Toddler Travels: Your Guide to Branson for Littles

As a local to the Branson area, my husband and I often spend our weekends exploring all that Branson has to offer. While we enjoy quiet, baby-free date nights occasionally, we more regularly go on adventures together as a family—each outing with varying results. As our son is still so young, we don’t always know what he will enjoy until we’ve already spent the money and found out. Through our wins and losses, we now have a much better idea of what experiences are ideal for our young adventurer.
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, “favorite” aunt or uncle, cool older sibling, or soon-to-be parent of little ones, there is plenty to enjoy in Branson in the company of toddlers. Keep reading for my recommendations of things to do with your young ones while visiting Branson.

Dolly Parton's Stampede

When we made our way to Dolly Parton’s Stampede, our son was ten months old. I wasn’t sure how he would do, but anything that involves food is a winner. He loved having bites of our meal, and especially the soup, as he watched the trick horse riders circle the arena. We attended the earlier dinner show, and afterward, we made our way to the Horse Walk to see up close the beautiful horses who had just performed in the show.

Branson Ferris Wheel

I have never seen our boy quite as focused on anything as he was on the Branson skyline while riding on the Ferris Wheel. Personally, I would recommend early evening as the sun is beginning to set, but truly anytime is great for a ride. If you’re not opposed to a sweet treat—and the subsequent sugar rush—a stop at Andy’s Frozen Custard afterward is a great way to end the evening.

White Water

As the temperatures heat up, White Water is a great option for all ages. With a one-year-old, though, we entered White Water with the expectation that this would be a short trip, and it was for the first time. We arrived first thing in the morning to beat the summer heat. While Splashaway Cay for little ones was fun, we found that a few laps around the Lazy River and playing at the shallowest point of the wave pool were ideal for our adventurous little guy.

PACKING TIPS:

• It’s helpful to bring a wagon as opposed to a stroller to keep everything contained.
• While there are all sizes of life jackets available there, you may bring your own infant/toddler life jacket as long as it’s Coast Guard approved (approval will be marked somewhere on the vest).

Aquarium at the Boardwalk

Our little guy had his first Aquarium at the Boardwalk experience at only two months old, and now that he’s much older, we decided it was time to return. This 48,000-square-foot aquarium is filled with over 250 species of marine life. He was intrigued especially by the jellyfish and any interactive display where he’s able to touch the water himself.

Lake Day Boat Rental

If your kiddo loves the water, renting a boat at any one of our marinas to spend some time on Table Rock Lake or Bull Shoals Lake is an ideal way to spend a summer day. If you plan around the heat and ensure that there will be plenty of shade available on the watercraft you choose, your little one is sure to have a blast.

PACKING TIPS:

• A pack ‘n’ play is great to have onboard for your day in the sun. If you’re renting a pontoon or larger boat, this is a great way to contain your cranky passenger, who may need a break at some point during your time on the water.

While traveling with young ones, there are unique challenges; however, it can also be the most fun you’ll ever have. Watching the wonder in their eyes as they experience something new makes any and all frustration melt away. Branson is full of fun for every age, and it is my hope that, while here, you feel equipped to bring your young adventurer along for the ride.

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