Good family fun in Branson
The Branson tourist is getting younger and richer.
According to the most recent numbers available from the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB, in 2010 the average age of the Branson tourist was 52.
Last year, it was 48.
"Back in the '90s, it was closer to 60," said Lynn Berry, director of communications.
In 2010, household income of the the average Branson tourist was a little more than $50,000 a year, but that figure has jumped to $82,000 in the past four years.
The biggest leaps in income demographics were a 29 percent uptick in visitors with household incomes of $50,000-$70,000 and a 21 percent increase in the $70,000-$100,000 range.
So what's driving this trend?
"We offer more high quality lodging, more upper-end shopping, and certainly the production value of Branson shows is pretty remarkable," said Berry. "We've got more to choose from that the younger demographic will enjoy."
Businesses are responding to this new demographic with attractions aimed at a younger crowd. For example, Grand Country Inn has always targeted families, but it continues to expand.
On March 14, Silver Dollar City - the Granddaddy of family attractions in the Branson area - will debut its $8 million Fireman's Landing, an area featuring six new rides and four interactive play zones for kids.
"The Fireman's Landing project started immediately after we opened Outlaw Run in the spring of 2013," said Nick Guevel, director of marketing for SDC. "We wanted to build a new area for families and we wanted to do it in a big way."
All around Branson there are more choices for family fun from miniature golf; to a new balloon ride slated to open this spring; to zipline adventures; museums; and more. While many Branson businesses close in January and February, March kicks off the tourist season as families filter in for spring break. So if your family is heading to Branson this spring or summer, here are some places to consider:
Shows
Branson has long been known for its shows, but not all of them cater to children.
This one does: The Amazing Pets at the Grand Country Music Hall.
Andy Holloway, assistant general manager, said the show features a variety of pet tricks: watch dogs strut their stuff on their hind legs during a doggie fashion show; see parrots soar through the air; cats jump through hoops; and a dog peddle a bicycle.
"The emcee does a great job of bringing the kids in the show and makes them stars of the show," said Holloway. "Our demographic is young families. You see a lot of toddlers, early elementary age kids. Any time school is out, the show is going and packed with kids and their families. There's not a lot of shows that do that, so it's a perfect marriage for our complex."
Want another option? Kids have short attention spans, so a variety show may be the way to keep them captivated. Hamners' Unbelievable Variety Show, 3090 Shepherd of the Hills Exp., features illusionists Dave and Denise Hamner, who have performed all over the world, including Disneyland and Hollywood's Magic Castle. The show also features an impressionist, vocalist, Russian acrobatic dance pair, comedian, ventriloquist, magician and more.
Another option for those who enjoy magic, is illusionist Rick Thomas, a Vegas headliner for more than 15 years. The former ballroom dance champion shares the stage with birds, tigers and his human assistants.
Silver Dollar City
When Fireman's Landing opens on March 14, it will boast six new rides, including FireFall, an eight-story free-fall drop, perfect for thrill seekers. But there are rides for younger patrons, too, like Lucky's Dizzy Dogs, a bouncy ride on Dalmatians racing around a fire hydrant; Up The Ladder, a smaller tower drop ride for junior recruits; and Fireman's Flyer, a low-flying swing ride for little firefighters, according to description from the company.
There's interactive zones to please children of varying ages, including an obstacle course and soft play area for toddlers.
The over-arching theme is firefighters are heroes, said Guevel.
"If you think back to being a kid, most of us dreamed about being one," he said. "Many of our departments here in the Ozarks consist mostly of volunteers—literally neighbors helping neighbors. That's a message we wanted to share. We think the heart and soul of what we represent is as important as the attractions. Plus, as with many of our attractions, the theme is rooted in real history, as the town that was located here in the 1880s burned to the ground. The fictional storyline is that Fireman's Landing is the Silver Dollar City citizens' response to ensure that never happens again."
The development increases ride capacity at SDC to 21, 000 per hour.
Games and go-carts
Branson has a variety of go-kart options, including The Track Family Fun Park, which boasts a four story go-kart track. For younger ones, 4 years and older, there's a kiddie go-kart track.
But it your teen loves speed, let then tackle the Extreme Racing Center, where go-karts can reach speed of 40 miles an hour.
"I have the fastest karts in town. That's not open to discussion," said Jared Story, general manager.
He has two karts on the track: the pro, which reaches speeds of 30 miles per hour; and then extreme, which can hit 40. You must be at least 11 to race an adult kart and then "qualify" for the extreme (employees determine who can qualify).
