20 Free Things To Do In Branson For Families

Looking for a family-friendly getaway without breaking the budget? Branson, Missouri, offers plenty of free attractions and activities that will keep your whole family entertained. From exploring nature on the different hiking trails to participating in cultural events, this bustling tourist town has it all.

Here are 20 of the best free things to do in Branson for families.

1. Take A Scenic Drive

There are plenty of scenic drives in and around Branson, MO. Whether you want to take in the sights of the Ozarks from your car or get out and explore on foot, there are plenty of options for a scenic day trip.

One option for a scenic drive is to head south on Highway 65 toward Harrison, AR. This route takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of the Ozarks, including dogwood-lined roads and views of Table Rock Lake.

Another option is to take Highway 160 west towards Silver Dollar City. This road takes you through the Mark Twain National Forest and past some of the area’s most popular attractions, such as Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery and Promised Land Zoo.

No matter which route you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the beautiful scenery that the Ozark mountains have to offer. So get out there and explore!

2. Ruth And Paul Henning Conservation Area

The Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area are one of the many free things to do in Branson for families. This conservation area is a great place to take a nature walk, have a picnic lunch, or just enjoy the beautiful scenery. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and even bald eagles.

The area has a variety of trails that are perfect for hiking, biking, or even just walking. There are also a number of places to fish, so it’s a great spot for anglers of all levels. Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area is a nature lover’s paradise.

3. Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area

Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area is one of the many free things to do in Branson for families. This area is a great place to hike, picnic, and explore nature. There are several different trails to choose from, so you can find one that is perfect for your family.

You can also go fishing in one of the many lakes in the area. Be sure to bring your camera, as there are plenty of photo opportunities in this beautiful area.

4. Shrine Of The Holy Spirit

The Shrine of the Holy Spirit is a beautiful place to visit and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Branson. The shrine is located on top of a hill and overlooks the city. The view from the shrine is stunning, and from there, you can see for miles.

The shrine itself is very beautiful, and there are many different areas to explore. There are also many different activities to do at the shrine, such as taking a tour, attending mass, or just spending time in prayer. The Shrine of the Holy Spirit is a great place to visit, and you will not be disappointed.

5. College Of The Ozarks

College of the Ozarks, also known as “Hard Work U,” is a unique college experience. Students work 15 hours a week in on-campus jobs to pay their tuition, room, and board. There are no student loans at the College of the Ozarks!

The campus is located on 1,000 acres in the Ozark Mountains of southwest Missouri. The beautiful gardens and grounds are open to the public year-round. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the campus or sign up for a guided tour led by students.

The Fruitcake and Jelly Kitchen is a popular stop on campus tours. This working kitchen produces fruitcakes and jellies that are sold across the country. The fruitcakes are made using a family recipe that dates back to the early 1900s.

The College of the Ozarks also offers free concerts and lectures throughout the year. The CofO Rodeo team competes in National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association events, and visitors are welcome to watch their practices and performances. The college produces award-winning dairy at some of the Missouri State Fair. How many prizes exactly? Almost 40!

Close by; you will be able to get a panoramic view of Lake Taneycomo as well as the city.

6. Tour the Copper Run Distillery

The Copper Run Distillery is one of the best places to tour in Branson for families. This award-winning distillery offers free tours and tastings seven days a week. The tour takes you through the entire distilling process, from start to finish.

You’ll learn about the history of distilling and see how Copper Run makes its unique spirits. At the end of the tour, you can sample some of their products. The Copper Run Distillery is a great place to learn about the art of distilling and taste some delicious spirits.

7. Shepherd Of The Hills Fish Hatchery

The Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery is one of the top free things to do in Branson for families. Located just minutes from downtown Branson, the hatchery offers a great opportunity to learn about and see Missouri’s native fish up close.

Visitors can also feed the fish, which are always eager to take a meal. The hatchery is open year-round, so be sure to check it out on your next visit to Branson!

This fish hatchery produces around 1.1 million brown trout and rainbow trout every year. These fish are then taken to Table Rock Lake. You can find this lake in Table Rock State Park.

8. Walk Downtown Hollister

Looking for a little exercise while enjoying the sites of downtown Hollister? Then take a stroll down one of the most historic streets in the area – 3rd Street. This street is lined with beautiful Victorian-style homes that date back to the late 1800s when Hollister was first founded. You could call this area a hidden gem.

