There are plenty of free things to do in branson mo that won’t break the bank! From outdoor excursions to enriching museums, there is something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a fun family outing, a romantic couples’ getaway, or world-class live music shows, Branson has it all! Explore outdoor adventures, race the kids in go-karts, or indulge in retail therapy at local mom & pop stores.
Table Rock State Park
Table Rock State Park is the centerpiece of scenic Highway 11. The towering mountain peak that gave this park its name looms over a 3,000 acre park featuring two lakes, campgrounds and cabins.
Campers and hikers can enjoy a variety of water sports or fishing on the lake. The Table Rock Lake State Park Marina has boat rentals available, including pontoon boats and wave runners.
Hikers can choose from a range of trails that take them through the forests of Table Rock State Park and past tumbling waterfalls. The park’s trails offer views from rocky summits and picturesque overlooks.
Carrick Creek Falls is a favorite attraction of visitors to the park. This beautiful waterfall is a perfect place to relax and soak in the cool mountain waters.
Sparky the Trolley
Getting around town on this out-of-the-ordinary trolley is free and offers an easy way to explore the city. This fun way to spend the day takes you to many of Branson’s top attractions, including the historic downtown area.
Check out the ice cream shop and unique souvenir shops in downtown Branson. Then head to Dick’s 5 & 10, a nostalgic five-and-dime store that sells interesting vintage souvenirs and classic candies from decades past.
Kids will love visiting the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery to ooh and aah at all the trout splashing around. This free conservation center also has a nature playground and covered porch swings for the little ones.
Ballparks of America
A baseball fan’s dream, Ballparks of America is an impressive complex with scaled-down replicas of famous MLB stadiums. It hosts youth baseball tournaments that make kids feel like they’re competing in the big leagues.
Kids can stroll around the park’s lakeside boardwalk and watch a spectacular fountain show that blends water, music, light and fire for a sizzling explosion of wonder. Be sure to check the show schedules in advance!
Ooh and ah at the trout in the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, a free conservation center where kids can feed the fish. Then, stroll through Historic Downtown Branson and browse resale shops for budget-friendly souvenirs.
Point Lookout
Branson is a kitschy getaway nestled within a few hours of Kansas City, St. Louis and Oklahoma that’s brimming with live entertainment, over-the-top attractions and thrill rides. It’s like a family friendly Las Vegas sans gambling!
Table Rock State Park is a popular destination that’s free for campers and visitors. It boasts scenic trails, campsites, hiking and mountain biking adventures as well as water sports and SCUBA diving excursions.
The Branson Centennial Museum offers a free tour of rotating exhibits about the area’s history, including the 1907 publication of Shepherd of the Hills, airport development in the 1930s and live shows in the 1950s.
The Branson Centennial Museum
Get a taste of Branson’s colorful history at this museum in downtown Branson. Rotating exhibits highlight the region’s illustrious past, from its earliest days as a rural township to its boom years as America’s premier family vacation destination.
Marvel Cave and the Candy Emporium are a must-see for kids of all ages. And for mom and dad, the Curling Vine Winery is a great place to do a grape juice tasting!
Take a stroll along the lakeside boardwalk at Branson Landing before you catch the $7.5 million fountain show that blends music, water, and fire for an unforgettable experience. It’s free every hour starting at noon!
Historic Downtown Branson
While there are many fun things to do in Branson that require some cash, it is easy for penny pinchers to get a taste of the town without spending a fortune. From exploring the natural wonder of Table Rock State Park to soaking up the charm of Historic Downtown Branson, you will find that there are plenty of no-charge activities to enjoy during your vacation!
Take a stroll through the shops of Historic Downtown Branson to discover a wide variety of locally owned unique shopping options. From a shoe store that specializes in narrow shoes to a shop that teaches you interesting facts about the American flag, there is something for everyone!