Branson Vacation - Overland Park,KS

Honestly? We would go EVERY year, when we were little to early 20's. the only thing my sister and I loved was go carts...BORING for kids. Sorry, not trying to be mean but good golly it was awful! As we got older my sister and I would drive separate from the parents and we'd go shopping instead of all the "old granny" stuff my mom wanted to do. Poor dad!

Silver Dollar City in the ancient days (20-25 years ago) was even worse! I haven't been in 10 years or more so things may have changed.

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wow.....Branson is our go-to weekend escape! We've held season passes to Silver$City for 25 years now, & attended 1-2 times/year prior to that. We do the passes simply because you receive free guest passes several times each year. With the kids all so much older now, my Mom & I do the passes & then take whomever's free for the wkend. There are also great discount coupons to be found online!

We could easily spend all day at Silver$City & want to go back the next morning. In recent years, the park has opened up several new sections geared toward the younger kids...I think you'll find it to be a very happy time. Our younger crew is 15, & they still enjoy their time at the park! They have their favorite rides, they enjoy the festivals, & they know the park inside & out. Their comfort level is a joy to watch!

For your younger kids: definitely ride the train & prepare them for the train robbery! & in each section of the park, there is something to interest the little ones.....more than enough to fill one day.

**The Ducks! Yes, it's a long ride, but it's fun. Kids of all ages love it.
**Branson Scenic Railyway: a ride on a real train!
**Branson Landing has an excellent fountain/music/light show. ++Bass Pro & Build-a-Bear.
**the Butterfly Palace has had good reviews.
**Dixie Stampede is a joy!

& the list could go on & on.....Oh, & something else to think about: since you're going next week, you have some other options in the area. Eureka Springs, Arkansas is a beautiful day trip from Branson. Scenic 7 is considered one of the best "fall drives" in the USA!! Springfield, MO has a lot to offer... including the larger version of Bass Pro & the fun, fun Incredible Pizza Factory. AND since you're coming from KS....Prairie State Park is wonderful, as is Fort Scott in KS - nice trolley tour. Enjoy!!

I have a four year old and an almost three year old. We have bought the Silver Dollar City season passes for the last two years. Our girls love it! I believe that but for a few of the rides, the children need to be 36 inches tall to ride. If your youngest child is under 36 inches there will probably be four or so rides for him and your four year old should be able to ride almost everything for children and maybe the adult rides too. There are also two or three kids play areas. I would recommend it for you!

my daughter loves Silver Dollar City. We took her in the cave when she was 3 and I was so proud of her, she walked the whole thing and then wanted to do it again! Her dad and I were exhausted. If you go to their website you can look at the map and schedule and see what all's going on and if you think your kids would like it.

I'm not sure if you have boys or girls, but my daughter loved the Butterfly Palace.

Our kids were that age the last time we went to Branson. They loved the Branson Scenic Railway. It has a dome car and you go through tunnels and over tall bridges. We had also located an exotic animal farm just south of Branson. Don't remember the name but the kids really loved petting the deer and seeing other animals. There is also a working watermill with waterwheel at the School of the Ozarks along with a farm implement museum and some other displays. Kind of like the John Deere plaza. Not large but a quick tour for children with short attention spans like ours were at the time. Otherwise, their favorite thing was the swimming pool at the hotel.

Hubby and I liked Eureka Springs which is just south but the kids were pretty bored. But it was truly beautiful!

Well my best friend and her family went about two years ago. She then had a 2, 4 and a 7 year old. Her parents went with them and they had a time share out there. She said they had a nice time. Don't remember her saying anything bad about it. I've used Trip Advisor a couple of times and I think it's a great help on getting reviews for a trip: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g44160-Branson_Missour... There is a place to check out the top things to do and they reviews look current. Hope this helps some.
C.

We went back in May with the exact same situation. My 2 boys turned 4 and 2 in April and May and my 2 yr old is far from refined!! In all honesty, all they wanted to do was swim at the hotel pool! We did plenty of that but we of course didn't just go to Branson to swim in a hotel pool!

We ended up going to Dixie Stampede, Noah the musical, and the Duck Boat Tours. My husband and I thought all of them were good, but as far as the boys, they sat through Dixie Stampede and the Duck Boats the best. We thought Noah would intrigue them more than it did and we spent plenty of time out in the lobby. Although the show was very well done.

The Duck Boats didn't seem that long and our driver let each of the kids take a turn at the wheel while we were out on one of the lakes (going about .5 mph!) They thought that was fun and the best part is that they don't have to be perfectly still or quiet!

The Dixie Stampede was very entertaining and they did pretty good. There was enough action to keep them interested, most of the time. The food was surprisingly good as well. I really liked this show....patriotic and all!

There are also all sorts of little go cart type attractions along the "strip" that they would love. We did one, but only my 4 yr old was big enough to ride with his dad.

Good Luck. We had a fun little trip. This time of year should be beautiful down there!

I wish I was at work because my boss has a condo down there. Personally that place scares the carp out of me. I much prefer Lake Ozark. :)

If you haven't go what you need tomorrow message me I will ask her. :)