Planning a family trip to Branson and wondering where to start? With so many options packed into one destination, Shepherd of the Hills consistently lands at the top of the list for families with kids of all ages. It is the home of REAL OZARKS FUN. Between the outdoor adventure park, live shows, heritage experiences, and seasonal events, there’s genuinely something here for everyone, from the toddler who wants to pet a barnyard animal to the teenager who’s ready to launch off a 230-foot tower.
If you’re searching for kid activities in Branson or family-friendly things to do in the area, here’s your guide to everything Shepherd of the Hills has to offer.
Why Families Keep Coming Back to Shepherd of the Hills
Shepherd of the Hills sits on the historic Ozark homestead made famous by Harold Bell Wright’s early 1900s novel of the same name. The grounds have been welcoming families for generations, and the park has grown into one of the most well-rounded family destinations in Branson.
It’s not just a thrill-ride park. It’s not just a show venue. It’s a full-day experience where grandparents, parents, and kids all find something that lights them up.
Kid Activities in Branson: What the Little Ones Will Love
Shepherd’s Adventure Park puts real thought into making sure younger visitors have just as much fun as the older kids and adults. General park entry gives families access to a wide range of activities built with children in mind.
- Lil’ Pete’s Net-Ventures- a new tree top netted play area high above the forest floor, explore rooms and slide down for more fun.
- Inspiration Tower – Soaring 240 feet above the highest point in Southwest Missouri, views can be had for over 90 miles on a clear day.
- Kid’s Playland – A full playground designed to keep little ones busy and active while the rest of the family enjoys the grounds.
- Kid’s Slides – Big smiles, zero waiting around. Simple, classic fun that never gets old.
- Kid’s Ninja Course – Little adventurers can channel their inner warrior on this beginner-friendly obstacle course.
- Double Barrel Super Slide – A crowd-pleaser that kids will want to ride again and again.
- Treehouse Playland – Climb, explore, and play in a treehouse setting that feels like something out of a storybook.
- Lil Pete’s Net Ventures – A playful netted adventure high atop the forest floor provides a special walk through the trees…and a slide back down!
- Barnyard Animals – One of the most charming parts of the park for young kids. The chance to meet and get up close with real animals makes this a memory-maker for the littles.
- Mini Golf – A classic family activity that works for all ages. Great for a friendly family competition.
- TreeTop Sky Trail – A gentle aerial walkway that gives kids a taste of adventure at a height that feels exciting without being overwhelming.
Kids 3 and under get in free with general park admission, which makes Shepherd of the Hills one of the most budget-friendly family-friendly activities in Branson for families with very young children.
Family-Friendly Activities in Branson for Bigger Kids and Teens
Older kids and teenagers will find plenty to get excited about at Shepherd of the Hills. The park is home to some of the most thrilling outdoor adventures in the Ozarks.
- Copperhead Mountain Coaster – At 4,800 feet long, this is Branson’s fastest and most scenic mountain coaster. Twists, drops, and curves through the Ozark trees make this a top pick for thrill-seeking families. Riders control their own speed, which makes it fun for a range of comfort levels.
- Great Woodsman Zipline Canopy Tour – Rated one of the best ziplines in the region, this tour takes riders across 8 tree-suspended ziplines high above the Ozark landscape. Voted the #1 Aerial Adventure Park in America by USA Today in 2019, 2020, and 2022. It’s approachable for first-timers and still exciting for those who’ve done it before.
- Vigilante Extreme ZipRider – For families ready to take things up a notch, this ride launches riders off the Inspiration Tower for a fast, exhilarating descent with sweeping views of the hills below.
- Sky Trek Challenge Ropes Course – This two-story outdoor ropes course tests balance, courage, and confidence. It stands right next to the Inspiration Tower and offers the same incredible Ozark views.
Historic Experiences the Whole Family Can Share
One of the things that makes Shepherd of the Hills stand out from other Branson family attractions is its history. This is real Ozark heritage, not a manufactured theme park experience.
Guided Historic Jeep Tour – The open-air, Jeep-drawn tram tour takes families through the original homestead grounds, past Old Matt’s Cabin, and through the key locations tied to Harold Bell Wright’s story. Your Ozark-native guide makes the history come alive in a way that’s engaging for kids and genuinely interesting for adults. It’s one of the most unique family-friendly activities in Branson because you’re not just looking at history, you’re standing in it.
Inspiration Tower – At 230 feet tall and sitting on the highest point in Southwest Missouri, the Inspiration Tower delivers panoramic views that stretch across the Ozarks. Built on the very spot where Wright found his inspiration to write the novel, the tower connects the landscape to the story in a way that sticks with you. This attraction is included with your Park Admission. But can also be purchased separately
Old Matt’s Cabin – Walk past the authentic pioneer cabin on the National Historic Registry that was home to the Ross family, the real family who inspired the novel, The Shepherd of the Hills. . It’s a heritage touchstone moment on the tour that makes the history feel personal and informs those who choose to see the Outdoor Drama
Live Shows the Whole Family Will Enjoy
Shepherd of the Hills is as much a live entertainment destination as it is an adventure park.
