bumping, what seems to be last years thread, but those travelling to this area for this summer may be interested again.
Branson is only 30 minutes from Lake of the Ozarks, so if you want to rent a boat, jet skis, or any water activities and get away from the 'shows' head to Lake of the Ozarks.
Also, there is an extremely large Outlet Mall. Not sure how many stores exist there (seems like a few hundred); I've never seen a larger one and people travel from all around the area to shop at the Outlet Center (plan to spend several hours here, if you go)
There are many many more restaurants to choose from at Lake of the Ozarks as well (enjoy the nice seafood restaurants and the ones out on the water are really nice).
You can also do bumper cars, go karts, mini golf, and those sort of things w/the kids @ Lake of the Ozarks.
Update: As ace2000 corrected my post. He is correct, I was thinking of Springfield, MO being 30 minutes away. Lake of the Ozarks is much further. However, if you are looking to get away for the Show Scenery to may make a nice trip for the day. It's the water location to be. Yes Branson has water, but on a much smaller scale. The boats on the water at Branson are small compared to the extremely nice large boats you will see at Lake of the Ozarks. Many stars own condos at Lake of the Ozarks just to get away. Their are million dollar condos and much higher.
Lake of the Ozarks may still remain an outing for you, but it is 140 miles away. Tons of party coves at the Ozarks. Essentially, many parts are family oriented while many are party coves. In fact, they have gas stops for boats to re fuel out on the water and tons of restuarants on the water. And, the gas girls are in itsy bitsy bikkini's (but they are on the water).
Thanks for catching that ace2000.