Table Rock Lake | Private Guided Cruise at Big Cedar Lodge

TPF! Travel with John and Amy

Table Rock Lake | Private Guided Cruise at Big Cedar Lodge

John and Amy connect with some great new friends and spend the evening with Captain Mike on Table Rock Lake!

You CAN'T MISS the incredible sunset, a spectacular view of the Showboat Branson Bell and MORE!

Branson, Missouri guide for kids: Super fun things to do on vacation

Silver Dollar City

As I peruse the various Branson vacation related Facebook groups, one of the top questions I notice from visitors is, “What are some fun things to do for kids?”

Well into a dramatic transformation that includes a much greater focus on kids and family, many still presume Branson to be mostly for the older generation. While Mom, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa have a myriad of exciting choices in entertainment, Branson is also overflowing with fun things to do for the kiddos!

Silver Dollar City

Those who ask if Silver Dollar City is good for kids have never been to Silver Dollar City. Entire sections of the park have been designed with children in mind. You'll find theming and attractions that are a huge draw for toddlers, teenagers and everyone in between. Both Firemans Landing and the Grand Exposition have several fun rides for the youngsters. 

In addition to these kid-focused areas of the nation's number one theme park, riding toddler and kid friendly mainstream rides like Tom and Huck's River Blast, The Flooded Mine and the Frisco Silver Dollar Line ensure the entire family will have a full day of fun. Of course, the older kids will be all about Mystic River Falls, Outlaw Run and the many other coasters and thrill rides. Silver Dollar City is a must do on your next Branson vacation.

Water Parks

Every child regardless of age loves a water park, and Branson has both indoor and outdoor varieties. Whether it's Silver Dollar City's White Water, Splash Country Water Park or the lesser known local favorite Branson RecPlex you'll find a way to stay cool as you splash and float with the kids.

The shallow pools for toddlers, the giant buckets and water playgrounds along with all of the more daring adventures will satisfy everyone in your family. 

Butterfly Palace

Mountain Coasters

After the recent opening of Copperhead Mountain Coaster at the Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park, Branson is now home to three thrilling mountain coasters. In a double capacity coaster, a child can ride with mom or dad (or an older brother or sister) and enjoy the twists and turns through the trees. A splendid feature of mountain coasters is the ability to choose how fast or slow you go. If zipping through the mountainside is a bit too extreme for the younger ones, pull on the breaks and enjoy a leisurely cruise along the ultra-smooth rails. Not only will a slower ride make your experience longer, but you'll enjoy some extra quality time together on one of Branson's truly unique experiences.

Fish Hatchery

A visit to the free fish hatchery at the base of Table Rock Dam along the shores of Lake Taneycomo is a must do for families with kids. Mom and Dad will appreciate the beauty and wonder of this part of Branson but the kids will have a blast watching thousands of hungry trout battle for the fish food they toss into the water.

Butterfly Palace

Mesmerized is the right word to describe the reaction your entire family will have as butterflies flutter all around. Be sure to bring your camera as this is a prime spot for capturing some epic memories. 

Escape Rooms

While kids of any age can experience many escape rooms (some have age limits, so be sure to check before booking), kids over five or six will have an especially amazing time. Of course, some themes may be less appealing to some kids, but many are perfect for people of all ages. Stepping into dramatic, mysterious and exciting themed environments that are filled with wonder is sure to be something the entire family talks about well after the experience is complete.

Axe Throwing

It would seem axe throwing would not be an obvious choice for a kid-friendly attraction, but you'd be quite surprised at how much the older ones love it! Depending on the requirements at your local axe venue, kids who are at least eight to ten or so have the time of their lives hitting bullseyes along with your entire family. 

Escape Code Branson, Missouri

The Track

Little one's eyes light up at everything they can do at The Track Family Fun Parks. You'll find go-carts, rides and other attractions designed for various ages. Bumper cars, bumper boats, the giant Ferris Wheel and other options will keep you going all day (until mom and dad decide it's time for a nap)!

