There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a “Duck Splashdown.”
“One of the great things about Branson is that there are so many amazing ways to be entertained and have fun,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “The summer months, through Labor Day, provide the greatest access to all of Branson’s water-related activities, and they will all be in full splash mode over the Labor Day Weekend for families to enjoy,” she adds.
Wood points out that this list is focused on those activities that families might want to enjoy together, are best enjoyed in warmer weather, or close right after Labor Day:
1. A sightseeing Cruise on Main Street Lake Cruises’ Lake Queen: Relax with the family aboard an authentically replicated paddlewheel boat! While many destinations offer cruises, none offer the blend of boarding at a modern shopping attraction like Branson Landing, where you can witness a $7.5 million dollar spectacular water attraction! From bald eagles and other birds and wildlife abounding on Lake Taneycomo’s shoreline, to amazing natural bluffs formed over many centuries, to the spectacular majesty of Ozarks’ vistas, this 1.5 hour cruise is a unique experience not yet enjoyed by the vast majority of the millions of visitors who come to Branson each year. Produced primarily by Mother Nature, it’s one of Branson’s most extraordinary shows and will provide you and your family with memories to cherish forever. The Lake Queen offers a full set of modern amenities, is fully handicap-accessible, has full-sized modern restrooms, has a full bar and snack food service, and features a fully enclosed environmentally conditioned lower deck, as well as an open air upper deck. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this unique adventure! The final 2015 season cruises on the Lake Queen will be on September 7.
White Water’s iconic 7-story multiple slide “Kalani Towers.”
2. White Water: Branson’s “White Water” douses you with two million gallons of rides and attractions that range from the relaxing Aloha River, to the riveting Kapau Plummet, and the exciting Kalani Towers! Discover tons for the little ones to do, like Splashaway Cay and Coconut Cove, and attractions for the whole family, like the Surf’s Up Wave Pool. White Water’s last day of operation for the 2015 season is September 7.
3.The Track Family Fun Parks: Operating four unique parks and a large selection of go-kart tracks around Branson, the Track Family Fun Parks offer a wide variety of fun for every member of the family. You’ll find bumper boats/cars, batting cages, laser tag, mini-golf, arcades, and the incredible Skycoaster, a 100-foot-tall super swing that combines the elements of skydiving and hang-gliding. The Track Parks are also a go-kart lover’s paradise! In addition to the traditional go-kart tracks, you’ll find the steel and concrete, 1,200 foot, four-story-tall “Heavy Metal High Rise;” the four-story spiral climb of the “Wild Woody;” and the spirals and blind peak of the “Lumber Jack!”
4. Showboat Branson Belle: The Showboat Branson Belle is a full size replica of the old time river showboats; it combines a cruise on beautiful Table Rock Lake with a delightful meal and a show to create an unforgettable experience. While cruising, you’ll enjoy music, magic, dancing, comedy, a delicious meal, and a view of Ozark vistas and scenery that can only be seen and appreciated from this unique vantage point on the lake.
5. Silver Dollar City: When it comes to phenomenal, world-class theme parks, it doesn’t get any better than Branson’s biggest attraction, Silver Dollar City! Live music, thrilling rides, demonstrating craftsmen, food, shopping, amusements for all ages, seasonal and themed festivals and events, the all-new Fireman’s Landing, and even more awaits you and your family! Although, it remains open until Christmas, from a weather perspective, the Labor Day weekend will provide an excellent chance to enjoy its rides, especially its water-related rides. In addition to everything else the park offers, it will be celebrating “A Southern Gospel Picnic” over the Labor Day Weekend.
6. National Tiger Sanctuary: Branson’s “National Tiger Sanctuary” is an excellent educational and entertainment experience for young and old alike! You’ll be awed by the size, strength, and agility of many of the Sanctuary’s wild creatures. You’ll also be amused at their playful antics, and touched deeply by the stories of how many came to live in this magnificent haven in the Ozarks.
7. Ride the Ducks: This extremely popular attraction is a boatload of fun for the whole family aboard a WW II style amphibious DUKW, a.k.a. “The Duck.” During the 60 to 70 minute adventure, you will enjoy a tour narrated by a U.S. Coast Guard licensed Captain, who is every bit as good at entertaining as they are at being a driver and captain. You’ll especially enjoy the big Splashdown into either Table Rock Lake or Lake Taneycomo. After the Splashdown, there is an opportunity for the kids to drive the Duck in the water. The area covered by the tour and the lake of the Splashdown depends on whether you board Ride The Ducks at Branson Landing or their Highway 76 location. The final 2015 season Ride the Duck trips from Branson Landing will be on September 7. The Highway 76 Ride The Ducks will remain in operation through November 29.
BTC’s Wood suggests that potential visitors to Branson over the Labor Day Weekend make advance show and lodging reservations to ensure the best choice of show seating and lodging accommodations. Just one phone call to 1-800-785-1550 takes care of it all, and will put you in touch with one of the Branson-based Travel Planning Specialists at Branson Tourism Center. They’ll be delighted to answer questions, explain how you can save money by “packaging” lodging and shows, take care of reservations and ticketing, or assist you in any way they can to help you plan a great Branson trip for you and your family.