Free Branson Activities – Branson On a Dime!

A vacation in Branson doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. There are many free or nearly free Branson activities within a few blocks of your Branson lodging.

My husband and I were both surprised how much our nephews enjoyed the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery and Conservation Center. It’s a wonderful kid friendly free Branson activity. There are gumball machines filled with food to feed the trout for only 25 cents a pop. There is a tour of Table Rock Dam at certain times of the year. Nearby, across Table Rock Dam is the Dewey Short Visitors Center, with a nature trail that goes along the lake to the State Park Marina.

There is free Branson entertainment almost all day long Center Stage at the Branson Mall (by Walmart) located right on Hwy. 76. Many of the entertainers are in the Branson shows you normally pay good money for, but they work for tips at the Mall. One of my favorite jewelry stores is also in this Mall. Jewelry is only $1.99, buy five get the sixth item free (earrings only), and some of the items were originally a lot more money.

During the summer there are free concerts at the Branson Landing, a fire and water show that is one of the most spectacular free Branson attractions, and clowns that make balloons for the children and other street performers. Many of you may know of the higher end Limited Editions store at the Branson Landing, but may not know that they also have an outlet at the Red Roof Mall, and to top that off, another $10 and under shop right next to that store.

On Sundays there are numerous free Branson Worship Services. There are so many great entertainers in Branson, and it’s not unusual to hear one of them singing on Sunday at an open service. At the Imax Little Opry Theater on Sundays between 11 and 12 is the “Old Time Country Gospel Hour” with Glen and Sue Phillips. I especially like this show because of the harmonica and guitar player, Shorty Robins (my husband!). There’s no cost at all for this show. Another free Branson show is The “Good News Gospel” with Leroy New and Friends which is at 9 a.m.Sundays, also at the “Little Opry Threater”.

Karen Berka broadcasts live on the radio for the Little Opry Theater on Sundays starting at 5:00 p.m. for the Gospel Hour featuring many Branson entertainers and also in front of a live studio audience at McFarland’s Restaurant in the Imax Complex, Fridays from noon to 1:30, both radio shows are no cost with first come, first served seating.

Norman Jean of “The Porter Wagner Show” and “Grand ‘Ol Opry” fame have a free Sunday service at Cowboy Church and at the God and Country Theater on Hwy. 76. You never know who will show up and sing with her!

Dave Hamner of the Hamner & Barber Show and Wide World of Magic fame, recipients of many awards in the field of magic, just happens to also be an ordained Baptist minister, and has a morning service at his theater on Sunday, 10:00 a.m. He usually also offers all guests at his Sunday service a great discount off of any of the shows at his theater.

Barbara Fairchild also of Grand ‘Ol Opry fame and known for the Teddy Bear Song, has a free worship service at the Starlite Theater on Hwy. 76 just east of the Titanic from April 18, to December 5 at 10:00 a.m.

Allen Edwards “The Voice of Branson” has a great complimentary show at the Golden Corral Restaurant.

Branson also has two wineries with free wine tasting tours. Try Stone Hill Winery or Mt. Pleasant Winery. Both are close together by the intersection of Green Mountain Drive and Hwy. 165., just a few blocks from the Branson lodging at Thousand Hills.

College of the Ozarks, known as “Hard Work U” has many free Branson activities that include Edwards Mill, a traditional working grist mill, and the Fruitcake and Jelly Kitchen where visitors can watch the students making the goodies & maybe even try a sample or two. Also view Williams Chapel which looks like it was transported from the Old Country, but was actually built by students of the college in 1956. The Ralph Foster Museum ($4.50 for adults/$3.00 for seniors, and free for high school age and under) will entertain anyone for several hours. It has often been called “the Smithsonian” of the Ozarks.

While Branson is known for it’s music, the other classical arts in Branson are well represented. And the best part is that almost all of these classic and modern arts can be seen for free!

Branson family activities are available for the whole family from 1 to 100. See some of the affordable options for your next family vacation!

These are just a few free Branson activity ideas to keep your budget tiny yet enjoy a gigantic, fun-filled Branson vacation.