It’s spring break, and if you don’t have big plans, there are still plenty of amazing places to explore that are three hours away or less. The best news is some of these attractions are free. So, get out and make some memories.
Mammoth Spring in Arkansas
If the weather is nice, pack a picnic and head to Mammoth Spring State Park in Arkansas. Just across the Missouri/Arkansas border is one of the largest springs in the world, pumping out 9 million gallons of water an hour. The park includes a 10-acre lake, picnic area, playground and Arkansas’ oldest railroad depot, which has been converted into a museum.
The 1886 Frisco Train depot and museum features a variety of memorabilia such as a telegraph machine, luggage carts, photos, newspaper clippings, a safe, and a color blindness test that all railroad employees had to pass. Kids will enjoy learning about different jobs on the train, such as the engineer and brakemen.
Next, head to the adjacent Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery and Aquatic Conservation Center. It is the oldest hatchery in the nation and houses the only captive spawning population of Gulf Coast striped bass in the world. There’s an aquarium, pond, interactive exhibits and it’s educational for kids.
Both attractions are free.
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WonderWorks in Branson
WonderWorks opened during the pandemic, so it may not have received as much attention as a new Branson attraction would in normal times. The 48,000-square-foot space showcases four stories with more than 100 STEAM-focused (science, technology, engineering, art, and math), hands-on activities and exhibits.
There’s fun stuff like a bed of nails, bubble lab where kiddos can make massive bubbles, laser tag, and the hurricane shack where you get in and experience 74-mile-per-hour winds. Then, there are more educational options like an interactive military experience, space exhibits and information about Branson’s history. The kids will have fun and learn at the same time.
Tickets are $22.99 for ages 5-12; $31.99 for 13-59 and $14.99 for seniors. Check Groupon for periodic discounts — at press time there was not one active, but it is still worth checking.
Lone Elk Park in St. Louis
Lone Elk Park in St. Louis is a 546-acre drive-thru park where you can spot elk and bison. Go early in the morning, as the best time to see the animals is before 8 a.m., but many people see them throughout the day. There are also hiking trails if you want to get out of your car.
This wildlife management area dates back to 1948, when herds of elk and bison were established. In 1958, the land was acquired by the federal government and herds were destroyed except for one lone elk. Additional elk from Yellowstone National Park were introduced in 1966 and the herd has grown. The bison were brought in in 1973, purchased from the St. Louis Zoo. St. Louis County owns the park now.
Admission is donation-based.
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Fellows Lake north of Springfield
If it’s been a while since you visited Fellows Lake — north of Springfield near U.S. 65 and AA — then you need to head over. There have been major improvements in the past year, including a new marina, boat rentals and an expanded trail system.
Fellows now has 25 miles of trails for hiking, biking and walking. There are picnic areas and lots of fishing opportunities. You can rent a bass boat, party barge, kayak, canoe or tandems. They now offer sailing lessons for anyone 14 and older. It’s a wonderful place for families to spend the day.
A party barge is $275 for an 8-hour rental or $75 an hour; kayaks are $10 an hour. The complete list of prices is available online.
The Gathering Place in Tulsa
The Gathering Place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a 66.5-acre riverfront park with an amazing playground. I am talking awesome! There’s a boardwalk, mega slide, towers, statues, bridges, climbing walls, a mirror area, skate park and more. There’s also a boathouse, restaurants, various gardens and places for parents to kick back and relax.
The park is hosting a bunch of events for spring break. They are partnering with more than 18 local organizations to offer free, hands-on activities themed around nature, art, literacy, wellness and STEAM. The park has won an array of awards from publications like Time Magazine and National Geographic.
Amazeum in Bentonville, Ark.
We love the Scott Family Amazeum in Bentonville, which allows children to have fun and explore through science, art, math, physical activities, imaginative play and more. Here is a pro tip: If you are a member of the Discovery Center in Springfield, you get in free to the Amazeum. The two museums are part of an association of science museums and being a member gets you in free or at discounted rates at 300 science centers.
