, and each class takes about an hour. SilverAnvilBlades.com

Check out these tips for your next Branson getaway:

• Branson Landing Fountain Shows: This $7.5 million water show features 120-foot geysers and blasting fire cannons all choreographed to music. Free shows begin every hour starting at noon daily.
• Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area: Explore more than 1,500 acres of forest and hiking trails.
• Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area: The Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area features more than 4 miles of hiking trails, a waterfall, a cave, the historic 1911 Lyle Owen homestead, picnic areas and ample parking.
• Pickleball: We keep our pickleball bag in our van as a quick go-to for spontaneous fun on trips. Enjoy indoor or outdoor pickleball. Indoor open play for pickleball is offered at the Branson RecPlex. The drop-in fee is $5 or $35 for a punch pass for 10 visits (1501 Branson Hills Pkwy.) Outdoor open play is available for free at Eiserman Park (201 Compton Dr.).
• Dewey Short Visitors Center: This free visitor center (4500 Historic Hwy. 165) offers exhibits and a free film telling the history of Table Rock Lake Dam, Missouri conservation and nature. Paved and rugged trails start at the center.
• Follow your favorite attractions on social media: We were fortunate to visit during National Go-Kart Day when The Track Family Fun Park posted they were giving social media fans one free ride for the day! You will often find deals and discounts this way.
• Shopping: Tanger Outlets sells name brands at a discount, Dick’s 5 & 10 deals in candy and novelties, The Landing features name-brand retail and more, and even more stores offer other great shopping options. 

Lodging: The Ozarker

The Ozarker Lodge: 995 Historic Hwy 165, Branson, MO 65616. Phone: (417) 348-1683

The recently renovated Ozarker Lodge is a gorgeous boutique hotel nestled in the Fall Creek region of Branson. With friendly hospitable staff (many of whom offered us great tips for hiking, shows, and the like), a stunning lobby ideal as your "basecamp" on vacation, a full-service wine and coffee bar, and creative activities to enjoy during your stay - this trendy hotel was a big hit with our family. Upon check-in, we were gifted a package of saltwater taffy. 

The teen girls loved the vintage lodge aesthetic, the younger girls loved the cinnamon rolls in the morning, and the parents enjoyed the evening wine tasting. In the evening, they showed a movie by the pool, and throughout the year they offer a variety of family activities including classes in camping skills, charcuterie board and wine tasting events, and themed activities. 

2024 Spring Break Travel Tip: The Ozarker Lodge is offering travelers a series of engaging spring programming throughout the month of March where guests can unwind fireside, revel in live music, partake in movie nights, and savor wine tastings on-site, following exhilarating days packed with zip-lining, hiking, or paddle boarding. Located in the heart of Branson, Missouri, the family-friendly hotel sits nearby popular attractions including Silver Dollar City, Branson Landing, Titanic Museum, and more. The Ozarker’s March special programming lineup includes:

• Wednesday, March 13 & 20: Live Music 6pm - 8pm
• Friday, March 15 & 22: Movie Night 7pm - 9pm
• Saturday, March 16 & 23: Wine Tasting 4pm - 6pm

We stayed in the Ozarker Suite complete with a king bedroom and kitchen and adjoining double queen bedroom. Visit their website for room information. Breakfast is not included, but guests do receive a food credit. Rather than a traditional continental breakfast, the lobby cafe serves delicious cinnamon rolls, frittata, juice, and coffee in the morning. The storeroom sells a variety of adorable camp-themed souvenirs and drinks, sandwiches, chips, and snacks.  S'mores kits are available for the firepits.

The location of the strip was nice and pleasant. The hotel seems to be idyllic located in the hills with the creek in the back. The beautifully styled lobby, rooms, and details including custom soap and lotion, stationary, and the like created a charming atmosphere reminiscent of classic family vacations. The girls loved the classic "woody" station wagon out front and the vintage vibe. 

We were able to enjoy swimming, the soaking tubs, firepits in the evening with s'mores, and walks to the creek. Each room is equipped with smart TVs, and the lobby is well-stocked with a great selection of games. After sightseeing in Branson, it was great to come back to the hotel and relax away from the crowd. With all the amenities of a hotel, but the rustic hints of a camp lodge, this boutique hotel is a new favorite place to stay in Branson.

Learn more at The Ozarker Lodge.

When you’re looking for an easy getaway less than a tank of gas from Kansas City, Branson is an excellent choice for visitors of all ages.

Kristina Light writes about family travel on KCParent.com throughout the year. Click Vacations on KCParent.com for more great ideas.