Lake of the Ozarks is a little over four hours from the Manhattan area and is a great destination for a long weekend of family fun.
Lodging Options at Lake of the Ozarks
At the Lake of the Ozarks, if you want to stay on the lake, the best way is to rent an Airbnb! So many options to explore to find the perfect house for your crew! Here is my top pick with multiple bedrooms so our kids can go to bed at a semi-normal time as well as a full kitchen and even laundry! When visiting the lake, it’s key to get a huge outside deck so you can enjoy all of your meals outside enjoying the fresh air and beautiful lake views!
If you choose to bring your boat, make sure to find an Airbnb with a boat dock. If you plan to rent a boat, take a look at some local options here. You do not have to have a boat to enjoy the lake.
Once you secure your lodging and boat options, take a look at the local grocery stores so you can order in advance and do a grocery pickup. This is way easier than dragging a bunch of groceries across state lines. Most of the stores are going to he a bit of a drive from the homes on the lake so it is probably easier to stop and grab your groceries prior to checking in.
Be prepared for the drive as you get closer to the lake. The roads are very twisty and better to be avoided at night if you’re unfamiliar with the area. If you have anyone in your family that gets carsick, consider motion sickness medicine.
Now, let’s hit the road!
Day 1
Bright and early, get on the road for a 4.5 hour drive! Plan it right and plan to stop for an early lunch in Overland Park at Chicken N Pickle for yummy food and along with the options for both the kids and adults to play several different games such as pickle ball or giant Jenga! Kansas City is about the halfway point on the drive so it’s perfect to stop midway for a few hours.
After a long day of traveling and getting there, we like to spend the first afternoon and evening with a lot of movement such as a swim in the lake or even a dance party on the giant deck to move our bodies after a day of sitting in the car. The first night anywhere we usually like to start with a simple home-cooked meal and an early bedtime to get a jump start on the next day.
Day 2
At Lake of the Ozarks, we spent most of Day 2 at Ha Ha Tonka State Park! The park features the stone ruins of a castle, more than 15 miles of trails that lead to cool natural sites like sinkholes, natural bridges, caves and down to the lake. There are two main options to do here: 1. Drive from spot to spot (better for smaller kids) or 2. Hike the whole thing for several hours. We chose option 2 and climbing the hundreds of stairs and sweating more than I knew was possible (thank you, high humidity). That said, it was well worth the beautiful views!
Mom Tip: Strollers are welcome on some parts of the trail but to do the actual hike, there is no way to push a stroller around. I wore our baby in a carrier, and it was sweaty but manageable!
After the long hike, there is a beach you can go swimming at to cool down, near where you will park. There is a public bathroom located near the swimming area but be sure to pack snacks and bring extra water. We saw a few water fountains, but no dining options were directly around.
After you leave the park, grab lunch close by from Pepperoni Bill’s to enjoy some great local pizza! Try out the Chicken Alfredo pizza or build your own calzone.
After a long and hot morning, it’s the perfect opportunity to head back to your lodging and enjoy some boat time or swimming time right off the dock! If you would rather go exploring more, go take a look at either the Osage Beach Outlet Marketplace to do a little shopping or try out one of the local wineries such as Seven Springs Winery.
Head out for an early dinner at Pablito’s Taqueria and try their steak fajitas or their street tacos along with a jumbo Margarita! Then enjoy the rest of the night at Main Street Music Hall. Book tickets in advance to sit with 1,000 of your closets friends to take in an amazing show!
Day 3
Opening at 6 a.m., a local favorite, Stewart’s Restaurant will be a family breakfast pleaser! Try their jumbo pancakes or any of their chili smothered items like chili and sunny side up eggs with toast.
After breakfast, be ready for another day of adventure at Bridal Cave. One of the most beautiful caves in the region, you and your crew will definitely enjoy this outing! Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a jacket for today, since the cave temperatures sit around 60 degrees year round. Opening at 9:30 a.m., book your tickets in advance to secure your spot. Children 4 and under are FREE!
The guided tours will last around 50-55 minutes and are not suitable for strollers. Don’t stress about not bringing a stroller because your kids will be engaged with feeding the fish and mining for gemstones! Between exploring on your own and the guided tours, you can expect to spend around two hours visiting the caves.
After your complete your cave tour, try lunch close by at RJ’s Family Restaurant. This family friendly restaurant features meals option for even your most pickiest eaters! Kids can enjoy a second breakfast menu or pick typical kid-food such as a corndog or mac and cheese! Parents might enjoy a traditional fish and chips or one of their specialty salad like the Mandarin Orange and Teriyaki Chicken Salad.
After lunch, either head back to the house to enjoy a quick nap or some time on the water before you head to dinner at The Tavern Smokehouse. This local BBQ will melt in your mouth, and we specifically loved the ribs and burnt ends! The restaurant has a little gift shop and is also conveniently located near a dollar store incase you forgot anything for you trip!
Plan to spend your evening, right down the road, at another local favorite, the Ozarks Amphitheater — check their calendar to find your favorite act.
After arriving back to your lodging, enjoy the late night on the deck making s’mores and listening to the water before bed after a long and fun day!
Day 4
If you’re not ready to head home yet, The Lake of the Ozarks offers waterparks, wineries and even a ropes course! Take a look here to find additional things to do before you head out of town!
