More Affordable Adventures After Your Runaway Coaster

Neil Sawford • February 28, 2023

When planning your next vacation in Branson, try any free things to do in this popular Missouri vacation destination.

This popular tourist destination is full of family-friendly hot spots and attractions, such as the Branson Landing shopping area, outdoor picnic and hiking areas by the lake, and free trolley rides around Branson's Historic Downtown. After you've seen all of the exciting attractions in Branson, including a thrilling ride on the Branson roller coaster, don't forget to stop by these free places in Branson.

Grand Village

When you window shop at the Grand Village, you are not required to buy anything, though you may be tempted. Try browsing the fantastic displays of pottery and jewelry designs at Peter Engler Wood, Lori's Soap Market, the Thomas Kinkade Art Gallery, Sunrise Leather Works, fudge, and souvenirs at Dickens Gift Shoppe, and free samples of select food and drinks at Mulberry Mill.

As you walk down cobblestone streets surrounded by picture-perfect shops, outdoor pavilions, water fountains, and cute park benches, you might feel like you're in a Disney movie. There are also unique photo opportunities, such as the supersized wooden chair pictured below! Grand Village is undoubtedly one of the best free things to do in Branson!

Branson's Historic Downtown

While you're having a great time in Branson's Historic Downtown, try to explore the picturesque home of Mom & Pop shops and many other outdoor events. Enjoy a fantastic ride on Sparky, the FREE downtown trolley, or take a stroll around the area to discover quaint breakfast cafes, antique shops, novelty stores, international food options, Bed & Breakfast establishments, and photogenic murals.

Historic Downtown, located just minutes from the Branson Landing, Starbucks, the Hilton Hotel, and the Branson Scenic Railway, is the perfect place to spend time with family and friends after you have enjoyed a thrilling ride with the Branson roller coaster.

Donut Statue at Dunkin Donuts

If you are a donut connoisseur, you should pay a visit to Dunkin Donuts in Branson. Not to buy donuts, but to pose in front of the large scale, chocolate glazed, rainbow sprinkled cake donut in the middle of the outdoor seating area!

After you have enjoyed a fantastic ride with the Branson roller coaster, don't miss visiting Donut Statue and taking photos for the family vacation album. If you want to brag to your friends about it, this double-frosted donut will get a lot of attention on Facebook and Instagram.

Hiking Trails

Many hiking trails are available in Branson during the morning, day, and evening hours. Enjoy the natural beauty of the area at any time of year, with scenic spots, natural landscapes, and even caves. When you drive to any of the memorable hiking trails in the Ozark Mountains, bring your best boots and even your bike for the best routes.

Among the popular hiking trails that you can enjoy in Branson are:

● Ruth & Paul Henning Conservation Area

● Nature Trails, Waterfall Hiking Trail

● White River Valley Trail System

● Sunset Park, Chinquapin Trail

● Lakeside Forest, Stockstill Park

● Northbeach Park

Picnic Areas

Picnic areas are a great place to take your breakfast, lunch, or dinner to-go and enjoy your meal up close and personal with nature at any of the designated picnic areas in Branson, Missouri! You can eat at any of the parks' tables or, if you have a blanket, find a spot to sit in the grass. There are numerous pristine areas with expansive views of the lake and the Ozark hills. So, when you participate in this peaceful and enjoyable free activity, sit back, munch a lot, and enjoy the sound of chatty birds!

Picnic Areas in Branson can be found at Eiserman State Park, North Beach Park, Murphy Park, Indian Point Public Use Area, Caudill Park, Epps Park, Parnell Park & Alexander Park.

165 Scenic Overlook

The Scenic Overlook off of 165 is a quick pullover where people can see stunning views of the lake, the Ozark mountains, and the Table Rock Dam. Any time of day is an excellent time to visit, but sunrise and sunset are stunning! The overlook is another of the many FREE things to do in Branson and is a popular destination for visitors.

Branson Lakes

With three lakes all within a short drive from the city of Branson, Missouri, visitors will have three times the fun and entertainment! Enjoy a family-friendly vacation by participating in lake activities such as swimming, fishing, picnics, camping, hiking/walking, and more! Bring your kayaks, boats, fishing gear, and floaties if you're looking for a genuinely free experience before visiting Branson's Bull Shoals, Lake Taneycomo, or Table Rock Lake.

After you have enjoyed a great ride with the Branson roller coaster, don't miss to visit these popular spots. They are all free to see, and you will find it great to tour around with the whole family.

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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.