4.5Silver Dollar City(12.1k reviews) - Awesome Amusement Park Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks • Water Parks
Branson's #1 attraction for over 50 years, Silver Dollar City features six world-class festivals, 30 thrilling rides & attractions, 40 live shows daily, 60 unique shops, a dozen family restaurants and over 100 demonstrating craftsmen.See more..
5.0Forest Park(2.487 reviews) - Amazing Park Thursday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Parks
The site of the 1904 World's Fair, America's second largest urban park is a prime St. Louis recreation spot.See more..
5.0Runaway Mountain Coaster(1.936 reviews)from $25.98 - BEST mountain coaster in Branson! Thursday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Amusement & Theme Parks
Runaway mountain coaster at Branson Mountain Adventure Park uses nature and scenery to provide a thrill 4900' coaster ride throughout the Ozark woods & hills. Ride single or double and control your own speed for the maximum thrill. Flyaway Ziplines is the fastest & most thrilling zipline soaring at over 70 feet above the ground at speeds over 30 mph over Fall Creek & The Runaway Mountain Coaster.See more..
4.0Six Flags St Louis(1.723 reviews) - Family time & great memories Thursday: Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks • Water Parks
Come experience Missouri's largest, most thrilling theme park filled with over 45 exciting rides, shows, & attractions!See more..
4.5Dogwood Canyon Nature Park(1.457 reviews) - Worth the price of admission. This is a beautiful wildlife sanctuary Thursday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is a one-of-a-kind experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers of all ages. Covering 10,000 acres of pristine Ozark Mountain landscape, the park has miles of crystal-clear trout streams, dozens of cascading waterfalls, ancient burial caves, unique hand-built bridges and bottomless, blue-green pools.See more..
The Track Family Fun Parks started entertaining local and visiting families in 1981. The three Branson, Missouri locations offer high-rise and classic go-kart tracks for all ages, laser tag, batting cages, bumper boats/cars, mini golf, kids' rides, arcades, food and more with no gate admission charge.See more..
3.5Worlds Of Fun Oceans of Fun(1.197 reviews) - Good Break for the Heat Amusement & Theme Parks • Water Parks
The midwest's premier amusement park, featuring 235 acres of rides and slides. Two great parks for one great price in 2013. Experience both parks for one low price! Slide all day and ride all night! Experience seven roller coasters, huge water slides, thrill rides, Planet Snoopy for the whole family, and a brand new Oceans of Fun!See more..
Our zip line guides, Chris and Fernie, were excellent and facilitated a safe, fun, and exhilarating experience! Snow flex was super fun as well. Our entire family—parents, grandparents, and kids (ages 11, 8, and 4 yrs) had a blast!See more..
3.5LEGOLAND Discovery Center(1.055 reviews)from $29.29 - took 4 and 7 year old. both loved Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks
took for a mid day time killer and spent three hours there. it has some really creative things for any age girl or boy. lots of hands on and visual items that engaged the kids a lot. they limit the crowd per hour so very seldom were we overwhelmed by other family. its not cheap but frankly it was worth the money See more..
5.0Ha Ha Tonka State Park(843 reviews) - Great morning hike but bring water! Spent 1-2 hours State Parks
Imposing architecture and breathtaking scenery combine to make Ha Ha Tonka State Park one of Missouri’s most treasured spots. Located on the Lake of the Ozarks, the park features the stone ruins of a turn-of-the-20th-century castle built by a prominent Kansas City businessman high atop a bluff. More than 15 miles of trails traverse the park, leading visitors to sinkholes, natural bridges, caves and down to the lake.See more..
5.0Zipline USA(758 reviews) - Amazing and awesome guides!! Must do!! Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks
We went with our large family group of 12 yesterday! Everyone loved it!! Our ages ranged from age 10-65. Our 12 year old daughter was near tears and scared to death when she saw the 2nd zip line which we were told is the 3rd longest in the USA. It’s hard to see the end of it from the beginning. I have to say I was nervous too as well as a lot of our group when we saw the 2nd zip line. Our guides Zach and Joey were absolutely amazing with my daughter and she loved the 2nd zip line and all the remaining zip lines. The views from the zip line are beautiful. We have done zip lines in Branson before on Wolfe mountain which they claim is the #1 zip line in Branson. These zip lines blew those zip lines away!! So glad they didn’t have any availability for our family and we got to do these. I cant wait to do it again! It will be something we do every time we go to Branson. Felt completely safe the whole time. These guys know what they are doing. Thanks for a great time!! See more..