As you walk, be sure to look up at the intricate architecture and imagine what life was like over 100 years ago. When you reach the end of 3rd Street, you’ll come to historic Downtown Park. This park is a great place to take a break and enjoy the scenic view of downtown Hollister.

The park also has several historic monuments, including one honoring Civil War veterans. After enjoying the park, continue your walk by heading down 6th Street. This street is home to several unique shops and restaurants, so it’s a great place to do some window shopping or grab a bite to eat.

That’s just a taste of what downtown Hollister has to offer! Whether you’re looking to explore the history, do some shopping, or just get some fresh air, be sure to add a stroll through downtown Hollister to your list of things to do in Branson.

9. Dewey Short Visitor Center

The Dewey Short Visitor Center is a must-see for any family visiting Branson. This free center offers interactive exhibits on the area’s natural history, as well as a chance to see live animals up close. Visitors can also enjoy a short film about Branson’s history, take a scenic boat ride, or explore the on-site gift shop.

It is located on the banks of Lake Taneycomo and provides stunning views of the Ozarks. A fun fact about Lake Taneycomo is that the lake is stocked yearly with around 750 000 rainbow and brown trout. You can swim in Lake Taneycomo as well as parasail, fish, ski, sail, and more.

The kids will love petting the resident turtle and viewing the many fish in the aquarium. Be sure to catch one of the daily ranger programs to learn even more about the Ozarks!

10. Branson Landing Fountain Shows

The Branson Landing Fountain Shows are a must-see when in town! The fountains dance and shoot water high into the air to the music, making for a spectacular show. The best part? The shows are free to watch!

The fountain shows take place daily at noon and 7 pm and last for about 20 minutes each. They are located in the middle of town at the Landing, so they are easy to find. Make sure to bring a jacket or sweater, though, as it can get cold standing around outside at night!

Take a walk on the scenic boardwalk while listening to music and watching the boats pass by. Sounds pretty relaxing to me.

11. Horse Walk At Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Dolly Parton’s Stampede is one of the top attractions in Branson, Missouri. The show is a dinner theatre experience that features 32 horses and a cast of riders who put on a thrilling show with plenty of comedy and music.

After the show, guests can take a horse-drawn wagon ride around the property. The horse walk is a great way to get up close and personal with these beautiful animals. You can also get a picture of the horses.

12. Ballparks Of America

There are plenty of things to do in Branson for families, and one of the best is visiting the Ballparks of America. This unique complex features seven different baseball fields, each designed to replicate a famous ballpark from around the country. You can play baseball or softball on replicas of Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, and even Yankee Stadium.

And it’s not just for baseball fans – there’s also a field inspired by iconic ballpark Ebbets Field, home of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Whether you’re a fan of America’s pastime or just looking for a unique place to play some catch with the kids, Ballparks of America is definitely worth checking out.

13. Free Downtown Trolley

Families can enjoy a free ride on the Downtown Trolley, which takes them to all the popular attractions in Branson. The trolley, called Sparky, operates from 9 am to 6 pm (weekdays) and makes stops at over 20 locations, including the Titanic Museum, Wax Museum, The Landing, Historic Downtown, Silver Dollar City, and many more.

The Titanic Museum attraction is not a free tour and will cost you around $12 for an adult ticket. For children, it will cost around $8. The museum does house the largest collection of authentic Titanic artifacts.

On weekends the trolley runs from 10 am to 5 pm. The only days it does not run are Christmas Day and Thanksgiving.

What does it look like? It s a red and white trolley that literally says “free downtown trolley’ on the side.

14. Picnic At Scenic Overlook Areas

One of our favorite items on our list of free things to do in Branson for families is to visit one of the many scenic overlooks. The Ozarks are full of natural beauty, and there are plenty of spots where you can take in the scenery. Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo, and Bull Shoals Lake are all great places to start. You could pack a picnic basket and eat with a view.

If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, consider heading to Roark Bluff or Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Both offer stunning views of the Ozarks that your family is sure to love.

15. Table Rock Lake State Park

Table Rock Lake State Park is one of the most popular attractions in Branson. The park offers a variety of activities for families to enjoy, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and picnicking. There are also several playgrounds and a sand volleyball court.

The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from May through September. During these months, the weather is warm, and there are plenty of activities to keep everyone in the family busy.

