Prepare to fully embrace the slower pace at Branson at the Meadows, complete with meandering waterfall. The pace picks up, however, at the five outdoor pools. There are also two children’s pools, designed to keep the happy-squeal volume a little lower around the others. If the weather isn’t cooperating, there’s an indoor pool. If you’re looking for ideas that don’t involve sunscreen and water wings, leave it to the pros, and check out the Play Days schedule. When it’s time for lunch, take advantage of the bbq grills. Let the little ones help carry hot dogs, burgers and sides and get ready for a fun family cookout. Visit the fitness center to get in a workout while the kids hang out in the game room. Treat yourself to a post-workout massage; the resort offers massage treatments.

One- to three-bedroom condos sleep four to ten guests and are air-conditioned. All condos have full kitchens because sometimes a mini-fridge just doesn’t cut it. Bake up a batch of your famous chocolate-chip cookies and allow the little ones to assist with the mixing (and the tasting!). Don’t worry if the kids end up covered in chocolate; that’s what the in-suite washer/dryer is for. Show off your multitasking skills and throw in a load of laundry while the cookies are baking. Flatscreen TVs with cable are perfect for catching a rerun of Friends or The Big Bang Theory. Gather everyone on the couch with a selection of snacks and get ready to laugh.

The Dixie Stampede Dinner Theater is a can’t miss for Dolly Parton fans. Enjoy a four-course meal during a horse show that features thirty-two horses performing stunts in a thirty-five-thousand square foot arena. The Branson Theatre District has more than one hundred shows including Million Dollar Quartet, Amazing Pets and the Comedy Hypnosis Dinner Show. Surprise the kids with a visit to Silver Dollar City, a family theme park with over forty rides. The “world’s most daring wood coaster,” Outlaw Run, features three twists and goes upside down. Branson Landing features a variety of shopping and dining options. The Children’s Place has apparel for kids and Justice has apparel for tweens. Get a new pair of shades from the brands Burberry, Coach, Maui Jim or Oakley at Sunglass Hut. Bring home a gift for your four-legged family member from Don’t You Forget About Me. Little ones will love making their own stuffed animal at Build-a-Bear. Hungry? Famous Dave’s BBQ, Joe’s Crab Shack and Pie Five Pizza Co. are just some of your choices.