Family Vacation Idea: Branson Missouri | Travel
This is our 2nd day enjoying all the things there is to do in wonderful Branson, Missouri. We couldn’t ask for more agreeable weather. This is a good problem to have and we’re enjoying every second out of it with so many things to do in Branson. But instead of being overwhelmed, we just keep telling ourselves we do as much as we can now but we’re definitely planning a return trip to continue ticking off our Branson To Do List.
Right now though we’re stopping in at a Branson favorite, the McFarlain’s Family Restaurant. There are a few to know about this great family restaurant. First, the food is good. When ordering from the menu pay special attention to the menu items printed in blue with the large M Signature logo to the right. Those are the most popular dishes, so if you’re having trouble choosing McFarlain’s signature selection makes it easy and worry-free.
Second, I must warn you about the “Joke Table,” because no one warned us and we thought we were losing our minds. After our food arrived and we were busy eating our delicious food, (at first we didn’t notice) but little by ever so little our table was rising. Our youngest boy noticed it first saying, “Um I think our table is moving…” and sure enough the tabletop was from his perspective, chest level. Our waitress comes over and explained to us that this is one of the may “Joke Tables” they have around the restaurant. We were also told the table would get only a little higher before it started to go back to its normal height. But.. before it goes back down, you have to sing a little song! That was fun!
After lunch we have a few hours to enjoy some go-cart racing at Wild Woody. The boys had a blast racing each other, they were having so much fun the wife and I jumped into a couple of cars and joined in the racing shenanigans. This activity is a must for those like to unleash their inner Dale Earnhardt, Jr and you don’t have to worry about getting a speeding ticket.
Later, we shipped out on the Showboat Branson Belle and this is an incredible experience. This is a full-on riverboat but instead of tooling up and down the Mississippi, the Showboat Branson ferries guests around Table Rock Lake near Branson, Missouri. The lake is landlocked by the Table Rock Dam on one side and the Beaver Lake Dam on the other side. The Showboat Branson Belle is a one of a kind fun experience.
The dinner variety show is one of the best we’ve seen so far, with top-notch entertainment and something for everyone. The show is hosted by resident funnyman and above par magician (understatement) Christopher James and also includes a five-member “Boy Band” known as the Show Men, a trio of amazing tap dancers, a solo vocalist and in-house band. Plus, there is lots of audience interaction. Here are several things you may want to know about the show:
- Cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours
- Cruise price includes dinner and show
- Appropriate for All Ages
- Video Cameras are Permitted
- Restaurant and Gift Shop On-site
- Handicap Seating Options Available: Wheelchair Seating, Aisle Seating, Limited / No Stairs Seating
At the show’s intermission guests can mill around the riverboat and explore the four decks and Gift Shop. This is a big watercraft and I had to keep reminding myself that I was really on a boat, because it is such a smooth ride you’ll swear you’re not moving. The crew also let guests into the wheelhouse and you can meet the riverboat captain. Our boys loved it and asked all kinds of questions. This is a beautifully maintained boat, we took lots of photos. (probably too many), but in our defense, the views were just too amazing and very hard to pass up. Also, time goes by fast when you’re having fun. When the show was over it was hard to believe we just spent 2 1/2 hours on a boat in the middle of a lake. So, if you are up for a good time filled with comedy, dancing and singing this is a perfect family pick.
Continue reading our Branson, Missouri experience here.
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Love to travel? Looking for tips on what to do in Branson? Be sure to check out the travel section of the blog!
Here on A Worthey Read you can get more in-depth of our travel adventures and more travel tips!
Disclaimer: I received complimentary tickets and discounts at the above establishments to facilitate this travel review. However, all thoughts and opinions are original work and 100% my own.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
It sounds like you guys had a blast. I definitely want to head west to check it out someday!
Christy Maurer says
I have always thought Branson would be a really fun family vacation! It looks like you guys had fun. I love the Joke Table lol.
Breanna says
I loved all the photos! It looks like there is a lot to do there – I’ve never been, but it’s on my bucket list for sure! 🙂
Megan Elford says
What a great experience! I would love taking a ride on that riverboat. I think my kids would enjoy the restaurant more though, especially with that joke table!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Branson is such a great time. The entire city is one big attraction.
Liz Leiro says
This is so cool! I’ve only ever heard of Branson in passing, but from your photos it looks amazing! 🙂 Your kids look like they’re having a great time and having dinner and a show on the riverboat looks like such a blast. Can’t wait to hear what you guys do next!!
Alli says
I’ve never been to Branson, but we’ve had friends that have gone and they had a blast, too. There is so much to see and do there. Looks like loads of fun!
Cara (@StylishGeek) says
I have never been to Branson Missouri but your photographs are so animated that it piqued my curiosity! Definitely think about that place next time we go on vacation! 🙂
Jeannette says
Branson looks like such a fun place to visit! It sounds like you guys had a blast and there was so much to do! I’m totally jealous!
Liz Mays says
This family vacation sounded great. I’d definitely have to take that ferry and pop into that restaurant for a fun meal.
rika says
I’ve heard about Branson before , but i never visited. Sounds like a fun place to visit with family
Katie says
What a cute family! It looks like you had a great time in Branson. I have never been there so I will file this away as a trip idea one day,
T Worthey says
Thank you! We had a great time- definitely consider it!
Joanne T Ferguson says
What a fun family post where the smiles say it all! What a great place to visit together making happy memories!
Annemarie LeBlanc says
Never been to Branson Missouri before, but now I have found a reason to go! I love cruises, and even if this is only less than 3 hours long, it would still be a trip worth making. Thanks for sharing!
Ourfamilyworld says
Oh, you had so much fun! The joke table sounds very interesting. It must have been so fun when the table started rising.
lisa says
My mother in law has a timeshare in Branson. I hear lots of great things about the town. I would love to go down and check it out one of these summers.
Ann Bacciaglia says
This looks like your family had an amazing time. I would love to go to Branson for a vacation.
CourtneyLynne says
Omg looks like y’all had so much fun! I’ve always wanted to go to Branson! Hopefully one day!
Jesica H says
My grandparents go to Branson every year, and they have such a great time! Seems like there is something nice for everyone!
Tiany says
What a great family trip, your boys are adorable! I have 4 boys and we are always trying to find frugal family friendly trips, this one looks great!
T Worthey says
Thanks Tiany!
This is a great family trip and easily on the pockets!
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
I have never visited Missouri, is Showboat Branson Belle a Casino Boat as well? I have never been on a gaming boat and I have always wanted to try one!
Michelle @ Dishes and Dust Bunnies says
These really sound like great ways to have fun as a family! I’ve never been to Missouri but I’ll be sure to check these places out if I’m ever down there.
Krystal says
I have never traveled here but always hear great things. It sounds like a hot spot of all kinds of activities.
Chubskulit Rose says
Looks like you guys had a blast out there. This is something that we haven’t done yet, it would be nice to experience it.
Rebecca Swenor says
This looks like a fantastic family vacation indeed for all. I would so love to do this some day. The Branson Show Boat looks like it would be an amazing time for sure. Thanks for sharing.
Tonya says
Okay, I was intrigued by the joke table and thought it’d even be fun to sit there until you mentioned the singing part. Um…no…just no.
T Worthey says
LOL, it was fun though- we all had a good laugh about it!
April Yap says
One of the best things that I love spending time with my husband is eating delicious foods from different places. Thank you for sharing McFarlain’s Family Restaurant. It would be really nice to spend a romantic dinner to this place.