Eat With the Kids After Your Gem Mining

Neil Sawford • July 7, 2023

Finding the right restaurant for a family vacation can be challenging at times. Picky eaters need help finding the appropriate restaurant that matches their taste buds in Branson, home to several outstanding eateries.

While most families with children love to participate in exhilarating activities such as riding on Branson roller coasters or gem mining, the next thing they may want to do is find a good restaurant that serves delicious meals—the top kid-friendly eateries to try after a great day outside is listed below.

Billy Gail's

If you're searching for a place to eat where you can enjoy large portions and great food after a thrilling trip on Branson roller coasters or gem mining, Billy Gail's Café is the place to go. This charming dining establishment provides a terrific environment and pleasant service while serving inexpensive breakfast and lunch in a quaint log cabin. You will also discover some outstanding items on their menu.

Billy Gail's has expanded to two sites. Both are in Branson, at 3300 Gretna Road and 5291 State Highway 265. Breakfast is available all day at these two locations. Fried bologna, omelets, and stuffed French toast are open for breakfast. The massive 14-foot pancakes will delight children.

Cakes & Cream Fifties Diner & Drive-In

You will be taken back in time when you visit Cakes-n-Creams! This dining establishment from the 1950s has colorful and diverse food, exceptional customer service, and a one-of-a-kind dining ambiance. Burgers, pizza, and ice cream sundaes are served at this classic American restaurant with a 1950s atmosphere.

Pasghetti's

Pasghettis is the spot to go after an exciting activity on gem mining if you're seeking a distinctive Italian restaurant in Branson. You'll enjoy a fantastic time in themed dining areas across the establishment.

This lovely restaurant serves various delectable Italian dishes, including their classic Pasghetti and Meatball platter. A family-friendly eatery, Pasghettis is gradually becoming popular among locals and travelers. Remember to check out the Ferris wheel and the game room for the youngsters.

Pasghetti's provides a delightful family experience for people of all ages. Aside from the traditional Italian-themed dining rooms, the restaurant has a game area and an inside Ferris wheel. Your children will want to return to Pasghetti's time and time again.

Scooter's Sports Grill

Scooter's has a relaxed family atmosphere with dragons and sports themes. Scooters Sports Grill is a lively Branson family restaurant. After a round of mini-golf with the kids, try the Dragon Eggs, bacon-wrapped jalapenos, and cheese. Their handmade sauces complement their superb burgers and fries. When you visit Branson, your family will always want to go to Scooters.

Andy's Frozen Custard

Since 1983, Andy's Frozen Custard has been offering creamy, calm, and delectable combinations! Sundaes, freezes, shakes, malts, sodas, banana splits, cups, cones, soft drinks, and freshly prepared ice teas are also available. Andy's Frozen Custard is located on Branson's Famous Strip, adjacent to the Ferris Wheel.

Mel's Hard Luck Diner

Mel's Hard Luck Diner is a nicely located 1950s-themed diner on West State Highway 76 in Branson. Every guest is greeted with exquisite meals, such as grilled chicken salad on a bed of lettuce with sliced almonds, tomato, eggs, cucumbers, and croutons.

Mel's Hard Luck Diner, which is easily accessible following your gem mining activities in Branson, serves terrific food in a peaceful setting. Artists amuse you while you dine on exquisite dishes like a grilled chicken salad topped with sliced almonds, tomatoes, eggs, cucumbers, and croutons on a bed of lettuce at this gorgeously furnished restaurant.

McFarlain's Family Restaurant

McFarlain's restaurant, beautifully positioned inside the famous IMAX Entertainment Complex, is a favorite spot for food enthusiasts who appreciate well-prepared comfort meals such as meatloaf, chicken pot pie, chicken fried steak, and pot roast.

This family restaurant serves lunch and dinner and excels at food preparation and customer service. Visitors always need help with what to order from their extensive menu of delectable foods. Many guests come to taste the Fried Green Tomatoes, Pioneer Pot Roast, and delicious cornbread.

Grand Country Buffet

The Grand Country Buffet restaurant, located at W 76 Country Blvd. in Branson, is another well-known eatery that offers guests excellent food and a comfortable dining ambiance. This American restaurant serves three all-you-can-eat dinners every day. Fresh fruits, homemade bread, yogurt, cereals, fresh farm eggs, sausage, bacon, potatoes, and other items are available for breakfast at Grand Country Buffet.

