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Things to do at Silver Dollar City Besides Ride the Rides

April 24, 2018 by Jill 3 Comments

I love everything about theme parks: the food, the general “everyone’s a kid again” vibe, and of course, the rides. Roller coasters that make you feel like your stomach is somewhere near your toes and spinning rides that make you dizzy are always fun. Silver Dollar City in Branson has a ton of fun rides, although there are lots of things to do at Silver Dollar City besides ride the rides.

Table of Contents

  • Things to do at Silver Dollar City (besides ride the rides)
    • 1. Culinary Classes
    • 2. Marvel Cave
    • 3. Eating!
    • 4. Shows
    • 5. Watch the Artisans
    • 6. Shopping
    • 7. Festivals and Events
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Things to do at Silver Dollar City (besides ride the rides)

You could probably spend an entire day at Silver Dollar City and do nothing but ride rides, but that’s not what I did on my recent visit. I had only a short time to experience as much of Silver Dollar City as possible and it was an unseasonably cold April day in Branson Missouri. The temperature must reach a certain point on the thermometer before the rides will open. For more info, check out this guide.

Things to do in at Silver Dollar City|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

Silver Dollar City is one of the most naturally beautiful theme parks I have ever been to.

You could probably spend an entire day at Silver Dollar City and not ride any rides at all. On my recent visit, I rode just one ride and had an absolute blast. There are so many things to do at Silver Dollar City. If you’re not a ride person (or even if you are!) there are so many other things to savor and experience!

Things to do in at Silver Dollar City|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

One of the best things about any theme park is the food and Silver Dollar City is no exception.

Things to do at Silver Dollar City besides ride ride @SDCAttractions #SilverDollarCity2018 #BransonPartner

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1. Culinary Classes

You might think a culinary class is a weird activity to do in a theme park. Before I went to Silver Dollar City, I might have agreed with you but having attended one of the amazing classes at  Silver Dollar City’s Midwest Living® Culinary & Craft School.

Things to do in at Silver Dollar City|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

I can say it’s just the thing to do in this particular (and very unique) theme park.

For just $15, you can take a fun, 60-minute class in the test kitchen of Midwest Living Magazine. Check out the schedule of classes and see what’s on the menu here. On the day we visited, we got to learn how to make Thai noodles. The test kitchen is set up to allow maximum viewing from spectators (although try to get a seat up front…that’s the best!) and although spectators don’t get to actually do hands-on cooking, we get step-by-step instructions, a copy of the recipe to take home and a ton of kitchen anecdotes.

Things to do in at Silver Dollar City|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

And yes, you get to taste! We got a generous sampling of the Thai noodles as well as a piece of the lightest, airiest lemon bread I’ve ever tasted. The sample isn’t “full meal” sized but definitely come a little hungry to this one.

Things to do in at Silver Dollar City|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

Kids can attend at the discretion of the parent or guardian but a seat must be purchased for all attendees. Personally, I think this one is probably a “10-and-older” sort of activity. There has to be some sort of interest in cooking for this to be a fun thing to do for a kiddo, but I definitely enjoyed it. One of the friends in my group is a self-proclaimed “non-cook” and left feeling confident that she could recreate the Thai noodles at home.

2. Marvel Cave

Silver Dollar City is built on a cave and the cave is the reason Silver Dollar City exists today. Guests can take a guided tour of Marvel Cave for no extra charge (must have an admission ticket to Silver Dollar City) although reservations are required. Just check at the cave information desk in the Hospitality House for available times.

Things to do in at Silver Dollar City|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

A cave tour lasts about an hour and involves some steep steps and lots of climbing (600 stairs!) The temperature inside the cave is about 75 degrees. This activity is suitable for kids but kids under eight must be accompanied by a supervising companion.

Things to do in at Silver Dollar City|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

Your cave guide will give you a complete rundown of the history of the cave and talk about what cave tours in the early 20th century looked like. Hint: They involved climbing a rope ladder down through a hole in the ground! I’m thinking that would be a nope for me – I’m adventurous but not that adventurous!

Things to do in at Silver Dollar City|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

If you love your tour of Marvel Cave (I did!) you can purchase an additional experience of the Lantern Light Tours. Lantern Light Tours allow you to experience Marvel Cave as earlier explorers did – by lantern light! These tours last 90-minutes and space is limited…so reserve your tour online prior to your visit or check early in the day at the cave information desk.

