Free or Inexpensive Things to Do in Branson

[Michael]

Any free or inexpensive things to do in Branson for a family with a 10 year old and 3 1/2 year old twins? My wife's family is having a reunion there at the end of this month. Need some suggestions to supplement the planned events.

- Michael

 

[klisow]

We were just there at the end of March. I posted a thread similar to this and had several replies. It should be on the second page of the posts, about the 5th one down at this point. It has a ton of great ideas and information about free, inexpensive and expensive stuff to do.

The fish hatchery is free and my kids loved it. They spent a great deal of time just feeding the fish outside, even my 13 y/o liked it. They have an informational video that you can watch all about the hatchery.

Another inexpensive thing to do is the College of the Ozarks. They have a museum that is really neat. We also visited the mill, and the jersey cows there. The campus is beautiful.

Old town Branson is a fun too, and I believed they just opened up the new area right there on the waterfront.

There are a ton of coupons once you get in that area.

 

[geekette]

Table Rock Lake State Park. Beautiful, scenic, FREE. Picnic, swim, walk the path to see the yachts... The visitor center was interesting, also.

 

[JLB]

I heard that a visit to Jim and Jenny's Margaritaville dock, for swimming and a boatride, is pretty reasonable.

The scenic overlook on 165, between Hollister and the dam, is cool.

You can go to the marina/dock at Fall Creek Resort, and watch old guys from Minnysoda catch little trouties.

There's no charge to hang out or lolly-gag at Branson Landing. The Bellagio-inspired fountains should be operating by then. Bass Pro will be open by then also. It's always a cool place.

Folks hang out downtown, more free gawking and lolly-gagging. Places like Dick's Five and Dime.

Just driving around is fun. It's a beautiful area. No, I don't mean just driving around in town.

There's a Lowe's, Wal Mart, Target, and a Home Depot.

You can sit and look at either of two lakes.

 

[gravityrules]

There are also some nice hiking trails, discussed on a previous thread. The paved trail from the Dewey Short visitor center to the Branson Belle landing and then on to the marina is suitable for hiking, biking, etc. (or longboarding for my son!). The trail just off Fall Creek road can be challenging!