First Trip w/ 2 Kids to Branson MO

Question

What are a few things I can do w/an 8 year old and 15 year old. That doesn’t require me driving all day. Any hotels I should stay at where things are in walking distance?

Answer

Branson, Missouri, is a family-friendly destination with a variety of attractions suitable for children of different ages. Since you’re traveling with an 8-year-old and a 15-year-old and prefer not to spend all day driving, staying near the main entertainment areas is key. The Branson Strip is the most convenient location for walking access to theaters, attractions, and restaurants.

Things to do with kids without much driving:

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!: Fun and quirky exhibits that entertain both younger and older kids.
Branson Landing: Waterfront shopping, fountains, and casual dining within walking distance; evening fountain shows are popular with families.
Track Family Fun Parks: Mini-golf, go-karts, bumper boats, and arcade games located near the Strip.
Hollywood Wax Museum: Interactive and fun photo opportunities, easy to access on the Strip.
The Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure: Engaging for kids who enjoy nature, with indoor rainforest exhibits and butterflies.

Hotels within walking distance of attractions:

Hilton Branson Convention Center: Centrally located on the Strip with easy access to many theaters, restaurants, and shopping.
Radisson Hotel Branson: Close to downtown and the Branson Landing area; family-friendly amenities include pools and suites.
Chateau on the Lake: While not directly on the Strip, it offers shuttle service and resort amenities that may appeal to families who want a quieter stay with occasional walking trips to nearby attractions.
Big Cedar Lodge: Slightly outside the main Strip but offers extensive resort activities for families, minimizing the need to drive for entertainment.

Tips:

Prioritize attractions that are clustered together to minimize driving—most Strip attractions are within walking distance or a short rideshare away.
Consider purchasing attraction tickets in advance or multi-attraction passes to save time and money.
Evening shows on the Strip are plentiful and usually kid-friendly, so plan downtime between daytime attractions.

By staying near the Branson Strip or in a resort with shuttle service, you can enjoy a variety of family activities without spending the day driving from one site to another.