End-of-summer ideas for family fun

With the beginning of the new school year just a few short weeks away, many families are trying to pack some last-minute fun into the summer.

If a vacation is not in your budget this summer, there are still plenty of ways to have budget-friendly fun and create family memories right here in your own neighborhood.

With the area lake levels finally going down, recreational areas such as Moonshine Beach are once again open to the public. With a sandy swim beach, large picnic area and volleyball court, Moonshine Beach is the perfect spot for an affordable day of family fun,

Branson is also home to one of the most amazing swimming facilities in the region. The AquaPlex, a part of the city's RecPlex, is a 12,250 square-foot aquatic park, with a diving board, slides, a lap pool, a climbing wall and more. The facility also offers a large deck area with lounge chairs, tables and lots of shade, making it a perfect place to spend the day.

Hiking is a great way to spend time as a family, and Branson is home to some beautiful trails. Pack a picnic lunch and plenty of water and enjoy a day of hiking at the Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area, Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area or the Dewey Short Visitor Center. If you choose to hike the trails at the Dewey Short Visitor Center, be sure to take time to enjoy a tour of the Visitor Center itself to learn more about Table Rock Lake and Dam.

If you would rather spend time indoors, a visit to one of Branson's many museums is a fun, relaxing—and educational—way to spend some time. Depending on your family's interests, you might want to consider the History of Fishing Museum, the Celebrity Car Museum, Dinosaur Museum, Branson Veterans Museum, or the World's Largest Toy Museum. Other ideas include the Branson Auto and Farm Museum, Titanic Museum Attraction, Ripley's Believe It or Not, or the Ralph Foster Museum at the College of the Ozarks.

Speaking of the College of the Ozarks, there is much to see and do on the campus at Hard Work U. A visit to the college will allow you to see a working dairy farm, the Edwards Mill, Patriots Park and the Williams Memorial Chapel. You can also visit the greenhouses, fruit cake and jelly kitchen, and stained glass and candle shops. Don't forget to stop by Keeter Center for lunch or a delicious dip of ice cream during your visit.  

If shopping is your idea of fun, there is a wide variety of shops to choose from. Be sure to visit Tanger Outlets, The Shoppes at Branson Meadows and the Branson Landing. Don't forget that this weekend is Missouri's Sales Tax-Free weekend, so take advantage of the extra savings on back-to-school clothes and necessities. For specialty shopping, remember that Branson is home to many unique shopping venues, boutiques, antique stores, flea markets and thrift stores, too.

Many shows and attractions offer discounts through such companies as All Access Branson or Branson 2 for 1 Tickets, as well as sites such as Groupon. Often, area businesses generously give local discounts to residents of Taney and Stone counties, so be sure to respectfully ask about available discounts at any show or attraction you wish to visit.

We encourage you to enjoy these last few weeks of Branson's summer season. Stay safe, stay cool and create some fun family memories.