Travel
Things to do in Branson, Missouri
Discover the best things to do in Branson, Missouri. Whether you’re looking for entertainment, fine dining, family attractions or cozy accommodations, these activities belong on your spring bucket list.
May 30 2025 at 10 a.m.
Photo courtesy of HCW Management
Summer is here! It’s time to visit Branson, Missouri, home to entertainment for all ages, stunning scenery, delicious dining options and so much fun waiting for you and your family.
Take a closer look at some of the highlights and hidden gems the city has to offer.
Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar CitySilver Dollar City, an 1880s theme park, is home to 12 stages, over 40 rides and attractions, 18 award-winning restaurants, 60 shops and 100 resident craftsmen.
New Festivals, Dazzling Shows and Fresh Flavors at Silver Dollar City
Silver Dollar City
399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy, Branson, 417-336-7100, silverdollarcity.com
Silver Dollar City has a heap of new fun headed your way for its 65th season.
What's new: Get ready for the debut of Night Sky, an all-new drone and fireworks spectacular. More than 100 drones flying overhead will dance and light up to a carefully choreographed show, sharing the sky with dramatic bursts of fireworks to tell the story of an Ozarks summer night. Plus, a laugh-out-loud Wild West Comedy Stunt Show in Red Gold Heritage Hall features slapstick stunts that will leave you in stitches! Another new, must-do with the family is the Silver Dollar Circus with world-class acrobats performing high-flying feats on teeterboards, spinning on Cyr wheels, hand balancing and chair stacking live from the Opera House stage.
The Plaza, a new happening hub of fun and entertainment, will double the size of The Grand Exposition in 2025. The redesigned space houses permanent shade structures, plus seating, a new entertainment stage and food booths. The Plaza is the place to catch dance parties, the new drone show and the new Christmas experience.
Later this year: Silver Dollar City’s season finale is An Old Time Christmas®, which will feature The Plaza’s new centerpiece, The Grand Plaza Fir. The living tree lighting ceremony will have all the feels of Rockefeller Center each evening with holiday cheer, music and the magical flicker of over 150,000 lights in a triumphant crescendo. An all-new stage production—The Heart of Christmas—is a must-see, times two!
Tip: Children born in 2020 or 2021 will receive free admission to Silver Dollar City and White Water all season long with the Free Preschool Season Pass. Registration is required and opens on October 9 at silverdollarcity.com. For more information, visit the website, call or download the free Silver Dollar City app.
Photo courtesy of Myer Hospitality.Enjoy a dip in the pool or hot tub at one of Myer Hospitality’s top-rated Branson hotels.
Rest, Relax and Recharge with Myer Hospitality
Myer Hospitality
Four Branson Hotel Locations, 877-386-7829, myerhospitality.com
Myer Hospitality’s four Branson hotels—Best Western Center Pointe Inn, Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills, Comfort Inn &Suites and Holiday Inn Express Green Mtn. Drive—promise quality service tailored to guests’ needs, regardless of their chosen accommodation in town. All hotels offer a relaxing indoor pool and hot tubs.
What's new: The Comfort Inn & Suites owned by Myer Hospitality stands as the most decorated Comfort Inn in the brand’s history, ranking among the top 1% nationwide. Additionally, renovations are underway at the Best Western Center Pointe Inn, with plans to introduce new features in their A building.
What to try: Myer Hospitality’s hotels offer a variety of room types based on each person’s and family’s needs. All hotels have rooms that can sleep up to six people, as well as suites for a romantic getaway.
Tip: Myer Hospitality offers vacation planning and ticket services without service fees, making vacations easier and more economical. Guests can also access dining publications at all their hotels for added convenience.
