About 5 miles west of Branson, this is the biggest and best of the area's theme parks, featuring more than 30 thrill rides (such as the Powderkeg, which accelerates from 0 to 53 mph in 2.8 seconds), imaginative playgrounds, 40 live shows daily at a dozen arenas (from gospel to country and bluegrass), restaurants featuring traditional cuisine, about 60 specialty shops, and resident craftspeople practicing their trades, all in a wooded, 1880s mountain-town setting. Marvel Cave, the site's original attraction, can be explored on a 1-hour guided walking tour (included in the park's admission price). Plan on arriving first thing in the morning to avoid traffic jams, and spend all day here. Kids of all ages love this place.