Silver Dollar City
 

We're starting to plan a short (3-4 day) family vacation for later this year (summer or fall). We want to stay in the Midwest and have two kids who will be 1 and 3 at the time of our trip. Is Silver Dollar City a good choice for really little kids? Any other suggestions in the Midwest?

When we visited my sis and BIL in Branson, they took us to Silver Dollar City and it was a hoot. Lots and lots of kids, lots of tacky things for kids. They (and you) will have a ball.

I'm assuming that "really little" means six or older.

I think Silver Dollar City is one place where even very small children can have a good time. This is a family-oriented, quality place and you will all have a good time. We took our children there in strollers years ago, and we still go back today, 30+ years later. I would suggest going in the fall when it's a little cooler. Also, SDC has a huge crafts show in September and October that is worth seeing.

Bobmrg - Actually, our kids will only be 1 and 3 at the time of our visit. I realize that it isn't a trip that they will remember in the future, but wonder if it is a place where they and we will have a good time at the present.

That raises the question "what is a good time?". They will experience a lot of not-unpleasant noise, action, etc but nothing that they will remember for very long. There are stage shows that you will enjoy but the kids might get antsy. With those minor reservations I still think that it is a good idea.

Have you considered Tan Tar A in Osage Beach, MO?

Silver Dollar City and Branson are largely centered on stage shows. Neither of my kids were interested in sitting at that age.

If you head for a beach type place, they don't have to sit.

If Branson is your best bet, try to find a place that has a great kiddy pool. Then your toddlers might be tired enough to nap during your outings.

We go to Silver Dollar City about every other year. Frankly, it is about the best value for your money outside of a national park. There isn't any great lodging or super dining experiences in Branson. What you will get is a clean motel type room at a reasonable price at virtually wherever you stay. The food at most places is very good and affordable. You will find every show to be family oriented and no show will be offensive. No it isn't Disneyworld, but we enjoy it just about as much at 1/4 the price and effort. Our favorite show in Branson is The Haygoods. Baldknobber and Tabuchi are good shows also. There is lodging in Branson that has an indoor waterpark that would be a great place for your 3 year old. It usually cost about $25 to 40 more per night to stay there, I can't remember the name of it, but you can search for it. You and your kids will have a great time. Summer or fall will be great there. It can get hot in the summer, but often it is cooler there than other places nearby. I think 1 day at Silver Dollar City would be enough. You should see 1 or 2 shows. Book those shows now and you stand a good chance of getting a front row seat (just ask for a front row seat). There are several shows included in Silver Dollar City visit. Those are usually 15 to 30 minutes long.

After some more research, we are still thinking this is a vacation that we will plan for late September of 2008. We have considering staying at the Wilderness log cabins. Has anyone been there that can give us some feedback? Also, is there anything else in the Branson area that you would recommend for two adults and two very young (1 and 3 years old) children? We're thinking that we will be there for a total of 3 days and 3 nights.

you would enjoy a few hours at the new Branson Landing. It is nice shopping area to stroll thru.

Silver Dollar City does have rides that would be just right for a 3-yr-old. You'd want to research it online to find out if it has enough to make it worthwhile for you. SDC is not cheap. Branson has lots of family-friendly lodging and dining choices. Just find a hotel with a pool! I think the one w/ the indoor waterpark is called Grand Country Inn, if I remember correctly. It's fun for kids w/ the slides and water features, depending on how adventurous your kids are at that age.

Check out some of their package deals: http://silverdollarcity.reservedirec...c_packages.asp

Children under 4 are free, so you can buy two tickets and cover a lot of entertainment and lodging.

Definitely take the kids to SDC...they will absoloutely love it. We have gone many, many times and have loved it. It is very family-oriented. It has a very good balance of adult and children's rides.

Yes, The Grand Country Inn was the name of the place with the indoor waterpark. It doesn't really have the thrill rides, but does have several slides that are age appropriate for a 3 year old. It even has a lazy river that is very small. The water is supposed to be around 85 degrees. We find that to be true, but for some reason the first hour or so they are open, the water is about 10 degrees warmer and then cools off. So we always get there the first hour they are open. I can guarantee your 3 year old will like SVC. They have many rides there your 3 year old will enjoy. I still think the Haygoods would entertain him also. It would also have the 1 year olds attention, if he/she is awake and not cranky at the time. Your 3 year old might even think the cave is neat. There is some walking and stair climbing involved there.

Silver Dollar City is great. There is a resort called Still Waters Resort which is just minutes from Silver Dollar City. We were there once and thoroughly enjoyed it especially in the summer. Has it's own Marina for boat rental or just play in the water near the shore with paddle boats. Swimming pools. We bought food for breakfast in the room and ate out the rest of the time...there is a little market for quick eats and drinks. Check into it.

Be sure to take the kids to the fish hatchery,it is just a few miles out of town, but a beautiful drive( I think it is even free)