Buckets N Boards

The extreme energy, musical wizardry and incredible rhythms will capture even the most distracted kid's attention at Buckets N Boards.  This show was designed with kiddos in mind all while keeping your entire group at the edge of their seats.

Other shows the younger ones will enjoy include Hamners' Unbelieveable Family Variety Shows, the Amazing Pets Show at Grand Country and Reza. 

Table Rock Lake

Whether you splash around on a beach or rent a pontoon boat for the day, kids young and old will have an incredible time. From swimming to fishing to tubing, Table Rock Lake provides loads of fun for all! Plan on spending the entire day on the lake or just a few hours. A picnic lunch works great or head out on your boat to one of the lakeside restaurants.

Dolly Parton's Stampede 

Watch your kid's eyes light up as they jump up and point at the beautiful horses as they are ridden across the arena, through a right of fire and around obstacles. Other animals also make an appearance as does hilarious comedy and a delicious meal!

WonderworksAquarium at the Boardwalk

I don't know if I've met a child who doesn't love aquariums, and Branson's offering is absolutely stunning. You can also upgraded to their FIVE'R ticket and enjoy the Hollywood Wax Museum, Castle of Chaos, Hannah's Maze of Mirrors and Shoot For The Stars Mini-Golf. This will give you a full day of big fun for all of the kids and adults in your group.

Wonderworks

What kid wouldn't love to venture into a massive upside-down house? Wonderworks offers hours of fun and education in this science-oriented adventure. 

This is just the tip of the iceberg of things to do for kids in Branson. (Speaking of an iceberg, don't forget to check out the Titanic Museum too!)

Depending on their age you could also consider summer snow tubing at the Snowflex at Wolfe Mountain, ziplining, Ripley's Believe it or Not, Bigfoot on the Strip and other exciting attractions. The list seems quite endless. Whatever you choose to do with the kids on your trip, it's sure to be a vacation filled with wonderful family memories!

Where and how to beat the heat in Branson, Missouri

Silver Dollar City

It seems the pleasant, cool seventy-degree afternoons in Branson were with us just yesterday. As season pass holders, my wife Amy and I would walk around Silver Dollar City several days a week just to enjoy the atmosphere, watch the shows, listen to some music and smell the amazing aromas, all without breaking a sweat. Oh, how times have changed.

Enjoying Branson in our new reality of mid to upper nineties takes some thought and planning to ensure we are cool and refreshed while we have the vacation of our lives.

Silver Dollar City

No vacation is complete (in our not so humble opinion) without a visit to the nation's number one theme park. As one of this beautiful park's top fans I must admit that the roasting heat can make a trip there much less comfortable. With shade trees battling with acres of burning blacktop the mission to remain cool is a challenging one indeed. 

We have a few tips that will help make your visit much cooler and more enjoyable. 

Did you know you can receive free ice water from most food and drink vendors? There's no need to haul around a cooler full of water bottles or even spend a dime to remain hydrated. Just ask for free ice water, and if that place doesn't offer it they will be glad to point you in the right direction.

If you do plan to bring along a cooler then, by all means, load it up with ice cold drinks. While you are at it throw in some snacks. We have to stop short of recommending hauling your homemade lunch around the park as we absolutely love the various food options that Silver Dollar City offers. But, you do you!

Of course, riding the water rides will cool you down in a splash. Mystic River Falls, The Great American Plunge and Tom and Huck's River Blast are great ways to stay cold and wet. Indoor rides like Fire in the Hole and the Flooded Mine are nice and pleas

Especially days that are both very busy and very hot it's best to arrive as early as possible. Start your day well before rope drop and enjoy a delicious breakfast and watch the inspiring opening ceremony. The air is cooler and the lines to your favorite rides will be very temporarily shorter when the park officially opens. If you are less rushed and want to sleep in or take in other Branson attractions during the day, consider a later afternoon arrival. The last few hours of the day are typically cooler and less busy.

