End of summer getaway: Alhonna Resort on Lake of the Ozarks

Tucked into the side of a shady peninsula in a quiet corner of the Lake of the Ozarks is a homey, friendly resort that combines comfort and convenience with a low-key, no-fuss atmosphere. Alhonna Resort is a great place to get away from the crowds while still being in easy reach of tourist attractions and golf. Read on for all you need to know before booking Alhonna Resort on Lake of the … [Read more...]

Big Surf waterpark in Lake of the Ozarks

Big Surf waterpark, in Linn Creek, Missouri, is an exceptionally well-maintained waterpark at the Lake of the Ozarks, offering thrill levels appropriate for all ages and comfort zones. Park Features: The wave pool The centerpiece of the park is the wave pool, which runs ten minutes on and ten minutes off all day long. In the rest periods, it’s a massive zero-entry wading pool that, … [Read more...]

Exploring Bridal Cave Missouri with kids

Missouri is well known for its caves, and the Lake of the Ozarks, an hour south of the state capital, boasts several that are open to the public. Of these, the most well-known is Bridal Cave, which lies beneath Thunder Mountain near Camdenton, Missouri. Bridal Cave got its name from a legendary Native American couple who got married in one of its front “rooms.” It has hosted over three thousand … [Read more...]

Science City review, Kansas City

Kansas City, Missouri is home to a science center once named one of the nation’s 25 best by Parents Magazine. Science City, housed in Union Station, offers learning experiences in a hand-on environment so well designed, the kids will never catch on that it’s educational. Science City review: As with most science centers, exhibits may change periodically, but perennial favorites and rotating … [Read more...]

Kansas City with kids: LEGOLAND Discovery Center and Sea Life

Ready to explore Kansas City with kids? Kansas City, Missouri’s Crown Center is a year-round draw for families, in part because of two high-profile attractions: LEGOLAND and Sea Life. LEGOLAND Discovery Center: A visit to LEGOLAND Discovery Center-Kansas City begins with a short demonstration of how the iconic bricks are made. Afterward, guests can opt to ride the Kingdom Quest laser ride, … [Read more...]

Branson Missouri vacation plan: what to see and do with kids

Branson, Missouri is a tough town to categorize. With its kitchy attractions and extravagant shows, it looks like it should be a gambling town. It isn’t. With its hundreds of shops, restaurants, and hotels, it doesn’t seem to be an outdoor destination. And yet it is. Somehow, Branson is both Midwestern and Southern, city and county, fishing epicenter and nature preserve. I don’t know how it … [Read more...]

Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri

The town of Branson, Missouri is a curious mixture of overtly touristy and world-class attractions. I thought Silver Dollar City would fall in the former category. Instead, after spending a day there, I believe it fits in the latter. I’m going to state a pretty strong opinion here: this theme park is second only to Disney parks for quality, cleanliness, and character. Silver Dollar City … [Read more...]

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. A lot of zip lining operations have popped up in this area, but … [Read more...]

Southwest Missouri pit stop: Fantastic Caverns

Southwest Missouri is filled with old-fashioned pit stops and slices of Americana. Case in point: Fantastic Caverns, 'America's only ride-through cave'. Fantastic Caverns is one of those natural wonders that probably should be protected by the US government, but is instead a privately-owned tourist attraction, making you worry a little bit. But go anyway (despite, or maybe because of, the … [Read more...]

Springfield Botanical Gardens

Driving through Springfield, Missouri? The Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Green/Close Memorial Park are free to the public, and extremely kid-friendly. Families can get a full afternoon of entertainment from this 114 acre park, or just stop in at a smaller section that appeal to them for a quicker stop. I definitely recommend picking up a lunch along Springfield's Commercial Street … [Read more...]