A vacation in Branson doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. There are many free or nearly free Branson activities within a short drive from Thousand Hills Golf Resort. My husband and I were both surprised how much our nephews enjoyed the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery and Conservation Center. It’s a wonderful kid friendly free Branson activity. There are gumball machines filled with food to feed the trout for only 25 cents a pop. Nearby, across Table Rock Dam is the Dewey Short Visitors Center, with a nature trail that goes along the lake to the State Park Marina.
During the summer there are free concerts at the Branson Landing, a fire and water show that is one of the most spectacular free Branson attractions, and clowns that make balloons for the children and other street performers.
On Sundays there are numerous free Branson Worship Services. There are so many great entertainers in Branson, and it’s not unusual to hear one of them singing on Sunday at an open service. Another free Branson show is The “Good News Gospel” with Leroy New and Friends which is at 9 a.m.Sundays, also at the “Little Opry Threater”.
Norma Jean of “The Porter Wagner Show” and “Grand ‘Ol Opry” fame have a free Sunday service at Cowboy Church and at the God and Country Theatre on Hwy 76. You never know who will show up and sing with her!
Dave Hamner of the Hamner & Barber Show and Wide World of Magic fame, recipients of many awards in the field of magic, just happens to also be an ordained Baptist minister, and has a morning service at his theater on Sunday, 10:00 a.m. He usually also offers all guests at his Sunday service a great discount off of any of the shows at his theater.
Barbara Fairchild also of Grand ‘Ol Opry fame and know for the Teddy Bear Song, has a free worship service at the Doug Gabriel Theatre located at 3750 W. Hwy 76 at 10:00 a.m. Barbara also has a great show at the Golden Corral for tips only.
Branson also has two wineries with free wine tasting tours. Try Stone Hill Winery or Mt. Pleasant Winery. Both are close together by the intersection of Green Mountain Drive and Hwy. 165., just a few blocks from the Branson lodging at Thousand Hills.
College of the Ozarks, known as “Hard Work U” has many free Branson activities that include Edwards Mill, a traditional working grist mill, and the Fruitcake and Jelly Kitchen where visitors can watch the students making the goodies & maybe even try a sample or two. Also view Williams Chapel which looks like it was transported from the Old Country, but was actually built by students of the college in 1956. The Ralph Foster Museum is low cost, and free for high school age and under, will entertain anyone for several hours. It has often been called “the Smithsonian” of the Ozarks.
While Branson is known for it’s music, the other classical arts in Branson are well represented. And the best part is that almost all of these classic and modern arts can be seen for free!
Branson family activities are available for the whole family from 1 to 100. See some of the affordable options for your next family vacation!
These are just a few free Branson activity ideas to keep your budget tiny yet enjoy a gigantic, fun-filled Branson vacation.
