Branson, Missouri, is a favorite family destination from Kansas City, at just a a 3-4 hour drive. For families with older children and teens, looking for a memorable weekend getaway, Branson offers many great options. This is a great summer itinerary families are sure to love!
Lodging: Hilton at Branson Convention Center
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The Hilton at Branson Convention Center is conveniently located in historic downtown Branson, connected to the Branson Convention Center. It is ideally located near shops and restaurants at Branson Landing, which is just across the street, and the historic Branson shopping district home to Dick's 5 & 10 and other local shops. The luxurious and modern hotel was perfect for our family, offering adjoining rooms, a beautiful pool and hot tub, and comfortable rooms. Amenities include both an indoor and outdoor pool, fitness center, and views of Lake Taneycomo.
Family Fun
We recommend The Titanic Museum, Track Family Fun Park, Silver Dollar City, and Copperhead Mountain Coaster at Shepherd of The Hills on your Branson family vacation. These fabulous attractions are all enjoyed by tweens, teens, and adults alike, creating an unforgettable family vacation.
Read on for tips and details for each attraction:
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
Titanic Museum
Details: 3235 76 Country Blvd., Branson, MO, 800.381.7670 TitanicBranson.com Duration: Plan to spend 2-4 hours.
The story is etched in memory as one of the greatest tragedies in history. From blockbuster films, to books, to lore and legend, to the heartbreaking truth and new discoveries, the sinking of the majestic ship has been a subject of intrigue for over a century. The Titanic Museum in Branson is an unforgettable experience.
Visitors to the museum are greeted by employees, each representing a real passenger or crew member of the Titanic. Guests are given a "boarding pass" with information about a real passenger aboard the ship and are then invited to "board" the replica ship representing their assigned passenger. You are also provided with a listening device with information at each station along the way, and may choose to listen to content targeted at either adults or children. I was so intrigued by the children's stories, I often chose to listen to both.
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
Throughout the exhibit you are encouraged to learn about your passenger, at the end learning whether they survived. Each passenger's story is shared on their card with details that help you relate to them throughout the exhibit. You know the age, class, and status of your passenger. As you explore the exhibits including rooms representing first and third class accommodations, learn about responsibilities for the crew, and learn about the life of a child or an adult on the ship - you are able to relate more and more to your assigned passenger. This special element of the museum adds a truly personal touch, bringing guests right into the story in a memorable way.
We entered the museum where we each touched the tip of an iceberg to experience just how cold it really was. The first floor of the museum houses many authentic artifacts, and photos are not permitted.
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
One of the most impressive sights is an exact replica of Titanic’s hand-crafted grand staircase. Yes, it looks just like the real ship and just like the film, and you are welcome to take photos.
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Titanic Museum, Branson, MO. Photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
The second floor of the the luxury liner features many interactive exhibits, including the chance to step into the Captain's bridge and take the wheel, learn how to send an S.O.S. distress signal, practiced shoveling coal into the boilers, and experienced the slope of the ship as it sank.
One of my favorite aspects of the museum was the photography from the ship as it was built and before it sank, and then photography of the shipwreck discovery on the ocean floor.
Throughout the museum, staff members are dressed as real passengers and portray these individuals sharing their stories and answering visitor's questions. Children are offered a scavenger hunt to participate in along the way, and there are trivia questions throughout to see what you've learned.
The museum does an excellent job of not only recreating the feeling of the ship in its glory, and telling the story of the tragedy answering many frequently asked questions, but most wonderfully it honors the memory of the people in the story.
Visiting the Titanic Museum was one of the highlights of our Branson trip and our entire family would love to visit again.
The Track Family Fun Parks
Details: Multiple Locations BransonTracks.com. Duration: Half-Full Day. Ultimate Park Passes, Multi-Day Passes, and Individual Attraction tickets are offered. The amount of time will vary based on your ticket selection.
The Track Family Fun Park is the perfect attraction for family time, especially with tweens and teens! Offering three locations on the Branson Strip, with 12 unique go-kart tracks and additional attractions, this is one of of the most fun attractions in Branson.
With the Ultimate Park Pass, we were able to experience all of the go-karts, rides, bumper boats, bumper cars, ferris wheel, and miniature golf courses on site. The Track was a highlight of our family trip to Branson.
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
Go-Kart enthusiasts love the unique offerings at The Track. The Heavy Metal High Rise was our family favorite, for both thrills, height, and smoothness. However, the classic courses, and the wooden tracks: Wild Woody and The Lumberjack were also tons of fun.
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
Additionally, they offer a fun hillbilly themed outdoor miniature golf course, and an indoor blacklight miniature golf course with fun obstacles.
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
In the summer heat, we were all thrilled to cool off with bumper boats. The younger girls also enjoyed the amusement park style rides.
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Track Family Fun Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
This beautiful classic Ferris wheel features 40 gondolas, holding up to 240 passengers, and 16,000 LED lights. The Branson Ferris Wheel is a continuous rotation, but can be stopped for guest assistance. The history of the Branson Wheel is shared by The Track here, "In 1893, George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. designed a revolving steel observation wheel for the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago as America’s answer to the recently completed Eiffel Tower in Paris. A hundred years later, Chicago’s Navy Pier Ferris Wheel opened in 1995 as the focal point of the newly renovated Navy Pier. Providing nearly 17 million rides in Chicago, it made its move to Branson in 2016, to continue sharing fun and entertainment to families everywhere."
