Branson’s many lakes, theme parks, and live events make the city a top tourist destination between the months of May and September. However, because temperatures can reach the high 90s (or above) in the summertime, you need to know some cool places to chill out when the sun gets unbearable. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, use our tips below to learn how to beat the heat in Branson this summer.
How to Beat the Heat in Branson
Track Family Fun Parks
With multiple locations throughout the city, Track Family Fun Parks are most famous for their go-karts. After taking a few laps around the race track, cool down with an icy beverage in the air-conditioned arcade. Each of the Track Family Fun Parks is different, so if you’ve already visited one location, try another next time. Park 4 includes bumper boats, for example, while Park 5 offers indoor laser tag.
Silver Dollar City
This 1880s-themed amusement park is a one-of-a-kind attraction, and many of its rides can help you cool off on a hot day. For example, American Plunge carries guests on a peaceful boat ride that culminates in a five-story drop into water at over 30-miles-per-hour. The Lost River of the Ozarks is a thrilling, whitewater adventure guaranteed to soak everyone in your party, and RiverBlast allows passengers to spray other park visitors with water guns. When the summer heat reaches its peak, head to Marvel Cave, which remains 60 degrees year-round.
White Water
White Water houses millions of gallons of tropical fun for the whole family. The Aloha River at Hula Hula Bay is an ideal spot for resting the day away on a float, and Coconut Cove contains a variety of sprinklers, slides, and wading pools for small children. More adventurous visitors can climb Kalani Towers, a seven-story structure with multiple water slides, or slide down KaPau Plummet, Ohana Falls, or Pipeline Plunge. Finally, if you want to pretend you’re at the beach, the Surf’s Up Wave Pool simulates the flow of the ocean.
Museums
Branson is home to a half-dozen museums, all air conditioned (and thus, perfect for a steamy summer’s day). For example, the Titanic Museum houses over 400 artifacts recovered from passengers of the legendary sunken ship. Its self-guided tour lets you walk over a replica of the Titanic’s famous Grand Staircase and touch a real iceberg. The Hollywood Wax Museum gives visitors a rare opportunity to take selfies next to their favorite celebrities, and adults and children alike will be entranced by the World’s Largest Toy Store, a museum with more than a million toys and games dating back to the colonial era.
Cool Off Water Chute
Can you believe that the Cool Off Water Chute has been operating for more than four decades? Located right off Highway 76, this community staple is a simple, curvy water slide that you can ride by yourself or with others on a large mat. If you’re looking for a quick dip in the water, this is by far the quickest, cheapest, and most fun way to learn how to beat the heat in Branson.
Lakes
Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, and Lake Taneycomo are ideal places to spend warm summer days swimming, fishing, and boating. Looking to try something a little different? Flyboard Branson lets you propel yourself across Table Rock Lake with a water-powered jet pack. There are also plenty of shops to rent equipment for more conventional activities like kayaking and paddle boarding. Boat tours, including romantic dinner cruises, are offered along Lake Taneycomo throughout the season.
Moonshine Beach
The only publicly accessible beach in Branson, Moonshine Beach offers an ideal place to sunbathe, because you can hop into Table Rock Lake whenever you need to cool off. The beach also has a covered seating area and a hiking trail, making it an excellent picnic spot.
Ice Cream and Snow-Cone Shops
To satisfy your sweet tooth while cooling off, check out a local ice cream or snow-cone shop. Yeti’s Shaved Ice & Ice Cream has quickly become one of the city’s most popular frozen desserteries since opening in 2013. At Oasis Snow Cone, you can try over 50 flavors on the dockside patio. Finally, known throughout the Midwest, Andy’s Frozen Custard features a drive-thru window for sundaes on the go.
Live Shows
During the summer months, Branson hosts well over 100 concerts, plays, and other live performances, many of which can provide refuge from the blazing sun. Some of the most popular shows include Showboat Branson Belle, Six, the Million Dollar Quartet, Dixie Stampede, and Legends in Concert.
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Now that you know how to beat the heat in Branson, it’s time to pack your cooler, pop on your sunglasses, and get ready to fully embrace summertime in the Ozarks.
If you’re planning to visit Branson this summer, 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. Browse our cabins, condos, villas, and cottages, or give us a call at 417-779-5880 to learn more.