The Ozark Mountain region (Branson and Springfield) are wonderful weekend destinations for Kansas City families, but often we think of this area as appealing especially to younger kids. Recently we enjoyed a family getaway for teens and tweens - these are our tips to enjoy family time in the Ozarks with older kids.
Lodging: The Ozarker
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The Ozarker photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Ozarker photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Ozarker photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Ozarker photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Ozarker photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Ozarker photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Ozarker photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Ozarker photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Ozarker photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Ozarker photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Ozarker photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Ozarker photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Ozarker photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Ozarker photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Ozarker photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Ozarker photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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The Ozarker photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
The Ozarker Lodge: 995 Historic Hwy 165, Branson, MO 65616. Phone: (417) 348-1683
The recently renovated Ozarker Lodge is a gorgeous boutique hotel nestled in the Fall Creek region of Branson. With friendly hospitable staff (many of whom offered us great tips for hiking, shows, and the like), a stunning lobby ideal as your "basecamp" on vacation, a full-service wine and coffee bar, and creative activities to enjoy during your stay - this trendy hotel was a big hit with our family. Upon check-in, we were gifted a package of saltwater taffy.
The teen girls loved the vintage lodge aesthetic, the younger girls loved the cinnamon rolls in the morning, and the parents enjoyed the evening wine tasting. In the evening, they showed a movie by the pool, and throughout the year they offer a variety of family activities including classes in camping skills, charcuterie board and wine tasting events, and themed activities.
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The Ozarker Lodge
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The Ozarker Lodge
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The Ozarker Lodge
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The Ozarker Lodge
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The Ozarker Lodge
We stayed in the Ozarker Suite complete with a king bedroom and kitchen and adjoining double queen bedroom. Visit their website for room information. Breakfast is not included, but guests do receive a food credit. Rather than a traditional continental breakfast, the lobby cafe serves delicious cinnamon rolls, frittata, juice, and coffee in the morning. The storeroom sells a variety of adorable camp-themed souvenirs and drinks, sandwiches, chips, and snacks. S'mores kits are available for the firepits.
The location off the strip was nice and pleasant. The hotel seems to be idyllic located in the hills with the creek in the back. The beautifully styled lobby, rooms, and details including custom soap and lotion, stationary, and the like created a charming atmosphere reminiscent of classic family vacations. The girls loved the classic "woody" station wagon out front and the vintage vibe.
We were able to enjoy swimming, the soaking tubs, firepits in the evening with s'mores, and walks to the creek. Each room is equipped with smart TVs, and the lobby is well-stocked with a great selection of games. After sightseeing in Branson, it was great to come back to the hotel and relax away from the crowd. With all the amenities of a hotel, but the rustic hints of a camp lodge, this boutique hotel is a new favorite place to stay in Branson.
BONUS: More Fun things to enjoy Fall 2023 at The Ozarker
- This autumn enjoy seasonal beverage delights (s'mores lattes, pumpkin spiced lattes, or spiked pumpkin spice espresso martinis) with syrups custom-made for The Ozarker.
- A poolside seasonal cider pop-up bar (yes, the heated pool will be open!).
- Screenings of iconic Halloween-themed films that the whole family will love, including classics Hocus Pocus and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
- S’mores kits to use around the fire.
- Private fire pit bookable experiences, including s'mores kits, a charcuterie board and a bottle of wine for your crew.
- Reserve with seasonal special offers.
- P.S. The hotel lobby will be decorated with a professionally carved Ozarker-themed pumpkin, as well as an expressly non-professionally carved Ozarker staff pumpkin carving contest display.
Learn more at The Ozarker Lodge.
Fantastic Caverns
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Fantastic Caverns photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Fantastic Caverns photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Fantastic Caverns photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Fantastic Caverns photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Fantastic Caverns photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Fantastic Caverns photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Fantastic Caverns photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Fantastic Caverns photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Fantastic Caverns photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Fantastic Caverns photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Fantastic Caverns photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Fantastic Caverns photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Fantastic Caverns photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Fantastic Caverns photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
Fantastic Caverns: 4872 N Farm Rd 125 Springfield, MO 65803. 417.833.2010
Missouri is the cave state, with approximately 7,500 recorded caves. However, only a few are open for tours, and only one is accessible for guests of all abilities.
