Marriott's Willow Ridge Lodge

Marriott’s Willow Ridge Lodge’s rustic-luxe lobby sets the tone with soaring ceilings and a commanding stone fireplace. The outdoor pool is an all-out wow, with waterfalls, bridges, boulders and trees – plus an indoor option if you need a few hours out of the summer sun. Little ones will love splashing around in the children’s pool. When the kids get hungry, take advantage of the bbq grills and have a family cookout. Let your little helpers carry hot dogs, burgers and sides. Then lay out condiments and toppings and let everyone go to town. Dash off to the fitness center if time allows, or hit the sports court for hoops or volleyball. The children’s activity center is a day-saver if the rain won’t let up. Sign the kids up to create their own sundaes or win candy at Junk Food Bingo and plan to hit all the nightly movies. The fire pit on-site is perfect for making s’mores.

One- to two-bedroom condos sleep four to eight guests. Full kitchens have everything that you need to whip up anything from snacks to multi-course meals. There’s a convenience store on-site or a Walmart nearby for groceries. Recruit the kids to help bake your famous sugar cookies (be sure to pick up some icing to decorate the cookies). Flatscreen TVs have HBO, CNN and ESPN plus a DVD player, so your entertainment options are endless. Bring favorite movies from home or browse the selection of rentals available at the resort. While the movie is playing, throw a load of laundry into your in-suite washer/dryer so when you get home, all you have to do is unpack. Plus, daily housekeeping is included, so that’s one less thing to worry about.

With more theater seats than Broadway, the Branson Theatre District is the place to see live shows. Check out one or two must-see performances. Shows include Amazing Pets, Million Dollar Quartet and the Comedy Hypnosis Dinner Show. Branson View Zipline features the only certified zipline guides in Branson. There are six flights over the Ozark Mountains to experience. Branson Landing features several shopping and dining options. Brookstone features hard to find books and problem-solving products. Justice has apparel for Tweens while The Children’s Place has apparel for little ones. Bring home a surprise for your four-legged family member from Don’t Forget About Me. Hungry? There’s Buffalo Wild Wings, Joe’s Crab Shack and Pie Five Pizza Co. Treat yourself with a visit to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory or Marble Slab Creamery. Silver Dollar City is a family theme park that has over forty rides. Ride Outlaw Run, “the world’s most daring wood coaster,” it goes upside-down and has three twists. Go for a train ride or check out American Plunge, it’s five stories tall.