Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, is a place that everyone, both young and old, delights in. However, there is one annual festival that is centered just around children (although parents are welcome too!). That’s right, folks – it’s almost time for National Kid’s Fest at Silver Dollar City! Pack a camera and some sunscreen and get ready for some excitement – kiddie style.
What is National Kid’s Fest?
What is National Kid’s Fest, you might ask? It is a national festival held yearly by Silver Dollar City Attractions celebrating the spirit (and fun) of children. This year’s festival dates are June 8 through July 21, 2013. 2013 will be the final year of this particular festival – so you won’t want to miss visiting Silver Dollar City with your kids this summer! The final year’s line-up of child sized fun includes: performances by championship cloggers, Cartoon Character Meet and Greets (Spongebob and Patrick, Scooby Doo and Shaggy, Yogi Bear and Booboo and many others will be on hand in the Carousel Barn to meet your kids and take pictures!), a fascinating crazy science experience with Professor David Willey (wacky and educational experiences galore!) and Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience, featuring canine athletes performing astounding displays of strength and agility that animal lovers won’t want to miss. On top of all of the shows and entertainment at Kid’s Fest, you and you children will also have the opportunity to check out all of the thrilling amusement park rides that Silver Dollar City has to offer visitors. Powder Keg, Wildfire, the GIANT Barn Swing, the American Plunge and the Lost River of the Ozarks are some popular fun rides that most kids love. This year, kids also have the opportunity to ride Silver Dollar City’s newest roller coaster, Outlaw Run! This $10 million wooden roller coaster is the world’s first and only wooden coaster to feature a double barrel roll. It is the world’s steepest wooden roller coaster and the second fastest wooden coaster in the world! For smaller children that may not meet certain height requirements or maybe aren’t up for a big adrenaline rush, little kid rides can be found at Half Dollar Holler and Geyser Gulch.
Tickets, Passes and Planning
Admission to Silver Dollar City’s National Kid’s Fest can be purchased in a couple of different ways. When purchasing your admission, you want to consider a couple of things in order to make the most efficient purchase. Are you from out of town and visiting only for the day? If so, a one day general admission ticket ($48 for children, $58 for adults, and $56 for seniors without tax) is probably the best option. Do you live in Branson or nearby and plan on visiting the park for more than just National Kid’s Fest? If you will be frequenting here, you will most likely want to buy a season pass. For less than the cost of two days’ worth of general admissions, you can purchase a pass that will get you into any festival on any day of your choice within the operating season. Will you be attending the park with a large group for a party or reunion? Be sure to call the park for group ticket rates and discounts.
As far as planning goes, you’ll want to make sure that you travel light while still having everything your kids need to make their day at Kid’s Fest enjoyable. Bottled water is a good thing to add to your travel backpack – encourage your kids to have a sip or two every time you stop so they stay hydrated. A few healthy snacks will also make life easier – or you can peruse the dining choices available throughout the park. Sunscreen and hats are a must during the summer – especially for little people! For older children, make sure they carry a cell phone and designate a check-in point with them before they run off to have fun. For small children, be sure that you point out what the park employees look like in case they get separated from you and need help – a wristband with your name, the child’s name and a cell phone number can come in handy here.
With a little planning and sunscreen, your trip to National Kid’s Fest at Silver Dollar City is sure to be a success! So get ready to create some great memories that will last a lifetime.
