Short Spring Break Trip with Large Family

We haven%26#39;t been to Branson in a little bit. Now our family has grown and we are not sure how to still have fun on without breaking our wallets. My husband I will be traveling with our children (13, 12, 9, 4, and 10 months) March 27th - 29th. Our cousins family will be joining us with their 4 %26amp; 6 year old children. So as you can see we have quite the number with us. We%26#39;ve managed to find a condo (thanks for the feedback on www.vrbo.com), but would like suggestions on things to see or do that would be economical. I noticed that SDC is not open on the 28th, so we will have to do that on the 27th or 29th. Any other suggestions. Attractions and places to eat!

Short Spring Break Trip with Large Family

Since you are going to SDC, I would suggest you purchase your tickets through www.reservebranson.com. You’ll get 2 days for the price of 1. Then you can go on Friday and if you decide to go to SDC again for a few hours on Sunday, you can for free.

If you attend any shows, be sure to ask about family passes. If they offer them, sometimes this is the cheapest option. Also, for 2 tickets for the price of one, check out www.branson2for1tickets.com. They don’t have all of the shows, but they have a fairly large selection. You’ll have to stop in their office on the SW corner of Hwy 76 and Roark Valley (street light at this intersection slightly west of Hwy 65). They also carry 2 for 1 for one of the mini golf places besides show tickets. Also, you may find coupons for discounts for mini golf, the tracks, lazer tag….. etc in one of the booklets or maps around town.

For free items, the best playground equipment is in Stockstill Park. Stop by a grocery store’s deli for an inexpensive picnic. Head down to the Landing, walk the boardwalk, play area in square, have a free ride on the trolley (one goes only on the Landing but another takes you to historical downtown), %26amp; watch the water and fire show. If you go to the historical downtown, check out Dick’s Five and Dime. They have a mini version on the Landing but it’s not much to see compared to this one.

Head to the Table Rock Dam and go to the fish hatchery. Take some paper cups or bags for the fish food machines and a pocket full of quarters. Cross the dam and head to Dewey Shorts. Walk the trail. This is another good place for a picnic.

Kids get in free at the Ralph Foster Museum at the College of the Ozarks. Take a tour of the college too. Go when you can see the milking demonstration if you have a “cow” fan. They also have a working mill. All is free except if you go to the Museum 2009 rates were $4.50 per adult. Kids 17 and under free. Take your camera. They have 2 floors of wildlife scenes. BTW, my 2 yo granddaughter stood in front of the full sized moose for 5 minutes having a stare down. Finally she declared “No like moose” and walked off. Your kids may have a lot of fun there. Mini carnival scene along with the Beverly Hillbillies car too. Lots of historical memorabilia.

To save money at SDC you should know SDC allows food. Pack your own snacks or even your lunch if you prefer. Lots of outdoor places to sit and eat. Also, check into purchasing some SDC mugs. The refills are at a discount. This is especially a savings if you purchase the specialty drinks. Take your own stroller too instead of renting one. This is not a money saving tip but it is one of my favorite family services SDC has. Nursing Stations with rockers. You’ll find them on the maps. They will make your day with a 10 month old. Also, another place for rockers is the Culinary School’s porch. Usually the backside overlooking Echo Hollow is quieter than other areas.

For dining, I would suggest eatting out lunch and eat dinner in your condo since lunch prices are normally cheaper. Danna%26#39;s (good BBQ) has very large portions and good prices. Mel%26#39;s Hard Luck Diner (50%26#39;s diner with singing wait staff) also has good food and large portions at affordable prices. The kids could easily share at these places. Also consider pizza %26amp; deli take out. McFarlins usually has some coupons floating around. If you dine there, ask for a special table for the kids to sit at. It will slowly rise while they dine.

Have fun.