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Unique Things to Do In Branson: Awesome Animal Adventures
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If you have heard of Branson, then you have probably heard of the typical Branson activities: Silver Dollar City, Dolly Parton’s Stampede (formerly the Dixie Stampede), shopping, and shows.
If you have done all of these things or are just looking for a different Branson experience, read on for Unique Things to Do In Branson: Awesome Animal Adventures…
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Table of Contents
Things to Do In Branson: Aquarium at the Boardwalk
I’m always drawn to animals and nature, so my go-to is to check the places I visit for outdoor adventures or animal encounters. Aquariums are fairly easy to search for and find.
Aquarium at the Boardwalk
2700 West 76 Country Blvd. Unit A.
Hours:
8 am-10:30 daily
Prices:
| REGULAR (Ages 12+) | $44.99 to $64.99 |
| CHILDREN (Ages 4-11) | $19.99 to $24.99 |
| FREE (Ages 3 and Under) | FREE |
The Aquarium at the Boardwalk is a bit more expensive (as are most things in Branson) than most aquariums I have visited. But it was well worth the money! We visited mid-summer, so the break from the heat was nice.
The water fountains set to music and the oversized octopus at the entrance lead to indoor-themed adventures including Submarine Adventure, Jelly Infinity Room (my favorite), Coral Reef, Journey through the Water Tunnels, Mermaid Palace, Amazing Rays, Kelp Forest, Touch Pools, and Ocean Kaleidoscope (my favorite, runner-up).
The music playing in each room perfectly matches the theme for a well-rounded visual and audible experience (so relaxing!).
Things to Do In Branson: The Butterfly Palace + Rainforest Adventure
One animal adventure in Branson that is not so obvious, or duplicated everywhere you go, is the Butterfly Palace.
The Butterfly Palace + Rainforest Adventure is one of my favorite things to do in Branson. You enter the front lobby/gift shop to purchase your wristband and then are free to explore at your own pace.
The Butterfly Palace + Rainforest Adventure
4106 West 76 Country Blvd.
Hours:
OPEN DAILY
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
(No entry after 4:30 pm)
Prices:
Adult Wristband (ages 15 and up) – $26 + tax
Child Wristband (age 4-14) – $17 + tax
Children 3 and under receive free admission.
(Wristbands are valid for 3 days of entry, as long as they remain on your wrist – In June and July you can return the next day before 10 am only)
Rooms to explore include the Living Rainforest Science Center, Rainforest Theater, Emerald Forest Mirror Maze (must try!), Banyan Tree Adventure, and the star of the show- The Butterfly Aviary.
In the butterfly aviary, you get a complimentary nectar flower butterfly feeder. You stand still (or walk slowly) while holding the flower, letting the butterflies land to feed.
Hot tip: Wear red! The butterflies love it and will flock to you.
Things to Do In Branson: Promised Land Zoo
If the weather isn’t too hot, zoos are always a favorite of mine to get up close to the animals.
The Promised Land Zoo offers a walk-through safari, a VIP experience (seen above with me holding a joey), a bus tour, or driving yourself through the park.
Promised Land Zoo
2751 Sheppard of The Hills Expressway
Hours:
(January 1st – February 12th)
10 am – 4 pm: Open Saturdays and Sundays (weather permitting). The last admission is at 3 pm.
Starting February 13th
10 am – 4 pm: Open 7 days a week. The last admission is at 3 pm.
Prices:
Basic Admission: 19.50 (Foot Safari and the 2 mile Drive Thru Safari)
VIP Adventure: Adult (Ages 13+): $44.50. Child (Ages 2-12) $37.50. (Children under 2 are free)
If the weather is too warm for walking, take a ride on a bus tour, or drive at your own pace through the animal exhibits.
So if you’ve seen the shows, done the shopping, and visited SDC… put these 3 animal adventures on your Things To Do in Branson list for your next visit! All 3 of these stops are kid-friendly, of course, but just as fun (if not funner) without the kiddos!
Useful Items for These Adventures…
Fanny Pack
KAVU Canvas Spectator Belt Bag Hip Fanny Pack.
Hand Sanitizer
Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray.
Things to do in Branson
Check out some of our other Adventures!
Lots of fun things to do in Branson! Nice article.
Thank you, Tom!
I really enjoyed reading your article on things to do in Branson. You have covered a lot of fun and interesting activities for all ages and preferences. I liked how you organized the article by categories and gave helpful information on each attraction. I have never been to Branson but your article has convinced me to add it to my bucket list. It sounds like a great place to visit with family or friends.
I’ve been to Branson a few times and it’s one of my favorite places to visit. Such a nice, touristy city!
I’m so jealous! Lol. I’ve never been to an aquarium or butterfly zoo before! My family and I really enjoy going to museums and zoos, so I’m not sure why we’ve never been to an aquarium! We keep talking about how we want to visit one, but we still haven’t visited one. Lol. Maybe one summer we might! Hopefully!
Aquariums are one of my favorites for animals because they have such a different atmosphere and vibe!