Your Ultimate Guide To Summer Fun In Missouri

Summer in Missouri means long, leisurely floats; glorious sunsets and cotton candy skies, and evenings spent at our favorite festivals and fairs. We have so many things to do in Missouri in summer that we inevitably can't pack it all into those short but oh-so-sweet warm-weather months. That makes a bucket list pretty important. If you haven't started one yet, now's the perfect time to get started, and here are some of the best things to do in Missouri in summer that you might want to add.

Best Summer Vacation Destinations In Missouri

Missouri has everything - from small towns to big cities - that we want (and more), which usually makes choosing our next vacation destination quite a challenge. Whether you prefer to sunbathe on a sandy beach or listen to live music on a balmy evening, you'll find the perfect summer vacation destination in Missouri.

1. Hannibal

Location: Hannibal

Popularity: Popular

Need To Know: If you want to check out the seasonal farmers market, make sure your visit includes a Saturday morning.

Journey to the darling small town of Hannibal for a throwback to the summers of yesteryear. In addition to a seasonal farmers market held on Saturday mornings, Hannibal hosts a variety of festivals throughout the summer, including the Annual National Tom Sawyer Days in early July and the Hannibal BBQ Festival at the end of July. Bring your lawn chair and set up shop outside of Mark Twain's Boyhood Home for the weekly Music Under The Stars each Thursday. This is the place to be for classic Missouri summer activities.

2. Branson

Location: Branson

Popularity: Very popular

Need To Know: Make a list of everything you want to do during your stay because there is so much for visitors of all ages.

For some of the best family things to do in Missouri in summer, plan a vacation in Branson. From lounging on the sandy Moonshine Beach to feeling on top of the world aboard a Ferris Wheel at Track Family Fun Parks, your stay promises a ton of fun. If you're a fan of theme parks, spend a day (or longer) at Silver Dollar City, and cool off at its waterpark White Water. Branson's jam-packed with family-friendly destinations - restaurants, shops, and museums.

3. Rolla

Location: Rolla

Popularity: Very popular

Need To Know: Try to time your visit for Route 66 Summerfest, usually held at the beginning of June.

Staying cool is easy and oh-so-fun in the charming town of Rolla, home to Fugitive Beach. A popular summer attraction, the quarry beach features a sandy shore for sunbathing, cliffs to jump from, and concession stands. SpashZone is another outdoor waterpark with slides and a lazy river. The town's biggest summer event is arguably Route 66 Summerfest, which typically takes place at the beginning of June.

Best Beaches & Lakes To Visit In Missouri This Summer

Summer's all about sinking our toes into the hot sand, cooling off in a crystal-clear lake, and floating lazily as we let our cares simply melt away. One of the best free things to do in Missouri in summer, a trip to the beach promises the perfect summer day.

4. Moonshine Beach

Location: Branson

Popularity: Very popular

Need To Know: Expect crowds on hot days.

As the only sand swimming beach along Table Rock Lake, Moonshine Beach is the place to go for swimming, sunbathing, and digging for seashells. When you're not cooling off in Table Rock Lake, play beach volleyball; watch the little ones at the playground, or have a picnic. Boating on the lake is also popular.

5. Council Bluff Lake

Location: Kaolin Township

Popularity: Popular

Need To Know: The beach is just a short stroll from the parking lot.

Nestled in Mark Twain National Forest, Council Bluff Lake tallies 400 acres, earning it the title of the forest's largest lake. That means there's plenty to do, too. If you prefer staying on the water, spend the day boating or kayaking. Fishing is also popular in the lake that is home to a variety of fish, including bass, catfish, and bluegills. If you're longing for an old-fashioned beach day, claim your spot on the sandy shore of Chapel Hill Beach. The 1.25-acre beach promises plenty of space to stretch out and relax when you're not cooling off in the water.

6. Stockton Lake

Location: Dadeville

Popularity: Very popular

Need To Know: You can rent a variety of watercraft, including boats and kayaks, at Stockton State Park Marina.

Stockton Lake, tucked in Stockton State Park, is a water lover's dream come true, offering a full menu of water activities, including water skiing, scuba diving, boating, and kayaking. The lake is also popular for fishing. Cast a line, and you might just net bass, crappie, walleye, or catfish. Bring beach chairs if you plan to sunbathe on the beach; it's gravel, so it might not be too comfortable with a beach towel, but the water is cool and clear, making it an idyllic spot for wading.

Parks To Visit In Missouri This Summer

Very little compares to spending a hot summer day at a park, whether we're wading in the water to stay cool or we're flying around corners on our favorite roller coaster. If you're looking for fun things to do in Missouri in summer, look no further than one of these parks.

7. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park

Location: Middle Brook

Popularity: Extremely popular

Need To Know: Considered by some a natural waterpark, the shut-ins can get incredibly busy on hot days, so expect crowds.

Pack your swimming gear, beach towels, and water shoes for a day at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park. The shut-ins create natural waterslides and tiny waterfalls. Wade in the cool, clear water, or sunbathe on the rocks. You might also want to explore one of the park's hiking trails or have a picnic. Camping is also popular at the state park.

8. Worlds Of Fun & Oceans Of Fun

Location: Kansas City

Popularity: Extremely popular

Need To Know: Both day and season passes are available.

