Hi! I would encourage to search the site here as there have been some previous threads on this subject with great information! This is the one I've most recently commented on and I think should also link back to a prior one:
http://www.disboards.com/threads/branson-mo-planning-advice.3391994/#post-53294533
As an update to those, we have most recently seen SIX, Pierce Arrow and The Osmonds since March of this year. I'm taking my daughter to Rick Thomas tonight so I'll try to remember to come back and update on that. As a family (small though it is, I have a teen son and daughter) we LOVE SIX and we thought they'd stepped up their game a bit this year! Pierce Arrow we have enjoyed in the past but were disappointed this year. I don't mind Christian music but the whole show seemed geared that way this time with the exception of the female soloist who sang some more current hits (Let it Snow, etc). YMMV. The Osmonds at Andy Williams Moon River Theatre I have to say I was a bit apprehensive but am happy to report we were pleasantly surprised! The comedian was good and the Osmonds kept the show moving with lots of great and familiar music. My 13 year old daughter enjoyed it as well.
Silver Dollar City is always a good bet and if you do get season passes check the discounts that come with that (i.e. Showboat, Dixie Stampede, Ride the Ducks).
My daughter and I drove down last night for a little girls time. Lots of sales at Tanger outlets this weekend. We landed by chance at the restaurant next to Gilly's Theatre (where SIX perform) for a late dinner. It was closed briefly and has now reopened as Shindigs. Not really planned but we had the nicest waiter, the food was good and we enjoyed some live music. The special was a salad, small steak and baked potato for $10 and my daughter had a giant hamburger that was juicy and delicious she claimed. If you stop in, ask for Josh as your waiter!
Danna's is one of our favorite places to eat. They serve a great BBQ! If you're looking for breakfast or brunch try Billy Gail's down the street from SDC but arrive early and be prepared to hunt for parking and wait to be seated.
Skippy, your little ones would love Dixie Stampede! Ride the Ducks were always popular with my kiddos when they were those ages. The water/fire show at the Landing is free and entertaining as has been mentioned. And always popular are the many track go-karts and mini-golf places all along the 76 strip. I haven't seen it but Jonah is playing at the Sight and Sound Theatre and hear they do a good job.
Skippy also asked about St. Louis. The Zoo, Art Museum and Science Center are all free. I would HIGHLY recommend the Science Center for your little ones. Others have commented about the zoo and reciprocity. We like to hang out in the penguin house
The other place my kids LOVED in St. Louis was the City Museum (think that's the name) It's in a big warehouse with a bus on top of the building and a weird hodgepodge of different activities, sights and such inside and outside. Things like tunnels and overhead runs on one floor, circus acts, a small train, a skateboard type area the kids can run around in, metal sculptures to climb around outside. Just a lot of different activities that will keep everyone busy for lots of time. (Been awhile since we were there but I can't imagine it's any less fun now
)
Happy to answer any questions...
