Trifter

Branson, Missouri’s theme parks seem pricey at first–but vacationers who purchase a season pass say it’s worth it since they can visit as many times as they like without paying another dime. And with free entertainment available at every turn once you’re through the gates, there are some budget-conscious tourists who see it as a worthwhile investment.

Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City, now something of a legend in the Branson area, caters to all ages with rides, shows, food vendors, and souvenir shops. Built to resemble an old-fashioned town, the park invokes traditions of the past with an old homestead and barn, folk music performances, and old-fashioned crafts demonstrations.

The park hosts yearly festivals featuring free performances and exhibits. Worldfest features international traditions and entertainers, while Bluegrass and Barbecue showcases top acts from Bluegrass music and mouth-watering food.

For younger visitors, the park’s two biggest roller coasters (including Wildfire) are the centerpiece of its amusement park features, including water rides and slides. Tiny tots will prefer the balloon ride, or the miniature World’s Fair-like setup near the Red Gold Heritage Hall.

White Water

For water fans, hot summer months send them flocking to Branson’s water park to cool off. Season passes mean return trips to a land of slides, water rides, and cool fountains where visitors can relax or play.

Relax in the Lazy River as floating inner tubes drift you gently around a calm, circular track; or splash in the Wave Pool as a generated tide draws you further into the water for floating fun.

Kids will love the squirting water geysers and brightly-colored design scheme meant to please little visitors; adults can relax in sprawling deck chairs or splash their feet in the water. The adventurous at heart won’t be satisfied until they top the giant slide–or send themselves swirling down into the pool below for a big splash.

Souvenirs and essential articles are available for purchase (along with shops offering those fun park “supplies” that catch kids’ eyes), in case you lose your sunglasses or need a cool water toy.

Celebration City

An offshoot of Silver Dollar City’s successful theme rides, Celebration City is now a sprawling amusement park devoted to speed and thrills. With fewer shows and old-time themes, younger visitors will love its environment.

Featuring roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and smaller rides for the little kids, too, the park keeps kids (and the young at heart) busy for multiple visits.

Food, carnival setups, and souvenirs abound in the park, so it’s not limited to rides. A nightly fireworks and laser show revisits the groovy sounds of the past mean visitors can stay late after a day of rides and still be entertained.

If you’re planning to spend a few weekends in the Branson area, these parks can offer hours of entertainment for only a little more than a one-time ticket purchase.  If a return visit is part of your future travel plans, the cost can be worth it for the extra enjoyment.