4.0White Water(748 reviews) - Excellent Water Park Water Parks
A large water park offering something for every age, operated by the Silver Dollar City amusement park.See more..
4.5The Branson Coaster(742 reviews) - One of the BEST Branson attractions Thursday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks
Branson, Missouri is known as a top destination for thrills and adventure, and the Branson Coaster is the perfect place to start your Ozarks vacation. The Branson Coaster is a one-of-a-kind alpine coaster that takes you on a thrilling ride through the heart of Branson. Step aboard our double alpine coaster and experience the thrill of a lifetime as you zip through the Ozarks. Or, swing from the top of the trees on the Branson Buzzsaw and admire the beauty of the Ozarks which stretch out below you. The Branson Coaster is one of the top attractions in Missouri, so be sure to add it to your list of things to do in Branson!See more..
5.0Arcade City(543 reviews) - Arcade fun Thursday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Amusement & Theme Parks
Arcade City is a unique family fun experience for all ages! We have the latest in arcade games along with awesome prizes! Come in and save big with our play card specials! Our staff is knowledgeable, outgoing, helpful, and friendly ensuring you have an excellent visit to Arcade City!See more..
4.5Lone Elk Park(520 reviews) - Great Wildlife Event Parks
This was a great experience, the wildlife didn’t disappoint, Elk, Bison and geese were plentiful and made for an excellent photography experience. Would definitely recommend and go back again. The park is free however they recommend a small donation of $1.00. We didn’t go to the bird sanctuary this visit. It was nice to be able to drive through the whole park. Please remember when visiting, we are in their home/habitat. We are their guests keep a safe distance from the animals so we don’t lose the privilege of visiting the animals.See more..
4.5Gateway Arch National Park(503 reviews) - Must See & Do Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • National Parks
A must see and do while visiting St. Louis! From the museum to the views at the top, it’s all worth it! If you want to ride to the top, I recommend booking your tickets online before you arrive to get the time slot you want. Same day tickets are not guaranteed. Note the tram pods to the top are very small and it’s cramped, but it only takes 4 minutes to get to the top then 3 minutes back down. It’s best to go with a group of people you know or you’ll be camped in with strangers. I do wish they would allow more than roughly 8 minutes at the top. The views are amazing! If you aren’t able to take a ride to the top, the park grounds with paved pathways and the FREE museum are worth exploring! There’s beautiful scenery all around from the river and downtown. It’s a well kept and clean place.See more..
Located within a short drive of Branson's attractions and entertainment, this lake offers a public marina, boat rentals, parasailing, scuba diving and rides on a 48-foot catamaran. This popular park offers picnicking, camping, a yurt and a mountain biking trail.See more..
The landscape of this park is dominated by modern sculptures.See more..
5.0Elephant Rocks State Park(366 reviews) - Feel like a kid again while exploring beautiful, giant boulders State Parks
The elephant-shaped boulders at Elephant Rocks State Park may not be the stars of a circus, but these giant granite boulders are the stars of this unusual park in southeast Missouri. An easy way to see the rocks is from the Braille Trail, which was especially designed for people with visual and physical disabilities. The trail winds through the main area of rocks. An extension off the trail leads back to the ruins of an old railroad engine house, a remnant of the area’s quarrying and railroad history. Picnic tables are scattered among the trees and provide inviting spots to have a picnic lunch or rest and enjoy the interesting geologic formations found throughout the park.See more..
Just minutes from Columbia, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park gives visitors the chance to scramble, hike and bicycle through a scenic environment – and lets them peek into Missouri’s underworld. The park contains some of the most popular hiking trails in the state and also offers solitude while hiking in the Gans Creek Wild Area. Visitors can also see a large cave system with its rock bridge, sinkholes, a spring and underground stream at the Devil's Icebox. You can explore Connor's Cave in the light of the opening for a taste of the underground world.See more..
