No plans for Spring Break? Enjoy a Branson Staycation

With Spring Break just around the corner, many will take a well-deserved trip to the beach, a cruise, a road trip to a favorite tourist destination or visit a popular vacation locale. However, each year more and more people enjoy staycations.  A staycation is defined as a vacation at home or nearby.  The benefit of a staycation is enjoying nearby attractions and venues without the expense of travel or overnight lodging.

There is no better place for a staycation than Branson, Missouri. With a multitude of shows, attractions, museums, parks, trails, shopping and dining venues, and so much more to choose from, Branson truly does offer something for every age and every interest.

Below are just a few ideas for your 2025 Spring Break Staycation.

The World's Largest Toy Museum Complex, located on the west end of 76 Country Boulevard features over a million toys, from the 1800s to present. Children will marvel at the toys their parents and grandparents enjoyed, while the venue will bring back fond memories for the adults. The World's Largest Toy Museum, a part of the Beck Museums, boasts over 900 Barbies, classic military toys and TV and movie toys.  The complex also includes a National BB Gun Museum, Paul Harvey Jr. Museum, Shepherd of the Hills Harold Bell Wright Museum and more, with eight museums in all for one ticket price.  

The Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park has been voted the Number one Aerial Adventure Park in America three times. Perfect for adventure seekers of all ages, the Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park offers a day full of adventure and fun for the entire family, including the adrenaline junkies, the leisure seekers and everyone in between. The one-of-a-kind venue offers the thrilling Copperhead Mountain Coaster, a multi-level ropes course, a scenic canopy zipline tour and the Vigilante Extreme Ziprider, among other activities for visitors of all ages.

Just north of Branson in Saddlebrooke, you'll find the National Tiger Sanctuary, a nonprofit rescue organization that provides a permanent home to exotic and domesticated animals. With a campus dedicated to preservation of the environment and the highest in animal care, the National Tiger Sanctuary is an educational and exciting place to visit. NTS offers an array of tours that give you opportunities to see and learn more about the animals that call National Tiger Sanctuary home. You'll ride or walk through the NTS campus, learn the stories of the animals housed at the sanctuary and see the beautiful cats and other animals up close.

At Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Truth is Stranger than Fiction.  Prepare to be astounded, amazed and entertained with Ripley's unusual and fascinating displays, collected by Robert Ripley. Ripley's boasts of over 500 unique artifacts, and eight themed galleries, in two floors of fun. Ripley's Believe It or Not truly is the weirdest place in Branson - fun for adults and children, alike.

One of Branson's newest attractions is Immersive Disney Animation. Disney enthusiasts of all ages will be enchanted, as they step inside the iconic Disney songs and stories and see them come to life. Visitors will love the interactive experience, the drawing station, Villain Lounge, museum and more. You'll experience the movies, music and magic of Disney like never before. From classics to modern masterpieces, there is something for everyone at Immersive Disney Animation.

The Branson Scenic Railway is an unforgettable experience for the entire family. Hop on the Ozark Zephyr and take a train ride tour of the Ozarks, as you create some fun-filled family memories. During Spring Break, the Branson Scenic Railway offers two excursions each day except Sunday.  

When driving through Branson, the "upside down house" is difficult to miss. It houses WonderWorks, with more than 100 interactive hands-on exhibits, including XTreme 360 Bikes, History of Route 66, Astronaut Gyro, Bed of Nails, Bubble Lab, Laser Tag, Hurricane Shack, Space Suit and so much more. WonderWorks is one of the most unique venues in Branson and offers fun and adventure for the entire family.

It's all about fish and fun at Branson's Aquarium at the Boardwalk, where you will enjoy views of amazing underwater habitats and more that 7,200 sea animals, including sharks, seahorses, octopuses, schools of fish and more. Complete with fun activities and photo ops, the Aquarium at the Boardwalk will be enjoyed by all.

At Titanic Branson you can walk a full-scale grand staircase, touch an iceberg, feel the 28-degree water, and even steer the ship. You'll also enjoy learning about the crew and passengers aboard the Titanic and seeing 400 real Titanic artifacts. Titanic Branson is perfect for history buffs, adults and kids of all ages.

Branson's Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure is unlike anything you've ever experienced. You can view more than 1,000 free-flying butterflies imported from the rainforest and enjoy an aviary filled with tropical plants. You'll enjoy hand-feeding the butterflies and experience butterfly releases throughout the day. The Butterfly Palace also includes a Rainforest Mirror Maze, and a Banyan Tree Adventure, as well as Critter Encounters in the Critter Center and a Butterfly movie. There is so much to see and do that a ticket to the Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure is good for three days.

Many of Branson's amazing shows are now open for spring break. New at the Sight and Sound Theatre, is David, a state-of-the art theatrical performance for the entire family. David is one of the most legendary Bible stories that comes to life with amazing special effects, impressive sets, live animals, music and more.  

