Adventures for the Family in the Ozarks

This holiday season, your family can enjoy the ultimate getaway in the Branson area with five fabulous attractions for all ages. Our family recently visited the Springfield and Branson areas exploring all five of the attractions below, and we had a great time making memories, learning, and playing together. 

With the Explorer Pass, your family can enjoy a fantastic getaway exploring five amazing attractions:

• Wonders of Wildlife General Admission
• Dogwood Canyon General Admission
• Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail General Admission
• Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum General Admission
• $15 Fun Mountain Game Card

Our family recently visited Springfield and Branson and enjoyed all five of these fun-filled attractions. So, what's in store?

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium

500 W Sunshine St, Springfield, MO. 888.222.6060. Admission charged.

Tip: Read their COVID-19 response and safety precautions before your visit.

Our first stop was a visit to Wonders of Wildlife. This fantastic natural history museum and aquarium is a phenomenal attraction and requires most of a day to visit and enjoy thoroughly. 

Wonders of Wildlife bills itself as the "Largest, Most Immersive Fish & Wildlife Attraction in the World!" The attraction was created by Bass Pro founder, Johnny Morris. Johnny's love for nature is contagious and his passion comes across through every aspect of this attraction.

The museum includes first, a Natural History museum, with breath-taking exhibits showcasing the history of the Ozark region, Native American Heritage, the Lewis & Clark Expedition, and wildlife from around the world. From sheep to bears, deer to antelope... we saw thousands of animals. The centerpiece of this half of the museum is the Great African Hall with beautiful displays showcasing African animals. The lighting and sounds of the Hall transform from day to night while you're there, creating the feeling that you are among the elephants, zebras, and giraffes on the African tundra.

I recommend spending the morning in the Natural History portion, taking a lunch break (you may eat at Fish Tales restaurant, a lunch spot for the museum), or head to a restaurant within Bass Pro shops or in the neighborhood, returning to visit the aquarium after lunch. We ate at Fish Tales on our visit, enjoying pizza and sandwiches.

The aquarium is truly spectacular. This is unlike any aquarium we've ever visited. The displays include not only aquariums, but swamp exhibits, fishing exhibits, and history exhibits celebrating the history of fishing, the sport of fishing, and even the passion America's presidents have held for the sport. 

The 1.5-million gallon aquarium adventure features 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. We loved the shark exhibit, we were transported to the bayou in the swamp exhibit, and the stingray exhibit is the best we've ever experienced. My girls enjoyed seeing sloths, bears, alligators, flamingoes, otters, and countless sea creatures from including octopus, sharks, clown fish, rays, jellyfish, and fish from around the world. The stingray touch pool, the finale of the attraction, is truly world-class. 

Our family thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Wonders of Wildlife and we unanimously agree that we would enjoy visiting again. This is an excellent all-day attraction that is both fun and engaging for all ages.

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

2038 W. State Hwy. 86, Lampe, MO. Admission charged; rates vary for age and chosen attraction.

Tip: Read their COVID-19 response and safety precautions before your visit.

The following day, we started with a visit to Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. We spent half a day at the park on this visit, but you can easily enjoy an entire day at this beautiful attraction.

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, straddling the Missouri/Arkansas border, is a beautiful 10,000-acre oasis in the Ozarks. The park is beautiful year-round, but we’re especially partial to autumn weather when the air is crisp and the fall foliage starts to change. 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, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the waterfall. We were very impressed with the hospitality and helpfulness of the staff.

Next, you may explore the park. Our family enjoyed a bike tour through the park’s paved trails (you may bring bikes for free or rent bikes on-site). They also offer Segway tours, horseback riding, fishing, and walking tours (note: attraction availability is subject to change). On the bike trail, we saw beautiful waterfalls, crossed bridges, explored a small cave, and saw a variety of wildlife, including fish and birds.

The attraction also offers amazing tram tours. Tram tours may be booked in advance and this popular attraction fills up quickly, so advance reservations are recommended. The open-air trams take you on a two-hour guided tour where you will see bison, elk, whitetail deer and Texas longhorns. The knowledgeable guides are passionate about the wildlife at the park and provide many opportunities to take photos along the way. The tram tour is one of the most popular attractions at the park, so reservations are necessary as slots fill quickly.

We also enjoyed lunch at the Canyon Grill (admission to the attraction required to eat in the restaurant). Their bison burger was terrific. It is juicy and tender and full of flavor. The trout was great too. And, they serve some of the best house-made chips I've ever had.

Dogwood Canyon is a beautiful nature reserve with acres to explore biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, eating, and just relaxing. Plan to spend an entire day if you visit this attraction. 