Treat the whole family to a day of old-fashioned summertime fun at

Worlds of Fun & Oceans of Fun, Kansas City's epic amusement/waterpark. Start your day at Oceans of Fun, where you'll stay cool zipping down waterslides, chilling in the wave pool, and standing under the 1,000-gallon tipping bucket. Find just as many thrills at World's of Fun. From coasters to a classic carousel, the amusement park has something for everyone (and plenty of delicious summertime treats).

9. King Jack Park

Location: Webb City

Popularity: Very popular

Need To Know: Shoes are recommended for those using the splash pad.

With a pond, a playground, and a splash pad, King Jack Park is the ultimate family-friendly destination, especially in the summer. Join the kids in cooling off under the cool spray of water on the splash pad; have a picnic, and explore on one of the walking trails. Play a round or two of disc golf, too. Keep an eye out for the dates for the Webb City Farmers Market at the park, if you want to stock up on fresh fruits, veggies, and other goodies.

Best Free Summer Activities In Missouri

Having our best summer yet doesn't mean breaking the bank. From enjoying picnics in the park to hiking through one of Missouri's more than 90 state parks, we have no shortage of fun and free things to do in Missouri in summer.  We have so many free summer activities in Missouri, in fact, we can make unforgettable memories even if we're on a tight budget.

10. Kayak the Jacks Fork River

Location: Eminence

Popularity: Very popular

Need To Know: If you don't have your own canoe, kayak, or tube, you can rent one from one of the outdoor adventure outfitters in the area.

Summer in Missouri wouldn't be the same without a leisurely float along the Jacks Fork River. Paddle some or all of the 20.5-mile water trail that meanders past hidden caves, cliffs, and sandy shores. While you can't paddle into the caves, you can usually get close enough to snap photos and get a peek inside. Since the trail is popular, be prepared to float by other adventurers.

11. Swim At Rocky Falls

Location: Winona Township

Popularity: Extremely popular

Need To Know: The swimming hole and waterfall can get incredibly busy on hot summer days, so be prepared to deal with crowds.

Pack your swimming gear and picnic supplies for a day of fun under the sun at Rocky Falls. The magnificent waterfall drops into a pool of clear water and is one of the most popular swimming holes in Missouri. When you're not wading in the cool water, relax on the waterfall's rocks or on the shore. (Don't forget to pack a beach chair.) There are also grills and bathrooms near the cascade.

12. Explore The Saint Louis Zoo

Location: St. Louis

Popularity: Very popular

Need To Know: Admission to the zoo is free, but there are some paid attractions.

Whether you're looking for free things to do in Missouri in summer or cheap things to do in Missouri in summer, the Saint Louis Zoo has got you covered. Admission to the Saint Louis Zoo is free, although there are some paid attractions, including a 4D theater and the children's zoo. Around 13,000 animals, from giraffes to tigers, call the zoo home. You can purchase an Adventure Pass for the day, which includes admission to the children's zoo, the zoo railroad, and the 4D theater.

Best Summer Events And Festivals In Missouri

Summer evenings in Missouri were practically made for strolling through fairgrounds, eating cotton candy and funnel cakes, kicking our feet as we go round and round on the swings, and hoping to win one of those huge stuffed animals at a game of chance. Pull out your summer to-do list and add a few of the best summer events and festivals in Missouri.

13. Missouri State Fair

Location: Sedalia

Popularity: Very popular

Need To Know: Wheelchairs and electric scooters are available to rent (first-come, first-serve)

For 11 glorious days every August, Missourians and out-of-staters gather at the Missouri State Fair for an old-fashioned good time. The festival features a full menu of events and activities, including carnival rides and games, tractor and truck pulls, and demonstrations. Get your groove on at one of the many concerts set for the festival. Those set to perform include the Goo Goo Dolls, Foreigner Farewell Tour, Ludacris, and Alabama.

14. Fulton Street Fair

Location: Fulton

Popularity: Very popular

Need To Know: The community fair usually takes place over two days in late June.

A popular community fair for more than two decades, the Fulton Street Fair promises plenty of old-fashioned fun, including classic carnival rides and favorite fair foods. The two-day schedule is jam-packed with fun - a beer garden for the adults, a cornhole tournament, a car show, and a family fun run. Live entertainment is also scheduled throughout the fair. The Stoplight Flyers, Evolve Dance Academy, and Jordan Heckemeyer are among those slated to perform at the Missouri summer fair.

15. SantaCaliGon

Location: Independence

Popularity: Popular

Need To Know: There is no admission fee. Shuttles are available to the festival from local parking lots. Each ride costs $1.

Celebrate Labor Day weekend with a visit to the Annual SantaCaliGon Days Festival in Independence, an epic four-day festival that pays homage to the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon Trails. (Each begins in Independence.) The free festival features a full menu of fun, including an old-fashioned carnival, the chance to pan for gold, craft and artisan vendors, and plenty of good food. Catch some of the live entertainment on two stages.

These Missouri summer activities are among the best, but they're just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. What are your favorite things to do in Missouri in summer? Did any make the list? If not, what would you add? Let us know in the comments! Before you set off on your next adventure, take a peek at the OIYS road trip essentials packing list.