Things to Do
Your Ozarks Summer Bucket List
These are all of the must-do activities for the perfect summer in the Ozarks. Get ready to jump into Table Rock Lake, float the North Fork River, scream your head off on Silver Dollar City's Time Traveler roller coaster and so much more.
By Katie Pollock Estes
Jun 2019
Photo by Jeff RoseWhether your prefer to kayak, canoe or float in rafts, local rivers in the Ozarks are calling your name.
Float Down a River
There’s no shortage of beautiful rivers in southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas, and we have a list of the best local float trips to prove it. The spring-fed rivers are the best for cooling off on hot summer days.
Plunge Into a Lake
Between Table Rock, Taneycomo, Bull Shoals and Stockton (and more!), there’s a lot of fun to be had in the still, deep waters of our region’s lakes. Just watch out for gar. Just kidding. (Kind of.) Want to live your best lake life? Read our full store here.
Swim in a Spring
Get your heart racing as you splash into frigid water at a spring, like the North Fork of the White River’s Blue Spring and Althea Spring, which are both accessible, beautiful and painfully cold. There are also plenty of additional swimming holes to check out if you're not quite up to the frigid temperatures.
Splash Around in a Fountain
Jordan Valley Park and Farmers Market of the Ozarks both have summertime splash fountains.
Scream on a Roller Coaster
Despite the heat, we think summer is the best time to visit Silver Dollar City. The rush of wind as you fly down Time Traveleror Wildfire’s hills will cool you right down.
Race Down a Waterslide
White Water is the place to get your heart racing on downhill treks that end in a massive splash. Be sure to keep an eye out for extended hours on Friday and Saturday nights beginning in July for Night Water.
Go Camping in the Beautiful Ozarks
Camping is all about experiencing the great outdoors, and we've found the best Ozarks camping destinations with some seriously beautiful wildlife payoffs.