Lastly, the sixty-two degree Marvel Cave is a can't miss when visiting. This is a tour that will cool you off as you venture deep under the ground.

Water Parks

Of course nothing beats the heat like water slides, lazy rivers and wave pools. White Water is Branson's premier water park and your entire family is sure to stay icy cold as you splash around pools and shoot down slides.

Branson has several other watery options including Splash Country Indoor and Outdoor Water Park and the little known yet inexpensive and very nice Branson RecPlex. 

Float Trips

Within thirty to ninety minutes from Branson you will find some beautiful rivers to float. One of our all-time favorite things to do in this area is a four to six hour float on the Buffalo National River in Arkansas. You'll shift from a slow cruise underneath massive bluffs to zipping through mild rapids. Of course, there are constant opportunities to stop and swim, have lunch and relax. 

You can also consider the James River in Missouri if a float trip is your way to beat the heat.

The Lakes

Rent a pontoon boat on Table Rock Lake and spend the afternoon investigating, swimming, fishing and tubing. Table Rock State Park and other local resorts and arenas offer a variety of vessels including ski boats and jet skis. You'll want to reserve early (weeks in advance) as boats are limited.

Lake Taneycomo is a cold water lake, and while it might be tempting to jump in when triple digits are searing your body, it's not a lake meant for swimming. However, the ice cold water does provide a bit of natural air conditioning if you'd like to kayak, boat or spend time along the shore.

Indoor Attractions

A clear and obvious answer to evading the heat while on vacation in Branson are the many amazing indoor attractions. From places like Wonderworks, Beyond The Lens and the Aquarium at the Boardwalk to escape rooms, axe throwing, interacting with butterflies and incredible music shows, it's easy to have loads of fun while keeping the temps crispy cool.

As one of America's top vacation destinations it's well worth it to visit Branson, Missouri no matter the weather. Planning ahead and considering your options will help ensure your visit is fun and refreshing for the entire family.

Showboat Branson Belle Christmas Show | Full Tour

TPF! Travel with John and Amy

Showboat Branson Belle Christmas Show | Full Tour

John and Amy take you on a full tour of the amazing Showboat Branson Belle on one of their Christmas cruises on Table Rock lake!

The Showboat Branson Belle is a MUST DO when visiting Branson, Missouri, especially during the Christmas season!

Big Cedar Lodge | A Fun Tour of Big Cedar Lodge Near Branson, Missouri!

TPF! Travel with John and Amy

Big Cedar Lodge | A Fun Tour of Big Cedar Lodge Near Branson, Missouri!

John and Amy take you on a tour of one of the Branson, Missouri region's premier resorts, Big Cedar Lodge!

You'll see the beautiful grounds, visit a restaurant, see some incredible cabins, visit the gift shop and check out the massive Fun Mountain!

 

Branson Missouri Resorts | Still Waters Lakefront Resort

TPF! Travel with John and Amy

Branson Missouri Resorts | Still Waters Lakefront Resort

John and Amy take you on a tour of the INCREDIBLE Still Waters Lakefront Resort in Branson, Missouri, just down Indian Point Road from Silver Dollar City. It sits right on Table Rock Lake and the marina has everything from jet ski rentals to pontoons!

You'll see the amazing grounds, thrilling water sports, pools, waterfalls, waterslides, food trucks and much more!

 

Best Branson Attractions | Top Outdoor Things To Do

Best Branson Attractions | Top Outdoor Things To Do

Branson is a premier destination for those looking for nature, lakes, golf, go carts and other amazing outdoor attractions and things to do!

John and Amy take you on a tour of the beautiful Branson, Missouri area and cover some of the best of the best things to do outside in the fresh air.