The Amazeum has so much fun stuff: indoor trees to climb, a painting lab, grocery store, trees with fake apples that children can collect, a farm exhibit, messy water station (bring a change of clothes) and so much more. Regular admission is $10 for children and adults.
More:He brought his brother as backup on a date, she brought her sister. Sparks flew.
Day trip to Joplin
Just a little more than an hour away, Joplin is a good day trip option because there are cool roadside attractions on the drive. This day trip combines art, pie, nature and history. You can’t go wrong.
On the way there, stop at Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage. The chapel has beautiful murals. There are free tours which are worthwhile to learn the history of this place. This time of year, it’s open 10:15 a.m.-3:45 p.m. and the last tour is at 3 p.m.
Before you leave Carthage, grab a slice of pie at the Pie Safe. They have amazing desserts, but also quiche, pot pie and sandwiches. Either enjoy a slice or grab a mini pie for a picnic later. My favorite spot in Joplin is Grand Falls, which is the largest continuously running waterfall in Missouri. Weather permitting, it’s an ideal place to picnic. The falls plunge 12 feet over a natural bed of solid chert. It’s a great spot to walk around and get photos.
Next, head to Diamond, Missouri, to visit the George Washington Carver National Monument, which was the first national memorial dedicated to an African American. Carver was a scientist, educator and humanitarian. He encouraged southern farmers to plant peanuts to renew their soil which had been depleted by cotton farms. He is credited with helping farmers improve their lives with his agricultural knowledge.
Smallin Civil War Cave in Ozark
Enter into the enormous cave mouth and you’ll get a dose of beauty, history and geology. Smallin Cave in Ozark has one-hour tours that operate over spring break. You might spot bats, salamanders, blind cave crayfish, and will see ancient fossils embedded in the Burlington layer of limestone — remnants of an ocean from long ago.
Guided tours are $14.95 for ages 4-12; 13 and older are $25.95.
If you have a real sense of adventure, sign up for the Adventure Wild Tour, which takes you 1,400 feet into the cave. You’ll wear a headlamp and muck through 2 feet of water, but will get to see more than the normal tour. You will also have more of an in-depth lesson in cave life. This tour must be booked in advance and is held after hours, like early evening.
Adventure tours are for ages 12 and older. For a group of four or more: $85 per person plus tax; group of twoor three: $100 per person plus tax. Call to book: 417-551-4545.
Branson family-friendly deals
Score a deal in the Branson area. Branson is close and full of family-friendly attractions.
Grand Country Inn has a discounted spring break package of $428.60 for two adults and up to four children who stay for two nights March 4-May 29 on select nights. The package includes passes to the heated indoor waterpark, go-kart tickets, a game of mini golf, two large one topping pizzas, a $10 gift card to the arcade, and admission to two shows at the resort. More info is on their website.
Big Cedar’s Fun Mountain is offering a limited time discount: purchase a $50, $75, or $100 Game Card and receive a 20 percent bonus. Fun Mountain has awesome light-up bumper cars, an arcade, slide, ocean-themed bowling and more. It’s slightly pricy, so the bonus is nice.
Groupon has discounted tickets to the Shanghai Circus show, valid March 40-January 2, 2023. With this deal, children’s tickets are $12.50 (versus $22) and ages 13 and older are $33.50 (versus $42). The circus act has acrobats, magic, contortionist, dancers and some great stunts.
See elk near the Buffalo National River
Ponca, Arkansas, along Highway 43, is home to an elk herd about 600 strong along the Buffalo National River. This is a beautiful area and the best time to spot the elk is dawn and later afternoon — look for them between Ponca and Boxley. Be sure to stop at the Ponca Elk Education Center because they have interactive exhibits, taxidermy, and can give you advice on the most recent spotting. You will also learn about the history of elk in Arkansas and how they were successfully reintroduced.
The center is open to 10a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. There are hiking trails that you can explore before the ticks get bad, and picnic spots. Be sure to check their Facebook page before you head out because it has closed several times this year due to inclement weather. This attraction is free.
