Ozarks with kids: Branson Zip Line

Driving into Branson from Springfield on Highway 65, families won’t be able to pass Branson Zip Line at Wolfe Creek Station without the kids noticing the tall towers and cables stretching over the beautiful Ozarks. Go ahead and stop, because if you plan to include zip-lining in your Branson stay, this is the place to do it.

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A lot of zip lining operations have popped up in this area, but Branzon Zip Line sets the industry standard in the Branson area. Their guides have training on par with the most extensive operations across the US, and the location at Wolf Creek Station has some history to it, too.

Families will want to make reservations in the summer months, because this place gets popular. However, their check-in area and waiting areas are run smoothly, and there’s plenty to see and do while you wait…including nice outdoor areas. Even the gift shop has some interesting and unique items.

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Kids need to be at least 70 pounds to take the tours, which is heavier than some zip line companies we’ve tried, so come prepared for this. Families choose form three main packages that range from three zip lines to seven, with sky bridges in-between, or can do a combo tour of all eight zip lines and 10 bridges. Alternatively, it’s possible to do the Blue Streak Fast Line and Free Fall separately or as an add-on. The latter is a zip line and tower free fall from 100 feet up. It’s the main structure visible from the highway, and yes, dare devil kids will beg to do it.

zip-line

Each tour is about 5-10 people, with 2-3 guides, depending on guest number. After a safety briefing and getting outfitted into harnesses and helmets, groups head to the zip lines in a Pinzgauer Swiss Army Troop Carrier. This ride alone is quite fun, as the jeep-like vehicle bumps along the rutted dirt roads up Wolfe Mountain.

branson-zip-line

Throughout the tour, the guides give history on the area and the Wolfe family who owned it. We had excellent guides who were fun, personable, and attentive…definitely among the best we’ve encountered on multiple zip line excursions throughout the US. Branson Zip Line is definitely one of the more ‘hands-off’ zip lines we’ve experienced; there’s very little guests need to be aware of, as guides will click and unclick you from the lines at all times, and it’s not necessary to stop yourself with gloved hands.

We opted for the ‘Ridgeline’ tour, which included three zip lines and several bridges, and took about 1.5 hours. We didn’t opt for the 100 foot free fall add-on, but the Ridgeline does include a smaller 40 foot drop. The free falls are actually a lot less scary than they sound: you’re attached to a mechanism that allows you to fall for a short period, then smoothly and gradually slows you down before you reach the ground. It’s not jarring or particularly frightening to most people, but can be detoured around should you wish.

zip-line-tower

Distance from the interstate:

The zip lines are located directly off Highway 65, seven miles from Branson.

Cost:

Prices vary by tour, of course, but check this price sheet for current info. Zip line prices start at $69 for adults, $59 for kids, with the Blue Streak single zip and free fall add-on for $44.99. The best deal in the place is the family pass, which is $199 for two adults and two kids, or $249 for two adults and three kids. Kids are considered 17 and under, which is really nice.

Hours of operation:

Hours vary by season, and the operation is closed in winter. Check the website for current hours, but at the time of our visit in early season (spring), tours began at 8 or 9 am.

Directions:

Simply head seven miles out of Branson toward Springfield on Highway 65.

As we disclose whenever applicable, Pit Stops for Kids experienced Branson Zip Line as a guest of the operation, for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.

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