These days many people are looking for things to do that aren't in cramped indoor spaces. This video reveals some Branson favorites including Table Rock Lake, Top of the Rock, Silver Dollar City, Shepherd of the Hills, Dogwood Canyon, horseback riding, fishing and MUCH MORE!

00:00 Intro
00:43 Golf in Branson
01:43 Silver Dollar City
02:29 Swimming in Table Rock Lake
04:01 Boat Rental/State Parks
05:08 Top of the Rock
05:52 Dogwood Canyon
06:29 BONUS: Dogpatch USA
06:56 Fishing
09:43 Watersports
10:46 Hiking
12:23 Go Carts and Thrill Rides
14:19 Mini Golf
15:04 Shepherd of the Hills
15:46 Ziplines and Snow Tubing
16:14 Horseback Riding

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FUNNY reviews, bloopers and comments about Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri

You don’t want to miss the BLOOPERS at the end!

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

People leave some of the funniest reviews online and we're going to look at some of them right now!

Hi everyone, this is Amy.

And this is John. And we're with TPF! Trips, Places and Fun! And today we're going to discuss some of the funny reviews left about Table Rock Lake and Table Rock Dam here in Branson, Missouri. Table Rock Lake was formed in the 1950s when the Table Rock dam was built. So the lake spans 800 miles of shoreline and over 50 thousand acres. So we're going to just take a look at some of these reviews. The lake is really, really beautiful. The dam, when they open the floodgates, you've never seen anything like that. Alright, so we're gonna look at some of these reviews and I'm gonna go through some of these here and share some of them with you and we will see what they have to say.

So these are reviews from review sites like TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook and so we're going to be pulling those up and taking a look, see what we can find. All right, so first we're gonna talk about Table Rock Lake. We have a five-star review. This one says it's one of the most beautiful lakes I have seen, fishing, tubing, skiing or just float and tan. Tons of fish and fun.

It's true, one of our favorite days of the year is when we rent a boat, we'll do it once a year and spend the whole day and tubing and swimming and huge fun.

Here's another five star: This lake is absolutely and most likely overlooked by Branson area visitors. That's true, a lot of people come to Branson for all the fun and stuff. In my opinion it's one of the top reasons to come to Branson.

Alright, now this reviewer only gave three stars. Their reasoning was that the water was high and this is an overwhelming lake that's just too high and it ruins the whole experience. Take off a couple stars because the lake is too high and I'm hoping that they'll correct that someday. Two stars, he will spend ten minutes at least it's not that big. Okay, it's big. This thing is huge, its massive, eight hundred miles of shoreline. Oh we're going crazy on this one, wait ten minutes, non no. We're passionate about this point! I don't know why but we are. It's huge, its massive, it's, it's, I think the shoreline is is longer than the entire coast of California.

Hey, here's another one, two stars. Two stars, which is a poor rating, that's bad, read because it was hard to find. Hard to find. I don't know what to say.

So now let's check out some reviews for Table Rock Dam. Five stars: we enjoy being able to drive across the dam and take in everything, it is truly a piece of art and well worth checking out. I'm gonna have to agree. We did that today. We drove over the dam. It's a beautiful, beautiful drive. Five stars: we always stop by the day at the dam in Branson, great history behind the dam in Table Rock Lake and an architectural marvel. Again, agree, it's beautiful. Marvel. Stunning.

All right, now this one only gave three stars: a large concrete structure but if you have seen one dam that you have pretty much seen them all. Hmm that's really sad that they didn’t have a good experience. Yeah, I mean it's an architectural marvel but this one says it's just like all the others.

All right, this one is three stars: also it looks like any other dam but good to see they're damn close to the fish hatchery which would be good for the kids. I see what she did there. Be careful. Family show.