The Track Family Fun Park Tips:
- We highly recommend buying passes. Thrillseekers love trying all of the unique go-kart options, rides, and experiences at The Track. This is a fun way to enjoy friendly competition, and you'll find that everyone will love different tracks for different reasons - in fact the fastest driver often varies based on skill and which track appeals most to them.
- Enjoy Andy's Frozen Custard nearby for a treat.
- The Track is open in the evening, which is typically cooler in summer months.
Silver Dollar City:
Details: 399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy., Branson, MO. SilverDollarCity.com Duration: Entire Day (perhaps even multiple)
Silver Dollar City is a theme park set in the 1880s. Shows, rides and crafts make this a theme park for all ages.
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
The entire family will delight in watching crafters use historic tools to create works of art and delicious food right before your eyes. Watch a candy-making demonstration and enjoy samples. Stop at the blacksmith, glassblower, wood carver, broom maker and other crafters to watch skilled artisans create everything from wrought iron fences to marbles and baseball bats.
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
Beyond crafts, Silver Dollar City also provides terrific shows and live entertainment. During our summer visit, we enjoyed the Saloon Show (a melodrama style comedy performance), and a dog show.
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
And, of course, everyone loves the rides, too! Our family favorite is Time Traveler, the World's Fastest, Steepest & Tallest Spinning Coaster. Time Traveler® features three inversions — the most ever on a spinning coaster, including a 95-foot tall vertical loop — and two launches that send riders to unprecedented speeds.
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
New this year, the park opened a brand-new version of Fire In the Hole. One of the park's original dark rides was closed last year, and this year brought a brand new reimagined version of the ride. The theme of indoor roller coaster is the goal of firefighters to save the burning town of Marmaros from the notorious baldknobbers. Our family grew up riding the original and we find the new ride is very similar, but cleaner, fresher, and smoother.
In addition to these rides, visitors enjoy even more roller coasters (Wildfire and Powder Keg are beloved by my children), a full-size steam train, kiddie rides, water rides (Mystic River Falls, their epic raft ride features an amazing guaranteed-to-get wet drop, and the American Plunge is a classic flume ride) and more are part of the fun. Many of the rides feature theatrics and decor adding to the fun... like the "Great Shoot Out," where you compete with your fellow passengers to shoot targets as you float through a "prison." While you're there, be sure to tour Marvel Cave (always 60-65 degrees, a great place to cool off on a hot day) and learn about Branson's legendary tale, Shepherd of the Hills.
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
Additionally, Silver Dollar City has beautiful ambiance and decor. The kids love taking photos in the jail, exploring Grandfather's Mansion (like an old-fashioned fun house), and western theme. The staff members at Silver Dollar City are all warm and friendly and often surprise guests in fun ways. One staffer offered to take our family photo and he treated us to a "selfie" on our phone as well.
If you've never been, we give Silver Dollar City two thumbs up and recommend a few days for your visit. Every festival is fantastic, and your family will be eager to come back for more fun each season.
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Silver Dollar City photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
Additional Silver Dollar City Tips:
- Splurge on a Trailblazer Pass to skip the lines and enjoy more rides! This is especially valuable on weekends.
- Silver Dollar City does allow outside food and drink. Pack refillable water bottles.
- Try the food! Their famous skillets, fried pickles, frozen lemonade, potato twists, ice cream, barbecue, and more are all outstanding. We enjoyed lunch at Riverside Smokehouse and the portions are huge! We were easily able to share a meal among two or three people.
- Wear comfortable shoes, the park is built in the Ozark mountains with steep paved hills.
- When you make purchases at the shops (so many wonderful craftsman with handmade goods), you may have it delivered to the front of the park to pick up at the end of the day so you don't have to carry it on rides, etc.
- Download the App for show schedules and ride wait times.
- In the summer, tour Marvel Cave (free) where you can cool off in the heat of the day.
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Copperhead Mountain Coaster photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Copperhead Mountain Coaster photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Copperhead Mountain Coaster photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Copperhead Mountain Coaster photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Copperhead Mountain Coaster
Details: 5586 W 76 Country Boulevard Branson, MO. 417.334.4191 TheShepherdOfTheHills.com/Coaster Duration: The ride is popular, so during the busy season you may spend up to 30 min. in line.
We LOVE Mountain Coasters and Copperhead Mountain Coaster did not disappoint. This fabulous 4,800-ft-long coaster is truly unique. Riders are launched and begin their 3,350ft downhill ride - the longest downhill ride in Branson. After soaring downhill through loops, drops, and curves weaving through the Ozark Mountains, you complete the course with a 1,450ft uphill climb. Riders may experience this ride during the day or at night. Check TheShepherdOfTheHills.com/Coaster for hours. Our entire family loved this thrill ride and consider it one of the best mountain coaster experiences in the Midwest.
Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park
Details: 5585 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO.417.334.4191 TheShepherdOfTheHills.com Duration: Half-day
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Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park is an outdoor attraction offering wholesome family fun. Visitors may take in views from the top of Inspiration Tower, explore the Tree Top Sky Trail, enjoy petting zoo animals, play a round of miniature golf, enjoy giant slides, a treehouse themed playground, outdoor games, and a country-style restaurant and ice cream shop.
For even more Branson inspiration, read our Branson Adventure piece featuring the Clydesdale Experience, Silver Anvil Knife Making, Sight & Sound Theater, Reza, Dolly's Stampede, and more!