4.5Loose Park(314 reviews) - Very pretty park Thursday: 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM Parks • Playgrounds
This peaceful 74-acre retreat offers the fragrant Rose Garden, scenic walking paths and a small lake for those restful moments.See more..
Play in the shallows of the East Fork of the Black River. Shoot through Mother Nature’s hydraulics in the shut-ins. Hike a trail that will show you 1.4 billion years of geologic history. Take your horse on a pretty mountain trail. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is a jewel of the system, a place with something for everyone: pretty picnic areas, Ozark landscapes, natural places to swim, great campsites.See more..
The valley that cradles Bennett Spring has created a place of peace and recreation that has welcomed generations of enthusiastic anglers. Bennett Spring State Park is one of Missouri’s earliest state parks and continues today to attract fishermen and nature lovers seeking to make new memories. More than 100 million gallons of clear, cool water gush from Bennett Spring each day and form a spring branch stocked daily with rainbow trout waiting for lucky fishermen. Fishing may be the main draw but the park also offers many other amenities such as a dining lodge, campgrounds, cabins and hiking trails. Whether you are a traditional fishing enthusiast or someone seeking a place to relax and refresh, Bennett Spring State Park has what you need to make every trip one to remember.See more..
Scenic spring and picturesque mill dating to 1894.See more..
4.5Tower Grove Park(275 reviews) - Lovely walking any time of the year Parks
Tower Grove park isn't huge yet you can meander and come across numerous sweet places. If you love trees and plants, pay attention to the ways trees are positioned~ there are clusters of cypress, dogwood and more that create great beauty in bloom as well as some enormous osage orange and other species. You also find food trees right alongside paths~ persimmon, pecan and more. A lovely place to walk or sit or play with a group. Open green spaces allow for creative uses including tossing a frisbee, having a picnic, laying back and watching clouds and birds go by, drawing or painting. Not a place to go alone at night, which is true for most darker areas in this city that I love.See more..
Fight trophy trout in one of the most breathtaking settings imaginable at Roaring River State Park. The park contains one of the premier trout fisheries in the nation, stocked each night. The natural setting – towering hills above a deep blue spring -- provides a scenic backdrop to adventures. Seven trails cut through the parks rugged terrain, and lodging options from campsites to cabins make Roaring River a place to experience a unique slice of Missouri.See more..
The Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden is the oldest attraction at the Springfield Botanical Gardens. The 7.5 acre, Mizumoto Japanese Stroll garden was created in 1985 and includes a large koi lake, moon bridge, meditation garden, tea house and traditional Japanese garden landscaping. The Stroll Garden is open seasonally, April -October. Hours of operation are Wed.-Sun. from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Closed Mon. and Tues. There is a small admission fee. Private tours and rentals available.See more..
In the early 1900s, the area that’s now Castlewood State Park was a popular retreat for partying St. Louisans. The dance clubs are gone, but the winding Meramec River and the lush valley that surrounds it remain. The park has hiking and mountain biking trails that range from those great for first-time riders to ones that even the most experienced will return to time after time. The park is considered one of the best mountain biking locations in the St. Louis area. Good fishing, broad meadows filled with wildlife, and plenty of recreational facilities make the park a favorite for people who want an adventure or just to get away.See more..
Besides areas to walk there are picnic areas (only problem here I think you have to reserve areas), walking areas, and places where young people can play. See more..
I highly recommend Eco Adventure Ziplines for a super fun, yet socially-distanced activity!! We had a group of 5 "zippers" so we made a reservation for a private session. The guides were fantastic and extremely conscientious about COVID safety. It's too bad that this company has had customers cancel because they don't want to wear masks. Those folks that cancelled missed out on a great time. We're already trying to figure out when we can go again. :)See more..
Enjoy the solitude of an undeveloped cove hidden along the shorelines of one of Missouri’s largest lakes. Swim, fish, boat or simply take in the view from a shady campsite or picnic area overlooking the Lake of the Ozarks. The park offers the opportunity to enjoy a variety of recreational activities on the lake, on shore or underground with a tour of Ozark Caverns.See more..