Famous as America's only ride-thru cave, Fantastic Caverns is an unforgettable attraction for the whole family. The ride-thru tour is accessible for all guests, including wheelchairs and strollers who are able to board the tram via a ramp. On a tour, guests travel 120 feet below the surface and about a half mile into the cave.
Guests to Fantastic Caverns ride aboard trams as they receive a guided tour of the cave. Our guide began the tour by explaining the zones of the cave: the entrance zone, light zone, and twilight zone. As most animals need light to get around, animals from the outside don't come into the cave past daylight. Cave-dwelling animals in Fantastic Caverns include salamanders, crawdads, Ozark cavefish, and about twenty tricolor bats that weigh as much as a quarter, are about the height of a thumb, and are the smallest cave bat in Missouri. As water flows through the cave into the river, there are a few permanent pools of water where the Ozark Cavefish, a small colorless blind endangered fish, lives.
Fantastic Caverns is a growing limestone cave where we saw a variety of formations from the beginning stages of cave growth with hollow soda straws hanging from the ceiling, to stalactites (hanging from the ceiling), some forming curtains where water dripped at an angle, and stalagmites (growing from the ground). It is estimated that the cave grows about 1 cubic inch every 100 years. When stalactites and stalagmites grow together columns form. Throughout the cave, we saw calcium-rich limestone and flowstone that was red in color because of iron in the soil.
In 1862, the cave was discovered by a dog named Juneau, his owner John Knox as he went to retrieve the dog who climbed into the original hole. In the process of following and extracting his dog from a small opening, Knox discovered the cave. Along the tour, we saw evidence of early cave visitors and owners including a garden bed in the 1930s that was used during the Depression to grow and sell mushrooms. Because the cave was a coveted spot during the Civil War, John Knox hid it from the military. The cave was a great location to obtain potassium nitrate that could be used in making gunpowder. So, from 1862 until 1867, he hid the cave from the public. After the war, the cave was first explored seriously in 1867 by the Springfield Athletics Club, a group of 12 young women who autographed the cave wall. Electricity was installed in 1887 with steam power and was a big draw for tourists who were excited to see light bulbs for the first time in the region.
The cave's storied past continued with stories of it housing a speakeasy during Prohibition until one bootlegger shot another. By the 1960s, the large room had become a place for local entertainers to perform including the Presley family from Branson.
Fantastic Caverns tours are an exciting way to learn the history of the Ozarks and a bit about Missouri geology - best of all, as a ride-thru cave, makes this a great family outing for all ages and abilities.
Crystal Cave
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Crystal Cave photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Crystal Cave photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Crystal Cave photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Crystal Cave photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Crystal Cave photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Crystal Cave photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Crystal Cave photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Crystal Cave photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Crystal Cave photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Crystal Cave photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Crystal Cave photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Crystal Cave photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Crystal Cave photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Crystal Cave photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Crystal Cave photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Crystal Cave photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Crystal Cave photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
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Crystal Cave photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
Crystal Cave: 7126 N Crystal Cave Lane, Springfield, MO. 417.815.CAVE (2283)
Having visited many caves over the years (Marvel, Meramec, Bridal, Rockbridge, etc.), you quickly discover that every cave is unique.
In fact, even caves that are a few miles apart (as is the case for Fantastic Caverns and Crystal Cave), are quite different. We visited both caves on our Springfield getaway and we were impressed by the different formations and stories we learned at Crystal Cave.
This cave is not easily accessible, but because you hike into it, following paths of varying heights and lengths, you get a truly up-close and personal view of the cave quite different from the ride-thru tour at Fantastic Caverns.
On our tour, our guide, who was very passionate about geology and eagerly shared his enthusiasm with us, explained the process of cave growth. Crystal Cave first opened in the 1890s but closed to the public around twenty years ago and only recently reopened in March 2022.
