We decided Friday to make a run for the border. (Missouri border that is,) so we headed up to Branson. We hadn’t been there in years and thought we’d give it another chance. I found a free room at this place everyone said was great with kids The Castle Rock Resort and Hotel.
The hotel has an actual waterpark with 2 large slides, large kiddie pool, lazy river, and two other pools indoors. Now, I have to admit the beds were so horrible we didn’t sleep a wink, but there was an alcove for the boys with bunkbeds and their own TV which they loved (we don’t do cable etc. at home so they don’t watch TV normally.) The upswing was the waterpark part is all part of your room fees, and we did get the room free thanks to AMEX points! (EVEN BETTER!)
After they played a bit we drove around looking for things that were open (it’s the off-season in Branson so not much was open.) We toured the Butterfly Palace. A bit expensive for my tastes- I’d been in better butterfly habitats that weren’t so pricey.
Then we found a new open-air mall down on the river called Branson Landing where the Bass Pro Shop was. We ate at an awful restaurant somehow connected with Bass Pro called The Fish House (I think.) Yuck. Downtown Branson has really changed since we were there about 4 years ago to ride Thomas the Tank Engine!
Got back to the hotel and the boys went to swim for another three hours or so in the waterpark while Emily and I went to the room and vegetated. (The chlorine in the pool was so strong it was making us sick.)
This morning we woke up and hit the town.
Today we got up and hit the town.
First, we toured the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not museum. (Complete with shrunken heads and world’s largest ball of twine!)
Next, we did the Titanic Museum. Yes, pretty depressing, but the kids seemed to like touching the cold water and “iceberg.” Very interesting to say the least.
Then we headed back to Branson Landing to some place the kids really wanted to go, Ridemakerz, where they build their own car (think Build-A-Bear for boys.) I normally don’t fall for that corporate junk but the kids are really happy with their dumb cars.
All in all it was a fun, cheesy trip, but I think I’ve had enough of Branson for another ten years or so.
Wee! That place looks like so much fun!! I think we have a place like that here, but I'm not sure. I think I saw it… hmm…
Awww I'm jealous now xD
Dropping in from SITS 😀
It looks like it would be a ton of fun! The water park would make it for the kids!
Great pictures!
Your kids are so cute. And this sounds like fun. Love the indoor water park and the honesty about the restuarant.
Mary
When I was little we used to go to Branson every single summer. It was not what it is now at all. It was 2 lane roads and everything was spaced out. Now it's like going to Vegas!
Thanks for stopping by my SITS day!
You know, I've never once been to Branson? Some people just LOVE it and others don't want to ever go back. I'm disappointed to hear the news about The Fish House…I'd been wondering if it was a good place to eat. I love catfish!
Dropping by from SITS to say, "hello". Best wishes.
Kindest regards,
Brook
Not everyone gets to see the world's largest ball of twine.