Besides hopping on a boat, there's so much for families to do at Lake of the Ozarks, the Midwest's playground! Here are 7 family-friendly ways to enjoy the Lake area...
1. Helicopter Tour of Lake of the Ozarks
2101 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Lake Ozark, MO 65049Â (573) 302-0022
See the Lake from a whole new perspective. Lake Ozark Helicopters offers several different tours with affordable pricing to make it easy for the whole family to go flying. Â
LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. -- So, you think you know the Lake. You have boated from Truman to B…
2. Ha Ha Tonka Hike
1491 Missouri D, Camdenton, MO 65020Â (573) 346-2986
photo courtesy of FunLake.com
Ha Ha Tonka State Park is free to get into, like all Missouri State Parks, and offers more than a dozen hiking trails that cater to different skill levels. Two popular paths are the Castle Trail to the castle ruins which looks out over the Lake and the Spring Trail which leads to the Ha Ha Tonka Spring.
3. Lake of the Ozarks Caves
Stark Caverns – 125 Cave Dr, Eldon, MO 65026 (573) 369-3306
MILLER COUNTY, Mo. — A giant cave known by many names, including "Mammoth Cave" and "Fantasy…
The largest cave in Miller county has unusually beautiful geological formations and interesting archeological artifacts. The entire cave tour is paved and lit, and 90 percent of the tour is handicap-accessible.Â
Bridal Cave – 526 Bridal Cave Rd., Camdenton, MO 65020 (573) 346-2676
Steve Thompson, General Manager and part-owner of Bridal Cave, says a proposed MoDOT rule change would hurt dozens of tourism-based businesses like his around the state.
Well know for hosting weddings, Bridal Cave is a gem of cave whether your getting married there or not. It touts a long and mysterious history in the area, along with beautiful mineral formations and a stunning underground lake. Â
Jacob's Cave – 23114 Hwy TT, Versailles, Missouri 65084 (573) 378-4374
This entirely handicap accessible cave features ancient mastodon bones as well as impressive cave formations. The tour is one-mile long with a reflecting pool, soda straws and stalactites that awe all ages.Â
4. Celebration Cruises
5085 Davis Drive, Osage Beach, MO 65065 (573) 480-3212
When you step aboard the Celebration cruise ship, you can sense it’s going to be a good day.…
Celebration is running three different cruises offering an unforgettable experience on the Lake.
A Narrated Lake Cruise highlights the best Lake of the Ozarks natural history and scenery. An Evening Cruise is available daily (except Monday & Saturday) to combine happy hour with a scenic Lake or Bagnell Dam cruise. You and your honey can also pop for the romantic Candlelight Dinner Cruise that run every Saturday night. This cruise offers a full dinner menu, including prime rib, salmon, surf and turf along with a lot of other delicious options. Here's a link to the Full Dinner Menu. Check their website for details on pricing and boarding times and locations. Â
5. Big Surf Waterpark
LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. — There’s a place at Lake of the Ozarks that’s known for its crystal…
Big Surf Waterpark is one of the hottest place to cool off in the area. It's a great place to go whether you have toddlers or teens, because they'll all find something to enjoy here on hot summer day!Â
6. Lake of the Ozarks State Park
You'll find it's the perfect Lake spot for water time with a great beach for swimming and sunbathing at Public Beach #2. After everyone has worked up a nice appetite, move over to a picnic area or a pavilion if it's not reserved and enjoy a meal while grilling in the great outdoors. No need to leave when it gets dark, just break out the s'mores and head over to one of the campfire areas.Â
7. Bagnell Dam and the Bagnell Dam Strip
No trip to the Lake of the Ozarks is complete with out a trip the see the Bagnell Dam. Start by visiting Willmore Lodge — one of the Lake's most historic buildings that hosts the Lake's visitor center and offers an unparalleled view of the Lake. Then head to the scenic overlook on the North end of the dam. After that, take a slow drive across the dam to the upper end of the strip where ice cream and fudge shops, arcades and souvenir stores can entertain the whole family.