We "followed the stream" along the tour where we saw a variety of formations that were creatively named by the original owners. In some cases, we were able to identify the shapes and inspiration for the sites (witch's boot, ghost room), in other cases we failed the Rorschach test that led the ladies of the late 1800s to name certain formations. One formation, the Washington Monument was cast by the Smithsonian and they made a replica for their museum in the 1930s. Because of scars on the formation from the cast, visitors can see that mineral growth speed is not consistent or steady, but can happen quickly at times. Formations showed evidence of the cave ceiling falling long ago and signs of calcite and iron.
Along the way, we saw the garden bed where the original owner even grew mushrooms and celery in the cave. The celery was small and white with no chlorophyll, but he was still able to sell it at the market. One of our favorite spaces was the Rocky Mountain chamber, one of the larger rooms with many unique features, about 450 feet below the surface. The helictite room has formations that defied gravity, some forming unusual shapes like an upside-down J for instance which may be due to wind or other factors.
The most prevalent animals in the cave were the cave salamanders - we encountered many and learned about them from our guide who loved the reptiles even more than geology.
Our family thoroughly enjoyed the tour of Crystal Cave and found it to be more adventurous than other cave tours we've experienced. This is a must-see in the Springfield area!
37 North Expeditions: Trail Ride
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37 North Expeditions photos by Kristina Light
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37 North Expeditions is a locally-owned business serving southern Missouri and northern Arkansas. The company offers adventure tours for people of all skill levels to experience the great outdoors. Some tours even begin at The Ozarker Lodge!
Visitors may select from a variety of adventures in Missouri and Arkansas including Horseback Riding, Yoga, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Backpacking, Camping, Wineries & Breweries, Goat Hiking, Fly Fishing, Ziplining, Kayaking, Train Rides, and more! Adventures range from half-day to multi-day treks.
Each adventure is guided and organized by 37 North Expeditions and available to individuals, families, and groups.
Our family participated in Horseback Riding, Barnyard Pets, and Wine Tasting at Twin Willows Stables and Whistling Springs Brewing Company.
The tour began with an introduction to the horses, all of whom were gentle giants perfectly trained for trail rides. The staff partnered each rider in our group with the horse best suited to their size and disposition. Children and adults who wanted one were outfitted with riding helmets. Then, we each received riding instructions.
On the 90-minute trail ride, we wound through the Ozark mountains and prairie. The entire family enjoyed the scenery. Our friendly guide was great at instructing our group and leading us along the way.
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After the ride, we enjoyed a delicious soup and corndog lunch at Whistling Springs (the small brewery and restaurant on the Twin Willows property). This family-owned business is known for delicious wood-fired pizza (on Saturday), and soups and other goods on Friday and Sunday. They are a small-batch brewery with a variety of beers and hard ciders (the mango habanero hard cider was my personal favorite). Additionally, they offer craft soda for the kids (rootbeer, grape, etc.). The owners pay homage to local veterans with a wall of honor for each branch of service. The food and hospitality were truly outstanding - making this eatery a great destination on an Arkansas getaway.
After lunch, the girls met the barnyard goats and pigs. One "miniature pig," Bumpers even enjoyed his own custom piggie-brew and found his way exploring the restaurant while we ate.
Dolly Parton's Stampede
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Dolly Parton's Stampede photos by Kristina Light
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Dolly Parton's Stampede photos by Kristina Light
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Dolly Parton's Stampede photos by Kristina Light
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Dolly Parton's Stampede photos by Kristina Light
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Dolly Parton's Stampede photos by Kristina Light
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Dolly Parton's Stampede photos by Kristina Light
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Dolly Parton's Stampede photos by Kristina Light
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Dolly Parton's Stampede photos by Kristina Light
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Dolly Parton's Stampede photos by Kristina Light
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Dolly Parton's Stampede photos by Kristina Light
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Dolly Parton's Stampede photos by Kristina Light
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Dolly Parton's Stampede photos by Kristina Light
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Dolly Parton's Stampede photos by Kristina Light
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Dolly Parton's Stampede photos by Kristina Light
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Dolly Parton's Stampede photos by Kristina Light
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Dolly Parton's Stampede photos by Kristina Light
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Dolly Parton's Stampede photos by Kristina Light
Dolly Parton's Stampede: 1525 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO. 417.336.3000
Dolly Parton's Stampede is an entertaining dinner show for the entire family! This dinner show is unlike any other. The audience is seated around an arena, where a live horse competition takes place complete with music, games, and a variety of animals from bison to longhorn to pigs and puppies. While you watch the show, you're served a full meal complete with creamy vegetable soup, biscuit, roasted chicken, smoked pork, potato, corn, and an apple turnover with one catch—the entire meal is "finger food." (Fork provided for dessert.) With generous portions, we took home leftovers to enjoy another day.