Tickets to the Lantern Light Tour are $14 (a convenience fee will apply if you purchase online.) Guests under eight-years-old are not permitted.

I completely recommend Marvel Cave and can’t wait to do the Lantern Light Tour on a return trip. Make sure you’re wearing good walking shoes, which most people are if they’re doing a day at Silver Dollar City. I wouldn’t attempt this attraction in flip flops, sandals or any shoe with a heel or hard sole. Also, 600 steps might be daunting if you lead a pretty sedentary lifestyle. Some of my companions found it to be a medium strenuous activity and reported soreness in the legs the following day. I’m pretty active on a regular basis and it didn’t bother me but some of those steps are no joke! I would think twice before attempting this with a very small child or someone who needed assistance.

3. Eating!

Silver Dollar City has amazing food. We ate from the buffet lunch at Reunion Hall and it included all kinds of deliciousness: catfish, ham, Salisbury steak, green beans that tasted just like they came from my grandma’s kitchen, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, desserts and more. As you can see here, there are many other options available at Silver Dollar City but I can promise you that you won’t go hungry if you eat at Reunion Hall.

Things to do in at Silver Dollar City|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

Saw this sign outside of Reunion Hall. If you’re a Hatfield, maybe just don’t mention that.

Things to do in at Silver Dollar City|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

I also recommend the skillets from Lumberjack Falls and anything from Eva and Delilah’s Bakery.

Things to do in at Silver Dollar City|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

Fun to watch it being cooked. More fun to eat.

The food I sampled just scratches the surface of the good stuff that is offered at Silver Dollar City and I can’t wait to go back and try something new. I’m thinking a Tater Twist or maybe Tom Sawyer’s Homemade Pretzels. Maybe both, followed by some ice cream. Doesn’t that sound good?

Things to do at Silver Dollar City besides ride the rides|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

So much yummy-ness!

If you have a sweet tooth like me, don’t miss Brown’s Candy Factory. If you get a chance to talk to Miss June, who has worked there since before I was born (which is exactly a long time ago, friends) don’t miss the chance to chat with her. She’s got some amazing stories and wicked candy making skills. I wanted to put her in my pocket and bring her home. She was working with her granddaughter at Brown’s on the day we visited and they were both just delightful. I promise my opinion has nothing to do with the fact that they were both plying me with samples of chocolate and other sweet goodies.

Things to do in at Silver Dollar City|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

I understand that whole “like a kid in a candy store” saying now. So. Much. Candy.

4. Shows

Entertainment at Silver Dollar City includes everything from extreme pogo, to bluegrass music and cloggers, to an illusionist to hilarious adventures from the saloon gang and so much more. Check out the awesome lineup and you will see there is truly something for everyone.

5. Watch the Artisans

During my day at Silver Dollar City, we got to watch a blacksmith at work and watch a hand-blown class demonstration. Also available are carvers, furniture makers, potters and more. This will definitely give you an appreciation for fine craftsmanship, and, all of what you see is available for purchase.

Things to do in at Silver Dollar City|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

We loved watching the blacksmith craft his wares!

6. Shopping

You can buy all of the beautiful hand-crafted merchandise that is made at Silver Dollar City. I bought a lovely hand-blow glass fish to add to my collection of glass fish knicknack-y things. Don’t ask me why I collect fish. I really don’t have a good answer for that but I do have a story behind most of them.

The fish I bought in Branson is memorable because I had a mild freakout just a few moments before I paid for him (less than 20 bucks, by the way, which is an amazing price for this level of craftsmanship.) I thought I’d lost my credit card, but it was safe in one of the pockets of my lanyard, which is where I’d put it so that I wouldn’t have to dig my wallet out when I was shopping. They say the mind is the first thing to go, right?

Things to do in at Silver Dollar City|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

These awesome chip and dip plates are made right on site by a master potter.

I could spend all day shopping at Silver Dollar City. Their directory of shops is here and I would have loved to have seen them all. My favorites are White River Bath and Body and Two Sisters Jewelry. If you want to buy me a present, anything from either of those places will do. Just kidding. My birthday is in September, though. Really…kidding. Maybe.

