5 Great Family Things to do at Table Rock Lake Missouri

Table Rock Lake is a beautiful, popular getaway destination for locals in Missouri. We’re not local, but we really enjoyed visiting. Here are a few great hikes, activities, and things to do at Table Rock Lake in Branson, MO.

If you are traveling with little ones and unsure what to do at Table Rock Lake, here is your guide. From visiting a cool beach area to walking on a beautiful easy trail, there are plenty of things to do in Table Rock Lake with kids!

Make sure to reserve your car rental early! You can find a deal on a car rental whether you’re flying into St. Louis, Kansas City, or Springfield/Branson.

Can You Swim At Table Rock Lake?

Yes! There are a few areas with a beach that you can swim in the Table Rock Lake. Our personal favorite was Moonshine Beach (more on that below!)

Are There Alligators in Table Rock Lake?

Rumors have gone around about stocking alligators in Table Rock Lake. This was later cleared as a hoax. While in rare instances, some people have claimed to have sighted an alligator in parts of Missouri, alligators are not native to Missouri.

Is Table Rock Lake a Clean Lake?

Yes! We found it very clean and really enjoyed swimming in it.

Now, for the best things to do at Table Rock Lake Branson, MO

1. Take the Family on the Showboat Branson Belle

One of the most popular attractions at Table Rock Lake is climbing aboard the Branson Belle. This is the largest, landlocked vessel in the country. This is one of the best things to do at Table Rock Lake that my kids still talk about.

There are over 100 staff members working aboard the ship. The paddles are 24-foot giants and the steering wheel isn’t any smaller at over 600 pounds. Showboats started popping up in the 1800’s and were known as “floating palaces.”

You can climb aboard this floating palace and enjoy both dinner and a show. Enjoy a few courses before you are invited to walk around and explore the boat.

You can take the elevator if you need, otherwise head outside to the exterior stairs, where you can head to the top deck. There are plenty of chairs to sit and enjoy the views around Table Rock Lake as the captain drives around.

When we went, it was unfortunately too stormy to take it out around the lake. However, we still enjoyed the vocal talents, dance talents, tap dancing, comedy, and magic inside as we finished our meal and dessert. Don’t miss this family-friendly (kid-appropriate) activity while at Table Rock Lake.

Besides the crazy downpour when we arrived, this was easily one of the best things to do at Table Rock Lake with kids. The entire entertainment evening was kid-friendly and the food was great!

Purchase tickets ahead of time here.

2. Relax at Moonshine Beach with the Kids

Moonshine Beach at Table Rock Lake is the perfect outing for the whole family. At only $5 per vehicle, it’s an affordable activity as well!

Moonshine beach is a gorgeous, sandy area that meets Table Rock Lake. There is a gentle slope into the water, making it ideal for young ones.

There are life jackets on the beach you can use for safety. The conveniences abound here as well. After you spend a while relaxing or playing in the water and sand, you can head to the small outdoor shower area to rinse off the sand.

There are indoor bathrooms, which are always a “plus” with small children. Another great feature is the large playground area, right next to a covered pavilion filled with tables when you need a shaded break or place to eat that picnic lunch.

Moonshine Beach is a great, family friendly area at Table Rock Lake. Remember the sunscreen, your own floating device or any beach toys, and snacks as you may end up playing here a while!

3. Rent Some Watercraft at the Table Rock Lake Marina

If you’d rather be in the water than next to the water, head to the State Park Marina and rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboat.

The kids will love paddling around and exploring on top of the water. If you’re looking for a little more excitement, you can also rent a boat or wave runner at the marina. Rent a tube as well so the kids can hop on and take a little ride on the lake as you tow them.

You can even SUP on Table Rock Lake for a nice relaxing afternoon.

Check out the paddle board we have and love!

4. Take a Family to Table Rock Lakeshore Trail

Head to Table Rock State Park at Lakeshore Trail and park in the main lot. The main parking lot at Table Rock State Park has real bathrooms (yay!).

There is also a nearby volleyball court, not far from the little playground. This is such a great family area, as there is something for all ages.

We loved walking along the paved trail. From the parking area, you’re not far from the lake at all.

If you head to the right, that will take you toward the Showboat Branson Belle area.

If you head left, it will take you to a marina. I’d guess it’s about a mile-and-a-half from the Branson Belle area to the Marina.

There are also plenty of beautiful wildflowers along the trail, really just adding to the beauty. This is just a great, nice and easy trail to get outside and move a little, without expending too much effort.

There are plenty of great spots for beautiful pictures with the kids along the trail. Near the lake are picnic tables and benches.

5. Take a Family Hike on the Chinquapin Trail at Table Rock State Park

There are more trails at Table Rock State Park besides the paved, Lakeshore trail. The Chinquapin Trail is only about 1.2 miles, and is nice and easy.

It is a natural surface (not paved), and take you through the foliage of the park. Many flowers are endangered, so please don’t pick them!

Where to Stay at Table Rock Lake, Missouri – Table Rock Lake Resorts

Much of Table Rock Lake is located in Branson, Missouri. Branson is a huge tourist area with tons of things to do! But if you’d like to stay out of the city-vibe of things and stay in nature, here are a few great, Table Rock Lake resorts to stay at.

Tribesman Resort

We stayed at the Tribesman Resort recently, and were pleasantly surprised. I say pleasantly because we were looking for a more traditional hotel and ended up here instead.

The Tribesman Resort has units that can house your whole family! This is great news for us, because we usually have to purchase two rooms for our family. Not here!

We had a full kitchen, 2 bathrooms, 2 bedrooms, plus a pull out couch. It was a little rougher than a Marriott, but we really enjoyed our stay here. Plus, it had tons of amenities included (AND it was affordable!)

Still Waters Resort

Still Waters Resort is located near the Tribesman Resort, in the Indian Point area of Table Rock Lake. It’s a bit nicer than the Tribesman, and has some great amenities as well.

The kids will love being able to play mini golf, the game room, any of the many waterslides and pools, or being near Table Rock Lake on the dock or using the non-motorized water craft. The units are condo-style and are pretty impressive.

PLUS, there’s a taco truck that parks on the property. Need I say more?

Chateau on the Lake

If you want something with a little more luxury, check out Chateau on the Lake. This resort (and spa!) is up on a hill, giving great views of Table Rock Lake. It even overlooks Moonshine Beach.

Enjoy beautiful indoor and outdoor pools, on-site bakery, gorgeous hardscaped interior, fitness facility, a playgound, restaurants on-site, and the option of connecting rooms should you need more than one.

Cliffs Resort

The Cliffs Resort also is up on a hill, giving it amazing views. These luxurious condos are suitable for families, making it easy for everyone to be together in one unit.

There’s ample parking, beautiful pools (including a kid’s pool), and a fireplace in the room if you need to cozy up on a cold day.

Check out Cliffs Resort: beautiful condos in Table Rock Lake.

Family Things to do at Table Rock Lake

Table Rock Lake in Missouri makes a great, fun getaway with the family. Take an evening to eat on a boat while performers entertain, or use a peaceful morning to hike around Table Rock Lake State Park.

Take a nice respite from the noise and entertainment of downtown Branson. The lake area makes a great, peaceful place to get into nature. It can be enjoyed by anyone.

Make sure to enjoy things family things to do at Table Rock Lake next time you are in the area.

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