The densely wooded hillside is the perfect setting for this upscale lodge-style getaway. All sturdy wide planks, rugged stone pillars, cozy fireplaces, and rustic log-frame furniture, The Lodges at Timber Ridge Branson delivers on its name in spades. Check out the clubhouse, where you’ll find a game room so comfortable you won’t mind waiting your turn to take on the winner of the kids’ foosball match. Free access to the ten-thousand-square-foot Splash-a-Torium (open year round) means that you can stop by for just an hour here and there. It has an indoor/outdoor heated pool with a waterslide, an indoor/outdoor splash zone for the little ones and a hot tub. The resort offers organized activities for kids and adults (for a surcharge) as well as mini-golf, and the Welk Resort Theatre is located right on-site.

Stylish one-bedroom condos sleep four guests and have a rustic-luxe look, with exposed beams and granite counters. Prepare the basics in your kitchenette or upgrade to a deluxe one-bedroom for more space, an in-suite jetted tub and a full kitchen. Two-bedroom condos sleep eight guests and have full kitchens. Bake a batch of your famous chocolate chip cookies and let the little ones help out with mixing the cookie dough and making sure that there are enough chocolate chips. Don’t worry if the kids end up covered in flour and eggs; you’ll have an in-suite washer/dryer. Put your multitasking skills to good use and throw in a load of laundry while you catch a Friends rerun on the Cable TV. DVD players are perfect for family movie night. Bring favorite movies from home, grab the cookies (if there any left) and get everyone settled on the couch. Declare yourself off-duty for dinner at least one night and head for the Stage Door restaurant, where you can chat through the rest of the week’s itinerary. After dinner, relax with a soak in the in-suite jetted tub (in deluxe one- and two-bedroom condos). Private furnished patios and balconies make the perfect evening perch (woodsy critter sounds add to the ambiance).

If you’re into golf, head to Pointe Royale Golf Course, just a short drive from the resort. All levels of golfers are invited to enjoy the eighteen-hole par-seventy course. Check out at pro shop or dine at The Pointe Bar & Grill, it serves breakfast and lunch and is open seven days per week. Visit the twelve-thousand square foot Odditorium at Ripley’s Believe It or Not. It features the collection of strange and unusual artifacts once owned by Robert Ripley. History buffs will want to see the Titanic Museum. It’s an immersive educational experience which features actual artifacts from the ship. Learn about the victims and survivors through a tour, either self-guided or in a group. Experience what the Titanic was like for passengers in first, second, and third class. (Be advised that this experience may be too intense for little ones). Silver Dollar City is a family theme park that has over forty rides. Little ones will enjoy the Firehouse Play Place and the Grand Exposition Coaster. Feeling brave? Go for a ride on the White Water Rapids. Plunge five stories on the American Plunge, go for a train ride or check out the ElectroSpin.