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Back in 2011, we decided to surprise the kids and take them to Orlando for our family vacation. But, (you probably guessed there was a “But,” right?) then my gallbladder decided to be removed two days before we were supposed to go on vacation.

We had to scramble to make new plans and try to save the family vacation quickly because the end of summer and start of school was in just a few weeks. We needed a fun trip that was closer to us than Orlando (we lived in Arkansas at the time), was going to be just as fun, and obviously, we needed it to be affordable.

Our solution? Branson, Missouri.

I could not have been happier with our second choice! Branson is an affordable, family vacation wish come true. Come let me show you some tips and tricks to make the most out of your first visit to Branson!

Places To Visit On Your First Trip To Branson, Missouri

Branson Stop #1. Silver Dollar City

If any of your friends or loved ones have visited Branson in the past, I would just about bet that they will tell you not to miss out on Silver Dollar City. And they are right! Silver Dollar City is an award winning 1880’s theme-styled park. Built on top of huge caves, Silver Dollar City is more than just roller coasters and funnel cakes.

Before I even get into all of the cool rides and exhibits, I want to point out that this is one of the cleanest parks you will ever visit. And the staff are the friendliest you will ever meet anywhere. When you’re traveling with children and teens, it’s the little things that make a mama’s day.

Silver Dollar City was built upon Marvel Cave. One of the neatest things is that a tour of Marvel Caves is available with every ticket to the park. If you have a spelunker in your family, be sure you don’t miss out! Just a head’s up here- this is a very long tour at nearly hour and includes a very strenuous walk.

Tip 1:

Silver Dollar City is a huge park. It is best if you can break it up into two days. Want to know how to do this affordably? If you enter the park after 3 PM, the next day is FREE. Free is my favorite price.

The roller coasters at Silver Dollar City are some of the best in the world. In fact, CNN.com named The Outlaw one of the biggest game changers in the theme park industry.

Personally, I had done absolutely zero research on the rides before I went the first time (see above surgery for further details). So I had no idea what I was walking into. Let me tell y’all: I wasn’t ready.

These are BIG GIRL PANTS roller coasters. These are the kind of roller coasters you watch thrill junkies on YouTube ride. If you love roller coasters that go from 0 to 53 miles per hour in just 2.8 seconds or wooden coasters that twist upside down, you will love Silver Dollar City!

But, my personal favorite part of Silver Dollar City is the over 100 artisans who demonstrate their crafts. You will find everything from soap makers to woodworking to blacksmiths and everything in between! I could have stayed all day watching them.

My favorite was the glass blowing, but I won’t lie. In the middle of July, that fire gets rather warm! You can only handle watching the glass blower craftsmen for small bits of time before you need fresh air. I was so impressed that the craftsmen didn’t seem to mind the heat at all.

Silver Dollar City is the hands down “Don’t Miss This” on your Branson Bucketlist. There is something for everyone to do and see, and being able to go two days for the price of one makes this what I call your best entertainment value.

Branson Stop #2. Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction

I think it’s only fair to disclose that Dolly Parton is one of my idols, so I might be just a teeny bit biased in my opinion here. But, in my book, this is one show you won’t want to miss.

If you love eating good food, or if you love horses, or if you love a good story, or if you love America, then this is the show for you.  Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction is both dinner and action show together.

This family-friendly show features 32 horses being steered by trick riders. There is music, stunts, and jokes that will entertain your entire family. Oh – and did I mention the four-course meal is deeeeeeeeelicious? Seriously… the soup is to die for! I dreamed about that soup for a solid month after I had it the first time, it’s that darn good!

Tip 2:

Got little ones? Save some money! Children under the age of 3 are free if they sit on a parent’s lap and eat from their plate.  This show is even friendly for the littlest little ones, so don’t worry about them bothering your neighbors.

The show is very crowd participatory. It does get loud from time to time, and there are lights that strobe, for those who might need to know before they go. Also, just my opinion, but I wouldn’t choose to sit in the first two or three rows. The horses are being ridden around a show ring. It gets very dusty at times. I noticed the dust seemed to waft into the first few rows of seats. Not heavily, but still. If you’re someone like me who sneezes at the mention of the word “allergy” you might want to sit up higher.

Branson Stop #3. Hollywood Wax Museum

We visited the next two places all on the same morning. Since we were planning on arriving at Silver Dollar City at 3 PM so we could go again the next day for free, we wanted to find a couple of attractions we could do that would be fun for everyone, but not wear us out early. Our first stop was Branson’s own Hollywood Wax Museum.

I’ve been to about a half a dozen different wax museums around the world, and this one is one of my top three favorites. The wax figures are really enjoyable to pose with, and they are arranged in fun poses with fantastic backdrops. There are a ton of photo ops to be had here!

Tip 3:

Blowing out candles soon? On your birthday you can go for free to not only the Hollywood Wax Museum but several other tourist attractions in Branson. Click here to find out more!

Branson Stop #4. Branson Dinosaur Museum

Everyone from 9 months to 99 loves dinosaurs. And at the Branson Dinosaur Museum is where you will find life-sized replicas of all your favorites! You will be blown away by the sheer size of these figures. They are so beautifully constructed that they seem to be alive sometimes. You also get to learn plenty about each species and their habitats. This is a fantastic, family-friendly place to slow down and enjoy watching your kids learn while having fun. And maybe, you’ll even get a little scare while you’re there!

Tip 4:

The Branson Dinosaur Museum is affordable on the wallet! Children 4-12 are only $8.92, and under 4 are free! Leaving you more money for more important things such as souvenirs.

Branson Bonus Tip:

Branson is famous worldwide for all of the shows on the main strip. While these are great, there is an even more affordable way to see great entertainment cheaply. There are a ton of cafes, diners, and restaurants that have free performances while you eat. One of my personal favorite diners was Jackie B. Goode’s Uptown Cafe & Dinner Theater, but if you don’t stop there be sure to try at least one of them. They seem to be on every corner and you will find the food in most places to be as excellent as the free entertainment.

My family loved spending our vacation in Branson. It is a beautiful city full of friendly people with plenty to do for everyone. I hope you’ll make plans to visit Branson soon.

(I am not affiliated with any of the places mentioned in this post. Just sharing the Branson love. To see my full Disclosure Policy, click here.)

Have you ever been to Branson? What was your favorite attraction? Talk to me about it in the comments!

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