Silver Dollar City is where your Christmas spirit begins. The shows, lights and attractions are number 1 with our family. The warmth and excitement of our childrens eyes are priceless. We are so thankful for our family and the love we share. When we are in Branson we slow down from our crazy schedule and look forward to pending time together having fun.

This is a venture back to the life and times of the 1880s. So much more than just an amusement park it’s like a really fun history lesson. SDC is geared toward family fun and entertainment, whether you’re 5 or 95 there is something here to be enjoyed.

Upon entering the park you’ll find yourself on town square. Here, before opening time and throughout the day, you may enjoy good clean comedy skits, usually involving the deputy. Each morning a flag raising ceremony is held and visiting veteran’s are invited to participate. On one side of the square you’ll find McHattie’s Homestead. This authentic log cabin was built in 1843 and moved here in 1960. In the barnyard a petting zoo provides fun for all ages. Be sure to visit the little church and enjoy the magnificent view from the picture window.

Now head down one of the side streets to the various shops, rides, and shows. If you've picked up a map at the entrance you'll find a show schedule with it. The saloon show provides excellent singing, dancing, and comedy. Order a rootbeer float then sit back and enjoy the antics of Bart the saloonkeeper and his dancehall girls. Other shows are spread throughout the park and provide an opportunity to rest and enjoy the music.

A wide variety of handcrafted items are offered in the shops. Most of which feature artisans creating items as you watch. Spend a few minutes watching the blacksmith create a custom knife blade or the ladies pulling the tasty salt water taffy. My personal favorites are the glass blowers and the elegant items they create. Try stopping in the candle shop to dip your own candles. And to record the wonderful memories of your visit have a tin-type photo taken of the whole family outfitted in an 1880s getup.

For thrills try one of the many rides across the park. To get your blood pumping zip and twist around on the two large roller coasters. Or to calm your nerves take a leisurely ride on the Frisco Steam Engine. On the hot days of summer cool off on one of the water rides or at Gyser Gulch and Splash Harbor in a watergun duel. The youngest children will enjoy Tom Sawyer’s Landing with its giant carousel and playground area.

As you wonder through the park you can’t help but notice the wonderful smells of country cooking. Dine in restaurants as well as fast concessions are readily available. One unique, delicious dish was the skillet dinners, a mix of fresh veggies and ham/chicken sauteed in a 5 foot skillet while we watched.

Tickets run $47 for adults with discounts for children and seniors. Numerous festivals are celebrated through the year including World Feast and Old Time Christmas. While some of the crafts, music and foods may change with these festivals, the down home country fun is always the same.

Our main thrust for heading to Branson, MO was to spend a day at Silver Dollar City. Our daughter was just about to start kindergarten so we wanted one last summer adventure.

We headed to the park about the time it opened. People were streaming in from all available parking lots. We knew it was going to be a large crowd. And with the weather predicted to hit 101 degrees, we knew we had to take it easy and stay hydrated with plenty of cool water. We entered the park and immediately were greeted with a group of young cloggers. They performed at the main stage and put on quite a show for those early spectators. This was part of the last weekend of Kids Fest at Silver Dollar City. This celebration added some additional children's shows, entertainment, and various cartoon characters to visit (my son was so excited to meet Curious George, his favorite).

For little children, we headed to the area called the Great Exposition which had about 10 rides geared towards small children. it was perfect. The kids loved it and I must say the people who run the rides were great. They constantly interacted with the kids on the rides as well as squirting everyone with a water bottle due to the excessive heat. Made for a great part of the day.

We also visited several shops to shop as well, as cool down in the air conditioning. Made it more barley when we headed out to the outside rides. From crafts to out of the ordinary items, SDC had it all. My wife even found a beagle bowl that held candy. Of all places. We also grabbed a quick bite to eat and I recommend the skillet dinners. The employees cook a variety of dinners in a huge skillet from a potato skillet to a squash skillet. I recommend the squash skillet which came with squash (both green and yellow), chicken, peppers, and a smattering of sweet corn. Very tasty!

As late afternoon approached, we knew that water rides HAD to be on the agenda. The temperature was rising quickly even in the shade. First we hit the American Plunge which is your standard log flume ride. Nothing to thrilling but little kids will love it. We did get a little wet but not enough to thoroughly cool us off.

The final water ride we hit was the WaterWorks Waterboggan and YES we did get wet. In this raft ride, you slosh from side to side down the tube as water splashes from all sides. Cover your valuables, they will get wet. But it did its job. It was what we needed in the Midwest heat.

We ended the day with a stop by the candyshop at SDC, a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. The smell of the chocolate floated through the air. The perfect way to end a great day at Silver Dollar City.

This was one of several trips to Branson for me. Silver Dollar City is always a stop on our trips here. If you plan to visit the park two or more days the season pass is the way to go with discounts inside the park as well as out.

Whether you enjoy learning about historic arts and crafts, enjoying live entertainment or thrill seeking on the rides... Silver Dollar City has something for everyone!

Siver Dollar City is set in a 1880s craft village where vendors and shopkeepers are dressed in period costumes. As you stroll through the park you can see a blacksmith shop, glassmakers, basket weavers, woodworkers, and many other craftsmen of yesteryear. All of these people are extremely friendly and will explain what they are doing. Questions are always welcomed by the craftspeople. Be sure to stop by the Candy shop where you can see candy being made...and sample some of the sweets!

Although this is a historic craft village, it is also a world class theme park with rides that are sure to thrill. Do you want to feel like a rocket? Try Powderkeg which will take you from 0-53mph in 2.8 seconds! Wildfire and Thunderation are sure to have you screaming as they twist, loop and wind their way through the Ozark hills.

Silver Dollar City has not forgotten it's youngest customers. Geyser Gulch just may be the most popular area in the park. This is a 3 story fort where kids shoot foam balls out of air cannons at targets. If you are feeling brave, step outside and try the water cannons... but be careful, someone may shoot you! In 2006 Silver Dollar City also added an entire section of the park for families with smaller children.

Entertainment is what really makes Silver Dollar City unique. From various stage and saloon shows to the special Festivals at different times of the year, you will always find the best music and talent from around the world!

A Season Pass ($66) to Silver Dollar City is your best bet if you you plan on going at least twice during the year.