Before the show, you are welcome to walk past the stables and visit the horses (the stars of the show). Spectators are seated on either the North or the South side of the arena and they root for their side during the rodeo-style competition. North and South compete in barrel races, "chicken chasin'" (children from the audience try to "chase" chickens across a finish line), dog races, and other riding competitions. During the show, Skeeter, the announcer's sidekick, provides Branson-style comic relief.
In between competitions, there are performances from magnificent aerial artists, pioneers who sing and dance, and the amazing Ring of Fire as a rider rides two horses simultaneously and leaps through a ring of fire. The finale is a patriotic salute to America with lights and flags.
This 90-minute show is performed in true Branson spirit with songs by Dolly herself, stunning horses and talented riders, majestic bison, and great comedy.
Reza | Edge of Illusion
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David Guerrera
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David Guerrera
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David Guerrera
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Reza: Edge of Illusion
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Reza: Edge of Illusion
Reza | Edge of Illusion: 645 Historic Hwy 165, Branson, MO. 417.231.4999
My daughters love to watch Penn & Teller: Fool Us, trying to figure out magician's tricks along with the experts. In 2017, Reza Borchardt appeared on the show. His edgy, cool style and dry sense of humor as a young magician especially appealed to younger audiences. Now, the native South Dakotan is at home in Branson where he grew up vacationing with his parents watching local magicians perform.
Our family enjoyed his show full of big stage tricks from vanishing motorcycles to appearing helicopters. The entire audience marveled at the fun twist to his prediction trick and gasped at startling tricks including the giant drill, or an illusion where he shrinks himself.
The show is interactive with multiple opportunities for the audience to volunteer to participate - including one of the most stunning tricks as two members of the audience are mysteriously transported to a new location.
After the show, the girls tried to solve the mystery of many of the illusions and were still discussing the tricks several days later. We discovered that Reza has a strong fan club at The Ozarker, where we stayed, where employees, their kids, and locals alike all rate him as their favorite Branson magician!
With a rock 'n roll atmosphere, dry humor, and a cool performance - our teens and tweens gave the show two hearty thumbs up.
Notes to consider for parents: The show does include smoke and strobe lights, girls dressed as magicians assistants (a bit provocative), and a few scary tricks (think of saws, drills, snakes, and such.
Silver Anvil Metal Craft
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Silver Anvil Metal Craft photos by Kristina Light
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Silver Anvil Metal Craft photos by Kristina Light
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Silver Anvil Metal Craft photos by Kristina Light
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Silver Anvil Metal Craft photos by Kristina Light
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Silver Anvil Metal Craft photos by Kristina Light
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Silver Anvil Metal Craft photos by Kristina Light
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Silver Anvil Metal Craft photos by Kristina Light
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Silver Anvil Metal Craft photos by Kristina Light
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Silver Anvil Metal Craft photos by Kristina Light
Silver Anvil Metal Craft: 486 Branson Landing Boulevard Suite 203, Branson, MO. 417.334.6151
I wanted to include one of the most unique Branson experiences we've enjoyed over the years - Silver Anvil Metal Craft knife-making lessons. On a previous Branson trip (a year ago), our entire family learned how to forge a knife. For fans of Forged In Fire, this was a truly terrific multi-generational experience.