Clay Cooper's Country Express at the Clay Cooper Theatre is open for the 2025 season. Clay and his cast of incredible entertainers will entertain your family with singing, dancing, a variety of music and hysterical comedy.

Also at the Clay Cooper Theatre, the Haygoods will amaze you with their award winning show. This popular sibling group delights audiences with tight harmonies, incredible music and extraordinary special effects. Their show features 20 instruments, drones, lasers, pyrotechnics, ziplines and more in Branson's ultimate live entertainment experience.

The Hughes Family offers a variety of shows for your Spring Break enjoyment. The Hughes Music Show has been voted Branson's Live Music Show of the year, and features a multi-talented cast of more than 50 singers, dancers and musicians taking you on a musical journey that includes a variety of musical genres and styles, brilliant costumes, innovative choreography, and cutting-edge technology. Hughes Brothers Countryfeatures the original Hughes Brothers going back to their country roots. Re-Vibe showcases the spectacular talent of the second generation of Hughes entertainers in a dynamic, fast-paced, fun and inspiring show of their own.

One of Branson's longest-running shows is Presleys’ Country Jubilee, Branson's original show on the strip. With Branson's First Family of Entertainment, you'll enjoy a variety of musical selections interspersed with hilarious comedy and non-stop fun in this show that offers something for everyone to enjoy.

The Pepsi Legends Theatre is excited for the 2025 season. The theatre boasts two popular and long-running shows. Legends in Concert pays tribute to the best of the best in the music business, with the lineup of artists changing four times per year. The spring lineup at Legends in Concert includes tributes to Lainey Wilson, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, The Blues Brothers and Elvis. The vocal supergroup SIX offers one of the most unique shows in Branson, also at the Pepsi Legends Theatre.  SIX features Six Voices, Zero Instruments, All Music in one big, exciting show - perfect for the entire family.  

The Grand Country Music Hall is home to the popular Grand Jubilee, named Branson's Show of the Year many times over. Featuring the New South Quartet and the Rhinestone Mafia, and Jackie Brown, as well as the comedy of Jamie Haage as Jim Dandy and beloved master of ceremonies Mike Patrick, this is one of Branson's most entertaining shows.  At the Grand Country Complex, families will have fun at the Grand Country Fun Spot, complete with laser tag, arcade games, bumper cars and more, as well as at Splash Country Indoors, Branson's best indoor water park, with 50,000 square feet of fun.

The Dolly Parton Stampede is the area's premiere dinner attraction. With a delicious meal, amazing feats of horsemanship, a touching tribute to America and this year's new Butterfly Dreams, the Dolly Parton Stampede is sure to be the place to create lasting memories for the entire family.  Plus, it's the most fun place to eat in Branson. Dolly Parton guarantees it!

Theme parks are popular for staycations, and Branson has one of the best. Silver Dollar City offers so much to see and do, that you'll want to go back again and again. From one-of-a-kind shows, to hand-crafted shopping, delectable dining and fun-filled rides and activities for all ages, the entire family will love spending time at Silver Dollar City!

There is so much to see and do in Branson, and this is just a small sampling. Many shows and attractions offer local rates to residents or employees of Taney and Stone counties, so be sure to ask. Other shows are currently offering special area appreciation rates, as well. Saving money on some of your activities might mean you can add even more adventures to your staycation.

If spring finds you on a really tight budget, there are many free activities to enjoy during your staycation.

Why not walk the Branson Landing?  You can shop – or window shop – the many stores, or walk along the Boardwalk in front of Lake Taneycomo. Be sure to enjoy the water and fire spectacular of the Branson Landing Fountains.

There are many hiking trails in or around Branson. The Lakeside Forest Wilderness Trail offers 140 acres and more than five miles of hiking trails, along with beautiful views of Lake Taneycomo. Additionally, the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area offers sensational views and multiple hiking trails.  

Another free option is to visit Table Rock Lake. The Dewey Short Visitor Center offers three stories of interactive exhibits and information on the lake, dam and the Ozarks. Paved trails and lake access as well as plenty of green space are also provided, for your enjoyment. There are picnic tables, so bring your lunch and spend the day enjoying fun in the sun!

Branson is also home to many parks —complete with walking trails, tennis courts, playground equipment and so much more. Please take time during your staycation to visit Stockstill Park, Murphy Park, the City of Branson Playground, Alexander Park, Sunset Park or John Nygard Park for an afternoon of relaxation.

Remember, spring break is not about how far you travel or how much you spend. Spring break is about resting, relaxing and spending time with family. Whether you choose to travel or enjoy a fun staycation here in Branson, be safe, enjoy and make lots of memories with your family and friends during your Spring Break 2025.