Located in south Missouri, the city of Branson is known for its extensive range of theaters and running live shows. The city also boasts a theme park, golf courses and museums. Though many of the city's places of interests are more adult-oriented, Branson also offers several family-friendly attractions to please kids of all ages, even toddlers.
White Water is a large water park located west of downtown Branson. While there are a number of wave pools and high-rising water slides for older children and adults, toddlers also have three large play areas to enjoy. The Little Squirts Waterworks has a large shallow pool made of non-slip material surrounding smaller slides and water-shooting nozzles. Rain Tree Island has 20,000 square feet of play area, including small slides and fountains, while Splash Island features a six-foot wall aquarium and lots of shallow-water play area. Plenty of on-site food vendors and shady areas offer a chance for families to give little ones a rest from the fun. Children 3 are admitted free.
White Water
3505 W. 76 Country Blvd.
Branson, MO 65616
417-336-7750
bransonwhitewater.com
The botanical gardens at the Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure are home to over 1,000 tropical butterflies; careful toddlers may even find that some of the butterfly inhabitants land for a personal visit. Another hit among little ones in the insect zoo, which features geckos, red tree frogs, scorpions and other interesting creatures for your toddler to see. Your family can even enjoy a short 3-D movie about insects and butterflies. In the Emerald Forest, a mirror maze presents a challenge, though toddlers will definitely need an adult to help them navigate.
The Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure
4106 W. Hwy. 76
Branson, MO 65616
417-332-2231
thebutterflypalace.com
Located in West Branson, this theme park is one of Branson's top attractions. The park features rides, shows and restaurants with an 1880s Ozarks theme. Several of the park's rides are appropriate for toddlers, including the Frisco Steam Train, Grand Exposition, Flooded Mine and Geyser Gulch. Several demonstrations and performances may also appeal to little ones, like the Elephant Parade, the Zunyi Acrobats or the Saloon Show. Short-run festivals are held throughout the year, including a Kids Fest during the summer featuring appearances by popular characters like Dora, Scooby Doo and the Veggie Tales. Also, kids under 4 eat for free at any of the park's buffets.
Silver Dollar City
399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy.
Branson, MO 65616
800-475-9370
bransonsilverdollarcity.com