At Silver Anvil, guests may make an appointment for a knife-making class and learn to make a knife from a pony horseshoe or a railroad spike. The girls and I chose horseshoes (the most affordable option), and my husband (the train enthusiast) chose the railroad spike. Each completed knife comes with a sheath. During the class, each person hammers out their own blade and shapes it on the anvil.
Appointments are required for classes. Simply contact Silver Anvil Metal Craft directly through Facebook. Classes take about an hour. Wear closed-toe shoes, and leather aprons and safety goggles are provided. Appointments are booked back to back, so you are asked to arrive during your assigned time (not more than 5 minutes prior to your appointment or late). 2023 Prices: Pony shoe size: $25. Horseshoe size: $50. Railroad spike size: $75 (ages 16 and up only for this size). It takes an hour for groups of 1-4 people, more time for larger groups, and classes are offered for ages 5 and up.
The owner of the shop, Jo Smith, comes from Oklahoma and is a professional Custom Bladesmith. He learned respect for knives from his father and over the years studied bladesmithing and joined bladesmithing competitions. Jo was a finalist on The History Channel’s hit show Forged in Fire: Season 3 Episode 9 airing in October 2016. And in April 2018 he won as Champion in the debut episode of the History Channel’s spinoff cutting competition show officially titled, Forged in Fire: Knife or Death.
In 2019 he and his wife opened their shop in Branson teaching basic knife-making or more in-depth bladesmithing classes. At the shop, he also sells and makes custom cutlery.
This was one of the most unique things we've enjoyed in Branson and the entire family highly recommends it.
Additional Tips:
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We love to enjoy nature and the outdoors on vacation, and the girls especially enjoyed the more lowkey schedule of our recent getaway.
Check out these tips for your next Branson getaway:
- Branson Landing Fountain Shows: This $7.5 million water show features 120-foot geysers and blasting fire cannons, choreographed to music. Free shows begin every hour starting at noon daily.
- Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area: Explore more than 1,500 acres of forest and hiking trails.
- Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area: The Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area features over four miles of hiking trails, a waterfall, a cave, the historic 1911 Lyle Owen homestead, picnic areas, and ample parking.
- Pickleball: We keep our pickleball bag in our van as a quick go-to for spontaneous fun on trips. Enjoy indoor or outdoor pickleball. Indoor open play for Pickleball is offered at the Branson RecPlex. The drop-in fee is $5.00 or $35 for a punch pass for 10 visits. Location: Branson RecPlex, 1501 Branson Hills Parkway, Branson, MO. Outdoor open play is available for free at Eiserman Park (201 Compton Drive, Branson, MO).
- Dewey Short Vistors Center (4500 Historic Hwy 165, Branson, MO): This free visitor center offers exhibits and a free film telling the history of Tablerock Lake Dam, Missouri conservation, and nature. Paved and rugged trails start at the center.
- Follow your favorite attractions on social media: We were fortunate to visit during National GoKart Day when The Track Family Fun Park posted they were giving social media fans one free ride for the day! You will often find deals and discounts this way.
- Shopping: Tanger Outlets (name brands at a discount), Dicks 5 & 10 (candy and novelties), The Landing (name brand retail and more), and more shops offer great shopping options.
Bonus: Discovery Center of Springfield: Jurassic Discovery Exhibit
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Discovery Center of Springfield: 438 E St. Louis St.Springfield, MO. 417.862.9910
The Discovery Center of Springfield is a wonderful hands-on science center for families. Their newest exhibit, Jurassic Discovery is thrilling for all ages.
Travel the land, sea, and air and get a taste of life during the Jurassic era at Jurassic Discovery Unearthed by Central Bank and Central Trust. Stand beneath a ferocious Tyrannosaurus rex as it lowers its head to attack. Catch a glimpse of the long-necked Elamosaurus swimming in the open ocean. Walk with a Triceratops and its young as they graze on North American vegetation. Operate an animatronic hadrosaur using a remote control. Find fossils while digging through the sand and preserve them by rubbing crayons on paper-covered templates. If you’re brave enough, take a photograph riding a Triceratops or inside the deadly jaws of the T. Rex.
When you're looking for an easy getaway "less than a tank of gas" from Kansas City, Branson is an excellent choice for visitors of all ages.