Photo courtesy of Sight & Sound Theatre
Experience the Epic Tale of DAVID
Sight & Sound Theatre
1001 Shepherd of the Hills Expy. Branson, 800-377-1277, sight-sound.com
What's new: Making its Branson debut, DAVID is a state-of-the-art theatrical experience the whole family will enjoy. From still waters to shadowed valleys, David’s legendary ascent to the throne is filled with towering giants, wild animals and Philistine soldiers. After unprecedented victories lead to devastating failures, this passionate warrior faces the biggest battle of all: the one within himself. Don’t miss your chance to come alongside this young shepherd on his journey to become a man after God’s own heart.
When to go: Performances of DAVID run March 8, 2025, through January 3, 2026, at Sight & Sound Theatres Branson.
What to see: DAVID features state-of-the-art special effects, including Sight & Sound’s largest and most complex animatronic to date: Goliath. Towering at 14 feet tall and weighing in at 800 pounds, this set piece is truly a giant! DAVID also includes the use of Sight & Sound’s famous LED screen. Currently the largest of its kind in theatrical use, the LED screen is three stories tall and over 110 feet wide; that’s equivalent to the wing span of a 737 jetliner. Like all Sight & Sound productions, animals play a key role in the cast of DAVID. Audience members can expect to see sheep, camels, horses, goats, birds and donkeys! The music of DAVID is equally impressive, featuring original compositions inspired by the Psalms and moments of David playing the harp live on stage.
Tip: If you’re visiting Sight & Sound Theatres, don’t miss their signature glazed almonds. Grab an almond cone to enjoy during the show, then take the experience home with a one-pound bag of cinnamon-sugar goodness, perfectly packaged for sharing or snacking.
Photo courtesy of Shepherd of the HillsEnjoy scenic views on the Treetop Sky Trail at Shepherd’s Adventure Park.
Spring Into Adventure at Shepherd’s Adventure Park
The Shepherd of the Hills
5585 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson, 417-334-4191, theshepherdofthehills.com
Whether you’re seeking a new adventure or family-friendly activities, Shepherd’s Adventure Park is the perfect destination for your summer getaway.
What to see: At the park, your family will find activities for all ages. Explore the Ozark canopies and rustic scenery with the Zipline Canopy Tours. Inside the gated area, enjoy the Treetop Sky Trail bridges, slides, mini golf, history center, playgrounds, barnyard animals, family games and photo opportunities. For the more adventurous, head next door to Inspiration Tower and “fly” from the highest point in Missouri on the Vigilante Extreme Ziprider.
Don't miss: The Copperhead Mountain Coaster, Branson’s fastest and most scenic mountain coaster, offers 4,800 feet of thrilling loops, drops and curves set against the breathtaking Ozark Mountains. It’s sure to be a family favorite.
From exciting rides to scenic views, Shepherd’s Adventure Park offers everything you need for an unforgettable summer getaway.
Enjoy a delicious ice cream at The Keeter Center this summer.
Savor Summer Flavors
The Keeter Center
1 Opportunity Ave, Point Lookout, 417-239-1900, keetercenter.edu
Nothing says summer like a scoop of handcrafted ice cream from the College Creamery at The Keeter Center. Known for its rich flavors and exceptional quality, every bite is a true celebration of the season. It all starts before dawn, when College of the Ozarks® agriculture students care for Holstein and Jersey cows at the award-winning W. Alton Jones Campus Dairy. Fresh milk is collected, pasteurized and bottled by students, then transformed into Nettie Marie’s Homemade Ice Cream—a sweet tribute to the College’s rich history and hands-on work education.
What to try: Flavors range from classics like Oreo Mint and Vanilla Custard to creative favorites like Raspberry Mascarpone and Coconut Almond Fudge. Seasonal sorbets and fresh summer flavors add even more excitement to the menu. For an extra-special treat, enjoy your ice cream in a homemade waffle cone, or take home a bag of our student-made cinnamon-sugar waffle chips, drizzled with white chocolate.
Tip: Want to share the experience? Gift cards are available online at keetercenter.edu. Thissummer, experience the College Creamery—where every scoop tells a story of tradition, passion and hard work.