4.5Krug Park(129 reviews) - Memories of childhood Parks
We took a quick detour through Krug Park so my husband could see what it was all about. It was as lovely as I remember. I told him stories that I had heard about bears living in the tunnels (long before my 60s childhood) and how we used to honk to get the cool echo. Not much else to tell other than the grounds seemed well tended and clean. Didn't see any litter that I can remember.See more..
Thomas Hart Benton's life is present in both his home and his paintings, and both are preserved at Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site. A trip to the home and studio of the renowned painter, sculptor, lecturer and writer offers a glimpse into how the talented Benton lived and worked. Benton converted half of the carriage house into his art studio, which remains as he left it. Visitors can still see coffee cans full of paintbrushes, numerous paints, and a stretched canvas waiting to be transformed into another of his masterpieces. Thomas Hart Benton died in his studio in 1975.See more..
My son and I took his 5 year old daughter on the Meramec float trip. The process was easy with advance reservations. We got a canoe that is really just for 2 but my granddaughter sat on a seat cushion in the middle. From the caverns they give you a bus ride to Meramec State Park where you get your boat and launch. We took about 4 hours to float the 6 miles back to the caverns docking area. The river is beautiful with lots of places to stop to rest, swim, eat or what ever. You must have your boat back by 7 pm or get charged for late fee. The costs to rent are reasonable and the have a variety of different raft/boat options. We would do this again, only taking a raft rather than a canoe. See more..
4.5Montauk State Park(115 reviews) - Life long wish to see montauk. State Parks
Wet a line at one of the Midwest’s premier trout-fishing destinations at Montauk State Park. Located an easy ride from St. Louis, the park’s waters are stocked each night from an on-site hatchery. Want more than day of fishing? Stay overnight at the park’s motel, campground or cabins. Want to do something other than fish? Montauk State Park’s hiking trails will take you in and around the scenic Pigeon Creek basin.See more..
4.5Hawn State Park(115 reviews) - Handsome Hawn State Park State Parks
Hawn State Park is one of the loveliest parks in a system full of lovely parks. Clear, sand-bottomed streams, wild areas ripe with orchids and awe-inspiring views combine to make Hawn a place that Missourians treasure. Geology buffs love Pickle Creek for the number of exposed rock types. Hikers frequent the Whispering Pine Wild Area for its quiet trails with expansive views. Bird watchers flock to the park for its variety of birds. And there are plenty of quiet spaces for people to get away and enjoy the outdoors.See more..
Located in the rugged and scenic St. Francois Mountains, the park features Taum Sauk Mountain, the highest point in the state at 1,772 feet. A hiking trail takes visitors to Mina Sauk Falls, a wet-weather waterfall. The park also offers primitive camping and picnicking.See more..
Just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Kansas City, Weston Bend State Park offers secluded picnic sites, sweeping views of the Missouri River from an overlook and from trails, and a scenic overlook accessible to persons with disabilities. A three-mile paved loop trail takes hikers and bikers through the woody terrain and the park also features a campground.See more..
Gain a better understanding of one of the saddest chapters in American history at Trail of Tears State Park, where nine of the 13 Cherokee Indian groups being relocated to Oklahoma crossed the Mississippi River during harsh winter conditions in 1838 and 1839. The park’s visitor center tells the tale of the thousands who died on the forced march, as well as the park’s many natural features. The park also has a cheerier side: shaded picnic sites, hiking and horse trails, opportunities to fish in both the Mississippi River and Lake Boutin, and majestic views of the Mississippi River and beyond.See more..
4.5Watkins Mill State Park(101 reviews) - We went back for a second day! Historic Sites • State Parks
A 100-acre lake with a paved bicycle path around it, plentiful fishing, a picturesque campground and choice picnic spots make Watkins Mill State Park an ideal place for an afternoon or longer. Located near the Kansas City area, the park has ample fishing opportunities and an abundance of whitetailed deer and wild turkeys to watch. The park is adjacent to the Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site, a National Historic Landmark.See more..
