Best Things To Do On Memorial Day Weekend In Branson, Missouri
Memorial Day Weekend has always felt like the true start of summer here in Branson. After living in the area for more than 16 years and raising our kids here, we’ve come to love this weekend more and more every year. The lake starts filling up with boats, grills are going, kids are swimming, and there’s just an excitement in the air that’s hard to describe unless you’ve experienced it yourself.
Some of our favorite family memories have happened over Memorial Day Weekend here in the Ozarks. Long days on Table Rock Lake, evenings around a firepit, stopping for ice cream after a day at Silver Dollar City, and staying outside way later than we probably should because the weather is just too perfect to go in.
If you’re planning a trip to Branson for Memorial Day Weekend, here are some of the best ways to enjoy it like a local.
1. Spend Time On Table Rock Lake
If you ask almost any local what they’re doing Memorial Day Weekend, there’s a good chance the answer involves the lake.
Table Rock Lake is really the heart of summer around here. Whether you rent a boat, bring your own, go paddleboarding, fish, or just relax by the water, it’s one of the best ways to spend the weekend.
Our family has spent countless summer days boating, tubing, floating in coves, and ending the night watching the sunset over the water. Even now, some of our favorite evenings are the simple ones — grilling dinner back at the house after a long lake day and sitting outside while the kids play.
Some of the most popular lake areas include:
- Indian Point
- Kimberling City
- State Park Marina
- Long Creek Marina
- Moonshine Beach
Many of our vacation rentals are close to the lake, making it easy to enjoy both Table Rock Lake and Silver Dollar City during the same trip.
Explore our vacation rentals here:
Branson Lakes Lodging Vacation Rentals
2. Visit Silver Dollar City
Memorial Day Weekend is one of the most fun times to visit Silver Dollar City because everything is fully open for summer.
Growing up here, our kids practically measured summer by trips to Silver Dollar City. There’s something nostalgic about the smell of cinnamon bread, hearing the train whistle, and walking through the park with an ice cream melting faster than you can eat it.
Some family favorites include:
- Time Traveler
- Mystic River Falls
- Outlaw Run
- Marvel Cave
- Live music throughout the park
If you’re visiting over Memorial Day Weekend, staying near Indian Point or Branson West can make getting in and out of the park much easier.
Check out nearby vacation rentals here:
Branson Vacation Rentals Near Silver Dollar City
3. Watch Memorial Day Fireworks
There’s just something about fireworks over the lake that feels like summer officially beginning.
Several areas around Branson usually host Memorial Day Weekend fireworks, including:
- Branson Landing
- Table Rock Lake
- Kimberling City
- Chateau on the Lake area
One of our favorite ways to spend the evening is grabbing takeout, finding a quiet lakeside spot, and letting the kids run around while we wait for the fireworks to start.
Sometimes the best moments aren’t the big planned activities. They’re the simple ones you remember years later.
4. Get Outside And Enjoy The Ozarks
One thing we always tell visitors is that Branson is so much more than just shows and attractions.
Memorial Day Weekend is one of the best times of year to enjoy the outdoors before the hotter part of summer arrives. The hills are green, everything feels alive again after winter, and it’s perfect weather to explore.
Some favorite outdoor activities include:
- Hiking at Dogwood Canyon
- Kayaking
- Ziplining
- Fishing
- Golfing
- Mountain coasters
- Scenic drives around Table Rock Lake
If your family enjoys being outside together, this is honestly one of the best weekends of the year to visit.
5. Spend An Evening At Branson Landing
Branson Landing is always busy Memorial Day Weekend, but in a fun way.
The fountains are going, live music is playing, families are walking along the waterfront, and the whole area feels energetic without being overwhelming.
We still love ending an evening there with dessert and a walk along the water.
6. Slow Down And Enjoy Your Vacation Rental
Honestly, one of the best parts about Memorial Day Weekend in Branson is simply slowing down.
Some of our favorite guest memories — and family memories too — aren’t always packed schedules. They’re mornings drinking coffee on the deck, afternoons at the pool, grilling burgers after the lake, board games with the kids, or sitting around a firepit late at night talking.
That’s part of what makes Branson special. You can stay busy if you want to, but you can also just breathe a little here.
At Branson Lakes Lodging, we offer vacation rentals throughout:
- Branson
- Indian Point
- Pointe Royale
- Fall Creek
- Kimberling City
- Branson West
- Table Rock Lake
Whether you’re looking for a cozy condo, a large cabin for extended family, or a lakeview place close to the action, we’d love to help you find the perfect fit.
Browse available properties here:
Browse Branson Vacation Rentals
A Few Memorial Day Weekend Tips From Locals
- Book your vacation rental early because Memorial Day fills up fast.
- Leave extra time for traffic near Highway 76 and Silver Dollar City.
- Reserve boat rentals in advance if possible.
- Bring swimsuits because pools are usually fully open by then.
- Plan at least one evening to just relax and enjoy where you’re staying.