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Two years ago the family and I went to Branson and had a nice vacation. We did all the normal newbie things a family does in Branson and a lot of fun doing it. We're looking to go back that way soon. But I'm looking for some other idea's and other possible options.
Maybe go back to Branson but stay in a cabin on a lake where we can do other things as well.
Maybe go somewhere else? What about Lake of the Ozarks?
Thoughts?
Throw some idea's at me. Thanks!

Is that about the farthest you want to travel?
Just took the wife and kid to Rocky mtn natl park in august and that was great. Definitely kid friendly there was tons to do.

Went to the black hills couple years ago and loved it, saw mt rushmore and all the sights in the area, then spent a day with the wife in the back country we rented a razr and it was awesome...can't wait to go back with bikes they have a huge trail system. Also lots of stuff kid friendly, my favorite part was the deadwood area. Missed out on horseback riding because of weather but really wanted to do that there. Will definitely being going back there sometime.

I travel all over MO. My recommendations would be to stay away from Lake of the Ozarks. Google water quality of Lake of the Ozarks and you'll see why. Branson is cleaner and has more to offer. A few things you may not have done around Branson that are worthwhile. 1. Go to the museum at the School of the Ozarks and the mill. It is a fantastic museum that kids will like as well. 2. Take the tour of Table Rock Damn. They will take you into the bowels of the damn. If is fascinating. That hatchery is also worth seeing. 3. Check out Bass Pro Shops Resort called Big Cedar Lodge. Expensive to stay but worth visiting for lunch.

Have you considered the the St. Francis Mountains in MO? Johnson Shut-in State Park is a great place to hike and swim and Elephant Rocks is a place that kids and climb and hike for hours. The highest Mountain and waterfall is in the area for hiking as well. St. Joe State Park is a off road vehicle park that you might enjoy and has the MO Mines State Historical Site. There is also the Battle Of Pilot Knob and Fort Davidson, an earthen civil war fort that is worth checking out.

St. Louis is also a place worth visiting. Forest Park, sight of 1904 Worlds Fair, is great as is its zoo. The Magic House is a fantastic Children's Museum. Of course there is the arch and it's museum. Going to a Cards game is worth the trip by itself even if you're not a baseball fan.

Thanks for the ideas guys! Gives us some googling to do.
Two years ago we stayed in a nice, cheap, locally owned hotel in Branson. If we go back there this year we're searching for a cabin-type place where we can rent it. Then maybe we can chill around the place more. Maybe rent kayaks and paddle around in crystal clear water.
Renting a couple Razors to do some sight-seeing sounds fun as well.

Check out VRBO.com for Branson. Check out the cabin south of Kimberling City.

If you are looking at the stuff I listed on the east side of the lake check this place out: https://www.vrbo.com/470306