3.5Hurricane Harbor(100 reviews) - Hurricane Hotter! Water Parks
Part of the Six Flags theme park in St. Louis, this water extravaganza features millions of gallons of splashin' fun with spectacular shows, thrilling rides and attractions for the whole family.See more..
4.5Caveman Zipline(99 reviews) - Good equipment. Nice lengths. Excellent guides. Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks
Our group of five that included 3 adults 45-55 yo and 3 teenagers had an excellent tour guide who gave great instructions and training from beginning to end. They are very accommodating and friendly. The zip line has several long zips and a few shorter zips. They take good quality photos of each person in action on the zip line that are available for purchase and can be loaded onto a thumb drive for convenience.See more..
4.5Echo Bluff State Park(96 reviews) - Beautiful state park Spent 2-3 hours State Parks
Echo Bluff State Park is a year-round outdoor destination that is in a spectacular natural setting. Visitors of all ages can fill their days with floating, hiking, swimming or fishing. Modern amenities include an impressive lodge, dining, full-service cabins and a campground. Explore the park on hiking and mountain biking trails.See more..
4.5Route 66 State Park(95 reviews) - Great Park with History Museum State Parks
Travel through history on The Mother Road at Route 66 State Park. Route 66 captured Americans’ imagination and exposed millions of citizens to small towns and different cultures across the country. Sample a slice of that at Route 66 State Park’s visitor center, which has displays showcasing the road. The visitor center is the former Bridgehead Inn, a 1935 roadhouse that sat on the original Route 66. The park’s location, close to metro St. Louis provides visitors with a quick getaway to nature. More than 40 types of birds have been identified in the park and picnic sites are sprinkled throughout the park.See more..
4.0Jolly Mon Indoor Water Park(89 reviews) - Good place to kill a few hours on a cold, rainy day Water Parks
Enjoy fun and excitement at Jolly Mon Indoor Water Park, featuring 600 feet of water slides, an activity pool, an over-sized whirlpool, and a lazy river for tubing, and floating. The highlight of Jolly Mon Indoor Water Park is a three-story wilderness tree house with slides, bridges, water blasters, tunnels, and a gigantic 600-gallon tipping bucket. Kids of all ages will splash, play, slide and enjoy endless aquatic adventures at this 20,000 square foot family water park. We also offer guest lockers, private birthday party rooms and the Snack Shack. Jolly Mon Indoor Water Park at Margaritaville Lake Resort is open to the public.See more..
The cool waters of Forest Lake provide the centerpiece for Thousand Hills State Park, whose woody shores and broad savannas recall a time when northern Missouri was far less developed. The lake offers fishing, swimming and boating. The park offers hiking, mountain biking, and abundant opportunities to see wildlife. An interpretive shelter helps visitors understand the petroglyphs left behind by the area’s inhabitants more than 1,500 years ago. The park also offers campsites and cabins for overnight stays.See more..
Looking to take a trip to where something big happened? Try Mastodon State Historic Site. The site is the home of the Kimmswick Bone Bed, one of the most famous and extensive Pleistocene ice age deposits of fossils, including a number of bones of giant mastodons. Interpretative trails and picnic sites dot the landscape and a museum tells the natural and cultural story of the Clovis culture, which existed in the area between 10,000 and 14,000 years ago.See more..
Descend into the depths of Onondaga Cave State Park and drop into a world of wonder: towering stalagmites, dripping stalactites, and active flowstones help make the cave a National Natural Landmark and illustrate why Missouri is often called “The Cave State.” Visitors can take guided tours into the underground wonderland. But if you prefer the surface, the park’s Vilander Bluff Natural Area provides a panoramic view of the Meramec River. Easy access to the Meramec River allows visitors to canoe or fish in a bucolic setting.See more..
The roar of ATVs and off-road motorcycles combines with the peacefulness of rolling hills at Finger Lakes State Park, one of two ATV parks in the state parks system. Built in a former coal mining area, Finger Lakes’ trails and motocross track are popular with users who come for the day, but often fall under the spell of the spacious campground, leafy trees and hilly terrain. The park is also the site of the challenging 2.75-mile Kelley Branch Mountain Bike Trail and a 4.5-mile water trail.See more..