Alright, so now let's see what people have to say about the Fish Hatchery. it is, it's, it's a lot of fun to take the kids, not for a long time, but for just up maybe 30 minutes, an hour at the most. But to go to the to the bottom of Table Rock Dam and that's where fish, you'll see, I don't know how many thousands and thousands of fish and all of these, I don't know what you would call them, aqueduct, is that, maybe not, but but but containers of water in the ground, and that's where fish are. They grow and as soon as they grow to a certain length they are released into Lake Taneycomo. Lake Taneycomo is a cold water lake, it's at the bottom of the dam on the other side of Table Rock Lake, and Table Rock Lake is a warm water lake so you're gonna have bass and crappie and different types of fish, bluegill, but in Lake Taneycomo, trout, it's a cold water fish, cold water lake.

And so the fish hatchery produces and 400,000 pounds of trout in here. Trout are not native to Missouri so it's great that they have a fish hatchery here in order to be able to feed Lake Taneycomo. So let's see what people have to say about the hatchery. Five stars: Much to do and learn about here. Our daughter loves checking out all the animals both dead and alive. So children are going to love seeing everything dead and alive here. Five stars: had a blast at this location and our grandchildren enjoy feeding the fish. We fed the fish today, hopefully we have some video of that, it's pretty crazy. They throw the food to the fish and they just go crazy.

In a town that seems to suck your wallet dry this place is a nice little spot for some short free entertainment. This one says three stars: Since it's a fish hatchery you can't expect a lot of excitement. I don't know what they were expecting but, yes, there's fish. And you actually get to walk through, not big, but a little like a Welcome Center, there's, there's fish in tanks, there. Two star review: I think there are some fish. What we have, then give more stars, less fish, different fish, other than all I got something other than fish, at the fish hatchery, that would have been all right.

Thanks guys! We really hope that when you're in Branson you will check out Table Rock Lake and Table Rock Dam and the Fish Hatchery and decide for yourself. If you have any comments about Table Rock Lake or Table Rock Dam for the Fish Hatchery please comment in the section below and we hope that we've given you some great things to think about. Give a thumbs up, subscribe, and the other one, ding that bell! Alright guys, safe travels everyone! So sorry about this one.

BLOOPERS:

okay, okay, yes you break, in with that comedy. okay, ready y-yeah yeah you know sometimes he looks at me for a witty retort I'm waiting for the humor. sometimes I have nothing, nothing, sometimes it's better if I do have something to not say it. oh yes, yes, and not just about the dam. no we gotta redo that, oh yeah, all right, that's good over okay so they actually hatch trout at the fish hatchery which we found outfit they hatch trout I guess they like it like like a dinosaur egg um they breed, that they throw them, then call it, anyway, they grow, they house, bing brought into this world, so they they put them in Rock Lake, Taneycomo, they would die. Is that all that we have today for our fine friends? Well, I, wow, that went so fast. I guess we were just having so much fun, it's just, BAM, it's over.

Things for Couples to do in Branson, Missouri

Escape Code BookingLooking for the perfect date night (or day) activity for couples? 

Branson is full of fun choices for couples to enjoy on vacation!

While families and children have a blast here in the Ozarks, couples can have just as much fun!

Of course, in addition to all of the other exciting places in Branson, Escape Code is a perfect attraction for couples to enjoy together! 

You can BOOK YOUR ROOM online right now!

Here's a list of some of the best attractions for couples in Branson, Missouri:

BOOK your experience at Escape Code, one of the TOP ATTRACTIONS in Branson, Missouri, HERE

Top 10 Things to do in Branson, Missouri

Escape Code BookingTop 10 Things to do in Branson

(It's tough to limit it to just 10!)

You can easily spend weeks in the Branson Ozarks without exhausting everything you can do here. 

There are more than ten things that the team at Escape Code loves in Branson, but we compiled a list of ten of our favorites.

Of course, Escape Code is a favorite of many and we'd love to invite you to play!

You can BOOK YOUR ROOM online right now!

Here's our most up to date list of our ten favorite attractions in Branson, Missouri:

BOOK your experience at Escape Code, one of the TOP ATTRACTIONS in Branson, Missouri, HERE!