- The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama – This outdoor dramatic performance is the story of the Ozarks and one of the most beloved shows in Branson. Performed under the stars for over 66 seasons, a talented cast of 90 native actors, teams of horses, wagons, a square dance (the audience is invited) a cabin fire, a fight, a love story and message of redemption, tells the story of a Shepherd who influenced a people in a way that brings the whole novel to life. Kids are captivated by the horses and spectacle; adults appreciate the storytelling and performance.
- Wild West Showdown – Cowboys, comedy, lasso’s, trick riding stunts and mounted shooting, make this show a hit with families who love a little frontier flair. Fun for all ages.
- WhoDunnit Hoedown Murder Mystery Dinner Show – A hilarious, family-friendly whodunit where a birthday party turns into a mystery when legendary fiddler Squeeky Bowman meets an unexpected end. Dinner is included, and kids love trying to solve the case.
- Branson Comedy Bash Dinner Show – High-energy comedy and variety entertainment with a dinner included. A great evening option for families who want laughs alongside their meal.
- The Great American Chuckwagon Dinner Show This isn’t just any dinner show – it’s an authentic cowboy chuckwagon dinner experience. Immerse yourself in an evening with classic cowboy songs, fiddles, yodeling, and a side-splitting comedy show. The dinner bell rings, then the cowboy entertainment runs after!
Dining the Whole Family Will Love
After a full day of adventure, hunger sets in fast. Shepherd of the Hills has solid dining options right on the grounds.
- Shepherd’s Grill – Casual, satisfying meals with something for everyone on the family. The meatloaf has gotten some serious praise in guest reviews.
- Old Trail Pizza Company – Pizza is a crowd-pleaser across every age group, and this spot delivers.
- Sammy Lane’s Sweets N’ Treats – Ice cream, seasonal sweets, and treats that make the perfect end to a good day.
Seasonal Events That Add Something Special
Shepherd of the Hills runs themed seasonal events throughout the year that give families another reason to visit.
- Shepherd’s SpringFest – Spring fun with Easter-themed activities and all the regular park offerings.
- Shepherd’s Great American Summer – Running May 22 through August 16, 2026, this patriotic season-long celebration adds American-themed games, photo ops, on top of all the park’s regular activities.
- Shepherd’s PumpkinFest – Fall fun for families with a harvest and Halloween feel. Special Pumpkins Aglow Illuminated Night walk happens when the sun goes down. Also NEW in 2026, Sleepy Hollow – The Headless Horseman Rides Again, will debut in the Old Mill outdoor theater.
- Shepherd’s Winterfest – The park transforms for Christmas with the North Pole Adventure, festive shows and holiday programming. Don’t miss the Trail of Lights drive through light display, a separate event that has been Ozarks famous for over 35 years.
- Ozarks Aglow – A brand new event for 2026, an illuminated night walk featuring hundreds of Hand-crafted glowing lanterns light up the trails after dark, making it one of the most unique things to do in Branson with the family this year. (Separately ticketed.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shepherd of the Hills good for young kids?
Yes. The park has a full range of kid-friendly activities including a playland, ninja course, jump pad, slides, barnyard animals, and mini golf. Kids 3 and under get in free with general admission.
What are the best kid activities in Branson at Shepherd of the Hills?
For younger kids, the barnyard animals, Kid’s Playland, Jump Pad, and Ninja Course are big hits. For older kids, the Copperhead Mountain Coaster, Zipline Canopy Tour, and Vigilante ZipRider are the standouts.
Is Shepherd of the Hills appropriate for all ages?
It really is. The mix of gentle activities for little ones, thrilling rides for older kids and teens, historic experiences for the whole family, and live shows with dinner makes it one of the most well-rounded family-friendly activities in Branson.
What is the Copperhead Mountain Coaster?
The Copperhead Mountain Coaster is Branson’s fastest, longest, and most scenic mountain coaster at 4,800 feet. Riders control their own speed through loops, drops, and curves with beautiful Ozark views. It’s a ride add-on separate from general park admission.
How much does it cost for kids to get in?
Kids 3 and under are free with general admission. Specific ride tickets and show tickets are sold separately. The park also offers a Season Pass for families who plan to visit more than once. Check out the combos / bundles section on the website for current promotional offers and specials.
Do I need to make reservations for the shows?
Show tickets are purchased separately from adventure park admission and it’s a good idea to book ahead, especially during the busy summer season. You can buy tickets at theshepherdofthehills.com.
Can we do everything in one day?
With 30+ activities across the park, plus shows, dining, and historic experiences, most families find a full day here is well worth it. You likely won’t run out of things to do.
Plan Your Family Day in Branson
Shepherd of the Hills is the kind of place that becomes part of your family’s story. The rides are thrilling, the shows are memorable, the history is real, and the Ozark setting makes all of it feel a little bit special. Whether you’re looking for kid activities in Branson or family-friendly activities in Branson for a group that spans multiple generations, this is a day your family will be talking about for a long time.
Buy tickets and plan your visit at theshepherdofthehills.com.