Branson is internationally known for its family-friendly attractions, top-notch live shows, and Midwestern charm. Located in the Ozark Mountains, with its rolling hills and plentiful trees, Branson also offers great natural beauty. While there is no shortage of enjoyable things to do in Branson, exploring some of the city’s free attractions allows families to optimize their vacation time without placing undue strain on their travel budget. Below we’ve listed seven of the best free family activities in Branson MO.
Free Family Activities in Branson MO
#1 Learn About the Life-Cycle of Trout at Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery
Fishing at Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, or Lake Taneycomo is a popular past-time for both locals and visitors. The Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery gives adults and children an up-close view of how some of these lakes maintain their stock of fish. The fish hatchery is part of a conservation area, and it houses rainbow and brown trout in all stages of development. Visitors have an opportunity to feed the fish, and the hatchery’s large aquarium allows them to see the natural color and size of trout native to Branson’s lakes. The hatchery was built to replace the population of trout that would be impacted by operations at nearby Table Rock Dam. A guided tour of the hatchery and the attached visitor center provides young travelers with a lesson about sustainability for the state’s valuable aquatic life.
#2 Check Out Branson Landing’s Fountain Shows
Many of Branson’s most popular activities take place in or near Lake Taneycomo, including fishing, water sports, and boutique shopping. Branson Landing, which was built along the lakeshore, is a hub for the city’s entertainment, dining, and shopping scenes. It also offers some free family activities in Branson MO. In addition to window shopping and strolling along the lake, you can enjoy the fountain show in the Landing’s town square. The dramatic water feature contains a series of fountains that shoot water up to 120 feet in the air. The fountains perform in unison with musical selections that play through the Landing’s state-of-the-art speaker systems. Branson Landing’s fountain shows run daily beginning at noon, and colorful lights, fire, and cannon blasts provide dramatic accompaniment.
#3 Enjoy Branson Landing’s Concert Series and Special Events
Branson Landing’s town square also hosts live performances by local talent. During the summer, the Landing provides a series of free concerts from all music genres. Special events such as charity benefits, fairs, and markets are also held at the Landing’s town square throughout the year. Review the Landing’s event schedule to learn if any events will occur while you’re in town. If you’re in luck, you may be able to attend some free family activities in Branson MO, like Safe Street Trick or Treat (on Halloween) and Winter Wonderlanding (throughout November and December).
#4 Explore Table Rock State Park
Families that enjoy observing nature and participating in outdoor sports should consider a trip to Table Rock State Park. The park is situated around scenic Table Rock Lake and provides free access to hiking trails, fishing holes, and campgrounds. After swimming at the lake or cycling on the many bike paths, families can relax and dine al fresco on packed lunches. Table Rock State Park also offers restrooms, barbeque grills, and even a playground for small children.
#5 Visit Branson Centennial Museum
Branson, like many cities across America, started as a small town with humble roots. A visit to the Branson Centennial Museum helps tourists and locals see just how far the city has come since its incorporation in 1912. As its name implies, the museum, which opened in 2012, marks the city’s 100th anniversary. Its exhibits highlight the region’s proud past and hopeful future as a tourist mecca. Many visitors find that a trip to the Branson Centennial Museum provides a pleasant alternative to the stimulating live shows and performances that take place nightly on “The Strip.” Plus, the museum rotates its displays periodically to attract return visitors.
#6 Relax and Learn at the Dewey Short Visitor Center
The Dewey Short Visitor Center is administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers primarily to explain the history and purpose of the nearby Table Rock Dam. The dam produces hydroelectric power, making it an integral part of the region’s clean energy strategy. The visitor center contains power plant exhibits, interactive maps of the area, and water safety instructional displays. The center also shows a short film that gives a history of the lakefront area and describes how the Table Rock Dam impacts life there. Tourists can spend an entire day exploring the Dewey Short Visitor Center, because the surrounding grounds and lakefront accommodate swimming, fishing, hiking, and biking.
#7 Ride the Downtown Discovery Trolley
If you believe you may have missed some of the city’s attractions, hop on the free trolley that runs between Historic Downtown Branson and Branson Landing for a comfortable view of the town’s activities. The trolley runs continuously throughout the year except during the winter months of January and February, when it adopts an abbreviated schedule due to the weather.
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Check out these free family activities in Branson MO to save a few bucks during your next vacation. And when you’re ready to book your trip, check out Branson Vacation Rentals. Our cabins and cottages are perfect for a fun family trip, a romantic getaway, or a relaxing weekend with friends. Plus, since each accommodation provides a full kitchen, you can save even more money by cooking meals at home! Browse our cabins, condos, villas, and cottages, or give us a call at 417-779-5880 to learn more.