7. Festivals and Events

Silver Dollar City has eight world-class festivals to entertain and delight your family throughout the year.  The Festival of Wonder is a most amazing entertainment experience as stages are filled with performers showcasing some of the most unique talents and the introduction of out-of-this-world flavors! The Bluegrass and BBQ brings performances by some of the top names in Bluegrass music, from award-winning favorites to rising stars. Star Spangled Summer features features exciting family shows and over 40 rides and attractions. Late summer brings Moonlight Madness, where Silver Dollar City is open until 10pm so you can pack even more summer fun into your visit. The Southern Gospel Picnic closes out summertime with vibrant music and America’s biggest gospel picnic.

Fall and winter bring more fun things to do at Silver Dollar City. If you’re a a country music fan, you’ll want to check out Country Music Weekend in September, followed by the National Crafts and Cowboy Festival in September and October. And finally, Christmas at Silver Dollar City is not to be missed! Check out Old Time Christmas from November 3 – through December 30th. I’m told Christmas is one of the BEST times of year to visit Branson. I can’t attest to the awesomeness of a Branson Christmas – yet – but I hope to be able to tell you about that experience first-hand soon. Everyone I met in Branson – in and out of Silver Dollar City – was just as friendly and nice as they could be and absolutely everyone had something to say about the Christmas season in Branson. I left this Ozark gem already planning another trip…I think that is a sure sign that this is a good place to visit!

If you're looking for things to do at Silver Dollar City in Branson Missouri BESIDES ride rides, we've got you covered!|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

Whether you are a “ride person” or not, you are sure to find something to enjoy at Silver Dollar City. Time didn’t permit me to check out the rides on this particular visit but I do want to give a shout-out to the newly opened Time Traveler, which is the world’s fastest, steepest and tallest spinning coaster.

Time Traveler Preview Day Highlights

Check out some of the highlights from today's Time Traveler Preview Day Event! Learn more here http://bit.ly/2HtwYmD

Posted by Silver Dollar City on Tuesday, March 13, 2018

I am a little bit of a chicken and the idea of riding this is a little scary, but if you (or someone in your family) is an adrenaline junkie, then they’ll want to head straight for the Time Traveler when you get into Silver Dollar City. You must be 51″ tall to ride and the Time Traveler doesn’t operate unless the weather is warmer than 41 degrees.

The best part of Silver Dollar City is the people. Absolutely everyone we met had a smile and kind words. Silver Dollar City is a lot of fun but it’s the kind of place that just makes you feel good to be there.

If you haven’t visited Branson, Missouri, you should! There is so much to do there and Silver Dollar City definitely belongs at the top of your list. The fine folks that own Silver Dollar City also own the Showboat Branson Belle, which is an amazing show and scrumptious meal aboard a beautiful paddle boat on Table Rock Lake.

Things to do in at Silver Dollar City|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

 

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3 Comments

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Comments

  1. Pam Wattenbarger says

    June 13, 2018 at 11:42 am

    Silver Dollar City definitely has so much more going for it besides rides. The last time I was there we found craftsmen making fork rings.

    Reply
  2. Heather Pfingsten says

    June 18, 2018 at 10:09 pm

    You had me at food, culinary classes, and shopping. Silver Dollar City looks like such a treat, I hope to visit one day!! #BloggingBranson

    Reply
  3. Ernie Martin says

    November 29, 2019 at 11:26 pm

    I was at Silver Dollar City about 30 years ago, ate at mollies mill, is that still there? Can we still watch people blow glass ?
    thanks
    ernie

    Reply

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All About Jill

I'm a digital content creator and essayist who copes with parenting and most other situations with humor and snark. Just so you know, if this weren't the internet, I'd be smiling awkwardly and answering simple questions like "How are you today" with gems like "I like pockets."

I really do love pockets, though.

I spent 26 years in the USAF, which went by really, really fast. I'm very proud of my service but I'm loving my second act even more. Writing gives me the opportunity to flex my creative muscles and that's what makes me happy. Welcome.

