Summer Roadtrip: Springfield/Branson, Missouri!

After past trips to Kansas City, Des Moines, and Minneapolis we ventured south this year to the Springfield/Branson, Missouri area.  Between kindles and DVD players, the boys were road ready.

We left mid-day Tuesday and stayed in Clinton, Missouri the first night.  Good hotel . .would have been great if someone remembered to turn the heater on the indoor pool!  From there we headed to Springfield the next morning.

Taking advantage of local memberships, we went to the zoo & discovery (science) center in Springfield using local memberships.  We also went to a children’s farmstead that is much smaller than what we expected based on our experience at the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Overland Park, Kansas.

Other than an outlet mall, the only ‘thing’ we did in Branson was Silver Dollar City.  We had bought discounted tickets at a local grocery store chain.  It had been years since I have been, I wasn’t really sure what to expect; not sure how the boys would react to some of the rides. They have gone on some rides at various places but had not spent a full day at an amusement park before.  Once we entered and got our bearings we ventured to the ‘kiddie’ area in attempt to beat the crowd.  The first “roller coaster” we saw Ralph was a bit apprehensive to ride it but did accept the challenge.  About half way through he asks me if we can ride it again.  Whew!  He was like that for the first 3-4 rides then loosened up a bit.  We also toured marvel cave with Tony, a fun & energetic tour guide.  We had waited roughly 10-15 in line . . and ended up being the last 4 allowed on the tour.  So glad we didn't have to wait another 30 minutes for the next one.  We were at the park between 8-8.5 hours and there was so much we missed and didn't have time to do.  In retrospect there was one play area we let the boys play at longer than we should have but they were having fun.  Just because I wanted to keep finding rides doesn't mean they did.  We also missed the demonstrations the "locals" have (ie. the blacksmith and candymaker) as well as the stage shows.


Ralph discovered a ride towards the end of the day that could have been his favorite.  I use "ride" very loosely as the riders sit on a slow moving boat and use water guns to spray people on the sidewalk.  The people on the sidewalk also have a chance to spray the riders with their own water guns.  Ralph, Henry, & I left the ride wet.  Ralph wanted to go again . . if he could have rode it by himself I would have left him.  I was wet enough.

At the entrance of the area that has more "kiddie" rides

 Inside marvel cave.

 The boys in the flooded mine shooting targets.

  Boys in the teacups.

The day following Silver Dollar City we drove about 2 hours away - was a lot closer than it sounds; just took so long because of all the winding roads - to an area where Mike's mom was born.  The boys planted notes for whoever to find.  Will be curious to see if they are still there next time we look for them

We also visited the Wilson Creek National Battlefield back near Springfield.  It was our lucky day - we were able to see a demonstration of a canon firing.  The boys also enjoyed exploring a canon.