I love spending time in the great outdoors in my home state, and Dogwood Canyon truly celebrates the best of Missouri's beautiful outdoors. This is a serene attraction that we truly love visiting.

Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail Cart Tour

150 Top of the Rock Rd, Ridgedale, MO. 800.225.6343. Admission charged.

Tip: Read their COVID-19 response.

Top of the Rock is one of the most scenic places overlooking Table Rock Lake. During the Lost Canyon Cave tour we took a two and a half-mile drive through the Ozarks enjoying phenomenal views of the autumn landscape. Guests drive their own golf carts along the paved path taking in unforgettable views of Ozark Mountains.  Waterfalls, beautiful Amish-built bridges, tree lined trails, and bluffs overlooking the lake, create a stunning view around every bend.  The kids enjoyed driving through the Lost Canyon Cave. They even have a "Bat Bar" in the cave where you may enjoy fresh drinks.

Tips: Electric carts are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets must be purchased in person at the Top of the Rock Welcome Center, and are not available for purchase in advance. Carts hold up to four people. You must be 18 years or older to operate. This tour lasts approximately 40-50 minutes. Admission is charged.

Fun Mountain

612 Devil's Pool Rd, Ridgedale, MO. 800.225.6343 Check their website for deals.

Tip: Read their COVID-19 response.

After enjoying educational and outdoor attractions, the huge blast of indoor fun that is Fun Mountain was a fantastic end to our getaway! We spent an entire evening exploring their many attractions. We played Laser Tag in the Ozarks themed game room, played arcades, climbed an interactive rock wall, drove bumper cars, and bowled at Uncle Buck's... the COOLEST bowling alley we've ever enjoyed. Fun Mountain truly offers something for all ages. We saw couples on a date enjoying the delicious food and round of pool or game of bowling. And, families had a blast playing together and enjoying the many attractions. This is a fun place to simply hang out and have a good time. The atmosphere is bright, vibrant, and fun and the hospitality was top notch!

The bowling alley is all themed as an underwater experience. The girls loved the shark and octopus ball returns and the fish motif. The atmosphere was super cool! We also ordered food from the restaurant to enjoy while we played. Their pizza and wings were terrific and we topped it off with a gourmet milkshake (to share!).

The arcade features all your favorite games with an excellent variety for all ages and skill levels.

The laser tag is set as Fort Big Cedar, a 4-000-square-foot arena. We had a blast in this wildlife themed game room.

The climbing wall was truly one-of-a-kind and the girls LOVED it! The game features projected graphics and proprietary body tracking, so you can play interactive games as you stomp aliens or follow mazes. The added games on this climbing wall were a big hit with our girls.  You can play single player or multi-player games.

One of the family-favorites was the bumper cars. We tried two styles of cars. First, the "Spin Zone," these cars twist and spin as you drive, rotating 360 degrees every time you come in contact with another car. Then, we did the ultimate bumper car experience, "The Flip Zone." These "cars" looked like gyroscopes on wheels!  The drivers are flipped upside down rotating 360 degrees horizontally and vertically. This was truly an unforgettable and exciting bumper car experience.

My husband also tried out their Golf Simulator. Big Cedar is a prime destination for golfers so Fun Mountain features a golfing attraction that is truly one-of-a-kind. Through their full-swing golf simulator, you can visit world-famous golfing destinations.Players take a swing and launch the ball straight at the screen where the "dual-tracking technology will show the curvature of the ball and provide the most realistic effect, just as if you’re standing on the course behind the tee!"

In addition to these attractions, you may also enjoy these seasonally and on weekends:

• Thunder Alley Go-Karts: Designed by 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr. and NASCAR crew chief and former stock car racing driver Cole Pearn, the quarter-mile Thunder Alley Go-Cart track will inspire you to enjoy the outdoors and find your need for speed.
• Timber Ridge Ropes Course: Avoid swamp monsters and climb over 40 feet and four stories on Timber Ridge Ropes Course. This course Features elements like a rolling log, swaying ladder, balancing beam and two electronic Sky Rails.
• Billiards: Rent your own billiards table by the hour inside Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill at Fun Mountain.
• Sky Tykes: Located in Fun Mountain, our Kids’ Climbing Area & Sky Tykes features a giant suspended pirate ship and ropes course with nine different elements. Watch as your kids walk the plank and adventure through intense tracks.
• Kids Nature Discovery Center: Complete with a treehouse, rope bridge, slide, reading caves and striking hand-painted murals depicting the Ozarks, the Kids’ Nature Discovery Center is the ideal place for children to spend time exploring, playing and discovering all that nature has to offer in a safe and exciting space.
• Kids Adventure Club: Big Cedar Kids Adventure Club offers four-hour sessions for children ages 4-11. Each outdoor adventure is filled with games, nutritious snacks and learning experiences, including archery, environmental awareness and Native American history exploration. Parents can explore other Big Cedar activities knowing their children are in a safe, clean and comfortable space exploring on their own. They won’t even know you’re gone!

Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum

150 Top of the Rock Rd, Ridgedale, MO. 800.255.6343. Admission charged.

We spent about two hours exploring this museum, showcasing an incredible collection of artifacts. The museum tells the history of the Ozarks through a vast collection of archaeological finds. We saw skeletons from ancient animals, a vast array of artifacts from the American West, and a truly impressive collection of Native American artifacts telling the history of Native Americans in the region.

The museum tells the story of Native Americans through an extensive collection of artifacts including wardrobe, arrowheads, tools, paintings, sculptures, and stories. The Trail of Tears exhibit is extremely moving and brings greater understanding to some of the worst parts of our country's history.

The Wild West exhibits tell the tales of Annie Oakley, Wild Bill Hickock, and other legendary folk heroes.

There is a lot to learn and see at this museum. I recommend it for older elementary - adult guests. 

Holidays at Big Cedar

Tip: Read their COVID-19 response.

If you're looking for a fresh way to celebrate the holidays with your family in 2020, you might consider a visit to Big Cedar!

• Cozy Cabins with Christmas Trees: Each cozy log cabin and lakeside cottage comes with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, wood-burning fireplace, a kitchen, and spa-like bathroom with heated stone floors. With room for up to 10 guests, they’re great for the whole family. 
• Extended Winter Glamping: Situated along Table Rock Lake, camping meets comfort with the elevated glamping options at Camp Long Creek that are unlike anything else in the Midwest. This year, guests can book Camp Huts, Camp Cabins and Glamping Tents until December 6. 
• Winter Wonderland Ice Rink: Grab your mittens, lace up your skates and hit the pop-up ice rink at the Swimmin’ Hole Lawn. An illuminated Christmas tree in the center and festive lights all around will bring out your holiday spirt.
• Holiday Light Tours: Enjoy more than 1 million Christmas lights during a resort holiday light tour as Christmas music plays. Also included are complimentary hot chocolate and a cozy campfire. 
• Festive Activities: Whether showing your competitive side for the Sleigh Bell Scurry holiday scavenger hunt and Gingerbread House Build-Off or getting crafty with the Elves Winter Workshop or Baking with Mrs. Claus, Big Cedar Lodge has holiday activities for everyone.  
• Winter Safaris, Icicles & Bald Eagles: A festive wilderness adventure is just a “sleigh ride” away at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park (about 25 minutes from the resort). Explore the Midwest’s best-kept secret for wildlife lovers at this 10,000 acre nature park where rock walls lined with icicles and soaring bald eagles abound during winter. Hop on the park’s educational wildlife tram tour (trams are heated) and grab a hearty bite at Canyon Grill restaurant. 
• Shark Dives, Penguin Hangs & New “Adopt an Animal” Gift Program: Let the reindeer hooves take you an hour north to Springfield where under-the-sea adventures await at Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium including Shark Dives, SEArenity Yoga in the open ocean exhibit, and Penguin Encounters with adorable penguins. Want to bring the experience home or gift it away? A first-ever “Adopt an Animal” program invites you to symbolically adopt a WOW animal. Adoptees receive a plush stuffed animal, a fact sheet and letter from the curator, your name on a virtual parent page on the WOW website, and more. The first animal up for “adoption” is a green sea turtle – it is slated for release on Giving Tuesday (Dec. 1). 

Lodging

Recommended lodgng includes:

• Big Cedar Come discover Big Cedar Lodge. A remote haven of natural beauty spread out over 4,600 acres where rustic luxury is tucked into the rugged landscape of the Missouri Ozark Mountains, overlooking sparkling Table Rock Lake. Inspired by a commitment to conservation, Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, created Big Cedar Lodge as a destination for families and friends to connect in the great outdoors. With inviting accommodations, spectacular restaurants, two full-service marinas, five golf courses, a 50,000-square-foot activity center, breathtaking spa, unparalleled fishing and countless outdoor adventures, Big Cedar Lodge is a world-class resort where you and your family will make memories to last a lifetime. Visit Big Cedar Lodge and discover renewing tranquility, outdoor adventure, genuine Ozarks hospitality and a little piece of heaven on earth.
• Angler's Lodge We stayed at this traditional hotel with a great pool and customer service. If you're in the mood for a basic hotel stay, this is a great choice close to Bass Pro in Springfield and across from Wonders of Wildlife!