How to Plan the Perfect Family Holiday Weekend in Branson
We just got back from the perfect family weekend in Branson. It was our first time visiting with our two toddlers, and honestly, 36 hours was the ideal amount of time to find the magic, explore Silver Dollar City, and soak in some beautiful Ozark nature at the most family-friendly hotel.
If you're planning a trip, here’s our exact itinerary, plus my best tips as first-time visitors to America’s Best Theme Park.
This trip fully put me in the holiday spirit.
Friday Afternoon: Check Into the Cutest Family Hotel
We arrived Friday afternoon and headed straight to The Ozarker Lodge, and wow, it’s a dream for families. They’ve truly thought of everything:
Bunk-bed rooms
A nature playscape
Heated outdoor pool
A creek where the kids can explore for hours
It’s charming, cozy, and perfectly set up for little adventurers. Plus during the holidays it is all decked out with cozy vibes and even a letter to Santa station in the lobby. They gave me a code ALEXISZOTOS for a discount on your next stay!
Late Lunch / Early Dinner: BBQ on the Strip
For an early dinner, we chose Gettin’ Basted on the Branson Strip. Afterward, you have lots of touristy options for entertainment. Our boys spotted Dig Town Adventure Park from the road and absolutely insisted.
Was it pricey? Yes.
Would I 100% recommend it? Maybe not.
Did the kids love it for the hour and a half we were there? Absolutely.
Dig Town Adventure Park was a good fit for toddlers if not a bit overpriced.
Cozy Evening: Swimming + S’mores
We wrapped up our first night back at The Ozarker Lodge with a nighttime swim (the pool is heated!), followed by charcuterie and s’mores by the fire. Truly such a simple, sweet memory. Although toddlers around a fire pit was a new level of anxiety unlocked. The hotel also has amazing soaking tubs looking over the creek.
Saturday Morning: Breakfast + Branson Landing
Breakfast wass included at the hotel, which is a huge win when traveling with toddlers. After eating, we made our way to Branson Landing, all decked out for the holidays with a giant Christmas tree. (There’s a tree lighting in the evening if that fits your plan!)
Once again, the toddlers led us…and we ended up at Arcade City right when they opened at 10:00 AM. They loved it, and it was the perfect pre-nap activity before the big highlight of the trip:
Silver Dollar City
After naptime, we headed straight to Silver Dollar City. If you don’t have nappers, I highly recommend arriving right when they open. This was our first time visiting, and it’s easy to see why it was named America’s Best Theme Park, especially during their incredible Christmas celebration.
The holiday tasting passport was perfect to try lots of fun things.
Here are my top tips for a fun and festive day:
✨ Go early. There’s so much to see and do, one day won’t cover it all.
✨ Get the Holiday Tasting Passport. We tried so many goodies (the apple dumpling donut was amazing).
✨ Bring a stroller or wagon. And get ready for a WORKOUT, it’s hilly!
✨ Ride the train at dusk. It’s perfect for sunset and watching the Christmas lights come alive.
✨ Catch a show. We did the sweet Mrs. Claus sing-along. And don’t miss the parade!
✨ Expect big crowds. Especially on holiday weekends.
✨ Soak in the magic. The lights, music, and atmosphere are truly something special.
Takeaway: Branson Is the Perfect, Easy Family Getaway
Growing up in St. Louis, we never actually made the trip to Branson, I’ve only ever been once for a work event, but now that I’ve gone with my own kids, I understand the appeal. It’s an incredibly easy weekend getaway for families, just a short drive from home and packed with things to do year-round.
But the holidays is where things come alive and if you’re looking for a place with all the Christmas spirit, put this trip on your list!
