July 29 to August 7 OZ A R K E M P I R E FA I R $3–10 admission plus ticket prices, 3001 N. Grant Ave., Springfield, ozarkempirefair.com Thrill is the name of the game with this particular adventurous outing. The thrill of a carnival ride. The thrill of winning a midway game. And the thrill of challenging your body to consume all the fried things served on sticks. This annual fair is great for blazing hot daytime fun and the twinkling lights of a summer night.
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ongoing SUNSET DRIVE-IN T H E AT E R
$47 kids, $74 adults; 9:10 a.m.–10 p.m.; 399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy., Branson, silverdollarcity.com Imagine experiencing your favorite thrill ride in the dark as you ride under the moonlight. Take our word for it; it’s extra thrilling! We love that Silver Dollar City stays open late during this stretch of summer because less sun means cooler weather and a summer nights vibe that we just can’t get enough of.
1601 Church St., Aurora, sunsetdriveinaurora.com Step into the past at one of the handful of drive-in movie theaters left in the state. Open only during the warm months, Sunset Drive-In shows double features every weekend, starting with a more kid-friendly option and followed by something for the older among us. A recent rivalry-themed lineup included Tom and Jerry and then Godzilla vs. Kong.
ongoing G O L F AT OZ A R K S N AT I O N A L
ongoing R U N AWAY M O U N TA I N C OA S T E R
various locations, Branson, bigcedar.com/golf Just one of several scenic and challenging golf courses that have sprung up in Branson in recent years, Ozarks National at Big Cedar Lodge offers sprawling views across 18 holes. You’ll see rolling hills, dense woods, a 400-foot bridge and the rippling water of a nearby creek. The appeal is as much in the scenery as the golf.
$10–16; 935 State Highway 165, Branson, bransonalpinemountaincoaster.com This hillside Alpine-style roller coaster uses gravity to propel you along a tree-lined track at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. You control how fast you go, though, using hand brakes inside the car. There’s a small four-track zipline on site as well, in case you need more thrills.
Photos courtesy Silver Dollar City, Branson/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Wolfe Mountain, by Rhiannon Brown, Brandon Alms, Mark Harrell
FILL IN THE DAYS BETWEEN YOUR BIG ADVENTURES WITH SOME SMALL MINI-EXCURSIONS TO LOCAL OUTDOORS ATTRACTIONS AND EVENTS.
July 24 to August 8 MOONLIGHT M A D N E S S AT S I LV E R D O L L A R CIT Y
Photos courtesy Silver Dollar City, Big Cedar Lodge, Branson Mountain Adventure, by Brad Zweerink
Round Out Your Plans