May in the Branson Lakes Area is an excellent time for families to visit. We have the perfect mix of comfortably warm daytime temperatures, longer days, fewer crowds, and fully operational family fun attractions, outdoor adventure, and live show schedules.
We’ve gathered the top classic Branson experiences that are kid-tested and parent-approved to deliver an easy-to-plan getaway this May. Keep reading to discover which experiences best accommodate your crew’s ages and energy levels.
Adventure Spaces with Room to Explore
For one attraction that can fill a full day, Silver Dollar City and Fritz’s Adventure are two popular family-friendly things to do in Branson. They offer indoor and outdoor elements geared to specific ages, plus they provide a range of activities that can match the ebb and flow of your squad’s energy level throughout the day. We all need time to sit down and recharge before heading back for more fun!
Fritz’s Adventure is an 80,000-square-foot indoor adventure park. Focused on “fun that fits,” their website organizes its experiences by height and skill level. There are places for the entire family to play together and spaces that cater to specific ages, from a padded area designed just for the youngest adventurers to a zipline course traversing indoor and outdoor obstacles.
During May, Silver Dollar City has fewer crowds and shorter lines for rides, shows, and eateries at the theme park designed as an 1880s mining town. With more than 40 attractions, there’s an area for everyone in your group, including 10-story loop roller coasters and safe play zones with gentle rides for ages 3 to 7. The park’s website has details on family-friendly amenities and other specifics to help you plan your visit.
Game Zones & Play-Forward Stops
When you want to unleash the kids to burn energy for an hour or two, consider one of Branson’s family entertainment centers. These high-energy, multi-attraction venues will entertain multiple ages under one roof. They are flexible to meet your needs, whether you want indoor or outdoor activities, or a combination.
Fun Spot at Grand Country delivers classic arcade action and bowling in a lively, all‑ages atmosphere. The Track Family Fun Parks stand out for their signature go‑kart tracks and kid‑friendly thrill rides. Fun Mountain at Big Cedar Lodge offers underwater‑themed bowling, climbing walls, and high‑tech darts in a 50,000‑square‑foot play space.
Splash Country Indoor & Outdoor Waterpark at Grand Country adds slides, a lazy river, and raft rides for water‑loving families. And at Adventure Seekers, curious kids can dive into more than 150 hands‑on exhibits designed to spark imagination. Each spot has its own vibe, so take a look at what your little ones are most excited about and where you’ll enjoy hanging out, too.
Live Shows Offering Multi‑Age Appeal
What started as a family band is now a must-see family show headlining its own Branson theater for more than two decades. The Duttons are international touring and recording artists who wow multigenerational audiences with a variety show of music, dancing, and comedy set to high-tech, 360-degree surround video and lights. The 24 full-time performing family members play a variety of instruments and cover country, classical, bluegrass, rock, and more.
The Duttons are among more than 100 live shows performing in the city each season. There’s truly a show for every interest and any age. Our theaters offer afternoon and evening showtimes, and even a few morning performances, providing flexibility appreciated by families seeking early evening entertainment or looking for rainy-day alternatives. Among other Branson shows whose duration and energy levels are ideal for kids:
- Pets & Giggles, a morning show at Grand Country Music Hall
- Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction, which combines horseback riding, dancing, singing, comedy, and audience competitions
- Amazing Acrobats – Grand Shanghai Circus at Mickey Gilley Grand Shanghai Theatre
Easy Outdoor Wins for Everyone
No matter your crew’s preferred type of outdoor adventure, you’ll find it here. Head out on your own or let others handle logistics. Tackle one of the region’s hundreds of marked trails or choose a curated experience like the paved scenic paths at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, where you also can rent bicycles and take guided tours centered around horseback riding, trout fishing, or wildlife viewing.
Beautiful daytime temperatures, calm waters brimming with fish, and less boat traffic all make exploring our pristine lakes in May ideal for families. All three lakes (Table Rock, Taneycomo, and Bull Shoals) offer easy access to resort lodging and camping facilities, fishing guide services, and a wide range of boat rentals, making this a hassle-free option to admire the Ozark Mountains in the spring.
Other easy excursions that allow the entire family to sit back and enjoy the view include Pink Jeep Adventure Tours and the Branson Scenic Railway.
Gentle Fun for Younger Kids
Parents juggling keeping a variety of ages engaged love Dice & Dine: Branson Board Game Café. The 1,000+ board game library is color-coded by skill level, and they’ve created a handy game menu with suggestions for even the littlest in your squad.
Other mellow activities that offer indoor fun options between busier activities include stopping for a treat at one of Branson’s sweet shops, bakeries, or coffee shops; walking among thousands of free-flying butterflies at the Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure; and visiting the Aquarium at the Boardwalk.
Make Your May Trip a Breeze
Branson offers plenty of ways to keep everyone entertained, making a May getaway easy to plan. Dive into the above five categories of activities for everyone in the crew, or explore even more in this family activities itinerary, and determine which best matches your group’s dynamic. We’ll see you soon!
