Branson Packing List: What to Bring & What to Skip

Branson Missouri is an entertainment-oriented Ozark Mountain town and is branded as a go-to destination with something for everyone. Follow along as we share a list of what to pack for Branson Missouri!

This beautifully located community has a population of just over 10,000 permanent residents, but it hosts a whopping 9 million visitors a year! With exciting theme park attractions, outdoor activities it’s no wonder why millions of visitors flock to Branson MO all year.

If you’re planning a trip to Branson yourself, be prepared for fun and adventure no matter the weather! The weather in Branson MO is generally pleasant all season so visitors aren’t deterred by unexpected weather changes. Expect four evenly balanced seasons and an accurate Branson weather 30 day forecast.

Aside from packing depending on the season you’ll visit Branson MO, consider the activities you plan to do and places you want to visit.

What to Pack for Branson Missouri if You Are Going to…

Silver Dollar City and Other Family Theme Parks

If you’ve already checked “Weather Branson MO” and the forecasts indicate a pleasant sunny day, continue your trip to Silver Dollar City!

Silver Dollar City is a world-class theme park you can’t miss on your first family trip to Branson. Be prepared for over 40 thrilling rides and attractions, many of which will get you drenched from head to toe! As such, pack some:

• Extra clothes (shirt, shorts, socks, and underwear)
• Small towel
• Extra closed-toe shoes or strap-on sandals
• SPF lotion (sunscreen)

Strollers, wheelchairs, and electric convenience vehicles (ECVs) are available for rent at Silver Dollar City. If you want to pack as light as possible, we recommend skipping bringing your own and renting from the theme park instead.

Want to visit more family theme parks in Branson? The Track Family Fun Parks is also a popular choice! Enjoy unlimited passes to go-karts, rides, laser tag, and mini-golf. If you’re going to bring extra clothes, please note there aren’t any locker rentals at the Tracks Family Fun Parks.

Dinner Attractions and Branson Shows

A trip to Branson isn’t complete without seeing at least one of the town’s bestselling theatre shows! Dinner shows in Branson MO are the most popular, such as the world-famous Dolly Parton’s Stampede.

There is no dress code for Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner, but we recommend wearing comfortable shoes if you plan to stroll down the Horse Walk. Guests can meet the horses at the equestrian stable after the show!

Guests are invited to come hungry, join the feast, and eat using their own hands. Plastic utensils are provided upon request, but feel free to bring your own utensils if you want.

For families with toddlers, please note that strollers and carriers are not permitted in the building.

To summarize, here’s a list of things to bring and not to bring at Dolly Parton’s Stampede:

• Bring comfortable shoes if you plan to stroll down the Horse Walk.
• Jacket or shawl just in case you feel cold during showtime.
• Bring your own utensils if you don’t want to eat using your hands or prefer not to request plastic silverware.
• Bring extra cash for tips to the amazing waiters.
• Don’t bring strollers and carriers inside the building.

There are other shows in Branson MO suited for families! Shows like Legends in Concert, Branson’s Famous Baldknobbers, and SIX do not have a dress code, but wearing smart casual attire is a good choice. We recommend bringing a jacket or a shawl as the theatres can get chilly.

Branson Museums

Looking for indoor things to do in Branson MO? Visiting one or more of Branson’s museums is an excellent choice! The Titanic Museum Attraction, the World’s Largest Toy Museum, and the Veteran’s Memorial Museum are popular choices.

If you’re going to the museum seeking inspiration, don’t forget to bring the following:

• Camera (no flashes inside museums)
• Journal or sketchbook
• An envelope or flat pouch to keep your brochures, tickets, and remembrances secure. The Titanic Museum Attraction, for instance, provides a unique boarding pass that you may want to keep for a scrapbook project.

Don’t bother bringing a packed lunch inside the museums. You can’t food inside, but don’t worry! Branson is packed with restaurants, cafes, and bars, most of which are within walking distance from each other.

Branson Cruises

The Showboat Branson Belle cruises the waters of Table Rock Lake daily and is one of the most popular Branson MO cruises to date.

Hop aboard the Showboat Branson Belle for a sumptuous dinner, a top-notch variety show suited for families, and of course panoramic views of the surrounding Table Rock Lake.

Wear clothing suitable for the weather, but don’t forget to pack these things rain or shine:

• Showboat Branson Belle cruise tickets (e-tickets available from Tripster)
• Motion sickness OTC pills, patches, or ginger candies
• Medications
• Evening shawl (it can get windy if you’re joining the dinner show)
• Hand sanitizer

Families with kids and toddlers may bring a stroller aboard the Showboat Branson Belle.

Explore Branson Outdoor Activities

Branson Missouri weather from summer ‘til winter has something to offer to outdoor lovers!

You can visit Shepherd of the Hills to take a Historic Farm Tour, look forward to a wonderful day at the Top of the Rock, or set off on one of the areas many trails.

Meanwhile, visitors planning a hiking trip to the Ozark Mountains should not forget to pack the following:

• Hiking shoes or boots
• Poncho
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Small towel
• Refillable water bottle
• First aid kit

Planning a trip to Top of the Rock? The dress code for Top of the Rock Branson, MO is smart casual if you’re dining in the bar and restaurant. You can always bring extra clothes like sportswear if you’ve also signed up for a day at the golf course.

Branson Vacation Travel Guide

Branson MO is waiting for you! Visit Branson with our in-depth packing guide depending on the places you want to explore and the activities you’ve got planned.

For more inspiration on what to do in Branson, check out our comprehensive list of top Branson attractions, tours, and shows! Bundle your tickets with Branson hotels through Tripster’s Branson vacation package to save more and see more of Branson’s best attractions.

What Did We Miss?

Do you have anything to add to our packing list? Leave us a comment below!