Every visitor to the Grand Country Buffet will enjoy a delectable lunch. This restaurant has a scatter bar with a tasty variety of meats, fruits, salads, veggies, bakery-fresh bread, and desserts from the easy-to-order hot and cold food bars.

After you have enjoyed a kid-friendly activity with gem mining and a thrilling ride with Branson roller coasters, it's time to bring your kids to fine restaurants to fill their hungry tummies with delicious food.

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Close-up of a souvenir t-shirt featuring a mountain coaster design

Shop & Adventure in Branson

By Neil Sawford • August 29, 2025

When you visit Branson with your family to enjoy a wonderful vacation, don't pass up the opportunity to shop at some of the best shopping locations. Branson shoppers will find everything on their shopping lists, from specialty shops to department stores. If you've had an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO, the next thing you should do is go shopping at some of the shopping malls listed below. Branson Landing Branson Landing, the Midwest's shoppers' paradise, is one of the most visited shopping destinations, offering almost everything you need for your holiday shopping in Branson. This fantastic shopping destination is home to the famous Belk Department Store, which provides a wide range of clothing and accessories. It also has Bass Pro Shop, which has everything you need for outdoor adventures. Branson Landing, a center for great shopping and dining opportunities located between Lake Taneycomo and historic downtown Branson, is one of the most visited attractions in town. The easily walkable Branson Landing is less than a mile long. It features a lakeside boardwalk, an open-air promenade, and more than 100 retail shops and fine restaurants. Shopping is the ideal activity after a thrilling adventure ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO. Historic Downtown Branson Historic Downtown Branson's famous shopping destination is a short walk from Branson Landing. Shopping in Historic Downtown Branson can undoubtedly relieve the stress of visitors who are having a great time touring the many exciting places in this vacation paradise. You will enjoy what Branson offers as you walk through the beautiful streets, old buildings, and nostalgic themed shops in downtown Branson. You can see the beginnings of Branson in the Ozarks in Historic Downtown Branson. But there's more to Branson than just reminiscing. With many shops and dozens of exciting attractions for people of all ages, this neighborhood transforms into a thriving complex full of exciting activities. Whether you're looking for gourmet foods, baked goods, or original art, the historic downtown Branson has it all. There are many fine restaurants and eateries in the historic downtown Branson, a time-enhanced exciting location. Branson Craft Mall Visit the Branson Craft Mall for a retail market that focuses on the unique and original. The Branson Craft Mall, lined with vendors and specialty craft goods, is also home to the famous Pickin' Porch Grill. You won't leave hungry with a diverse menu that includes House-Smoked BBQ, sandwiches, wings, and even tacos. For an after-meal treat, take a stroll down the candy aisle. Branson Craft Mall is a fantastic shopping destination where you can buy unique arts and crafts and enjoy a delicious dining experience at some of the finest restaurants. This expansive 160,000-square-foot craft mall offers visitors one-stop shopping from over 200 vendors, artists, and crafters. Many of these vendors sell clothing, quilts, leather goods, jewelry, rugs, baskets, pottery, and other items. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows The Shoppes at Branson Meadows provides a wide range of shopping experiences. Shepherd Hills Cutlery, Tuesday Morning, Neil's Home Store, the Consignment Clothing Exchange, Touch of Class Boutique, Made in the USA, and more are all worth a visit! Visit Branson's 1984 Arcade for a nostalgic and rejuvenating break. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows offers discounted local brands, chic home goods, and one-of-a-kind clothing. This shopping spot is a treasure trove of housewares and other household goods. Grand Village Shops Over 25 distinguished novelty stores can be found at Grand Village Shops. With each offering its distinct originality, you're sure to leave with a perfect memory of your time in Branson. The Grand Village Shops are an excellent place to find a meaningful gift for everyone on your list. With the diversity of shops, there is something for everyone in this great shopping spot in Branson. While shopping in this fascinating place, you'll see singing waiters entertain shoppers. At the same time, they enjoy diner-style food and tasty ice cream from the soda fountain at Mel's Hard Luck Diner. Tanger Outlet Mall No shopping spree in Branson is complete without a trip to Tanger Outlets. You will find well-known brands at a discounted price at this unique shopping location. Tanger Outlets is located inside Branson's Entertainment District and offers extended shopping hours and great discounts to reward members. Tanger Outlets have everything that you need and even hard-to-find items. Conveniently located on Highway 76 West, the fully stocked mall offers discounts for favorite name brands such as Gap, Levi's, Polo Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, and much more. When looking for great shopping spots to shop and adventure after an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO , don't forget to check out the shopping malls listed above.