Branson Landing, anchored by Bass Pro Shops and Belk, features dozens upon dozens of local and national retailers and specialty shops; is well known as one of Branson’s most popular shopping destinations, and it’s visited by millions every year. What is not as well-known and publicized is some of the shops in Branson Landing that your kids will absolutely love.
In many cases, shops that have a specific interest to children can be used to help hold their attention and create anticipation, especially when mixed in with a shopping itinerary involving other things that may not interest them at all. Here are four Branson Landing stores that have a special appeal to most children:
RidemakerZ: Kids of all ages can create their own custom vehicle or, as RidemakerZ calls it, “Ridez,” in an atmosphere specifically designed to “provide choice, unleash creativity, foster confidence, encourage collaboration, and instill a sense of community.” Each Ridez is about 12-inches in length, roughly the size of a football, and is customized just the way its “builder” wants it to be. Although they may be purchased as a kit and assembled at home, the full RidemakerZ experience is most enjoyed when the Ridez is assembled in the store as a cooperative effort with the store’s team members.
Kilwins: Their slogan, “Sweet in every Sense since 1947,” conveys what to expect from this store, and will definitely appeal to the taste buds of most kids. From the time they enter the door, they will be surrounded by a unique sensory experience…sight, touch, smell, sound, and taste…it’s like nothing most kids have ever experienced. They’ll actually be able to see the in-store craftsmanship of Kilwins friendly staff demonstrated as they make fudge, chocolate, toffee, caramel, and other candies that they sell. Oh, and did we mention that they also have Kilwins Ice cream? Although it’s not made in the store, it is made by the Kilwins company and shipped to the store.
Build-A-Bear Workshop: It’s a great place for families with kids to spend quality time together making the perfect “bear” or one of the many other cuddly furry characters. There’s a “basic bear,” and the opportunity to make it into whatever your child is inspired to create, from a fancy teddy bear to “Star Wars” characters,” “Sponge Bob,” and many more. You will not only build-a-bear, but possibly create a keepsake and memory that will last for a lifetime.
Bass Pro Shops: Known primarily as a fishing, hunting and outdoor store, the Bass Pro Shops store in Branson Landing appeals to children because of its aquarium and the wildlife exhibits throughout the store. The 20,000-gallon aquarium, with its own waterfall, mill, and waterwheel, is stocked with fish native to the Ozarks, such as large and smallmouth bass, blue gill, crappie, and catfish, as well as rainbow and brown trout. Throughout the store, children will be excited to see museum quality wildlife exhibits like turkeys, native waterfowl, quail, and full body whitetail mounts, including a large diorama by the aquarium that features deer running down a hillside.
That’s just some of the stores available, without considering the other activities that Branson Landing has that kids, as well as everyone else, will enjoy. Imagine floating 188 feet above Branson Landing in a balloon; seeing the $7.5 million water fountain attraction, with water shooting 120-foot geysers, and fire cannons blasting fireballs into the air, a zipline ride across Lake Taneycomo, or a leisurely walk along the 1.5 mile Branson Landing Boardwalk along the Lake Taneycomo lakefront.
For more information about what Branson Landing has to offer, lodging convenient to Branson Landing, or information on other Branson shows, attractions, and lodging, please call the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, at 1-800-785-1550.