A 2014 Branson Family Vacation

If you're like me, you are ready for a vacation, and not just a family gathering at Christmas - although these are wonderful. You are ready to GET OUT OF DODGE. You are ready to break free from the mundane routine of your life. You are ready to go wild, make memories, do something spontaneous, play, and HAVE FUN. I want to help you make plans and I will use my experience as a seasoned professional in Branson, Mo. to do just that.

I live in Vacation Land. Branson offers so many fun things to do with your family that we usually don't have to plan our family vacations outside of our own city. 

So, as a mom and as Chief Purser of the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Mo., I would like to give you MY TOP 10 Best Activities to do with your family in Branson, Mo. in 2014.

Drum Roll Please....Joy to the World....(reference from Christmas Vacation) 

10. Visit a Cave! 

Especially when weather outside isn't ideal, my boys love spelunking. (Big Word) Actually, we like visiting tourists caves. One of our favorites is Talking Rocks Cavern . And guess what- They are open year round so you can even go in the winter. Yay. I can wear my kids out so they will sleep. Yes, sleep is good.

9. See a Show! There are more than 100 to choose from.

There is a great directory of shows on the Explore Branson website. We have 2 favorites - Six and anything that Sight and Sound Theater does. Also, I just noticed when perusing the Explore Branson site that there is an 80's Ladies Show at God and Country Theater. YES PLEASE. Being that I grew up in the 80's, I would love to do a girls night out here.

8. IMAX

Who doesn't want to see a GIANT movie? This month on the GIANT screen, they have 3 films - one about the Grand Canyon, one about butterflies, and one about Trains. The Grand Canyon one is on our winter bucket list.

7. Silver Dollar City Theme Park. 

Need I say more? In 2013, they opened a brand new wooden roller coaster that is the first of its kind in the world. There are coaster, rides, games, shopping, great food, and tons of entertainment around every corner. This attraction does not disappoint with kids either.

6. Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede -

If you like to eat an entire chicken with your hands, you will love this place. This is a North VS South competition where you will see live animals, trick racing, lumberjacks, pig races, and a very talented performance by Dolly Parton. The food is great and my kids NEVER get bored. They love it. They are mesmorized the entire time. Plus you get entertainment and food at the same time. IT's a win win.

5. EAT! Everyone loves to eat. 

I grew up in Dallas, Texas which is the restaurant capitol of the world. I have very high expectations about food that I pay for. I am also a good cook, so rarely do I find food out that meets my expectations. So, when I tell you the best places to eat in Branson, Mo., I mean it. My favorites are the Keeter Center, Big Cedar Lodge's The Worman House, Cantina Laredo, and Sushi House.

4. Go to the Lake. 

Table Rock Lake is the most beautiful lake I have ever seen. Because I grew up in a very busy city, most weekends our family left town to boat and camp. We traveled all over the place. I camped in a tent back then, but as a mom with children, that seems completely archaic to me now. Now, I camp complete with air conditioning, microwave, shower, and beds in our camper. :) I know I am spoiled. At Table Rock Lake you can boat, ski, wakeboard, tube, paddle board, kayak, para-sail, swim, scuba dive, hike, fish, skip rocks, etc. It is absolutely wonderful and my boys LOVE going.

3. Go Shopping. 

The shopping is endless in Branson, Mo. We have a huge Tanger Outlet Mall complete with all of the big names like Nike, Anne Taylor LOFT, Banana Republic, Under Armour, Polo, Old Navy, Aeropostale, and American Eagle. Although my boys act like they dread going, they sure do have a good time when they are getting stuff. We also have a high end mall, called the Branson Landing right on Lake Taneycomo close to Downtown Branson. It is a really pretty outdoor mall with Bass Pro Shops being the flagship. I have seen the fish in the tank at Bass Pro Shops over 1,000+ times. My kids never get tired of it. It's crazy.

2. Go-Carts. Putt-putt. Bumper Boats. Arcade.

What kid doesn't like to go-cart on vacation? The Tracks Family Fun Parks have tracks all down the 76 strip. There are many to choose from and each one gives different aged children a chance to race. I love taking my kids to do this because they love it. However, take my advice...If you plan to do the bumper boats, look into the eyes of the other children who are participating. If you see a child who can't stop stearing at you, run. I went on these with my child last summer and got soaked. I was marked by a marksman and SHE WON. By the way, I might be the best ski-ball competitor in the world. Just saying....

And the #1 best thing to do on your next family vacation in Branson, Mo. is.........


1. Tour the Titanic Museum in Branson!

We've built the Permanent, Interactive Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Mo. I am the chief purser, bringing you all news and event happenings at the ship. This January 2014, we will open a new Titanic exhibit as a tribute to the musicians who sailed Titanic. Around every corner in our attraction, kids learn while participating in hands on activities like touching an iceberg, walking the $1 M Grand Staircase, sending an SOS signal, answering trivia questions, etc. You can teach your kids about the history of the Titanic ship, without them even knowing it. It truly is a family experience "....not to be missed." - USA Today.

Bonus -
CUSTARD. Do it. You can diet later.

Take your kids to Andy's Frozen Custard. You can't go wrong here. It is sugary butter. Wait - did Paula Deen invent Frozen Custard? If your kids frown while eating this, there is something terribly wrong.
Anyways, you can't go wrong with a Branson, Mo. family vacation. There are memories waiting to be made her. Come and make them.

Blessings!

Erin Wicker