If that's too wild, there is a junior course at the location but those drivers must be at least 7 and 48 inches tall.
Story also manages Adventure Ziplines of Branson, which is one of five zipline options (only three of those are canopy tours). About 90 percent of his zipline business is families, he said.
If soaring through the trees doesn't appeal to your kids, consider laser tag.
It's huge right now, said Travis Howard, creative director at Grand Country Inn, which houses The Fun Spot.
The Fun Spot features laser tag; a black light mini golf course; bumper cars; arcades; and the newest addition is a farm themed miniature golf with animatronics.
"The whole idea of Grand Country has been a family oriented vacation. We have the water park, the shows, so The Fun Spot was a natural fit for us and that has been a huge hit for families. We just started another project, 1950s fair food, custard, funnel cakes, and it's connected to the pizza place. It is set to be ready by end of spring break," he said.
Another option in the area for laser tag and mini golf is the Branson Family Fun Factory, 2400 Missouri 165. The glow in the dark miniature golf course features four different themes within the 18 holes.
Or try Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf, 2901 Green Mountain Dr., a miniature golf course featuring two 18-hole courses, a full scale pirate ship, cascading waterfalls, themed buildings. It received a 2014 Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence.
Branson Landing
Looking for a little mother-daughter bonding time?
The Landing is a perfect place for that, said Tammy Scholten, director of marketing and entertainment.
"I see a lot of mother/daughters at Build-A-Bear, the many jewelry spots at the Landing making charm bracelets together, getting ears pierced at Claire's, shoe shopping, checking out all of the kitchen accessories at Kitchens, enjoying a slice of Dino's famous Carrot Cake, getting ice cream cones at one of the many sweet treat shops, riding the Zipline over Lake Taneycomo, watching the Fountain Shows and even getting new-do's together at Regis Salons," Scholten said.
This year, there are new attractions to enjoy including two new fountain shows and Parakeet Pete's Steampunk Waterfront Balloon ride.
The balloon ride is operated by Parakeet Pete's Waterfront Zipline, which offers zipline rides over Lake Taneycomo.
Emma Hamilton, general manager of those attractions, said the balloon ride will open this spring but it doesn't have an exact date yet.
"It's a balloon with a basket and it's the only one like this in the world. The balloon is encased in a 180 foot tower. Guest enter and go up 180 feet, the basket spins around so they can take in the sights, and then it will lower then and they exit in our gift shop," Hamilton said.
For the zipline ride - which is already operating - there's a 70-270 pound weigh limitation, but that will not be the case with the balloon ride.
"There aren't any physical or age restrictions, so it will be a full family inclusive experience," she said.
Museums
Branson boasts a variety of museums, but the Titanic is rated #1 on TripAdvisor. The museum, which opened in 2006, is a half-size replica of the ship. At this interactive attraction, people can walk the actual size of the grand staircase; feel 28 degree water; steer the ship,
Want a free pass? Well, the museum is giving away 103 family passes via Twitter to honor the 103 anniversary of the maiden voyage. The deadline to enter is March 2 and the most creative Tweets win. For details, check the website: http://www.titanicattraction.com/titanic103
If your teen enjoys selfies, why not take one with a "celebrity" at Hollywood Wax Museum, 3030 West 76 Country Boulevard, Unit A.
It's one of four in the country, said Aileen Stein, director of corporate communications.
"It's an attraction where younger or older people can have a good time," Stein said.
Aside from snapping a photo with a wax celebrity, visitors can learn a lot of "fun facts" about the real people. The museum is not the only attraction, there's an entire complex which includes miniature golf, shopping and the Castle of Chaos 5D adventure, which combines 3D film with shooting battle video game. That screams teenage boy.
Another highly rated family museum is Ralph Foster Museum at College of the Ozarks, which features items relating to the Ozarks region. This eclectic museum exhibits everything from stuffed animals to the original vehicle used in the television series "The Beverly Hillbillies." Admission to this museum is free for children and adults cost $6 (seniors are $5) so it's a perfect, affordable family attraction.
Branson offers plenty of choices for a younger demographic, said Berry.
"Branson is a great place for families," she said.
Can we include this in a glance to prevent the calls from tons of businesses saying they are family friendly?: This is a sampling of new or popular family-friendly attractions in Branson. There are many more options available, but it's impossible to include them all.