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Jill Robbins
Here’s something you’ve probably never seen be Here’s something you’ve probably never seen before: my bottom teeth.
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I always hide my crooked bottom teeth in pictures and I’m super self-conscious when I talk. So I did something about it.
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I wore braces as a kid and my top teeth are straight but my bottom teeth are shifting and one tooth is traveling into the back of my mouth and I have some crowding. My orthodontist said it’s very unusual to put braces on just half your mouth but my bite is still aligned so they didn’t have to put them on my top teeth - my wallet is thankful.
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Questions I’ve already been asked:
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1️⃣ At your age? Yes, at my age. I still care about my smile. 
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3️⃣ How long do you have to wear them?
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6-9 months.
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3️⃣ Do they hurt? 
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My teeth are sore and my mouth is tender but not to the Tylenol level so I guess the answer is “Not too much.”
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Other questions? Advice?
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#braceface #adultbraces
Little things can really be big - do you agree? M Little things can really be big - do you agree?

My husband gets up with our kids twice a week and does their breakfast and morning routine and takes them to school so I can sleep in. I don't laze away the morning in bed - it usually amounts to about an extra hour of sleep for me and a little more peace and quiet as I start my day. 

This probably seems like a little thing but this is huge for me. The mental benefits of not having to set my alarm on a schoolday is truly my love language. I would rather have sleep than flowers or presents. 

On those morning where my husband takes my kids to school, I will inevitably find the kitchen not "just so." There will be spills on the table or something that didn't get put away. I resist the urge to be sarcastic or to ask "Um, is there a reason we have four boxes of cereal just sitting on the counter?" or point out that it would take less than 30 seconds to wipe a tabletop or put a box back on the shelf. I resist saying stuff like "I guess if I want it done a certain way, I have to do it myself." I don't even say that to myself. 

My husband isn't "doing me a favor" by taking care of our kids. When I talked about being stressed and tired during an argument last year, he offered to take some things off my plate and giving me two mornings where I don't have to set an alarm was one of his ideas. It's part of the give and take of marriage and even though it makes me clench a little when I see spilled milk or stuff that hasn't put away, I appreciate having a partner who shares the load with me. 

My marriage definitely is not perfect and I'm in no position to give relationship advice. But for us, this one little thing is a really big deal. 

And, as I've recently discovered, a cereal box can sit on the counter for several days and the world doesn't explode. Who knew.

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Anyone else having massive “This time last year” moments?
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2020 started out so fine. We extended our kids’ winter break to take them on a Disney Cruise- no better reason than that, amiright- and I was excited about all the Disney Cruise blog posts I was going to write. Disney Cruises are (errr...were?) one of the most searched terms on my website and how a lot of people found me.
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You know...the good stuff.
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We got our first Raddish Kids box right before the We got our first Raddish Kids box right before the holidays and finally dug into it this weekend. Our box had a cold-weather theme which was perfect for this cold weather we're having (flurries in San Antonio can you believe it?!)

Each box contains three recipe cards, a culinary tool, an iron-on patch and Table Talk conversation starter cards. A shopping list is included and also emailed to you in advance in case you want to be ready to cook as soon as your box arrives. You buy all the groceries yourself. 

We made homemade chicken and dumplings this weekend and they turned out amazing. If you need modifications (i.e. gluten or dairy free) you can hop on to the @raddishkids website and go to the "Bonus Bites" section. You'll find modifications, food videos, extra recipes, parent info and more fun stuff. 

The price ranges from $20-$24 per box depending on what type of subscription you choose. Boxes are designed for kids 4-14+ with varying degrees of supervision needed depending on your child's skills and age. Kyle and i have done two meals from this box - we still have cookies left to make - and worked together about 50-50. It was a lot of fun. 

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I think today would be better if I could hang out I think today would be better if I could hang out with donkeys all day. 

There's a reason animals are used in therapy - they are both comforting and fun. This picture was from our October outing to Wassermann's Wranch outside of Alpine (in West Texas.) I love my beautiful state and the landscape of West Texas fascinates me because it's so different than what I see every day here near San Antonio.

Wassermann's Wranch is located just a few miles outside the city. It's a private hobby farm that sees visitors by reservation. It's absolutely worth planning your day around and you can check out more in my blog post linked in my bio.

I didn't realize I liked donkeys until I got to know these guys. The owner, Heidi, told me "I think you might be a donkey chick."

I think I'm OK with that. 

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