16. Branson Centennial Museum

The Branson Centennial Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Branson, Missouri. The museum celebrates the history and culture of Branson and the Ozarks region.

Visitors can learn about the early settlers of the area, the Native American tribes that inhabited the Ozarks, and the development of Branson as a tourist destination. The museum also features exhibits of local arts and crafts, music, and food.

The museum offers free admission and is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits, which chronicle the history of Branson from its earliest days as a small town on the White River to its present-day status as a major tourist destination.

The museum also features a research library and archives, which are open to the public by appointment.

17. Must-See Murals

 If you’re looking for some free art to check out while in Branson, make sure to check out some of the city’s murals! Here are a few of our favorites:

1. “The Shepherd of the Hills” Mural: This mural is located on the side of a building in downtown Branson and depicts the iconic scene from the novel of the same name.
2. “Welcome to Branson” Mural: This mural is located on the side of a building near Branson Landing and features a colorful image of the city’s skyline.
3. “Branson Belle” Mural: This mural is located on the side of a building near Historic Downtown Branson and depicts the city’s beloved riverboat.
4. “Branson Scenic Railway” Mural: This mural is located on the side of a building near the Branson Scenic Railway station and depicts one of the city’s most popular attractions.
5. “Silver Dollar City” Mural: This mural is located on the side of a building near Silver Dollar City and depicts one of the city’s most popular theme parks.

18. Hiking Trails

The Ozarks offer some of the best hiking in the Midwest. Branson is a great place to start your hike, with over 200 miles of trails. The most popular trails are the Table Rock Lakeshore Trail and the Taneycomo Lakeshore Trail.

Both trails offer stunning views of the Ozarks and plenty of opportunities to see wildlife. If you’re looking for a challenge, head to Dogwood Canyon Nature Park.

The park has 10 miles of trails that range from easy to difficult. You’ll need a day pass to hike in the park, but it’s worth it for the views. If you’re looking for an easy hike, check out one of the many nature trails in Branson’s city parks. Parks like Falls Park and Roark Creek Park have short, flat trails that are perfect for a leisurely stroll.

19. Mountain Bike Trails

There are many great bike trails in Branson. Some of the most popular include:

1. Table Rock State Park: This park offers over 25 miles of trails, ranging from easy to difficult. There is something for everyone here.
2. Ozark Greenways: This system of greenways offers over 100 miles of trails, including a few that are specifically for mountain biking.
3. Mark Twain National Forest: This forest has over 700 miles of trails, many of which are great for mountain biking.
4. Southwest Missouri: This area is home to many great bike trails, including those in Springfield, Joplin, and Kansas City.

20. Flea Markets

Looking for a unique gift or some vintage home decor? Check out one of Branson’s many flea markets! You never know what you’ll find, and haggling is half the fun. The best thing about flea markets is that you don’t have to spend a thing if you just feel like browsing. Here are a few of our favorites:

1. The Farmer’s Market at the Branson Landing features locally grown produce, artisan goods, and live music. It’s the perfect place to spend a Saturday morning.
2. The Vintage Market Days of Branson is a three-day event held several times throughout the year. Shop from over 100 vendors selling everything from furniture to clothing to jewelry.
3. If you’re in town on a Wednesday, stop by the flea market at Taneycomo Lake. You’ll find everything from fresh produce to handcrafted items.
4. Check out the market outside the Apple Tree Mall, which has hundreds of booths. It’s known for its friendly atmosphere with tons of one-of-a-kind collections and antiques.

FAQs

Is the Branson Landing Fountain show free?

The Branson Landing Fountain show is one of the most popular free attractions in Branson, Missouri. The fountain show is a must-see for any visitor to the area, and it is completely free to watch. The fountain show runs every hour from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, and it features a variety of different songs and lights.

Is Table Rock Lake free?

Yes, Table Rock Lake is free! There is no admission fee. You can enjoy fishing, swimming, and boating without spending a dime. There are plenty of other free things to do in Branson as well, so be sure to check out our list!

How much does it cost to go to Top of the Rock in Branson?

Admission to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck is $10. There are special entry fees for holidays and events.

Is the Silver Dollar Amusement Park free?

No, the Silver Dollar City amusement park is not free. However, there are many other free things to do in Branson! Visit their website for more information on pricing. It’s usually around $85 for adults and around $75 for children.