Family Getaway to Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
If you’re looking for a family-friendly lake getaway packed with adventure, entertainment, and natural beauty, the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri should be high on your list. My family (husband and two kids, ages 4 and 8) spend quite a bit of time at the Lake of the Ozarks. We are lucky enough to have family who live at the lake full time where we normally stay multiple times throughout the summers. We decided to adventure outside of out normal trip to the lake this time and check out some of the resorts in the area to see what they have to offer families with young kids. While we had a fantastic time overall, we also learned a few important lessons about where to stay and found more fun things to do. Spoiler alert: Not all resorts are created equal, but there are still some options for families!
Where We Stayed: The Good, The Bad, and the VRBO Option
We kicked off our weekend trip by staying at The Lodge of Four Seasons, and let’s just say – I would absolutely NOT recommend it. The outdated rooms, lack of cleanliness, and overall subpar experience left much to be desired. If you’re considering staying here, do yourself a favor and look elsewhere.
On the other hand, we spent our second night at Margaritaville Lake Resort, and it was a completely different experience—in the best way possible! This resort is an excellent choice for families, with its Jolly Mon Indoor Water Park, an arcade, and even a bowling alley. Jolly Mon water park is an additional fee (with a small discount for resort guests), but we LOVED the pitch black water slides and the water tree house with large water dumping bucket. Our kids were in heaven, and so were we! This resort gave us all the opportunity to have some fun and for the kids to have a little bit of freedom within arms reach while we enjoyed time at the bar and the kids found some friends to hang out with. If you want a fun and convenient place to stay as a family, Margaritaville is the way to go.
Another fantastic place to consider staying if you want to stay in a resort type place is Old Kinderhook Resort, Golf Club, & Spa, a great option with modern accommodations, excellent service, and beautiful surroundings. We have other family that lives in this area of the lake we visit as well, and my husband loves playing a round of Golf at their course.
That said, after experiencing the resort options, I’d strongly encourage families to consider renting a VRBO home when visiting this lake. Lake of the Ozarks is filled with beautiful lakeside houses that provide more space, privacy, and often better amenities than many resorts in the area. If you want a true lakeside escape, renting a home might be your best bet.
Top Things to Do with Kids at Lake of the Ozarks
- Lake Escape Room – This was hands-down one of the highlights of our trip! If your family loves a good challenge, this interactive escape room is a must. The puzzles were engaging, and even our 4-year-old had a blast contributing to the solutions.
- Stark Caverns – A fantastic adventure that wowed both kids and adults! Stark Caverns has guided tours where you can explore fascinating rock formations, underground lakes, and even ancient Native American artifacts. It’s the perfect mix of education and excitement, and the guides did a great job of answering all the questions my kids threw at them!
- Bridal Cave – If you love caves, another fantastic option is this cave, known for its breathtaking rock formations and unique history. The guided tours are family-friendly and inspiring.
- Ha Ha Tonka State Park – One of the most stunning state parks in Missouri, Ha Ha Tonka has kid-friendly hiking trails, castle ruins, and breathtaking views of the lake. It’s a great place to let kids burn off some energy while soaking in the natural beauty. When you’re done hiking on a hot summer day, make sure to take a dip in the beautiful, clear cold springs located right at the bottom to cool off!
- Big Surf Waterpark (seasonal) – If you’re visiting during the warmer months, this outdoor water park is fun with kids of all ages. From water slides to a lazy river, there’s something for everyone.
- Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf – Mini golf is always a win with young kids, and Pirate’s Cove is one of the best spots in the area. The pirate-themed course is fun, well-maintained, and perfect for some friendly family competition.
Best Family-Friendly Places to Eat & Drink
- Franky & Louie’s Beachfront Bar & Grill – A great spot to grab food while letting the kids play in the sand in the summer. They have delicious burgers, pizzas, and an easygoing, family-friendly vibe.
- The Pancake House – Start your day with a hearty breakfast! Don’t be surprised and question why it looks like an old Sonic building. It may be small on the inside, but this place is known for its massive pancakes and friendly service, making it a great spot for families. My kids loved the pancakes as big as their heads!
- HalfSauced Barbeque – If you’re craving some BBQ, this is the place to go. They serve up some of the best smoked meats in the area, and the casual atmosphere is perfect for families.
- Andy’s Frozen Custard – No trip is complete without a sweet treat, and Andy’s Frozen Custard is a local family favorite of ours. Try one of their delicious concretes or sundaes!
- Captain Ron’s Bar & Grill– A fun, pirate-themed lakeside restaurant known for its laid-back atmosphere, delicious seafood, and tropical drinks. With a sandy beach, live music, and a great menu, it’s a perfect spot for families and boaters to enjoy a meal by the water. We make a point to visit this bar by boat almost every time we visit the lake in the summer!
- Shawnee Bluff Winery – If you’re looking for a beautiful place to unwind with a great view of the lake, Shawnee Bluff Winery is a must-visit. They have delicious wine, tasty appetizers, and a relaxing atmosphere.
- Seven Springs Winery – Located in the rolling hills of the Lake area, Seven Springs Winery is another great spot for wine lovers. They have a fantastic selection of wines, plus a great menu to pair with your drinks.
- Lake of the Ozarks Brewing Company – If craft beer is more your style, Lake of the Ozarks Brewing Company is a great stop. They have a variety of local brews in a fun and laid-back family friendly environment.
- Tucker’s Shuckers Oyster & Tap – A great spot for seafood lovers, Tucker’s has an extensive beer selection and a fun, fun atmosphere that’s still family-friendly.
Traveling to the Lake of the Ozarks with Kids?
Lake of the Ozarks is a fantastic destination for families looking for adventure, relaxation, and everything in between. While our accommodations had some highs and lows this time around, we always have a fun time exploring the Lake of the Ozarks, trying new activities, and enjoying delicious food. Whether you’re tackling an escape room, exploring caves, or just relaxing by the water, there’s something for everyone here.
If you’re planning a trip, my top tip is to carefully choose your accommodations (seriously, don’t stay at Lodge of Four Seasons), book fun activities in advance, and come ready to make some incredible memories with your family.
