Shepherd's Adventure Park

Perched high on the Ozark hillside at the historic Shepherd of the Hills homestead, Shepherd's Adventure Park delivers the kind of outdoor thrills that make Branson family vacations memorable. The star attraction is the zipline coaster — a gravity-powered rail system that sends riders zooming down the mountain through the trees with nothing but the wind and stunning views of Table Rock Lake for company. Kids 54 inches and taller can ride solo; younger kids can ride with a parent if weight limits allow.

Beyond the coaster, the adventure park features a multi-element aerial course with rope bridges, cargo nets, and platforms that challenge kids 6 and up to conquer their fears at height. It's the kind of experience where 8-year-olds who claim they're bored everywhere else suddenly discover they're having the time of their lives. Younger siblings and toddlers won't find much here that's scaled to them — this is firmly a big-kid and teen venue.

The park's elevated location is genuinely special. On clear days you can see across the Ozark hills toward Table Rock Lake, and the forested setting means the whole experience feels less like a theme park midway and more like an outdoor expedition. Plan for 2–4 hours depending on how many runs your kids want on the coaster.

A practical note for parents: the terrain is hilly and unpaved in places, so strollers are difficult. Restrooms are available on property. The park operates seasonally — confirm hours before visiting, as they're closed on Mondays and limited in the off-season.

Combo tickets with the evening Shepherd of the Hills outdoor drama (performed on the same property) are a great way to fill a full day on a single admission value.